It’s nice to meet you.
Hi, I’m Sarah
Hi there! I'm Sarah, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) with a passion for helping children connect and communicate with the world around them.
Way back when (almost 15 years ago), I finished my graduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Hook 'em Horns! I'm a licensed SLP in Texas and hold my Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – that means I've got the training and expertise to support your student.
My entire career has been focused on empowering children, educators, and families in Greater Houston. For 8 years, I provided direct therapy services in public schools, and that's where I truly fell in love with supporting kids with complex communication needs and their families. Six years ago, I transitioned to a training role, where I help educators, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other specialists use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) to promote communication and literacy skills to support children’s access to the educational process.
Early on in my career, while providing therapy to children in both early childhood special education programs and elementary settings, I discovered a love for core vocabulary strategies. This evidence-based approach became a cornerstone of my practice and a true passion. Witnessing firsthand how core vocabulary boards empowered my students to build functional communication skills solidified my belief in its effectiveness. I've seen the transformative power of core vocabulary in fostering both language and literacy development, and it continues to excite me. Whether I'm working with a speaking child or one who relies on AAC for communication, utilizing core vocabulary strategies is what truly fuels my passion for speech therapy.
Here's the bottom line: I believe every child deserves the chance to communicate and connect with the world around them. Whether it's through direct therapy or supporting the amazing people who work with children, I'm here to help make that happen!
Click here to view a list of presentations and trainings I've authored.
Our Mission: Unleash the Power of Communication & Learning
AAC to Z Speech Therapy & Consulting is dedicated to empowering individuals with complex communication needs. We offer comprehensive services that fully embrace Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT). Whether you're a parent seeking strategies for your child or an educator looking to create an inclusive classroom, we're here to help.
Our approach is built on collaboration and lifelong learning. We believe families deserve the tools and support to nurture their child's communication skills, and we create individualized therapy plans that incorporate both AAC and traditional speech therapy. For educators, we offer training, customized contracts, and evaluation services to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to integrate AAC and AT seamlessly. By working together, we can cultivate inclusive environments where all students can find their voice, build confidence, and reach their full potential.
Core Vocabulary is our Obsession
At AAC to Z Speech Therapy & Consulting, we believe in the power of core vocabulary to unlock a world of communication for all learners. These essential words, like "want," "more," "go," and "stop," form the building blocks of language. By focusing on core vocabulary strategies, we can empower children to express their needs, wants, and ideas, even at the earliest stages of language development. This not only fosters language acquisition but also lays the foundation for more complex sentence structures later on. For children who may require Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, core vocabulary forms the foundation of their communication system. By mastering these keywords, they can build sentences, engage in conversation, and participate fully in the world around them. Checkout our blog for more information on core vocabulary.
The Key is Collaboration
Communication happens everywhere – at school, at home, and in the world around us. That's why collaboration between parents and teachers is key to a child's speech therapy success. When parents and educators work together, sharing communication goals and practicing consistent strategies, children benefit from a unified approach. We'll work with your child's school team to ensure therapy targets seamlessly integrate into their daily routine, reinforcing progress and accelerating communication development.
“I am a retired college professor now living full time in a developing country as a volunteer at a school teaching English as a Second Language and a center providing therapy for children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Meeting Sarah has been a boon to the volunteer work I’m engaged in. Sarah’s creativity for using core boards in a wide variety of settings has been helpful for all the children I serve. She’s been an incredible and creative problem solver.
Sarah’s current work speaks volumes about who she is as a professional: someone who quests to learn more in the name of serving her communities better. If I were to design “Sarah’s core board,” it would include the words intelligent, purpose-driven, solution-oriented, creative, and compassionate. If you are a parent, client, SLP, school personnel, or administrator, you need and want to partner with Sarah!”
Kathy J. Jakielski, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Professor Emerita, Augustana College, IL