About the Lead Speech-Language Pathologist
I am credentialed through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and hold certifications in LVST (Big andLoud), Vital Stim, and E-Stim.
Our Goal
Our goal is to facilitate and provide speech-language pathology services in order for our clients to obtain a sense of empowerment and a richer quality of life. Success depends on their hard work and determination while the speech-language pathologist provides the tools and skills to accomplish it.
Our Qualifications
I received my Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Communication Disorders from Texas State University. I am credentialed through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and hold certifications in LVST (Big and Loud), Vital Stim, and E-Stim. Upcoming certifications to include Hanen, for my pediatric clients and their families, and Speak Out & Loud individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
Meet Michelle Mares
Before moving to Austin, Texas in 1997, I spent most of my childhood in the North Texas area. As do many young people, I spent a great deal of these early years with my grandparents; however, my life would take a turn and unknowingly provide clarity toward a passion for speech-language pathology.
As a seventeen-year-old, I faced my grandfather’s stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis, which took a tremendous toll on my grandmother; therefore, I took it upon myself to help her in every way possible. This entailed assisting with his daily living activities, feeding schedule, and general comfort. It was during this time I knew becoming a speech therapist was a calling.
My compassion toward others and a need to help them served to motivate me to reach that goal. After the passing of my grandfather, I attended North Texas University where I completed the majority of my undergraduate work before transferring and completing my undergraduate and master’s degree in communications disorders at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.
I met my husband shortly after moving to Austin where we married a few years later. Over time, we managed to build a wonderful family before establishing our home in Dripping Springs, Texas, which is a fantastic community to raise our two very active boys and two very precocious Cockapoo dogs. We are heavily involved in our community and understand its importance in our lives; therefore, I created this company for the sole purpose of serving and giving the very best to our community.
For over 17 years I was privileged to work with both pediatric and adult populations in a vast array of settings, including school districts, pediatric clinics, traumatic brain injury facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled and nursing facilities, and home health agencies.
I provided consultations and training in pediatric and school settings regarding child development and feeding. I also trained nursing and dietary staff addressing oral care, dysphagia, dietary, and memory care in skilled nursing facilities, assisted/independent living facilities, and rehabilitation hospitals within Austin and the surrounding areas.
During my career, I witnessed multiple changes in the healthcare system. These changes have ultimately limited services for those in need and spurred me to follow my private practice dream.
Need help?
Call us at (512) 337-2691
We’re Ready to Talk.