Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Martin.
Hi Carmen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist was fueled by mother who helped select a fulfilling career that aligned with my personality and my desire to serve others in health care. She introduced me to the field of speech-language pathology while I was in high school, and I have remained committed to this career path.
During my undergraduate studies at the University of Houston, I completed observations and externships that allowed me to see the field in various settings. While at UH, I also worked as an administrative assistant at Therapy Connections in Bellaire, Texas, where I gained firsthand exposure to the business side of therapy. Seeing the impact a well- run practice could have on both families and the community sparked a deeper interest in entrepreneurship and planted the seed for what would eventually become my own practice.
After facing four consecutive rejections from graduate programs, I had begun to seriously pivot my career strategy. However, just as I was ready to commit to a new direction, I received my official acceptance letter from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While completing my graduate studies, I was convinced that I would follow a medical SLP track. However, once I started my school-based placement, everything clicked. The work felt natural, fulfilling, and I loved the schedule. From there, I intentionally sought out school-based opportunities, completing my internship in a small district before transitioning to a larger district in the community where I grew up, Pasadena, Texas. Pasadena ISD shaped me into a student-centered clinician and a well-rounded evaluator, while also teaching me the importance of collaboration, leadership, and effective team management.
Outside of school hours, I worked part-time across a variety of settings, including private practice, home health, teletherapy, and pediatric rehabilitation. Over time, I realized I wanted more impact, more flexibility, and the ability to build something that truly served my community. The idea of opening a private practice in my hometown kept resurfacing. Encouragement from my family, including my late grandmother’s last message to me: ‘get up and do something’, ultimately pushed me to take the leap.
I began by seeing clients after school in a small clinic office in the heart of Pasadena. Today, I work two full days per week, offering after school and evening appointments to better accommodate working families. What started as a vision, has grown into a practice rooted in accessibility, intention, and community impact and I am just getting started!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While I had years of training and practicing in the profession through providing therapy and conducting evaluations, I quickly realized that clinical expertise does not automatically prepare you for entrepreneurship. I was suddenly navigating roles I had never been formally trained for: business owner, medical biller, marketer, and administrator, all while raising my daughter and working full time.
The learning curve was steep, and at times, overwhelming. I leaned heavily on my mentors, sought out professional communities, including private practice groups, and spent countless hours researching and teaching myself what I didn’t know. Trying to show up fully in every role was challenging and often tested my limits.
Entrepreneurship requires faith, resilience, and discipline. What carried me through was my support system, my village of colleagues, mentors, and family along with a commitment to take things one step at a time. That mindset keeps me moving forward with intention rather than fear.
We’ve been impressed with Martin Pediatric Therapy, LLC., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Martin Pediatric Therapy (MPT) is a therapist owned and operated outpatient speech and language clinic serving children and their families in Pasadena, Texas and the surrounding southeast Houston area communities. We specialize in providing comprehensive evaluations, individualized and evidenced based treatment, as well as consultations. MPT offers client-focused speech therapy services for infants, children, and adolescents along with parent training and support for a wide range of developmental, neurological, sensory, and communicative needs.
As a Pasadena native, I am committed to expanding access to care in community with a significant shortage of SLPs. I am also proud to be among the fewer than 4% of Black speech-language pathologists in the field which shapes my commitment to culturally sensitive and neuroaffirming approaches. We accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer evening appointments to reduce barriers and accommodate working families. The need for accessible, high-quality services in the Pasadena area is great. My mission is to meet families where they are and provide compassionate evidence-based care.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The clinic is named after our family because of the unwavering support and strong bond we uphold. We always say, ‘family over everything’ and #MartinsMakeMoves and that’s exactly what this is.
My parents and my late grandmother ignited the vision and my mentors helped organize and execute my plan along the way. My dad found the perfect location that was accessible, affordable, and convenient. My brother continuously believes in me, challenges me, and serves as the unofficial mover and tech liaison. When I was putting my name out in the community my family came out in the Houston hot summer months passing out business cards/pamphlets, setting up tables, trying to make sure that I was present in the community. We were at health fairs, pop up shops, festivals, and churches. I can always count on them for support.
Professionally, I owe so much to LaTasha Bailey, owner of Speech and Language Launchpad, who assured me that starting my business would be all worth it and was willing to help me strategize and continues to support me along the way. As I balance my roles as a clinician and a business owner, I rely on quarterly coaching from Michelle Young, owner of Northeast Speech Pathology. She has provided me with specific, actionable plans that have been essential to my growth. I’m also fueled by a circle of friends who act as my unofficial marketing team, sharing posts, referring clients, and keeping me covered in prayer. This success is a collective win!
Contact Info:
- Website: martinpediatrictherapy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Martin-Pediatric-Therapy-61557839726444/
Image Credits
Monica Blackshire Photography
