Today we’d like to introduce you to Camila Trevino.
Hi Camila, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a bilingual speech-language pathologist working in the schools, I discovered my passion early on: supporting children with disabilities and autism. I advocated for them in every setting — with teachers, families, and administrators — because I believed every child deserved a voice and a chance to thrive. But serving more than 70 children in group settings was challenging. I loved my work, but I knew they needed more individualized care, more collaboration, and more support than the system allowed.
During that time, my passion for helping children and supporting their families led me to meet Amber. Through her, I was introduced to Nafisa. Together, we realized we shared the same vision: children should receive coordinated, compassionate care, not fragmented services.
So in 2017, we made a bold decision to pivot. Instead of continuing only as speech therapists, we chose to build something better. We transformed our small speech clinic into a place where children could receive ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy under one roof — a place where every provider works together with purpose.
That is how our journey began, and it’s what brought us to where we are today.
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?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but every challenge played a part in shaping who we are today. When we transitioned from a small speech clinic into a multidisciplinary center, we quickly learned how much intention and teamwork it truly takes to build something meaningful. It wasn’t that the struggles were overwhelming — but bringing together three different disciplines (ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy) under one shared vision required thoughtful planning and open communication. Each field has its own strengths and style, so creating a unified, collaborative culture took time and consistency.
Another learning curve was navigating insurance, credentialing, billing, and compliance. As therapists, we were trained to help children — not to manage complex administrative processes. We had to learn everything from the ground up to ensure families received services without delays or denials.
We also faced the natural challenges that come with growth: hiring the right people, building sustainable processes, supporting new teams, and making sure our mission stayed at the center of every decision as we expanded.
But through every step, we stayed committed to our purpose. We believed children deserved a place where therapy wasn’t just a service — it felt like home. So even when the journey was difficult, we kept pushing, learning, and improving.
Looking back, every challenge made us stronger. It helped us build a clinic that is more unified, more compassionate, and more resilient than anything we could have imagined when we first began — and it set the foundation for the growth and expansion that followed.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Essential Speech & ABA Therapy, our work centers on helping children with autism and developmental delays reach their fullest potential through compassionate, high-quality therapy. Our clinic provides ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy all under one roof. What makes our work special is the way our teams collaborate. Instead of operating separately, our BCBAs, RBTs, SLPs, and OTs work together every day, sharing goals and strategies so each child receives truly unified care. Families don’t have to navigate multiple systems — we bring everything together for them. Part of what I do now at Essential Speech and ABA Therapy is serve as the leader of Essential Billing Solutions, the department responsible for all medical billing across corporate and franchise locations. I handle the complexities of insurance reimbursement so that our clinic teams can stay focused on what matters most — providing compassionate, high-quality care every day. Navigating insurance, credentialing, and compliance can be overwhelming for clinicians, so I make sure the behind-the-scenes work is taken care of and families experience smooth, dependable access to services.
I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built. We created a place where children feel supported, parents feel heard, and therapists feel valued. When families walk in, they don’t just see a clinic — they feel hope, safety, and belonging. Watching a child say their first word, try a new skill, or make a breakthrough they’ve struggled with… those moments remind me why we do what we do.
What sets us apart is our heart. We don’t rush. We don’t cut corners. We stay connected to our purpose. Every decision we make — whether it’s hiring, training, or expanding — is grounded in one goal: giving children the highest-quality care in an environment filled with respect, teamwork, and love.
We started as a small speech clinic, and over time we’ve grown thoughtfully, adding more providers, more support, and more services — all while staying true to the mission we began with: to create a place where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on this journey is that growth happens when you stay grounded in your purpose. There were moments when the logistics, paperwork, and day-to-day challenges felt overwhelming — but every time I refocused on why we started, everything became clear again. I’ve learned that you don’t need to have everything figured out to move forward. You just need to stay committed, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who share the same mission. Collaboration has taught me more than any textbook ever could — especially seeing how different providers, personalities, and perspectives come together for one shared goal: helping children.
Another key lesson is that compassion and consistency will take you further than perfection ever will. In this field — whether it’s therapy or billing — children and families are counting on us. If we lead with empathy, communicate openly, and keep improving, the rest falls into place.
Most of all, I’ve learned that when your heart is in the right place, challenges become part of the story, not the stopping point. They shape you, strengthen you, and remind you that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.speechandaba.com
- Instagram: essentialspeechandaba
Image Credits
Camila Trevino
