Today we’d like to introduce you to Aimee Falavolito.
Hi Aimee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always loved working with children and getting to know the stories behind who they are. That curiosity is what led me to study psychology at Baylor University. When I first learned about a career in early intervention, it felt like the perfect fit for me. I went on to pursue a master’s degree in human development and early childhood disorders, where I learned how powerful it can be to join families within their everyday routines. Those real-life moments not only give the best picture of what a child needs, but also help guide meaningful recommendations that truly support developmental progress.
For nearly three decades now, I’ve worked in early intervention as an Early Childhood Development Specialist, walking alongside families as they support their child’s growth. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, nutritionists, and behavior specialists, each experience adding to my understanding of the many different pieces that shape a child’s development.
What’s made the biggest impact on me is what I’ve seen in families’ homes. I’ve spent so many years walking into living rooms, kitchens, and playrooms, and I’ve come to believe there’s no better support than joining families right where everyday life happens. When I’m sitting at the table during mealtime, or observing a tough naptime, or watching siblings play, I get a real picture of what families are experiencing. And in those moments, I can offer strategies that are practical, personalized, and realistic, not just something that works in a clinic or classroom.
Over time, I noticed a clear pattern, children make the most progress when the whole family is involved. When parents and caregivers have the chance to practice strategies with guidance, adjust them, and figure out what really works for their own priorities and resources, that’s when the change sticks. That’s when families feel confident, and children flourish.
Along the way, I also became especially interested in how sensory challenges shape a child’s development. So often, a child’s behavior or struggles make more sense once you look through a sensory lens. Helping children learn to meet those needs and regulate their bodies can open up an entirely new world for growth, learning, and connection. Watching that unfold never gets old, it still feels magical.
Over the years in early intervention, I found myself wanting to branch out. In my previous role, the focus started to shift away from serving families and their children, and more toward deadlines, documentation, and budgets. I knew in my heart that I wanted to put all of my energy into what really matters, the children and their families. I wanted the space to be deliberate with my recommendations, to listen deeply, and to help parents feel supported without the pressure of just checking boxes.
That’s really how The Nurtured Tree was born. I wanted a way to bring together everything I’ve learned, developmental skill growth, sensory needs, behavior challenges, and offer families the kind of support I know makes the most difference, real, personalized, in-the-moment guidance. My goal has always been simple, to make life a little easier for parents and their children, and to help them find confidence and joy in their everyday routines.
What keeps me going is seeing the resilience and love in families. When a parent’s face lights up because they finally feel like, “I can do this,” or when a child takes a new step forward after weeks of practice, those are the moments that remind me why I started this journey. It’s an incredible privilege to be invited into families’ everyday lives, to be trusted with their stories, and to celebrate alongside them as their children grow and develop. Moments like these are what make my job the absolute best.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. It’s taken me nearly nine years to fully step out and work independently in private practice, leaving the steady, predictable job I once had. That brought a lot of fear, wondering if clients would come and if my services would be valued. Even with years of experience, it’s natural to question yourself when you’re starting something new.
What has kept me going is my love for working alongside families, building genuine connections, and my belief in my service delivery model. Over time, The Nurtured Tree has grown organically through referrals from wonderful families, previous coworkers, pediatricians, therapists, and online parent groups. Seeing the difference my work makes and knowing that families find it meaningful has eased those early fears.
Every challenge has been worth it. Supporting children and their families in real, everyday life reminds me why I chose this path and why stepping into the unknown was the best decision I ever made.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Nurtured Tree?
The Nurtured Tree provides personalized in-home and virtual support for young children and their families in Galveston County and surrounding areas. I focus on developmental milestones, behavioral challenges, and sensory needs, helping children thrive while equipping families with practical tools they can use every day.
What sets me apart is my comprehensive, whole-child approach, I like to think of it as a one-stop shop for families. Years of experience working with speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, nutritionists, and behavior specialists have shaped my practice. For example, when a child struggles to engage with others, I look at the full picture: motivation, sensory needs, communication, routines, sleep, nutrition, opportunities to practice social skills, the environment, and any other obstacles. By taking all of these factors into account, I can create strategies that are truly personalized, practical, and effective for both the child and their family.
We generally start with a free phone consultation to determine if my services at The Nurtured Tree are a good fit for the family. I offer a comprehensive developmental and behavioral assessment through parent interview, observation, and engagement with the child. This is usually followed by weekly in-home support to most of my clients, ages 1.5 – 7 years old. I also offer The Behavior Blueprint, a 4-week coaching program for parents of young children with big behaviors, providing actionable strategies to see progress quickly.
Many families I work with are just beginning to have concerns about their child’s development or wondering if their child is on the autism spectrum. Waiting lists for specialists can be long, but families don’t need a formal diagnosis to start addressing their child’s needs. My years of experience supporting children on the autism spectrum allow me to guide families confidently and personally through this journey.
I am most proud of the children I work with and the dedication of their families. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing strategies take hold, daily life become easier, and families feel more confident. Being welcomed into homes, forming lasting connections, and celebrating milestones together is a privilege, and it’s what makes my work so fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thenurturedtree.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.nurtured.tree/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenurturedtree/
Image Credits
Rebekah Kingdom, Alicia Stafford
