Today we’d like to introduce you to Breanna Lawrence.
Hi Breanna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am originally from a small town called St. Francisville, Louisiana which is approximately 30 miles north of Baton Rouge, LA. I have lived in Houston, TX for two years, and it has been the best decision of my life to move here. I did not think I would blossom into a young entrepreneur in Houston and the surrounding areas within my first year and a half as a resident. Coming from a small town, some may say that is very intimidating, yet exciting to take the leap as a business owner.
In my earlier years of life, I always wanted to work in the profession of education or rehabilitation. I began shadowing Physical Therapists and even pursued the field of Kinesiology at Southeastern Louisiana University. Simultaneously, I was working part-time as a Physical Therapy Technician for three years. Throughout my college years, I took electives with Communication Disorders students, and they began to tell me how much they loved their studies. It wasn’t until my senior year in college that I realized that my desire to become a Physical Therapist was drifting away.
Shortly after graduating and working as a PT tech, my heart tugged at the possibility of becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). I knew I could experience the best of both worlds—an educator AND therapist! I began to research the field and part-time job opportunities as an SLP Aide. In 2016, I ultimately pursued the field for my 2nd Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Thereafter, I graduated with both my Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Southern University A & M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
I am truly thankful that God allowed me to see this vision to become a Speech-Language Pathologist and to continue to help the Houston community. I am extremely grateful for others that has believed in me and guided me to be where I am today. There is room for more speech therapy practices.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This road has not been smooth since the very beginning. I like to consider myself a “COVID-19 Grad” because I became a professional in this amazing field in the highest peak time of the virus in 2020. Although this was very challenging for me, with the unknown of graduating on time, virtual learning, job searching, and moving to a new city, I knew I would be successful somehow. I grew up around successful business owners in my family, such as my parents and my brother, and observed how they persevered and faced the many challenges as a business owners with grace and passion. I knew I could follow in their footsteps and ask for guidance if needed.
I entered my first year as a clinician in the elementary school setting, where I felt as if I received the most challenging situations as an SLP. With the help of an amazing support system, I made it through! Except one more challenge, in 2021, Houston experienced a snow freeze out of nowhere. This affected the requirements to receive all my clinical fellowship hours in order to receive my Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC’s) within one setting. At this point, I needed to pivot. I received additional supervision with a pediatric home health private practice. It wasn’t until then; I knew I could become my own boss! Driving around the city, as now a fully licensed SLP, made me feel like a true Houstonian and helped me gain a lot of confidence. It felt wonderful to feel welcomed into many homes, service children with many communication deficits, as well as, hear parents express to me that they could see me becoming a private practitioner in the near future. This is when Therapy Bee PLLC became an idea in the works and established in January 2022.
As you know, we’re big fans of Therapy Bee PLLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Therapy Bee PLLC is a privately owned mobile practice and telepractice that is proud to provide quality and evidence-based practiced speech and language therapy services. We offer child-centered play therapy, family-centered therapy, and summer camps. I am licensed and ASHA Certified to provide services in the states of Texas and Louisiana. I provide in-person and teletherapy services in Houston, North Houston, and surrounding Houston areas. I am also licensed to provide services in various other cities of Texas and Louisiana, currently via teletherapy.
Just like bees, Therapy Bee is here to be Creative, Connected, and Communicative with clients and family members. I am happy to provide services in the areas of Articulation, Language (Expressive/Receptive), Social Skills (Pragmatics), Fluency (Stuttering) to children with various speech and language needs that are developmentally delayed, have autism spectrum disorder, or just need a little extra help with the tricky “r” sound, etc. I believe heavily in Early Intervention and Play Therapy, as it focuses on skills within a child’s natural environment and capitalizes on a child’s natural urge to explore to meet their needs and wants. Speech Therapy is not a quick fix and depends on both the SLP and family members involved.
Feeding therapy is a specialty I hope to provide within Therapy Bee, as well as provide Special Education support services in a private, charter, and/or public schools in the future. I enjoy the school setting and private practice setting, and because of the virtual future I see, I want to give back to both community of families that is convenient to all.
Therapy Bee is One Buzz Away!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is not defined by how high you can jump but more about how you push through the span of the jump. With every situation, there will be an obstacle, but the successful moment is how you handle the situation or obstacle. Within that moment, true character is displayed and at that point, you have to remember your “why” and YOUR vision.
There may be hundreds of other Houston SLPs focusing on private practice out there, but you will only be successful within your niche’ or area of expertise. That is where you will continue to thrive and become successful. When you are confident in what you bring to the table, not only will you feel great, but your clients will reciprocate the energy during a therapy session. At that very moment, you feel the product of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.therapybee.net
- Instagram: @therapy.bee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapy.beepllc
Image Credits
Photography – JRob Photography LLC Branding and Logo – Sam Ross Designs
