Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Matt.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist devoted to assisting individuals of all ages with various diagnoses/disorders to maximize their communication skills. I truly believe that every individual, despite their disability, deserves to have a voice in today’s society.
I grew up in Keller, TX where I graduated from Keller High School. I began my college career at Stephen F. Austin State University where I majored in Education. After meeting my husband, I transferred to Lamar University to continue earning my degree. During this time, I worked as a substitute teacher, primarily in the life skills classrooms.
My experience in working with the special needs population inspired me to further my degree in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. Eventually, my husband and I made it to Houston where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences at the University of Houston. From there, I earned my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Women’s University.
Within the field of Speech-Language Pathology, I have had experience working in various school districts and a multidisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation clinic. Across various work environments, I had the pleasure of working with individuals who were considered “non-verbal” due to various diagnoses/disorders. I took it upon myself to research and trial various forms of augmentative-alternative communication modalities in order to provide such individuals with a “voice” and a means of communicating with everyone in their environment.
Although augmentative-alternative communication is within the scope of practice of Speech-Language Pathology, undergraduate and graduate school programs typically provide limited to no coursework in this area due to the wide scope of practice of Speech-Language Pathology.
By gaining knowledge in an underserved area of Speech-Language Pathology, I became inspired to build my own private practice providing speech therapy services with a specialization in AAC in addition to traditional speech therapy services. I began building up a caseload near my home in Atascocita, TX, however, the multiple requests for services needed throughout Houston lead me to open a clinic in the Houston Heights. Today, Speak for Yourself, LLC has a team of seven speech therapists who are passionate about improving the lives of every individual with a communication disorder. Services are provided in the home, clinic, or daycare setting across the greater Houston area.
When I am not treating patients, mentoring employees, or furthering my knowledge through continuing education courses, I enjoy reading, spending time with my husband, family, and friends, and vacationing whenever I can get away.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Communication is the essence of human interaction and learning. Individuals with a disability of any extent or severity have a basic right to affect, through communication, the conditions of their existence. Within society, we all use various communication modalities in order to socially connect, express an opinion, share information, etc. The use of Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC) provides a “voice” and a means of communication to those who cannot rely on their natural speech to communicate. When children and adults cannot use speech to communicate effectively in all situations, there are options.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. We all use AAC when we make facial expressions or gestures, use symbols or pictures, or write. Special augmentative aids include picture and symbol communication boards and electronic devices that may be accessed via direct touch, switch scanning, or eye-gaze technology. The use of AAC may increase social interaction, school performance, and feelings of self-worth; in addition, studies have shown that the use of AAC may lead to the increase of verbal communication.
Speak for Yourself, LLC is equipped with a team of Speech-Language Pathologists and Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants who are devoted to improving the lives of individuals of all ages with complex communication needs.
Speak for Yourself, LLC offers Free Screenings, Full Speech and Language Evaluations, and Individual Therapy Sessions. In addition to evaluating for and implementing the use of AAC, Speak for Yourself, LLC offers therapy services for treatment of delays/disorders in the following areas: articulation, language, apraxia, dysarthria, social skills, stuttering, voice, cognition, feeding, and, hearing impairment/audiologic rehabilitation. Services are provided within the office, home of the patient/client, or daycare facility.
Treating clinicians provide ongoing education for the patient/client, family, and community in order to sustain a cohesive medical team. Open communication is maintained with the physician and others involved in the patient’s/client’s care.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2180 North Loop West, Suite 160
Houston, Texas 77018 - Website: www.speak-yourself.com
- Phone: 8328310043
- Email: jmatt@speak-yourself.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Speak-for-Yourself-LLC-Speech-Therapy-AAC-Services-507066856039137/reviews/?ref=page_internal
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/writeareview/biz/paghqYUgp0DxwS0OND9e3w?return_url=%2Fbiz%2FpaghqYUgp0DxwS0OND9e3w
- Other: https://www.google.com/#q=speak+for+yourself+houston
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