Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristi Ortega.
Hi Cristi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have always been captivated by human anatomy and physiology which led me to a pre-med major in college. However, as graduation loomed, the prospect of several more years in college seemed daunting. It was then that speech pathology piqued my interest thanks to a chance conversation.
The opportunity to observe a professional in this field came about and the experience prompted me to pursue a master’s degree. I began my career in a dynamic private practice. There, I began to learn about the connection of the muscles in the face and mouth and how deficits can affect speech and feeding. Of course, I loved the anatomy aspect of it and began a deep dive into specializing in this area.
This led me to learn about myofunctional therapy which involves the dysfunction of muscles in the mouth and how it can impact breathing, feeding, sleeping, and speech; such important aspects of daily life. In March 2019, I ventured into starting my private practice part-time. I was able to later transition to a full-time practice, allowing me to continue growing and learning in this field I love.
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?
The journey hasn’t been smooth, especially with the unexpected challenge of COVID-19. Transitioning to virtual therapy meant mastering new technologies on the fly, and figuring out how to implement new intervention strategies since I was so used to working hands-on. It did allow me to expand my reach to clients beyond my local community.
Another major hurdle was establishing my presence in a competitive field. It required marketing and networking, pushing me out of my comfort zone but proving essential for growth. These challenges taught me valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Beyond Words Speech and Feeding Therapy?
As a speech-language pathologist, I specialize in feeding and orofacial myofunctional disorders, offering assessments and treatment at my office, virtually, and in select schools. In the realm of feeding therapy, my focus is on intervention for children experiencing challenges with eating- ranging from difficulty chewing to those often labeled as picky eaters.
Myofunctional disorders, known to affect dental growth, cause mouth breathing, tongue thrusts, and challenges with speaking clearly, sleeping, chewing, and swallowing represent another core area of my practice. Here I extend my services to both children and adults providing treatment for these essential life functions.
What sets my practice apart, especially in South Florida, is my extensive specialized training in these niche areas. I am constantly furthering my education on the current research and newest techniques. My approach to therapy is deeply personalized, always tailored to each child and family’s unique needs and interests, making the therapeutic process not only effective but enjoyable.
I prioritize active parent involvement, recognizing the essential role families play in achieving therapeutic goals. I’m most proud of the positive changes my services bring to my clients’ lives, improving their daily functions and overall quality of life. My clients receive dedicated, compassionate care that goes beyond traditional therapy.
What’s next?
In the future, I am eager to enhance the support I provide to families by educating and fostering collaborations with local professionals like orthodontists, dentists, ENTs, and bodyworkers. By integrating myofunctional therapy within a holistic healthcare approach we can address the needs of our clients more comprehensively. I am also planning to expand my virtual services so that I may support more families beyond my community, in other areas of Florida.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beyondwordssft.com
- Instagram: @beyondwords.speechandfeeding
