Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Puentes.
Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Project Speech opened its doors in June 2017 as a mobile speech therapy practice. My goal from the very beginning was simple, to provide high-quality, accessible speech therapy to children in our local community. As demand grew, I was able to open a small office in Boynton Beach, which gave us a stable space to serve even more families.
From there, the clinic continued to grow largely through word of mouth and because we were one of the few practices in the area accepting a wide range of insurances. Today, Project Speech has expanded to include multiple speech therapists, and we’ve partnered with a local occupational therapist so families can conveniently receive both therapies under one roof. What started as a one-woman mobile practice has grown into a collaborative, family-centered clinic that supports children from toddlerhood through high school.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I opened the clinic location during COVID, which came with its own unique challenges. During that time, I offered online therapy for families who did not feel comfortable coming in person. Fortunately, our families were incredibly flexible and helped make a difficult situation much easier.
As a first-generation business owner, I also had a steep learning curve when it came to running a clinic. I invested in additional courses and joined a mentorship program to build the skills I needed. Each step pushed me to grow, both as a clinician and as a business owner.
We’ve been impressed with Project Speech, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Project Speech is a family-centered pediatric speech therapy clinic located in Boynton Beach, FL dedicated to helping children communicate with confidence. We serve children from 18 months through high school, offering individualized speech and language therapy, comprehensive evaluations, and collaborative care with our onsite occupational therapist. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, cultural responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to meeting families where they are.
What truly sets us apart is our emphasis on accessibility and connection. We accept a wide range of insurances because we believe high-quality therapy should be available to every family. Our therapists are known for building strong relationships with both children and parents, making therapy feel supportive, empowering, and tailored to each child’s unique strengths.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the environment we’ve created. Our therapists are warm, welcoming, and deeply invested in each family’s journey. From our bilingual services to our hands-on parent coaching to our social skills groups, every offering is designed to support the whole child and make life a little easier for the families we serve.
At its core, Project Speech is about impact. We’re honored to walk alongside families as their children find their voices, grow their skills, and build confidence that extends far beyond the therapy room.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
When I think about risk-taking, I see it as a necessary part of growth, both personally and professionally. I wouldn’t call myself someone who takes impulsive risks, but I do believe in taking thoughtful, values-aligned risks when the potential impact outweighs the fear of the unknown.
Opening Project Speech was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. I was a first-generation business owner with no formal background in running a clinic, yet I felt strongly that our community needed more accessible, high-quality speech therapy. Choosing to start as a mobile practice, then expanding into a physical location during COVID, required a tremendous amount of trust in myself and in the families we served. There were financial uncertainties, logistical challenges, and plenty of moments where I had to learn on the fly.
But those risks shaped who I am today. They taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors and a supportive community. I’ve learned that risk isn’t about being fearless; it’s about moving forward despite the fear, staying aligned with your mission, and believing in the long-term vision even when the immediate path feels unclear.
For me, risk-taking has never been about chasing the biggest opportunity. It’s about choosing the opportunity that brings the most purpose and growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.projectspeechtherapy.com
