Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexa Lavernia.
Hi Alexa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Paving Ways Therapy began as a mobile practice with one therapist—myself—serving families across South Florida one child, one home, and one school at a time. What started as a deeply personal journey rooted in purpose and passion has grown into a multidisciplinary team of speech therapists, occupational therapists, and tutors, all united by the same heart and mission.
My journey in occupational therapy began when I graduated from Barry University in 2021. Following graduation, I intentionally worked across a wide range of settings, including private pay services, PPECs, clinic-based therapy, and Broward County schools. These experiences allowed me to fully understand occupational therapy in every environment a child may navigate and shaped my belief that meaningful progress happens through individualized, family-centered care.
In the early days of Paving Ways Therapy, I spent countless hours driving across South Florida to provide services, meeting families where they were and building strong, trusted relationships along the way. Over time, with dedication, consistency, and the support of the families we served, Paving Ways grew from a solo practice into a team of like-minded therapists who shared the same values and commitment to quality care. That vision came to life in October of 2025 with the opening of our first physical location.
This center is dedicated to my grandparents, whose strength, sacrifices, and unwavering love paved the way for everything we do today. Their legacy lives within the walls of this space and in the care we provide every family. From our very first client to every child we serve now, our promise remains the same: to deliver therapy with intention, compassion, and the same personal approach that defined Paving Ways from the very beginning.
Built on the legacy of those who paved the way before me, supported by the family beside me, and inspired by the future still ahead, this center stands as a reflection of where we started—and the legacy still to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Along the way, the journey was not without obstacles. Learning how to transition from a single provider to a growing practice required me to step into unfamiliar roles—hiring, training, and trusting others to carry out the same level of care I provided myself. As the practice expanded, managing long drive times across South Florida became both physically and emotionally demanding, requiring constant adjustments to scheduling, boundaries, and sustainability. Each challenge pushed me to grow not only as a clinician, but as a leader, teaching me the importance of delegation, structure, and building a team that shares the same values and vision.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Paving Ways Therapy Services ?
Paving Ways Therapy is a pediatric therapy practice dedicated to providing high-quality, family-centered care to children across South Florida. What began as a one-therapist, mobile practice has grown into a multidisciplinary team offering occupational therapy, speech therapy, and academic support through both clinic-based and community-based services. Our work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves individualized care that meets them where they are and supports them across all environments—home, school, and community.
We specialize in supporting children with developmental delays, sensory processing differences, self-regulation challenges, fine and gross motor delays, executive functioning needs, and functional communication skills. Our therapists are known for creating sessions that are purposeful, engaging, and meaningful, using play-based and evidence-informed approaches tailored to each child’s unique strengths and challenges. Collaboration is at the core of what we do; we work closely with families, schools, and other providers to ensure consistency and carryover beyond therapy sessions.
What truly sets Paving Ways Therapy apart is our boutique, relationship-driven model of care. We intentionally maintain a personal, hands-on approach where families are never just a number. From evaluations to ongoing therapy, every service is thoughtfully designed with intention, flexibility, and compassion. Our therapists are deeply invested in their clients and take pride in building genuine relationships with both children and caregivers.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the trust we have built within our community and the way our practice has grown organically through word of mouth. Our expansion into a physical center in October 2025 reflects not only growth, but the trust families place in our values, our team, and our quality of care. Paving Ways Therapy is built on legacy, heart, and purpose—and our name represents our commitment to paving individualized paths for every child and family we serve.
At its core, Paving Ways Therapy is more than a therapy practice. It is a community-centered space rooted in compassion, dedication, and the belief that progress happens when care is personal. Our mission is to continue paving the way for children and families through intentional therapy, meaningful connections, and unwavering support.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the pediatric therapy industry continuing to shift toward more accessible, integrated, and family-centered models of care. There is a growing need for services that meet children where they are—across clinic, school, and community settings—while maintaining high-quality, individualized treatment. Families are seeking providers who can offer consistency, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the child as a whole, not just their diagnosis.
From a growth perspective, I see practices like ours expanding beyond a single location and into multiple communities, allowing us to serve more families while preserving a boutique, relationship-driven approach. I believe the future of our industry will favor intentional expansion—building multiple centers rooted in the same values, culture, and standard of care—rather than large, impersonal models. For Paving Ways Therapy, the goal is to grow thoughtfully into multiple locations, continuing to build strong teams and creating spaces that feel supportive, personal, and community-centered wherever we go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pavingwaystherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pavingwaystherapy?igsh=MTE4Y2pvYm4yeHB5eg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
