Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Garcia.
Hi Gabriella, 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’m a pediatric speech-language pathologist, and my journey started with a love for working with children and education. I actually began in the classroom, teaching kindergarten, where I quickly realized how deeply connected language and literacy are connected.
That realization led me to pursue my master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Florida State University. I’ve been practicing as an SLP since 2013. Over the years, I’ve worked across a variety of settings, private practice, schools, pediatric hospitals.
That’s what ultimately led me to start Speech-Language & Literacy Solutions in 2023. I wanted to create a space where speech and language therapy and structured literacy come together in a meaningful, evidence-based way. My approach is rooted in the science of reading and focuses on building strong foundations. WHY? Because communication is connection, and literacy is freedom.
In 2025, I completed a dyslexia certification through the University of Florida, which has further deepened the way I assess and support struggling readers.
Today, I work with children and families through individualized and small-group services, collaborate with schools, and provide trainings for educators and clinicians. My goal is always the same: to make learning feel accessible, empowering, and meaningful so every child has the tools they need to succeed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve had to pivot more times than I can count, both personally and professionally. That’s really been a defining part of my journey.
Even early on, things didn’t go exactly as planned. I was rejected from graduate school the first time I applied, which was incredibly discouraging. At that point, I had a clear vision for my future, and being told “no” forced me to slow down, reflect, and really evaluate how I was going to move forward. Instead of giving up, I used that time to strengthen my application, gain more experience, and deepen my commitment to the field.
That initial rejection to graduate school ultimately led me to Florida State University, where I was accepted into one of the top speech-language pathology programs. Looking back, that redirection was one of the best things that could have happened to me. At FSU, I gained a wealth of knowledge, hands-on clinical experience, and strong foundational training that shaped the clinician I am today. It also pushed me to think critically, stay curious, and hold myself to a higher standard in my work.
One of the most significant moments was in 2020, when I was furloughed from my “dream job” at the hospital while the world was at a complete standstill. That was a really challenging and enlightening season. There was so much uncertainty, and I had to quickly shift from what felt stable and familiar into the unknown. Not having a paycheck or idea when I would be returning to work meant having to terminate my lease and move back in with my parents rather than wiping out my savings.
But that season also became a major turning point. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a space where I had to trust myself, adapt quickly, and build something from the ground up.
During that time, I started building a caseload of my own. Friends and friends of friends reached out to provide speech therapy “until things settled”. I leaned into these opportunities out of necessity. What I realized very quickly was how powerful it was to do things on my own terms. I could be more intentional with my families, more flexible, and truly tailor therapy in a way that felt high-quality, personalized, and aligned with what children actually needed.
That experience ultimately laid the foundation for Speech-Language & Literacy Solutions. It showed me that I didn’t have to fit into a system that wasn’t always designed for depth or individualization. I could create something that was my own.
Starting Speech-Language & Literacy Solutions was another big shift. I went from being an employee to building something of my own, which pushed me to grow not just as a clinician, but as a business owner, leader, and decision-maker. I’ve had to adapt constantly. This spans across it’s adjusting my schedule, refining my services, navigating uncertainty, or learning how to scale in a sustainable way.
At this point, I see pivoting not as a setback or failure, but as part of the process. It’s how I’ve been able to stay aligned, continue growing, and build something that truly reflects the kind of clinician and person I strive to be. Looking back, those pivots weren’t easy, however they’ve been essential in shaping the way I practice and the way I show up for the families I serve today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Speech-Language & Literacy Solutions?
I’m the owner of Speech-Language & Literacy Solutions, a pediatric private practice that blends speech-language therapy with structured literacy in a way that’s both highly individualized and deeply rooted in evidence-based practice.
SLLS focuses on helping children build strong foundations in communication and literacy because those two areas are so interconnected. I specialize in early language development, speech sound disorders, and literacy support, including early reading, writing, and dyslexia-informed intervention. What I’m especially known for is integrating a science of reading approach into speech therapy, which isn’t always the standard in our field but is critical for long-term academic success.
What sets my practice apart is how intentional and personalized everything is. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. Whether I’m working one-on-one, in small groups, or collaborating with schools, every session is designed to meet the child where they are while also thinking ahead. Building the skills they’ll need not just NOW, but in the classroom and beyond are high priorities for my practice. I also prioritize strong relationships with families and educators, so there’s consistency and carryover across environments.
I’m really proud of how my mission comes through in everything I do. “Communication is connection. Literacy is freedom.” This truly guides my clinical decisions, my programming, and how I show up for families. I’ve built a brand that feels both professional and approachable, where families feel supported, informed, and empowered.
Beyond direct therapy, I also offer literacy screeners, small-group groups, consultations, and professional trainings for educators and clinicians. I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and helping others better understand how children learn to communicate and read. I’ve learned when the adults around a child feel confident, the child benefits.
If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know, it’s that early, intentional support can make a HUGE difference. Beyond the skills we’re targeting, building a child’s confidence is truly the ultimate goal.
So many of the children I work with come in already feeling frustrated, unsure of themselves, or aware that something feels harder for them than it does for their peers. Over time, that can impact how they participate, how they take risks, and how they see themselves as learners. My role isn’t just to teach sounds, language, or reading skills. It’s to help shift that narrative.
Through structured, supportive, and success-driven experiences, I want children to feel capable. I want them to raise their hand, try a new word, attempt to read, or engage with a peer without fear of getting it wrong. When therapy is done well, you start to see that shift. It shows not just in their skills, but in their confidence, their willingness to try, and their overall joy in learning.
At Speech-Language & Literacy Solutions, that’s what everything comes back to. Yes, we’re building strong communication and literacy foundations, but we’re also helping children see themselves as successful, capable learners. And that confidence carries far beyond our sessions. It impacts how they show up in the classroom, in their relationships, and in their everyday lives.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories was playing “school” at home. To be honest, I was very bossy about it. I was always the teacher (non-negotiable), lining up my stuffed animals, my sister, and my cousins, assigning roles, and running a very structured classroom. I didn’t just play games. I reinvented them. I loved being in charge, creating my own rules, and making sure everyone followed them (whether they wanted to or not).
Looking back, it all makes so much sense. That mix of wanting to lead, create structure, and foster a love of learning really carried into who I am today. I still love guiding, teaching, and creating meaningful experiences for kids. I’d like to think I’ve softened the “bossy” into something a little more collaborative and supportive these days.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.speechlanguageliteracysolutions.com/
- Instagram: @speechwithgaby
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-garcia-m-s-ccc-slp-c-sldi-9b2412b4/
