Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Carolina Kokenge-Fernandez, and I am a Speech-Language Pathologist. Since high school, I’ve always felt a strong pull toward working with children, especially children with special needs. I initially began my studies in Exceptional Student Education at the University of Central Florida. During that time, a professor asked me why I had chosen that path, and after sharing the impact I hoped to have on children and their families, she connected me with a Speech-Language Pathologist in the local school system.
That experience completely changed my perspective. Seeing the power of one-on-one therapy and the meaningful relationships built with families helped me realize that speech-language pathology was where I could make the greatest impact. I changed my course of study and went on to become a Speech-Language Pathologist.
After graduating, I worked across a variety of settings including public schools, private special needs schools, private clinics, and a nursing and rehabilitation center. Each role taught me something different, but one thing stayed constant: I wanted to help more families and create something that felt truly supportive and personal. With encouragement from colleagues and my family, I opened Speech of Miami.
Today, Speech of Miami has grown into a team of seven dedicated therapists who make a difference every day in the lives of the children we serve and the families who trust us with their care.
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?
This journey has been about as smooth as a drive on the Palmetto Expressway at 5 p.m.
Opening Speech of Miami meant suddenly becoming not just a therapist, but also a bookkeeper, marketer, scheduler, interior designer, and business owner — all at once. The learning curve has been steep, and the road is still bumpy at times, but every challenge has taught me something valuable about myself and about building a business with intention.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a strong network of mentors, colleagues, and family members who offer guidance, feedback, and support along the way. Most importantly, the impact we get to make far outweighs the challenges. Many of the children we work with are in our care for years, and over time we become an extension of their family. Being trusted with a child’s growth, communication, and connection is something we never take lightly.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Speech of Miami?
Speech of Miami is a bilingual pediatric speech and occupational therapy practice. We specialize in child-centered communication development, AAC device training and implementation, sensory integration, and overall developmental support.
Our approach is highly individualized. No two children develop the same way, therefore, no two therapy plans should look the same. We focus on creating a learning environment that is warm, engaging, fun, and above all, safe. Therapy should feel like a place children enjoy coming to, not something they are forced into.
With my background in education, I also place a strong emphasis on family involvement and carryover. I enjoy providing families with simple “homework” and tools so children can practice skills across multiple environments and continue progressing outside the therapy room.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships we build with our children, with their families, and within our team. It is the trust that allows us to support children through such an important part of their development.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
A room filled with laughter. Laughter means there is joy, comfort, and connection.
What truly makes me happy is building those connections — not only with our clients, but with their families as well. We don’t just work with a child; we become part of their world. We meet moms, dads, siblings, and grandparents, and together we learn how to best support each child.
Being able to educate and empower families allows us to help children build meaningful communication and relationships that extend far beyond the therapy room. Knowing that we’re helping create those moments of connection and joy is what makes this work so fulfilling every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.speechofmiami.com
- Instagram: @speechofmiami
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speechofmiami/
