Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Boiardt.
Hi Martha, 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.
Hello! My name is Martha Boiardt. I am a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and the owner of Miami Speech Therapy, LLC. My journey to Speech-Language Pathology started when I was almost finished with my Bachelor’s degree at FIU.
At the time, I was studying psychology, planned to pursue a PhD in Developmental Psychology, primarily based on research, and was working as a research assistant at an infant development research lab on campus. Learning more about child development and developmental delays, I decided to conduct some personal research on how to help children with developmental delays. This ultimately led me to the field of Speech-Language Pathology.
In 2010, I graduated with my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from FIU. I chose to work in private practice. I obtained my first job and set up a dream schedule. I had a salaried position with four 10-hour days. Every week, I had a 3 day weekend. It was wonderful!
Four years later, I became a mom and required much more flexibility. Miami Speech Therapy was born in 2014 so that I could start working as a contractor. The original practice that I had worked for was an hour away from my house. Being a contractor allowed me to take on some work with other agencies that were closer to home in addition to those hours. This led to taking on more private clients on the side, and Miami Speech Therapy started to develop as its entity!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest obstacle to developing my business was, initially, the pandemic. When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, families started dropping therapy. Nobody wanted to go directly into teletherapy, which led to a total loss of income. As those first few weeks passed and people started realizing that the world was changing, my virtual caseload began to grow. Suddenly, my schedule became a little blurry.
Instead of dedicating a day to working for one practice and another day to another practice, everything started to blend. Little by little, I saw fewer clients for other businesses and more for my own. As the pandemic restrictions eased up, I slowly went back to treating my patients in person, until ultimately stopping virtual teletherapy. Now, the vast majority of my caseload is my own! The biggest obstacle ended up having a silver lining!
We’ve been impressed with Miami Speech Therapy, LLC, 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?
I have turned Miami Speech Therapy into a thriving mobile private practice. I travel to homes and schools treating children from 0-22 years old. My specialties are early intervention, Autism, speech sound disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, supporting bilingual language development, empowering parents to be the best advocates and team captains for their children, and I recently became certified in Orofacial Myology! My journey has been so challenging but so fun and fulfilling!
My dream is to see Miami Speech Therapy grow. I am putting together a support group for parents of children with developmental delays and am in the process of recruiting professionals to join the group as guests so that parents can have a face-to-face conversation about what to expect from consultations with a psychologist, neurologist, geneticist, IEP specialist, etc. Later this year, I will be publishing new speech products with Bjorem Speech publications, which I’m so excited about! I will also be marketing my orofacial myology services to dentists and orthodontists and hiring 2 to 3 more therapists to help serve the community in Miami!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting.
When I first started, I was initially desperate to generate business and adopted the mantra “Don’t say no!” I said yes to every business opportunity that came my way because I never wanted to miss out on something great.
As time went on, that motto ultimately became unsustainable, and I learned when to say no. (I am still learning this lesson, actively!) Looking back, I am glad that I took on that approach because so many doors have opened for me! Miami Speech Therapy, LLC turns 10 years old later this year, and I am so proud of what I have been able to accomplish during that time!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.miamispeechtx.com/
- Instagram: @miamispeechtherapy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamispeech
- Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/miamispeechtherapy/
Image Credits
Gloria Rodriguez at Glopink Studios
