Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Davis.I was introduced to the field of Speech and Language when my oldest son was diagnosed with a fluency disorder and a severe phonological processing disorder. He began early intervention as a result of my tireless advocacy. I began seeing positive results with Speech Therapy for my son and I was intrigued. At the same time, I began using Baby Signs with my son to help with his communication skills. With the combination of using Baby Signs(R) and speech therapy, my son started making positive strides. His progress inspired me to become a Speech Language Pathologist. At the time, I had taken a hiatus from working to stay at home with my kids. It was during this time that I went back to school to first earn my Post Baccherlorate in Communication Disorders. I then went on to enroll in a Master’s program at Cal State Long Beach. This program allowed me to work full time as an SLP on waiver and attend classes Friday nights and all day Saturday for two and half years. It was definitely difficult juggling being a mom, wife, student, and working as a full-time SLP.
Hi Lena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Lena Davis. I am originally from St. Paul, MN. I moved to California in 2000. I started my professional career working as an Elementary teacher in San Bernardino, CA. I taught grades 3rd-5th for five years before deciding to stay at home with my kids. While at home, I worked part-time as an Independent Contractor providing professional development training to teachers. I helped teachers implement small groups and intensive instruction within their classrooms. In addition, I became certified as a Baby Signs® instructor. I taught Parent Education workshops and Sign, Say, and Play® classes, a mommy and me class, through the Baby Signs® program. It was here that I discovered my affinity toward children with special needs.
I have worked as a Speech Language Pathologist at the preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Although I enjoy working with all ages, my favorite level to work with is children between the ages of 13 and 18. I enjoy working on social skills and pragmatic language. Helping a child learn how to use the skills learned in therapy in a functional way throughout their day brings me great joy.
Besides working in my practice, I also enjoy hiking, working out, traveling, and spending time with my family. As a former collegiate athlete, I also enjoy playing and watching sports. I am a Pittsburg Steelers fan and a Lakers fan.
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?
Working full-time in schools and building a private practice can be overwhelming, but it takes patience and perseverance. After reading the book, The One Thing by Gary Keller, I learned that if I can just do ONE thing for my business each day to keep moving it in a positive direction then I will be successful. I’ve learned to break down my huge goals into smaller attainable objectives that I can check off each day. Time is the greatest commodity that we have and I am learning to use my time more efficiently to accomplish the most important items each day. And with that, I’ve learned that I cannot do everything myself. So, I hired a billing company that bills the insurance companies. I hired a credentialing company to help me navigate the credentialing process. I hired a Social Media Assistant to post content to my business pages on Facebook and Instagram. Lastly, I hired a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant to help service clients. As I grow, I am learning how to balance all aspects of my business and not overwhelm myself with huge tasks. The greatest lesson I’ve learned throughout this process is to extend grace to myself for not completing a task. I constantly remind myself that this process is a marathon and not a sprint.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Savvy Speech Therapy?
Savvy Speech Therapy specializes in providing therapy for clients who would like to work on Social Skills. We provide groups for teens, ages 12-18 years old, centered around a variety of interests. For example, we offer groups such as: cooking, drawing, videography, arts/crafts, STEAM, Legos, photography, and robotics. These groups help clients form bonds with other clients while practicing functional skills. We use these interest groups to help clients work on skills they would like to assist in making their life more functional. We offer Social Interest Groups once a month. Those that are interested in joining a group, may sign up by visiting:
When families seek out services with Savvy Speech Therapy they will be greeted with kindness and respect. We value our families and understand that this new journey they are embarking on can be challenging at times. Our team at Savvy Speech Therapy wants to be an advocate for parents by providing resources and references along with our services. We enjoy building positive relationships with our clients and their family members.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
As a Speech Language Pathologist who worked in the school system during the Covid-19 crisis, I learned that it is important to take care of our mental health. I witnessed the declining health of our students as a result of isolation and limited enrichment opportunities. As an adult, I also struggled with limited interactions. As a result of this crisis, it made me reflect on how I value my relationships with others. We never know what someone else may be dealing with personally. Although one’s mental health can be a private matter, a simple display of kindness and grace towards others could go a long way.
Pricing:
- Free 15 min Consultation
- Free Quarterly Parent Workshops
- Free Quarterly Social Interest Groups
Evaluations $400
Private Individual Therapy $135/50 min session
Group Therapy $75/50 min session
Social Interests Group $30/session meets once a month
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to learn about our upcoming FREE workshops and FREE Social Interest Groups
Contact Info:
Savvy Speech Therapy
3200 E.Guasti Rd, Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 313-2153 [email protected]
- Website: www.SavvySpeechTherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvyspeechtherapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savvyspeechtherapy
Image Credits
Ronice Watson
