MY STORY
Hi, I’m Aixa, a speech-language pathologist and a mom of two little humans and a fur baby. I began my career working with children with autism, sensory processing disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, and other speech-language disorders and delays. After a few years, I transitioned to working with adults at a local hospital and continue working there today. I am so grateful I am able to work with both pediatric and adult patients. Both of these populations have a special place in my heart.
In 2020, I received the biggest blessing, I entered the world of motherhood as my first child was born in October. I quickly learned how beautiful but also difficult motherhood can be. So many things to learn and manage all while trying to heal from postpartum on very (very) little sleep. It’s true what they say, motherhood teaches you strengths you didn’t know you had.
While I breastfed my son as a newborn, I noticed atypical feeding and swallowing behaviors (e.g., tongue thrust, choking, loud gulping). He was checked by a few medical providers for tethered oral tissues (TOTs), unfortunately it wasn't anyone that specialized in this. They indicated everything was normal and any issues were likely from my fast letdown. As recommended, I allowed some time to pass to see if it improved on it's own, but unfortunately some things didn't. Given my background as a speech-language pathologist, I was familiar with what typical oral motor developmental and feeding should look like. I continued to suspect that he had TOTs so I trusted my momma (and SLP) instincts and met with professionals who specialized in this area. They indeed confirmed he had TOTs and provided us with so much support.
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When my second baby was born, I fortunately had the experience, knowledge, and education to address the oral motor and breastfeeding difficulties we were having yet again. She also was born with TOTs, but fortunately, we were able to take care of it early on with a multidisciplinary team. She received care pre and post frenectomy and it made a big difference in our feeding journey.
MY APPROACH
HOLISTIC, FAMILY-CENTERED, FUNCTIONAL
Because of my own personal journey, I decided to create Ola Speech + Feeding Therapy. Initially, I enrolled in various continuing education SLP courses and trainings focusing on pediatric oral motor development, feeding, and tethered oral tissues so I could help my own children. But I soon realized through friends (and their friends) that there are so many families experiencing the same difficulties we did. We had been in their shoes and because of that I was able to support them and share everything I learned. It has truly been a fulfilling path to be given the opportunity to help and connect with other families.
This really encouraged me to start my private practice. I'm now here to support you and your family. I want to empower you with all the resources and tools you need to achieve your family's speech and/or feeding goals. After I perform a comprehensive assessment, together we'll partner up to create a plan that will be unique to you and your family.
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I'm so grateful you're here reading about Ola Speech + Feeding Therapy. I hope to be a part of your journey.
