I was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas and knew I wanted to help special needs children from an early age.  Being able to impact someone’s life by helping them communicate more effectively has become a daily passion.

I hold a Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from Wichita State University.  I am licensed and a certified Nonpublic Agency in the state of California and hold my Certificate of Clinical Competency from the National American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).  I was granted a federal traineeship throughout my graduate education, which allowed me to specialize in working with severely physically and mentally challenged individuals.  I have also received multiple Awards for Continuing Education (ACE) from ASHA’s Continuing Education Board.

I worked in the special education schools for ten years then began contracting with Regional Center, providing in-home therapy. I have been in private practice since 1999.  I have over 30 years of experience conducting assessments, establishing appropriate goals and objectives, and providing highly effective speech and language intervention for all types of individuals.

I am very committed to continuing education in my field and have extensive knowledge in the areas of autism, apraxia, phonology, voice disorders, Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), Picture Exchange Communication (PECS), Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention, PROMPT, Behavioral Intervention and early speech and language intervention. I enjoy working collaboratively with administrators, psychologists, school-based speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, classroom teachers, behavioral specialists, medical professionals, and parents. 

I have received advanced training in the area of orofacial myology.  I provide therapy to individuals of all ages with orofacial myofunctional disorders including tongue thrust, mouth-breathing, tongue tie, incorrect swallowing patterns, and abnormal dental and facial growth issues.

I have also been a certified provider for Interactive Metronome (IM) since 2005. Interactive Metronome is a noninvasive, brain-based assessment and training program that directly improves processing abilities that affect attention, language, motor planning and organizational skills.  There are also significant correlations between IM and academic achievement in mathematics, language and reading. The IM program has also proven to be a powerful tool for improving both the physical and mental aspects of athletic performance for children and adults.

Although my professional passion has been speech-language pathology, I have been very blessed to raise two amazing children.  My son is in commercial real estate and my daughter is also a Speech-Language Pathologist!  I couldn’t be more proud of them!  I also love the beach, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

I would be more than happy to talk or meet with you to discuss my training, experience and philosophy of intervention. 

- Chris Byers