Ayleen Garcia Hernandez, M.S., CCC-SLP graduated in 2018 with her Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Ayleen was one of six students admitted to the graduate program’s bilingual track in which she was able to provide therapy in Spanish to both adults and children in the clinic. Additionally, she provided therapy in Spanish to preschoolers in the program “Ranitas en El Campo” a program partnered with Forth Worth ISD. Furthermore, she had the opportunity to be part of TCU’s feeding program. The feeding program focused on implementing treatment strategies for children whose parents often classified them as being “picky eaters,” or having other food aversions and sensory needs. Along with the treatment plan, this program offered parent education training on typical and atypical feeding development, feeding challenges, the importance of playing with food, and the parent-child feeding relationship.
Through her experience working in diverse populations and settings, she knows the value of collaborating with the most important individuals involved in a child’s development, and their caregivers. Her therapeutic model is working in conjunction with families, teachers, and healthcare providers. She ensures goals are met and each child reaches his or her maximum potential through an engaged, dynamic, play-based, and routine-based approach. Research shows that providing therapy in the child’s preferred and natural environment allows for children to develop critical communication skills and gain confidence that can have transformative impacts in many areas of their lives.