ABOUT
Kenzie Thomas
MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, Owner
Meet Kenzie, an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist with a passion for helping her clients improve their communication and feeding skills. Kenzie received her Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Northern Iowa, and subsequently earned her Master's degree from the highly esteemed speech pathology program at the University of Iowa.
With experience working in private practice, outpatient clinics, and hospitals, both in-person and virtually, Kenzie is well-versed in using evidence-based strategies to improve speech intelligibility and expressive language skills. She also has expertise in feeding therapy and working with kids and adults who stutter. Kenzie believes in building strong relationships with families and collaborating with other professionals to help her clients make progress towards their communication goals. She has administered a variety of assessments and creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's unique needs.
Kenzie began her career as a speech pathologist in Tennessee before eventually returning to her roots in Iowa with her husband. She continues to provide teletherapy services in Tennessee and is licensed as a speech therapist in Texas as well. When she's not helping her clients, she enjoys spending time outdoors, trying new recipes in the kitchen, traveling with her husband, and exploring local eateries with friends and family.
Kenzie's dedication to her profession and niche interests make her a valuable member of the speech pathology community. She looks forward to partnering with you and your family to help you reach your communication goals!
My Philosophy
As a therapist, my philosophy centers around creating a safe and supportive environment where my clients can feel comfortable making mistakes and learning new skills. At the core of my speech therapy practice, I prioritize a child-led, responsive, and strengths-based approach. When working with children, I believe in following their lead in play and allowing them to choose activities that are interesting and motivating to them. This approach helps create a positive and engaging therapeutic environment where children feel empowered to communicate and participate in their own learning. Additionally, I believe in the importance of responsive feeding to address sensory difficulties with novel foods and help children develop healthy, intuitive eating habits. Lastly, I take a strengths-based approach to therapy, focusing on identifying and building upon a child's existing strengths and abilities rather than solely addressing areas of difficulty. By highlighting a child's strengths, we can enhance their self-esteem and motivation to engage in therapy, leading to better outcomes. Ultimately, my priority is to provide compassionate, collaborative, and individualized care that promotes growth and learning!
Contact
515-216-0091
@homegrownkidstherapy
Homegrown Kids Therapy
Speech and feeding therapy in Ankeny, Iowa