Our Leaders and Learners
Jamie Smith, M.A., CCC-SLP/Owner
Introducing Jamie! Get ready to meet an extraordinary speech-language pathologist who knows how to make learning fun and positive. Jamie earned her bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and her master's degree from Washington State University, Jamie Smith, M.A., CCC-SLP. She over 25 years of experience working with children and 18+ years in speech-language pathology to the table. But that's not all—Jamie is also a published author, publisher, and mentor, adding an extra dimension to her remarkable profile!
Jamie's journey in education has been diverse and exciting. Before earning her master's, she excelled as a preschool teacher and a speech-language therapy assistant and has worked in both private practice and school-based settings. Along the way, she has ventured across various schools and locales throughout the United States, gaining a unique perspective and honing her approach to education and speech-language intervention. Her wealth of experience shines through in her work, making her far from your ordinary speech-language pathologist.
One of Jamie's core passions is advocating for neurodivergent learners. Her commitment to this cause is evident in her certifications in the Hanen Program®, More Than Words, and advanced courses in Social Thinking®. Additionally, Jamie has received extensive training in orofacial myofunctional therapy, which she believes greatly benefits her clients with feeding, swallowing, and related challenges.
But here's where Jamie truly stands out—she has revolutionized the world of virtual therapy sessions. Jamie transforms therapy into fun-filled adventures through her innovative use of green screens and other creative tools. By bringing virtual backgrounds and interactive activities to life, she ensures that therapy sessions are engaging and enjoyable for children. The positive feedback from clients is overwhelming, as families have embraced Jamie's approach to speech-language intervention.
When Jamie isn't busy creating new resources to support families in their feeding therapy journey, she wears many other hats. She is a devoted wife and mom to three wonderful children. You might catch her enjoying an early morning walk with her dog, impressing everyone with her grilling skills, or listening to a self-help book. Personal growth is a deep passion for Jamie, and she is equally dedicated to helping other clinicians reach their full potential.
Kristina Fuentes, M.S. CCC-SLP
Clinical Director
Say aloha to Kristina, a true force of nature who embodies the qualities of organization, loyalty, and going above and beyond in everything she does! She is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Thankfully Inspired's Clinical Director. She also serves as the President of the Hawaii Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
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With her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, Kristina is a beacon of positivity in the field. Her dedication to knowledge and growth is evident in her extensive educational background, including a master's degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders from New York University. As an Adjunct Instructor for their graduate program, she not only imparts wisdom but also remains at the forefront of advancements in the field.
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Kristina's impressive 13 years of experience have allowed her to work in diverse settings, ranging from schools to skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and private practice. Her certifications in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment and Flexible Endoscopy Evaluation of Swallowing, combined with specialized training in orofacial myofunctional disorders and treatment, equip her with a comprehensive skill set to provide therapy services for a wide range of speech and language disorders.
Being the President of the Hawaii Speech-Language-Hearing Association demonstrates Kristina's dedication to her profession and her desire to uplift the community she serves. This esteemed position speaks volumes about her leadership skills and commitment to advancing the field of speech-language pathology in Hawaii.
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As a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist across multiple states, Kristina has had extensive experience working with clients of all ages, from pediatrics to adults. Her passion for neurogenic disorders, executive functioning, language, and literacy allows her to provide targeted and effective interventions that empower her clients to succeed.
But Kristina's impact goes beyond her professional accomplishments. Her love for food and podcasts adds extra zest to her vibrant life. Outside of work, you'll find her soaking up the sun at the beautiful beaches of Hawaii, tackling exciting new house projects, or exploring the majestic outdoors with her husband and their two furry companions, Baxter and Pacho.
Clients fortunate enough to work with Kristina benefit from her wealth of knowledge and expertise and experience firsthand her unwavering dedication to their well-being.