Meet the team
CCC-SLP, M.A. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Leila Ramirez Salmons is the founder and owner of Therapy Connections. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Houston, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Texas A&M University at Kingsville. Leila is certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed by the TDLR. She has over six years of experience in the public school system and over twenty years in private practice. Along with specializations in treating apraxia, dysarthria, language and articulation disorders, autism, and orofacial myofunctional disorders, Leila also has extensive training and expertise in providing pediatric assessments and therapy in both English and Spanish. In August 2008, Leila received a five-year term Gubernatorial Appointment to the Texas State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Leila Salmons has a strong belief in the therapeutic benefits of yoga. In 2010 she developed a program called Tiny Pretzels, which has been an ongoing program offered at Therapy Connections. She has completed the following training: “Yoga for Kids and Families” teacher training by Kids Yoga, “National Teachers Certification” at the Yoga Institute and “Basic Teacher Training” by Yoga 4 Kids.
Leila has always been interested in applying more than traditional speech therapy approaches to help those better their health both physically and mentally. She watered her passion for mental health by enrolling in a course that focused on applying mindset practices into difficult settings. After 2 years of dedication and time spent with CEO, Tracy Litt, Leila received her certification in becoming a “Master Mind Magic Practitioner”. Now with more experience, Leila has been working with a more diverse audience in helping them conquer their fears and shaping their mindset to produce outcomes in all areas of their life.
By continually updating her skills as a speech-language pathologist through educational seminars and professional development, Leila delivers the most innovative approaches available in the therapy rehabilitation industry. She understands the importance of a growth mindset and offers continuing education courses and workshops for therapists and parents in this area. Leila Salmons MA, CCC/SLP incorporates mindset techniques and tools when necessary in therapy to improve therapy outcomes.
Leila Ramirez Salmons (Bilingual)
CCC-SLP, M.A. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Tracy is an enthusiastic and dedicated therapist who enjoys working with children. She is a Houston native. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Communication Disorders and a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Houston. Tracy has experience treating preschool and school-age children with various forms of communication disorders including receptive/expressive language deficits, social communication skills, articulation, speech apraxia, and phonological disorder using structured games and therapeutic play. She has worked in various settings including daycares, schools, family home, and clinical settings. She values the importance of a family-centered approach to help children grow their communication skills both inside and outside of their speech therapy sessions.
Tracy Simien
CFY-SLP, M.A. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Kristen is a speech-language pathologist completing her clinical fellowship at Therapy Connections. Kristen graduated with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from New York University, a Masters in Deaf Education from Texas Woman’s University, and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Texas at Austin. She completed a pediatric graduate clinical rotation at Capital School of Austin, a private special education school, and Care Options for Kids Home Health services, where she evaluated and treated children with expressive and receptive language delays, autism spectrum disorder, articulation, phonological, childhood apraxia, and traumatic brain injury.
Additionally, Kristen finished her adult graduate clinical rotation at Austin Speech Labs. In this non-profit stroke recovery clinic, she evaluated and treated patients with aphasia, acquired apraxia, dysphagia, dysarthria, cognitive deficits, and voice disorders. Before becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist, she was a Deaf Educator and Multi-Tiered Response Intervention Specialist, where she educated district and school administration on evidence-based reading, math, and behavior interventions, providing initial training and follow-up support utilizing Trust Based Relational Intervention. Kristen is passionate about being part of a team that works toward individuals and their family’s communication goals.
Kristen Brazil
CCC-SLP, M.S. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Lauren Garrett is a dedicated and enthusiastic speech-language pathologist. She holds a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Stephen F. Austin University. During her Master’s program, Lauren had the unique opportunity to extern at several different diverse settings to further her training in speech therapy. These sites include Memorial Hermann TIRR (and the TIRR Challenge Program), a skilled nursing facility, and a private speech clinic. Before enrolling at Stephen F. Austin, Lauren worked as a Speech Language-Pathologist Assistant for four years at Friendswood ISD, where she gained valuable experience engaging with pediatrics in the school, clinic, and home health settings. Lauren also holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Texas Tech University.
Lauren has a true passion for pediatric speech and language disorders and adult neurogenic communication disorders. She has an innate ability to connect with clients, making them feel comfortable and supported throughout their therapy journey. Her approach is holistic and patient-centered, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to meet the unique needs of her clients.
Specifically with pediatric speech therapy, Lauren has worked with children who face various communication challenges. These include treatment for children with language delays and disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, autism spectrum disorder, fluency, dysphagia, voice disorders, and intellectual disabilities. Lauren employs strategies that address children’s verbal and non-verbal communication needs, helping them to express themselves better and interact with others. Her goal is always to create a nurturing, yet engaging environment that fosters progress and instills confidence in each child.
Lauren is an active member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA). She is excited to bring her skills and passion to her clients and their families, where she aims to make a lasting impact. In her free time, Lauren enjoys traveling with her husband, Zach, being a mommy to her little girl, and playing with her sheepadoodle, Georgie!
Lauren Garrett
CF-SLP, M.S. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Sarah Fuchs holds a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Northridge. She is completing her clinical fellowship as a Speech-Language Pathologist with experience in both clinic and home health settings. Sarah’s areas of expertise include articulation and phonology, expressive and receptive language, pragmatic language skills, and the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She is passionate about empowering clients and their families with tools and strategies to support communication in everyday life. Outside of her clinical work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and visiting the beach.
Sarah Fuchs
OFFICE MANAGER
Veronica Sustaita serves as the Office Manager for Therapy Connections where she is responsible for ensuring operations run smoothly in order to provide a positive experience for our patients. Additionally, Veronica manages the Billing and Insurance where she produces timely and accurate claims processing.
