Hillary Guest, M.S., CCC-SLP, Founder
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hillary Guest, nationally-certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) with training to treat feeding and swallowing disorders
Hi, I’m Hillary! I am a licensed and nationally-certified speech-language pathologist.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are more commonly known as “speech therapists,” but that is just part of what we do. SLPs are also trained to evaluate and treat feeding and swallowing disorders. In fact, pediatric feeding therapy is one of my passions.
See my Education and Experience.
For nearly 10 years, I have worked with pediatric patients in all disciplines of speech-language pathology in various settings, ranging from hospitals (including Cincinnati Children’s and Beaumont Children’s), to private clinics, to schools.
I have significant experience working with children with severe disabilities and children from diverse linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and I am a trauma-informed clinician. This enables me to offer a holistic and informed approach to evaluation and treatment.
On multiple occasions I have been invited to present at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) convention which draws 15,000 participants annually. My presentation topics included swallowing disorder assessment and social skills of children with hearing loss.
I am licensed to practice Speech-Language Pathology in Texas, Michigan, and Florida.
Early beginnings…
I’ve always had an interest in learning about the brain. As a kid, I spent most holiday seasons accompanying my mom to the inpatient rehabilitation unit where she worked as an occupational therapist with adults with brain injuries, stroke, or were in recovery from orthopedic surgery. I’d sing carols while my sister practiced playing the French horn. When I got a little older, I figured psychiatric nursing sounded like a great career path where I could engage in lifelong learning while getting to help people with both big and small challenges. Along the way, I got acquainted with a speech-language pathologist in the aforementioned rehab unit. After some shadowing, I realized speech-language pathology was actually my true calling. Not only could I work with people with neurological differences, like Autism, but I could provide treatment from a holistic perspective.
Getting back to my roots…
In early 2019, I made the decision to relocate back to the south to be closer to my family and I could not be happier. I absolutely love living in Austin! Outside of spending time learning more about speech/language (which I am constantly doing), I love hanging out with my family, including my cat! It’s also been nice exploring all of the cool parks and scenery that Austin has to offer. My other hobbies/interests include attending Barre3 classes, listening to Taylor Swift, and singing, although I’m not the best at it.
Experience and Education
Florida State University, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Communication Science and Disorders, 2013
Florida State University, Master of Science (M.S.), Speech-Language Pathology, 2015
Licensed to practice Speech-Language Pathology in Texas and Florida
Holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), 2016-Current
Awards and Recognitions
American Speech-Language Hearing Association ACE Award, 2018, 2020 and 2021
Specialized Education and Trainings
Traineeship in Interdisciplinary Early Intervention in Severe Disabilities (TIES) Grant, awarded by the Federal Department of Education, 2013-2015. The purpose of this grant is to train speech pathologists to work with infants and toddlers with severe disabilities from diverse linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Achieved 63.5 clinical contact training hours with a board certified fluency expert at Camp Shout Out for children with fluency disorders, 2018
Completed a 2-day seminar on pediatric feeding entitled Pediatric Feeding: Is it Skill or Will?, 2019
Pediatric feeding certificate from 3-month “Feed the Peds” course, 2020
SOS (Sensory Oral Sequential) Approach to Feeding Training, July 2021
Speaking Engagements
“The Effects of Trauma on Language Development” presentation for early childhood educators in the Detroit Public School District, 2016.
“SLPs and Feeding”, Guest Lecturer @ Keiser University for COTA students, 2020
“Journey to Private Practice” presentation for Florida State University graduate SLP students, 2020
“Journey to Private Practice” presentation for University of Texas at Austin undergraduate SLP and audiology students, 2020
The Fresh SLP Podcast episode: “The SLP Who Wanted to be a Superhero”, 2020
“Speech Language Development” professional development presentation for early childhood educators in Manor, 2022