Hi, I'm Heather!
A pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP)
who gets to spend my days helping children communicate, eat, and thrive with confidence, and honestly, I can't imagine doing anything else.
My journey into speech-language pathology started with a love for working with children and a passion for helping them overcome challenges along the way. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of supporting families through speech, language, feeding, and oral function difficulties, and each child I meet leaves a lasting impact on me. In many ways, my patients have helped shape me into the therapist I am today. I truly believe that every child teaches me something new and helps me grow both personally and professionally.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is celebrating milestones alongside families! Especially the ones that once felt out of reach. Whether it's hearing a child's first word, watching them confidently try a new food, or seeing them develop healthier oral habits, those moments are what make this work so meaningful to me.
My clinical focus includes pediatric speech and language therapy, feeding therapy, and orofacial myofunctional therapy. I have a special interest in helping children improve oral function, breathing patterns, feeding skills, and healthy oral habits that support overall growth and development. I believe in taking a holistic approach to therapy and creating individualized treatment plans that meet each child exactly where they are. No two children are alike, and every child deserves support that is tailored to their unique strengths, challenges, and goals.
My therapy style is child-centered, play-based, and family-focused. I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where children feel safe to learn, grow, and have fun. I also believe that parents are an essential part of the therapy journey. Some of the best progress happens when families feel supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way.
These values are what led me to The Hope Place. During my years working in clinic settings, I often felt limited by the constraints of insurance requirements and high caseload demands. While those settings allowed me to help many children, I knew there had to be a better way to provide truly individualized care. What excites me most about The Hope Place is the opportunity to dedicate the time each child deserves, build meaningful relationships with families, and create therapy plans based on the child's needs without insurance limitations.
As a mom of two energetic boys, I understand firsthand that every child is unique. They learn differently, communicate differently, and respond to challenges in their own way. Some days are messy, some days are hard, and some days bring incredible breakthroughs. Being both a therapist and a parent has reinforced my belief that real progress happens when we take the time to understand what makes each child special and build trust along the way.
I look forward to getting to know the families at The Hope Place and creating meaningful relationships that foster growth, confidence, and connection. Whether we're celebrating a big milestone or a small victory, I'm honored to be part of your child's journey.
Heather is an experienced and dedicated pediatric Speech Pathologist at The Hope Place, specializing in holistic, play-based speech, feeding, and orofacial myofunctional therapy.
Written by Heather McCarley, M.S., CCC SLP- Speech-Language Pathologist
Heather provides comprehensive support across the pediatric lifespan—from introducing solids and guiding children with complex medical needs toward oral feeding, to treating orofacial myofunctional disorders, speech sound disorders, and early language delays. She can be reached at'; info@hopeplacetx.com.
