Ms. Byers is a California state licensed speech-language pathologist who is dedicated to working with children. She also holds a certificate as a state nonpublic agency. Chris earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. She was granted a federal traineeship throughout her graduate education, which allowed her to specialize in working with children that are severely physically and/or mentally challenged.

She has experience treating young children with:

• Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Various Syndromes, Spina Bifida, Cleft Palate
• Oral Motor/Feeding Impairment, Phonological Delays, Severe Apraxia, Sensory Integration Disorders
• Traumatic Head Injury, Global Developmental Delays, Receptive/Expressive Language Delays
• Language Processing Disorders, Chronic Otitis Media, Voice Disorders

Ms. Byers has more than 18 years experience in her field. Her combined experience includes: employment with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Division of Special Education, contracting with Early Intervention Programs, and building a private practice. She is highly skilled in conducting assessments, establishing appropriate goals and objectives, and providing highly effective speech and language intervention for all types of children.

Her unwavering commitment to continuing education has provided Chris extensive knowledge in the areas of autism, apraxia, phonology, Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), Picture Exchange Communication (PECS), Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention, Behavioral Intervention and early language intervention. Chris is very personable and has worked collaboratively with administrators, school psychologists, school-based speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, adaptive physical education instructors, classroom teachers, assistants and parents.

Chris is also a certified provider for Interactive Metronome (IM). IM is a noninvasive, brain-based assessment and training program that directly improves processing abilities that affect attention, language, motor and organizational skills. There are also significant correlations between IM and academic achievement in mathematics, language and reading. The IM program has also proven to be a powerful tool for improving both the physical and mental aspects of athletic performance for children and adults.

Chris’ commitment to her clients is threefold:

• To provide families with as much information as possible regarding their child’s speech, language and related disorders
• To approach therapy as a collaborative arrangement with parents and related professionals to ensure consistency and carryover of intervention strategies
• To make therapy as motivating and fun as possible for the child. Chris believes that children will work harder and learn more in a structured, safe and loving environment

Ms. Byers would be pleased to talk with you about her training, experience and philosophy of intervention and treatment. She is currently accepting new referrals for Interactive Metronome training, as well as, individuals with speech, language and communication delays, oral motor/feeding impairment, augmentative/ alternative communication (AAC) needs, and voice disorders.