Empowering Families, Transforming Lives: Link2Speech Clinic's Collaborative Approach to Full Potential

Kristie Bateman is the passionate owner and founder of Link2Speech Therapy and Behavior Clinic. Kristie's journey began in 2011 when she turned her dream into reality by establishing her private practice. With over 35 years of hands-on experience working directly with children, Kristie brings a wealth of expertise to her role.

Her career path evolved after her son's autism diagnosis, leading her to pursue a master's degree in communication sciences to become a speech-language pathologist. In 2016, she furthered her qualifications by becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Kristie's mission is rooted in inclusivity and collaboration, emphasizing the involvement of parents and caregivers in all aspects of care and treatment. At Link2Speech, she fosters a collaborative environment where every team member works together to help each child reach their full potential.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Kristie enjoys spending time with her family. Married for 35 years, she is a proud parent to three adult children and a doting grandmother to a two-year-old granddaughter. When she's not working, Kristie indulges in her hobbies of reading, snow skiing, knitting, and staying active through exercise.

 Mariah is a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a strong passion for helping children grow into their most independent and confident selves. She earned her B.A. in Kinesiology from Tarleton State University and her M.A. in Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology with three years of experience working ABA. Mariah specializes in early intervention, social skills, and behavioral support, and she finds it incredibly rewarding to witness her clients make progress each day as they begin to use their skills independently. She especially values collaborating with families by sharing highlights of their child’s day and offering strategies they can use at home to actively support growth. Her journey into ABA is especially meaningful, as she discovered her true passion after beginning in a completely different field—an experience that inspired her to pursue her master’s degree in behavior analysis. Outside of work, Mariah enjoys spending time with friends and family, her fiance,  playing with her kitty Disco, and watching movies. She chose to join this clinic after observing ABA therapy during a prior internship in occupational therapy, where she immediately fell in love with the clients, the supportive environment, and the incredible team that makes the clinic such a special place.

Brenda is our vibrant Office Manager at the clinic, bringing over 13 years of experience as a speech therapy office manager. She holds a high school diploma and completed training at a medical front office trade school. Brenda specializes in managing all administrative and insurance-related tasks, ensuring families have a smooth and supportive experience. She finds the most rewarding part of her work to be watching children grow, improve, and gain confidence in themselves. Brenda is passionate about supporting families by making them feel welcome, seen, and heard, and she takes pride in advocating for bilingual families, helping them navigate benefits and understand their child’s journey. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, dancing, and spending time outdoors. Brenda was drawn to this clinic because of its family-oriented environment, where families are valued as more than just a number. She hopes that every family who comes to the clinic feels genuinely welcomed, supported, and heard.

Meet Kate, a dedicated licensed and certified  Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) at our clinic. With a MS in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology from Abilene Christian University.  Kate brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice. She chose the field of speech pathology in order to spend everyday making a difference in her clients lives. Her research, presented at prestigious conventions like ASHA 2022 and TSHA 2023, reflects her commitment to advancing the field. With extensive experience working with children diagnosed with autism, articulation, language disorders and pragmatic language difficulties. Kate is passionate about helping young clients thrive  through collaboration with families. She feels collaboration is imperative to a child's success. She chose Link2Speech because as soon as she walked in she felt at home and she wants families to feel this way too. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 dogs. She stays active teaching Jazzercise classes, and finds serenity by the lake. Kate's blend of expertise and warmth makes her a valued member of our team, dedicated to fostering communication skills and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Anna is a passionate Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) dedicated to supporting children's communication development. With a BS in Speech-Language Pathology and a minor in Child Development, Anna brings a strong foundation to her role. She was inspired to become a speech therapist in order to help people and loves working with children. Over the past three years, she has worked closely with our team, collaborating on innovative strategies to meet each child's unique goals and needs. Anna's commitment to teamwork ensures a holistic approach to therapy, where every child receives personalized care. She chose Link2Speech because she loves collaborating with parents and other professionals  and does this on a daily basis. Outside of work, Anna enjoys working out, playing animal crossing and spending time with her husband and her beloved cat, Leo. With her nurturing spirit and dedication to her young clients, Anna plays a vital role in helping children unlock their communication potential and thrive.

Melany is a passionate Behavior Technician (BT) and Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Kansas. She has experience working in an ABA daycare for one year, completed a speech practicum, and is currently pursuing graduate school. Melamy chose a career in ABA and speech therapy because she loves giving others a voice and watching them grow in their communication skills. The most rewarding part of her work is playing with the kids and supporting their learning in a fun, engaging way. She collaborates closely with families by encouraging them and offering alternative strategies to support their child’s growth. Outside of work, Melamy enjoys exploring coffee shops, going on walks, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family. A favorite quote she lives by is: “When you focus on the good, the good gets better.” She chose to work at this clinic because of the kindness and passion of the staff, and she hopes that every family who comes here feels fully known, supported, and valued.

 Fede is a compassionate Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with five years of experience working with children. She specializes in early intervention, language development, social skills, and behavior support, and is passionate about helping kids grow, learn, and thrive. Fede chose a career in ABA because she has always wanted to work with children, finding it incredibly rewarding to witness the amazing progress they make. For her, the most fulfilling part of the job is watching children gain new skills and confidence while also supporting families by giving them her full attention and guidance as their child grows. Outside of work, Fede enjoys spending time with family and friends and going on walks. She draws inspiration from one of her favorite quotes: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Fede chose this clinic because of its warm, welcoming atmosphere and supportive team, and she hopes that every family who walks through the doors feels safe, confident, and truly cared for as their little ones succeed.

Lexi is a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with a B.S. in ABA and one year of experience in ABA, along with several years working with children. She specializes in early intervention and social skills, and is passionate about supporting children with disabilities while making a meaningful impact on both their lives and their families. Lexi finds the most rewarding part of her work to be witnessing progress and building strong, trusting relationships with her clients. She collaborates closely with families by listening, communicating, and celebrating successes together. Outside of work, Lexi enjoys reading and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. She chose this clinic because its smaller size allows for a more personalized and meaningful impact on client relationships and growth. Lexi hopes that every family who comes to the clinic feels comfortable, confident, and supported as their children learn and thrive.

Julia is a dedicated Lead Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at the clinic. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of North Texas and has nearly two years of experience working in ABA, with a specialization in early intervention. Julia chose a career in ABA because she wanted to support children on the spectrum while also gaining valuable experience for a future career in counseling. She finds the most rewarding part of her work to be witnessing the incredible progress her clients make each day. Julia also places great importance on collaborating with families by being open and honest about areas where their child may need additional support, while also celebrating their successes. Outside of work, Julia enjoys crafts such as crochet and sewing, as well as spending time with friends. She chose this clinic because of its smaller, more personal environment compared to larger companies, and she hopes every family who walks through the doors feels genuinely cared for, supported, and heard.