Creating a personalized
learning experience for your child.
Play On Words proudly serves Northlake, Justin, Argyle, Lantana, Flower Mound, and surrounding communities
At Play On Words, our mission is to help children and parents navigate the journey of speech therapy in a relaxed and fun environment. We believe children learn best when they don't even know they're being taught. This approach will help your child enjoy and thrive in therapy!
Meet Our Team
Hi, I’m Annie!
I’ve been practicing Speech Pathology for over 10 years. In 2019 I launched Play On Words Pediatric Speech Therapy because I saw a great need for Speech Pathology services here in our community. My approach is different for each child. I believe in using the individual interests and aptitudes of each child, in combination with the availability and strengths of each family, to develop a therapy plan that is fun, yet challenging as they work toward achieving their goals. I am passionate about ensuring carry-over of skills into the child and family’s natural, everyday lives.
I earned my Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2014 and my Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from the University of North Texas in 2012. I hold a Certificate of Clinical Competency through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and am a Board-Certified Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Texas.
I have completed 29 hours of continuing education in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy through the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. I have also been trained in Hodson’s Approach to Phonological Disorders, PROMPT, Kaufman Apraxia of Speech System, The Sound Card System, Talk-Tools Oral Placement Therapy, Sensory-Motor Feeding by Lori Overland, Picture Exchange Communication (PECS), Social Thinking by Michelle Garcia Winner, CAN-EAT Approach to Feeding, Childhood Behavioral and Sensory Feeding Disorders, Vocal Cord Dysfunction, and American Sign Language.
Hi, I’m Lauren!
I have been part of the Play On Words team since June 2024. I earned my Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Texas in 2009. I hold a Certificate of Clinical Competency through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and am a Board-Certified Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Texas. Prior to working at Play On Words, I was a school-based SLP in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and in the state of Wyoming, working with children ages 2-18. I have helped develop speech and language intervention programs and procedures for schools and provided training to staff, parents, and other service providers.
I enjoy working with clients who have complex communication needs. I am a Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) trained clinician on Gestalt Language Processing, Echolalia, and Natural Language Acquisition. My sessions contain functional, play-based and child-led opportunities to grow communication in contexts that can be easily carried over into the home and community. I have training and years of clinical experience working with children who utilize robust Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems to enhance their communication skills, including programs such as: LAMP Words for Life, Unity (PRC-Saltillo); Gateway, Word Power (TobiiDynavox); Proloquo2Go (AssistiveWare); and Grid 3 (Control Bionics). I have worked with AAC users whose communication needs ranged from “No/Low Tech” to “High Tech” systems, such as signs/gestures, visual schedules and picture exchange, eye gaze boards, buttons/switches, and speech-generating devices.
I live in Northlake with my two sweet dogs, Andy and Annie. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, getting together with family, watching classic movies, and being outside with my pups!
Hi, I’m Katie!
I am originally from Kansas so I am a Texas Transplant. I completed my Undergraduate degree at Kansas State University and completed my Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Oklahoma State University.
I previously worked in public schools in Prosper ISD. I have had the opportunity to work with children ages 3-18 years in all areas of speech and language. I currently live in Northlake with my husband and our dog. In our free time, we enjoy completing home projects, attending our nieces and nephews sporting events, and traveling to visit family!
Hi, I’m Lauren!
I graduated with my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Abilene Christian University in 2024, and my Bachelor’s in Communication Science Disorders from Texas Woman’s University in 2022. During graduate school, I gained experience in public/private schools, home health, hospital, and private practice settings working with various disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Disorders, Language Disorders, and more!
Before graduate school, I worked as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant and Registered Behavior Technician at an ABA center. During therapy, I believe in following the child’s lead and meeting them where they’re at! Areas of speech I am passionate about are teaching idioms, regaining tongue strength, phonological disorders, and articulation disorders!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching movies, growing my green thumb, and going to hockey games!
Hi, I’m Keegan!
I’m so excited to be working with you! I graduated from the University of North Texas with my Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2024 and my Bachelor’s of Science in Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology in 2022. During my time in grad school, I worked as a licensed speech-language pathologist assistant at an ABA Center.
I have experience with a variety of communication disorders such as Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Gestalt Language Processors, augmentative and alternative communication, executive functioning disorders, fluency, articulation disorders, language disorders, and feeding. Speech therapy has been a passion of mine for several years now, as I went through speech therapy myself when I was 17 and 20 years old. I became excited about speech when my own therapist valued my concerns and interests, and put an emphasis on individualized and family-centered therapy. I knew that I wanted to do the same with my career! I enjoy making speech fun through games, books, and structured play. I am passionate about empowering my clients to feel confident in the way they convey their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside in the sun by taking long walks with my dog or sitting by the pool. I enjoy reading, spending time with my friends and family, working out, and trying new foods!
I am incredibly thankful and excited to be a part of the team at Play on Words. I can’t wait to celebrate each of my client’s accomplishments and milestones.
Hi, I’m Amy!
I’m thrilled to be a part of the Play on Words team as the Office Administrator!
A little about me: My family and I live in Argyle. My husband is a firefighter in Carrollton, and together we have three energetic children. We love spending quality time together, especially with family game and movie nights.
I’ve enjoyed being able to apply my organizational skills and passion for connecting with people in a professional setting. I bring over 12 years of office management experience, having handled tasks such as scheduling, billing, and correspondence. My background spans the agricultural, medical, and business sectors, giving me the flexibility to tailor my skills to best serve the needs of our clients. I am responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of our operations, ensuring that billing, insurance claims, and patient accounts are handled accurately and efficiently. My role involves collaborating closely with the clinical team to maintain seamless operations, enabling our therapists to focus on providing high-quality care.
Hi, I’m Catherine!
I am the Office Receptionist at Play on Words Pediatric Speech Therapy!
I am a Louisiana native living in Argyle, TX. My husband and I have three spunky children together. As a family we love spending our time outdoors – whether it’s in the swimming pool or around a campfire making s’mores. We also enjoy cooking great food and watching LSU football – Geaux Tigers!
I was previously a stay-at-home mom, a role I truly loved and cherished. Now, I enjoy seeing our repeat patients each week and deeply value the relationships I’ve built while working at Play on Words. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that makes a positive impact on the lives of our patients and their families.
FAQ
What are your hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
*Closed for lunch daily from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Do you accept our insurance?
We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and UMR.
What can I do if you do not accept my insurance?
We are happy to provide you with a super bill that includes service codes, dates of service, and payments made to submit to your insurance company with hopes of being reimbursed for a percentage of what you have paid.
** Please be aware that reimbursement is not guaranteed and is subject to the terms and conditions of your specific insurance policy and plan.
What if I am not sure if my child needs Speech Therapy?
We offer speech and language screenings! During a screening consultation, one of our master’s level SLPs will spend 10-15 minutes interacting and listening to your child and will give you their professional opinion as to whether or not they believe your child may benefit from a full evaluation or if they are developmentally on-track with their same-aged peers.
If you are interested in scheduling a Speech & Language screening, please give our office a call at 940-304-3791. We would love to help!
What ages do you work with?
We see clients from birth to 21.
While our practice is primarily equipped for pediatrics, we also have unique skill sets to help adults too including rooted articulation errors, fluency, cognition, reasoning skills, working memory, attention, and Myofunctional Therapy work. Please feel free to give our office a call for more information!
Do you accept outside evaluations?
Of course. As long as the evaluation was completed within the last 6-8 months by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and still paints a good picture of your child’s strengths and weaknesses with goals for therapy, we are happy to accept it! We just ask to review it prior to your first visit.
If you are interested in sharing an outside evaluation with us, please send it to: frontdesk@playonwords.me
How long will my child be in therapy for?
While every child is different, most of our clients are under our care on average for 6 months to a year depending on their unique needs and circumstances.
Why the hedgehog?
Did you know that hedgehogs share some similarities with many of the children we see?
You see, when hedgehogs feel insecure, scared, or irritated, they have a natural instinct to roll into a ball and stick out their quills as a defense mechanism!
Likewise, some of the little ones who come to us for therapy display similar behaviors when they find it challenging to express themselves or when they struggle to be understood by others. Instead of displaying physical “spikes,” you might observe moments of melt downs, insecurities, frustration, or even big physical reactions.
However, just like hedgehogs, once these children feel comfortable and secure, they open up and reveal their sweet and soft nature inside! It’s truly heartwarming to witness their transformation, much like the endearing qualities of hedgehogs.