Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Jenkins.
Hi Kim, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was working as a speech therapist in the school system when a teacher I worked with referred a friend’s child to me for private speech therapy. That single referral became the spark that started my business. I began building my private practice while still working full time in the schools, often working seven days a week for several years as I grew it on the side.
I loved working with autistic clients and slowly became a niched business, specializing in supporting gestalt language processors, children with literacy challenges, and those who needed executive functioning support.
I began using social media to grow my business and quickly realized there was a significant need for clear, practical guidance to help parents support their autistic children’s speech and language at home. In response, I wrote an e-book, A Parent’s Guide to Echolalia, to help families understand echolalia and support their child’s communication as it develops toward meaningful conversation. This work naturally expanded into the creation of my Teachers Pay Teachers store, where I now design neuroaffirming digital resources for autistic children that support speech, language, executive functioning, and social skills.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a small business owner is hard work. There are constant ups and downs and often inconsistent income, but I’ve learned to be creative and intentional with my finances because I’m deeply passionate about what I do. I truly can’t imagine doing anything else.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am the owner of Empowering Speech Services, a pediatric private practice that supports autistic and neurodivergent children through a neuroaffirming, strengths-based approach to speech, language, literacy, and executive functioning. I specialize in working with Gestalt Language Processors and am known for helping families understand and support their child’s unique communication style.
What sets my practice apart is a whole-child approach that integrates communication with literacy, regulation, and executive functioning, recognizing that language develops best when children feel supported and understood. In addition to therapy services, I create educational resources for families and professionals, including A Parent’s Guide to Echolalia and digital tools used by parents, teachers, and speech-language pathologists worldwide.
I am most proud that Empowering Speech Services has become a trusted, inclusive space for families. My goal is to empower children to communicate authentically while equipping parents with practical, evidence-based tools. Every child and family on my caseload is deeply important to me.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’ve always been creative and loved helping people. I had a strong personality, never loved rigid rules, and was curious about everything. I was very active, highly social, and thrived on change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.empoweringspeechservices.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringspeechservices/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554914822590
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-jenkins-a0288796/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@empoweringspeechservices
Image Credits
I’m sorry, I can’t figure out how to upload pictures from my phone. Can you text me and I’ll share them with you? I give you permission to use them. 865-806-8110
