Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Keith.
Hi Brandi , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Building Up Words started as a dream about 11 years ago for me. Before the name Building Up Words came to be, I had a dream my senior year in high school that started with a desire to help individuals with complex needs. I knew I wanted to couple the passion in my heart to help individuals and interest for flexibility in schedule so that I can one day go on medical mission trips about the world. Once I started studying speech language pathology I fell in love with the field which only grow each year during my time in undergrad and my graduate program! After graduating with my master’s I worked several years in the field to grow in knowledge and hands on experience with families. The dream never left throughout my time working for other companies; however, I learned from my experiences what I wanted the heart of my own company to represent. In 2024, through much prayer and support from my husband and parents I took the leap to register for my LLC! Fast forward to a year later after completing my time with my last employer, I officially launch my speech therapy private practice, Building Up Words! I am passionate about helping individuals, both adult and children, with communication deficits. I specialize in alternative augmentative communication (AAC), which provided non-speaking individuals a way to communicate. I also have a great interest and experience with gestalt language processing. My goal is to create a fun, safe, and language rich environment in the therapy room, give practical tips for caregivers, and collaborate with other professionals for better patient outcomes.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s hasn’t always been a smooth road to get to where I am today. When I was in my sophomore year in college my GPA wasn’t the most competitive. I remember speaking with my department chair director at the time and him telling me that with my GPA I would not get into graduate school. What felt harsh was also a wakeup call. While I did raise my GPA throughout the remainder of my time in undergrad, I did not get accepted to graduate school my first round of applying. At the time this was the worst news, my plans had to change quickly. After graduating I then began to work as a registered behavior technician with children on the autism spectrum. I learned a lot about autism spectrum disorder, working with individuals on the spectrum, and got to see the family’s perspective of what it looks like to get the care needed for your loved one. What looked at the time as a detour, actually set me up to fall in love with a population I really enjoy working with now as a speech-language pathologist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Building Up Words ?
As a speech-language pathologist, I evaluate and treat a variety of speech, language, and cognitive disorders, including speech sound disorders, dysarthria, receptive and expressive language disorders, and cognitive impairments resulting from stroke or traumatic brain injury. I specialize in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), supporting individuals who are non-speaking, as well as Gestalt Language Processing, which supports individuals who primarily communicate using scripts or language learned from media and everyday experiences.
I believe what sets me apart is my heart for collaboration and my commitment to partnering with both families and professionals. I am excited to continue growing this part of my practice by working alongside professionals who serve individuals on the autism spectrum and by developing consultation tracks to support those seeking additional guidance and resources.
I am most proud of the personal care I provide. At Building Up Words, it’s not just about a “caseload” or a “therapy session.” I want every client and family to feel seen, heard, and supported. I strive to walk alongside families as they pursue meaningful progress toward their loved one’s goals, and I value open communication, so families feel comfortable sharing feedback and insights throughout the journey.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Two things: First, my advice would be to take it one day at a time! There are many steps to starting a business and you may have many ideas but there is no rush! I think society and culture tells us to rush and hurry- but that only stresses you out.
Secondly, my advice is to take time to really consider what YOU want your business to be known for. It can be easy to compare yourself to others in the industry, however if there is a method that is not truly reflective of how you want to run your business then stay true to your dream and goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://buildingupwords.com
