Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Reid.
Hi Summer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I didn’t set out thinking I’d build a practice. I was always drawn to the very beginning of things. Feeding, communication, cognition. Those early moments when families are tired, unsure, and just want to know they’re doing right by their child.
I’m a Speech Language Pathologist and a Certified Lactation Counselor, and I’ve worked in medical settings, early intervention, and schools. Over time, I kept noticing the same thing. Families weren’t failing. They were overwhelmed. They were getting information, but not the kind of support that helps you feel steady and confident.
And the village looks so different now. So many people in my generation are building families far away from their parents, grandparents, and the people who used to step in naturally. That built-in support just isn’t there in the same way. I wanted to walk alongside families and help create that village feeling through guided, compassionate support.
That became personal for me too. As a young mother, I felt that gap myself. I craved the kind of steady presence and reassurance I was trying to offer my families.
That’s where the name BloomBridge comes in. Bloom represents growth, possibility, and the belief that families and children are meant to thrive. Bridge reflects how I see my role. I’m not here to push families or lead from far ahead. I’m here to meet them where they are and walk with them to what’s next.
BloomBridge is built on relationship, trust, and partnership. My work today blends clinical care, coaching, and advocacy, but at the heart of it is community. When families feel supported and not alone, everything changes. Confidence grows, stress eases, and real progress follows.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’m less than a year in, and building a name for yourself in a community takes time, especially when you’re doing work that’s relational and trust based.
One of the biggest challenges has been starting from scratch. Letting people know who I am, what I offer, and why my approach is different. Trust isn’t something you can rush, and families don’t hand it over easily, nor should they. There have been quiet seasons, moments of wondering if I’m being seen, and learning to stay patient while the work grows at its own pace.
At the same time, I’m up for it. I believe deeply in the value of what I offer, and I’m committed to earning trust the right way. By showing up consistently, listening well, and walking alongside families in a way that feels supportive and human.
Another challenge has been holding both roles at once. Being a clinician, a business owner, and a mother. Learning when to push and when to rest. Learning that growth doesn’t always look loud or fast.
I’ve had to remind myself that building something meaningful takes time. Word of mouth, relationships, and reputation are built one family at a time. I’m focused on working my way into the hearts of families in this area through care, integrity, and results. I know if I keep doing that, the rest will follow.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about BloomBridge Speech Services PLLC?
BloomBridge is a private practice built around early feeding, communication, and cognitive support from infancy through childhood, with guidance that truly includes the family. What we do goes beyond therapy sessions. We focus on education, coaching, and partnership so families understand what’s happening, why it matters, and how to carry it into daily life.
I specialize in infant and pediatric feeding, early communication, and cognitive foundations, especially for families who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure where to start. Many of the families I serve are first time parents or parents navigating medical complexity, feeding challenges, or early developmental concerns. I’m known for meeting families where they are and helping them feel calm, informed, and confident instead of rushed or judged.
What sets BloomBridge apart is the way care is delivered. I slow things down. I explain the why. I invite questions. I treat caregivers as partners, not passive recipients of information. My background as both a Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor allows me to look at feeding and development through a wider, more connected lens, especially in those early months when everything overlaps.
Brand wise, I’m most proud of the trust families place in me. BloomBridge isn’t built on flashy promises or quick fixes. It’s built on relationship, consistency, and outcomes that make life feel more manageable for families. I want people to know this is a space where science and compassion coexist, where families are supported without shame, and where progress is measured not just in milestones, but in confidence and connection.
At its core, BloomBridge exists to feel like part of a village. A steady presence. A bridge between where families are and where they’re going, built with care, clarity, and intention.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I don’t believe in the idea that one person has all the answers. What’s worked best for me has been building a small network of trusted counsel. People who actually know me, understand my values, and can speak into different parts of the journey. Clinical, business, personal, and even spiritual.
I also think there’s real value in having a paid mentor. Making that investment sets clear expectations on both sides and helps you show up prepared and committed. It signals that you’re serious about growth, not just collecting advice.
Networking, for me, has been less about handing out business cards and more about building real relationships. Showing up consistently, being curious, asking thoughtful questions, and following through. Trust builds over time, not in one conversation.
I’ve also learned that while family and friends mean well, they don’t always understand the depth of your vision or what it actually takes to get there. That doesn’t make them unsupportive. It just means they may not be the right voices for certain decisions.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to move forward before you feel ready. Growth requires risk. You learn by doing, by trying, and sometimes by getting it wrong. Progress comes from action, not waiting for perfect clarity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bloombridgespeech.com
- Instagram: @bloombridge_speech
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577797873594
