Meet Kristina Behrens | Speech language pathologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristina Behrens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to start a feeding intensive program in south carolina, to help those children that traditional feeding therapy has either not worked or they need something more specialized to meet there needs. Using vitalstim bridges that gap. We are creating new neuropathways and neuroplasticisty that bridges these feeding and swallowing skills.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have been working as a speech language pathologist for the last 10 years. I have always worked in the medically fragile population. I love the science behind feeding and swallowing. I have done research, taken more CEUS than i can count to learn as much as possible to better my practice. I have focused the last 5 years on the feeding and swallowing aspects of speech language pathology. In 2021, my daughter was diagnosed with cancer i needed to focus on family and still provide for my family. I decided to start a home therapy clinic where i can work around dr visits and hospital stays. I started out with 5 patients and grew to over 20, now i have grown to 2 additional therapists and they have taken over the weekly therapy sessions, as i focus on the more intensive therapy approach. I got certified in VitalStim therapy, which uses electrical stimulation to enhance muscle function and promote neuroplasticity, this can be particularly beneficial for children with feeding and swallowing difficulties who haven’t responded to traditional methods. This method along with different motor and sensory approachs improves the quality of swallowing and feeding. Constant therapy 5 days a week twice a day will hopefully build that muscle memory and improve the quality of feeding not only for the child; but for the parents experience as well. Eating should not be only viewed as a necessity but as a social and enjoyable activity. We include food as a social interaction, all children no matter the diasability should be able to partake in these social routines.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would start at the beach, the reason we moved to charleston was to be close to the beach, we could grab a margarita and some tacos as taco boy on folly. for Dinner i would recommend Sorelles for some fantastic italian food, Since theyre here for a week, i would love to day drink at ritual or little palm, walk around charleston shopping on king in a boutique or the open air market.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Cathy Shreiber- with out her in my life I would be lost. She is my media specialist, life planner, goal organizer. She is one i can collaborate with, bounce ideas off and just be there when i need a little pep in my step

Website: https://Therapytalks.info

Instagram: Charlestonchewintensives