Because You Can

Our Philosophy

Here at Because You Can, our team of experienced professionals, including doctors, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior analysts, and educators, believes that every individual is unique and learns in their own way. We recognize that recovering from an incident or learning to communicate effectively can be a challenging journey, and we are dedicated to providing intensive, specialized care to help our patients reach their full potential.

We understand that individuals with communication disorders often face limitations in accessing therapy tailored to their specific needs. At Because You Can, we believe that a diagnosis is just the starting point. We take a comprehensive approach, considering the individual's unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations to create personalized treatment plans that foster growth and progress.

Our Specialties

Because You Can is proud to offer a wide range of services to address diverse communication disorders in both children and adults. Our team's expertise encompasses:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Therapy: We are committed to helping individuals with limited verbal communication find alternative ways to express themselves. Our specialized AAC therapy utilizes various technologies and strategies, including eye-gaze devices, picture exchange systems, and symbol-based communication tools, to empower individuals to communicate their needs, thoughts, and feelings.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy: ABA therapy is a scientifically validated approach that focuses on improving socially significant behaviors. Our experienced behavior analysts work closely with individuals and their families to understand their unique challenges and develop individualized plans to enhance communication, social skills, self-care, and learning abilities.

Speech-Language Therapy: Our speech-language pathologists provide evidence-based interventions for a wide range of articulation, language, fluency, and cognitive communication disorders. We work with individuals of all ages to improve speech clarity, expand vocabulary, enhance comprehension, and build strong communication skills.

Occupational Therapy: Our occupational therapists empower individuals to participate fully in daily life activities. We address a variety of developmental, sensory, motor, and cognitive challenges, helping individuals develop fine motor skills, improve coordination, enhance self-care abilities, and engage in meaningful activities.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration: We recognize that the best outcomes are achieved through a collaborative approach. Our team of specialists regularly works together to develop integrated treatment plans that address the unique needs of each individual. We also actively involve families and caregivers in the treatment process, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to support their loved ones at home and in the community.

Our Team

At Because You Can, we are driven by a passion for helping individuals reach their full potential. Our dedicated team of professionals brings extensive experience and expertise to every interaction.

• Dr. Jen Ferreira: Our Director and CEO, Dr. Ferreira, holds a PhD in Psychology and a Master's in Speech-Language Pathology. Her research has focused on utilizing technology to augment cognitive development in children with complex communication needs. Dr. Ferreira's extensive experience includes leadership roles at prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and Tampa General Hospital, where she provided compassionate and innovative care to individuals with a wide range of neurological and developmental conditions.

• Kara Kover: Kara is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Special Education and a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. Her passion for working with children has led her to excel in both school and outpatient settings, providing individualized therapy to a diverse population of children with a wide range of exceptionalities.

• Emily Monashkin: Emily is a skilled Speech-Language Pathologist with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. She profoundly understands the challenges faced by individuals with various communication disorders, drawing on her extensive experience working with diverse patient populations in acute, outpatient, and private practice settings. Her expertise spans a wide range of areas, including fluency, aphasia, articulation, and early language development, and she is particularly passionate about introducing families to the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

• Rylee Fennell: Rylee is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. Her Master's degree in Education and specialization in Speech-Language Pathology has equipped her to provide effective interventions for a wide range of communication disorders.

We are dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering environment where individuals can flourish.

Our Commitment

At Because You Can, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and live fulfilling lives. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality therapy services that meet their unique needs. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and celebrated for their strengths and progress.

We are constantly expanding our knowledge and skills to offer the latest and most effective treatments, and we are dedicated to collaborating with families and communities to promote communication access and inclusion for all.