Thirteen years ago, Speech Pathologists, Heather Field and Lauri Cole, opened a clinic providing children’s speech therapy. They joined forces with Occupational Therapist, Kari McKown, to combine speech with children’s occupational and physical therapies creating a multi-discipline, holistic therapy center for children in Central Texas. Elite Therapy Center was founded to provide therapy in five area locations including Waco, Gatesville, West, Temple, and Killeen.
“Our goal is to have personal relationships with families and help them on their journey as they deal with everything in their lives having a child with special needs,” Field said.
As therapists and moms, the founders of Elite Therapy Center believe it is important each client not only feel like their child is getting the help they need, but are also joining a family.
“We like to support our clients in ALL aspects of their lives, not just here in our facility,” she said. “We want to be a part of their lives.”
Elite Therapy Center accomplishes this through hosting community events like an all-inclusive Easter egg hunt, a holiday sensory-friendly Santa, and being a part of local sports leagues for kids with special needs.
“We want to be the organization who can provide relationships and answers for parents when they don’t know where to go,” McKown said. “When you have a relationship with the family, you can collaborate as a team and do what’s best for the child.”
Because the center is so connected to its clients and their families, they were able to gain special insight for the new Waco facility, which was just recently completed.
“We had been dreaming of a center where we’d have an open place for our kids to play and receive therapy alongside other kids, so we
could observe social skills in a real-life environment,” McKown said.
Not only does the 21,000-square-foot building come equipped with open areas for play and therapy, but also includes an adult-sized changing station. Other amenities include a covered awning to ensure every client can enter the building safely and protected from any harsh weather elements.
The new facility in Waco, along with four additional locations in West, Gatesville, Temple and Killeen, employs more than 60 licensed and certified therapists and staff members who are committed to providing quality care with a personal touch.
If you’re interested in therapy services Elite Therapy Center provides, you can request care directly online at elitetherapycenter.org and fill out the “Request Care” form.
“We strive to connect with each parent and doctor personally to find the most appropriate solution for each child,” McKown said. “Parents can connect with us directly to ask questions or request services on our website or via text. Our team will follow up with them quickly to discuss how Elite Therapy Center can serve them best. We are ready to help our families on their journey of hope and healing.”
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
