Business Details
Trusted Therapy Services in St. Petersburg
At Because You Can, we are dedicated to transforming lives through personalized, intensive therapy services for adults and children facing communication, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Our multidisciplinary team of speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior analysts, and educators believes in the unique potential of every individual. With expertise rooted in evidence-based practices like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), we design tailored interventions that prioritize functional independence and academic success.Our commitment to intensity in caresupported by decades of combined clinical and educational experienceensures clients receive the focused attention needed to achieve meaningful progress. By integrating therapeutic and academic services, we empower families to navigate challenges with confidence, fostering growth in both clinical and real-world settings.
Services
AAC Therapy
ABA Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Dysphagia Therapy
Dyslexia Intervention
Highlights and features
- Our multidisciplinary team combines decades of experience in AAC and ABA therapies.
- We offer intensive, personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
- Specialized programs address complex communication needs and learning disorders.
- Accepted by major insurers including Medicaid, Cigna, and Aetna.
- Integrated therapeutic and academic services for holistic client development.
What people say
Remarkable recovery
Passionate therapists
Improved speech
Drastic improvements
Responsive and caring
Services
AAC Therapy
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) therapy supports individuals with severe speech impairments through tools like eye-gaze devices and symbol boards. Our clinicians specialize in diagnosing communication needs and implementing customized AAC systems. This service benefits adults and children with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injuries, enhancing their ability to express themselves and engage socially.
ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy focuses on improving socially significant behaviors through evidence-based interventions. Our board-certified analysts develop individualized plans addressing autism-related challenges, ADHD, and behavioral disorders. Services include functional behavior assessments, skill acquisition programs, and caregiver training, delivered in home, school, and clinic settings to promote long-term behavioral improvements.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) enhances fine motor, visual motor, and gross motor skills for individuals with developmental or neurological conditions. Our therapists address sensory processing challenges and self-care independence, working with clients from pediatric to geriatric populations. Interventions are tailored to improve daily functioning for those with diagnoses like Down syndrome, sensory processing disorder, and post-stroke recovery needs.
Dysphagia Therapy
Dysphagia therapy addresses swallowing difficulties caused by neurological injuries or medical conditions. Our intensive programs combine Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBS) with daily therapeutic exercises over 812 weeks. This service helps adults regain safe eating abilities while improving quality of life through structured rehabilitation protocols led by experienced rehabilitation specialists.
Dyslexia Intervention
Our dyslexia evaluations and interventions provide comprehensive assessments for children struggling with language-based learning challenges. Certified specialists use evidence-based methods to identify reading disorder indicators and develop targeted literacy improvement plans. Services include 3-hour diagnostic evaluations and customized academic support aligned with Florida State Standards for K6 students.
People
Jen Ferreira
Director/CEO
Dr. Ferreira holds a PhD in Psychology and specializes in augmentative communication technology. With leadership experience at Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital, she develops collaborative clinical and academic plans for children with complex communication needs and behavioral disorders.
Christjen Madaffari
Director of BYC Learn
Christjen is a Registered Behavior Technician with over a decade of special education experience. She provides classroom-based ABA interventions and music instruction through Bach to Rocks curriculum, while training schools in crisis management protocols.
Rylee Fennell
Speech-Language Pathologist
Rylee specializes in gestalt language processing and AAC for autism spectrum disorders. A certified NLA clinician, she supports echolalic communicators through evidence-based strategies, combining clinical work with research in experimental psycholinguistics.
Ailyn Menas
Occupational Therapist
Dr. Menas focuses on sensory processing and developmental disorders, creating culturally tailored programs for Latinx families with autistic children. Her work emphasizes milestone achievement through individualized therapeutic interventions for conditions like ADHD and Retts Syndrome.
Dr. Bobbie Vaughn
BCBA
Dr. Vaughn brings 25+ years of experience in special education and behavior analysis, including 17 years at the University of South Florida. Her expertise includes functional behavior assessments and supporting families of children with autism and developmental disabilities.
Questions
What therapy services does Because You Can offer?
We provide AAC therapy, ABA therapy, occupational therapy, dysphagia treatment, and dyslexia interventions for adults and children.
Do you accept insurance for therapy services?
Yes, we accept Sunshine, CMS, Cigna, Aetna, Medicaid, and Gardiner Scholarship for applicable services.
What is the BYC Learn school program?
BYC Learn is a K–6 private school offering individualized academic instruction with speech, occupational therapy, and music programs.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, Florida, with clinic locations in both central and north areas.
