The Power of a Personalized Approach: Emily Rodriguez’s Vision for the Integration of Pediatric Speech Therapy and Behavioral Health

April 10, 2024

Meet Emily Rodriguez, a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) candidate at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies and a dedicated pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP). Specializing in children aged 2 to 5, Emily serves as a beacon of support for families navigating the complexities of childhood diagnoses. With the majority of her clients being 2-year-old toddlers, Emily is often the first point of contact for parents grappling with a recent diagnosis for their child. Her expertise in providing comprehensive assessments and tailored recommendations, ensures each child receives the individualized care they need. Not content with merely addressing communication challenges, Emily is on a mission to broaden her scope and expertise as a Doctor of Behavioral Health. Her aspiration to pursue the DBH degree stems from a deep-seated desire to effectively guide parents through the emotional journey accompanying a diagnosis and subsequent steps forward. Having served the Miami, FL area for many years, Emily has had the honor of working with countless families and children in need. Looking to the future, Emily plans to expand her services to the Florida Keys, an area where access to therapy services is limited, after completion of her DBH degree. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an influx of families relocating to Florida, and as a native of the Florida Keys, Emily finds immense joy in witnessing her community thrive and grow. Her ultimate goal is to create a safe, supportive, and comfortable environment where children and parents alike can access essential services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling. In this interview, Emily reflects on her professional and educational journey in the DBH program and shares opportunities for innovation in pediatric speech and language therapy in the behavioral health sector.

How are you actively contributing to your local community through your behavioral health expertise?

I provide private speech and language therapy sessions to children who attend private schools in Doral, Florida. Most of my clients are toddlers between 2 and 5 years old, with a significant proportion being 2-year-olds. As the first clinician on their team, I thoroughly assess each child’s speech and language development, including their receptive and expressive language skills, articulation, and phonology. Based on the evaluation results, I then developed a customized treatment plan tailored to each child’s specific needs. In addition to speech and language therapy, I recommend additional evaluations, such as occupational, behavioral, or neurological assessments, if necessary. I understand that early intervention is critical, and I work closely with parents to ensure they know their child’s diagnosis and therapeutic journey. It is highly gratifying to support parents throughout this process and help them navigate the complexities of their child’s diagnosis. I plan to utilize my knowledge gained through the Doctor of Behavioral Health degree program to provide more comprehensive assistance. I leverage this expertise to provide holistic care to my clients, considering the broader context of their lives to ensure that their speech and language therapy is integrated into their overall health and well-being.

What aspects of your professional experience the have influenced your approach to behavioral health?

As a professional who frequently works with new parents and young children, I often receive requests for guidance and assistance from parents who are looking for help after their child has been diagnosed with a condition. Based on my experience, I’ve learned that the best approach to supporting these families is to take a personalized approach that takes into account each family’s unique needs. This includes considering the child’s interests, as well as the parents’ concerns regarding training and support. However, I also understand that each case is different, and every child requires an individualized approach to ensure that they receive the best possible care. For example, some children may have difficulty following up on recommended treatments, such as occupational therapy and behavioral therapy, for extended periods. In such cases, it’s vital to maintain a persevering attitude and advocate for the child while providing recommendations and offering parents the necessary training and support to help them navigate their challenges. I believe that every child deserves to receive the support they need to grow and thrive, and I’m committed to providing parents with the resources they need to make that happen. Whether it’s connecting them with specialized services, offering practical advice, or simply lending a listening ear, I’m here to help parents navigate the complex world of raising a child with a condition.

Reflecting on your experiences, how have you managed challenges in behavioral health, and what strategies do you envision employing to conquer similar challenges moving forward?

In my current role at a private school, I have come across a significant challenge concerning the inadequate training of teachers in recognizing developmental delays in children’s expressive language skills, receptive language skills, and social-pragmatic skills. While teachers are often required to report on a child’s progress, it is crucial to identify and alert parents of any delays in these areas early on, particularly in pre-kindergarten or daycare settings. Since parents may not have another child of typical development to compare with, such as a sibling, they may not be aware of such delays. This lack of awareness can lead to a delay in seeking professional help, which can negatively impact a child’s development in the long run. To address this issue, I have decided to offer training sessions to schools on identifying red flag behaviors and how to approach parents in a sensitive and effective manner. During these training sessions, I will share my expertise and experience in recognizing developmental delays in young children, along with evidence-based strategies to help address these delays. Additionally, I will provide resources and support to teachers so that they can continue to identify and address developmental delays in their students, ensuring that every child gets the support they need to reach their full potential.

Can you share a specific instance that has profoundly shaped your understanding of integrated care and its intersection with behavioral health?

As a private contractor in the healthcare field, I was initially hesitant to suggest to my employer the idea of creating a chat group that would include each patient’s therapeutic team and parent. The reason behind my apprehension was the daunting task of regularly contacting each child’s parent and team member, including the behavior team or occupational therapist, in order to provide them with updates on the child’s progress. However, after much brainstorming, I came up with the idea of utilizing a WhatsApp chat group as a platform for sharing recommendations, best practices, and progress updates. I believed it would be an effective way to keep everyone in the loop and ensure that all parties were on the same page with regards to the child’s treatment plan. To my delight, my idea was met with great enthusiasm by my employer, and the chat group was created. Since then, it has proven to be a successful approach for all involved, with regular updates being shared among the group members, and everyone playing an active role in the child’s treatment journey. The chat group has facilitated better communication, collaboration, and coordination among the child’s therapeutic team and their parents, resulting in improved outcomes for the child.

How do you see yourself making a lasting impact in the behavioral health field?

After completing my Doctorate in Behavioral Health, my plan is to relocate to the Florida Keys to expand my practice and offer a wider range of services. The Florida Keys have seen a significant increase in population since the COVID-19 outbreak, which has created a need for additional resources and services in various areas. Having grown up in the Florida Keys, I have firsthand knowledge of the limited resources available, and my goal is to contribute to the community by providing comprehensive speech-language, occupational, and mental health services. I believe that my experience and qualifications will allow me to make a significant impact on the community. By providing these services, I hope to improve the quality of life for those in need and help them reach their full potential. I am committed to delivering the highest standard of care and ensuring that every patient receives the personalized attention and support they require. Ultimately, my aim is to make a positive difference in the lives of the people of the Florida Keys, and I look forward to the opportunity to do so.

Emily’s multifaceted role as a Doctor of Behavioral Health student and pediatric speech-language pathologist underscores her dedication to advancing care and opportunities for her clients and their families. Emily not only navigates the complexities of diagnosis and treatment, her experience illuminates the intricate interplay between expertise and a personalized approach in the realm of early childhood developmental speech and language disorders. As she envisions a future marked by expanded services and enhanced accessibility for the Florida Keys community, Emily champions the transformative potential of integrating speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral health services under one roof. Her trajectory exemplifies a commitment to elevating standards of care with an integrated behavioral health lens. With Emily’s vision, the future of pediatric therapy in the Florida Keys shines brighter than ever before.

Connect with Emily Rodriguez

LinkedIn: Emily Rodriguez

Check Out Emily Rodriguez on the Disruptors at Work Podcast

Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast, Season 3, Episode 4: The Role of Speech Pathology in Integrated Healthcare with Emily Rodriguez, M.S., CCC-SLP

Learn more about the episode

Testimonials

“As a member of the AAPI community, I’m very familiar with the barriers to mental health services and the need to break through the glass wall of cultural stigma that prevents many from receiving potentially life–saving treatment. I was the only Asian American person in my master’s cohort, the only Asian American person in many of my clinical work settings, the only Asian American person to walk into many of the professional settings that I pushed myself to show up to. In my current practice, I’m constantly reminded by my patients of how difficult it is to find an Asian American mental health provider, though this reminder constantly informs me that more needs to be done for my community. Day after day, I read stories of Asian American people who die by suicide as a consequence of our culture’s avoidance of mental health topics. As a DBH, my biggest goal is to use my expertise in whole–person care to amplify the conversation around mental health and help my community understand that mental healthcare is not a privilege that we are not entitled to, it is a crucial part of our healthcare that will manifest differently in us than what many Western psychology or psychiatry textbooks will describe, and that our unique experience of mental health issues are valid, important, and is time to be part of the larger conversation.”
Willam Chum, LMHCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 16, 2022

“The DBH represents something that I've always embraced in my professional career. And that's collaboration and working across a lot of different disciplines to make sure you’re delivering the best care for the patient. Everything is about being patient centered about finding innovative ways and creative ways to collaborate with other professionals.”
CDR Sean K. Bennett, LCSW, MSWAC, BCDDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - October 10, 2023

“This program will change how you present to the world, not just as a professional but as an individual. Understand this is work but the work is worth it and the journey is undeniably transformative. If you are seeking a doctorate for the title, this is not the program for you. If you are seeking a doctorate to interrupt and disrupt the course of healthcare, then this is the program for you. You won’t find a more supportive program with professors who are dedicated to your success and your education. This program is not about the regurgitation of information. It is about the appropriate applied application of knowledge and information to push forward and become an advocate for equitable and quality care for all.”
Brandy K. Biglow LMHC, CCTP, QSDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 5, 2024

“The Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program has definitely transformed my understanding of behavioral health. Understanding the links between physical and mental health has taught how to make better treatment decisions. The DBH program has also given me insights that otherwise would not be possible and allows me to view individuals through a lens that I was previously ignorant of. This program has helped me grow into a more confident individual, provider, and parent.”
Cory H. Cannady, BCBA, LBADBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 13, 2024

“The DBH program has been a pivotal turning point in my understanding and application of behavioral health principles. Recently, the concept of ‘whole person health’ has gained widespread attention in healthcare circles, becoming somewhat of a buzzword. Like many others, I embraced this term, believing in my capacity to deliver comprehensive care.

Prior to my engagement with the program, my approach, albeit well-intentioned, lacked an appreciation for the intricate interplay between physical and mental health. More importantly, the role of unmet social needs as a catalyst for health disparities was a dimension I had not fully integrated into my practice. The DBH program illuminated these connections, offering me a robust framework to understand and address the multifaceted needs of individuals, especially within marginalized communities.

Additionally, the confidence I have gained through the DBH program extends beyond theoretical knowledge. My role as a connector and advocate for these individuals has become more pronounced, driven by a deep-seated commitment to fostering accessibility, equity, and comprehensiveness in care.”
Michelle Stroebel MA, NCC, LCMHC, NADD-CCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - June 12, 2024

“I have worked in behavioral health for the entirety of my professional career starting with college internships up to my current role as Deputy Executive Commissioner of Behavioral Health for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. While I have years of experience in the field, the DBH program at Cummings has framed my perspective as leveraging therapy as a first line of intervention. As a public servant, much of the work I do is usually in the aftermath of crises or when the system is being forced to respond to a service gap. However, the DBH program takes a much more proactive and integrative approach to health. This perspective/approach has the potential to positively shape policy in Texas in my role as a public servant charged with addressing the safety net needs of the most vulnerable constituents in Texas.”
Trina K. Ita, MA, LPCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - July 10, 2024

“CGI feels like a community of long-lost cousins that finally met as adults and we realized that we share the same goals. The support from the faculty and classmates have been nothing short of amazing. I can reach out to my advisor at any given time to discuss course work, career endeavors, or to just vent about life. There is a feeling of closeness and belongingness at CGI that is just unmatched. I am very happy to be a member of the family and will continue to spread the word of how great this DBH program is.”
Michelle Francis, LCSW/LICSW-QSDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 10, 2024

“The DBH program’s mission, purpose, and objective say it all: We strive for intentional care outcome improvement practices that exemplify whole person-centered integrated healthcare advanced competency. The program of study drives insights and awareness of the ever-changing patient population and multidisciplinary practice environments to change how the world experiences healthcare. This is further reinforced by the pillars of medical literacy, integrated behavioral health intervention, and entrepreneurship skills and expertise. Development growth is needed to prepare the aspiring DBH for the future of the shifting healthcare marketplace through international networking in a growing community of disruptive innovators and an evolving movement toward systemic healthcare change. I feel that I will be positioned alongside a fellowship of like-minded professionals trying to improve the quality of healthcare service delivery value and outcome sustainability.”
Jose Mathew, LCSW, LAC, ACS, EMDR-T, CCTP-IIDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - October 8, 2024

“The DBH program has reinforced my vision of viewing behavioral health (BH) as an integrated component of the healthcare system rather than a siloed service. As a practitioner in the focused BH realm of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, I observe on a regular basis how identifying and serving SUD patients is often missed, ignored and stigmatized in primary healthcare, despite the fact that early intervention at these check-points often has the potential to intervene earlier and lessen the negative SUD outcomes frequently seen by the time a patient reaches specialty SUD services. Reinforcement received in my DBH program has motivated me to promote integration as a leader in my workplace and is a primary factor in considering the long-term trajectory of my individual career path.”
Kenneth L. Roberts, MPS, LPCC, LADCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - November 5, 2024

“By becoming a DBH, I have found that I am able to have different conversations with different people. Before having my doctorate degree, I was able to speak to certain items in behavioral health, but was only seen as a licensed therapist where as a doctor, I am able to speak to the changemakers and policy makers in a more collaborative manner which then allows us as a group to enhance the services we are providing. I also found that as a DBH, my confidence in the treatment room has improved immensely and cases that may have been more difficult for me before are no longer as difficult due to the training I have received in the program.”
Dr. Allison Earl, DBH, LPC-SDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - November 13, 2024

“I think the DBH is quite groundbreaking, it allows you to study from anywhere in the world. The support is fantastic, and you can make out of the DBH what you want. Unlike standard professional doctorates, the DBH was trying to break new ground, not trying to go over just old ground. It greatly encourages its students to be those people who break new ground.

As a person who actually has a disability, I found CGI staff to be very supportive, very accommodating. If I need extensions, they are always there. In fact the staff will reach out and check on you, if they haven’t heard from you in a very short period of time. Which I have never had from any other university.

I find the community of fellow DBH students absolutely wonderful, we reach out across numerous social media platforms, we email each other. Doesn’t matter where I am in the world or where they are in the world, everyone is supportive. Its support, support and encouragement with the DBH.”
Jason P. Sargent, B Policing, GDip Psych, MSW, JPDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - December 10, 2024

“Graduating from the DBH program has influenced and enhanced my approach to addressing behavioral health challenges and making a difference in the field by preparing me to become a serious business owner. Through the DBH program, I understand now that becoming a business owner not only assists me in reaping the financial benefits of working for myself, but the program also offers me a sense of freedom to make a difference in an individual’s life.”
Dr. Rebecca K. Wright, DBH, LBA, BCBA, QBADBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - December 18, 2024

“I have always wanted to pursue a higher degree but never found a program that met my needs. When I investigated the DBH program, I can honestly say I was excited. It was a program that would expand my knowledge in behavioral health but also how it relates to physical health. The philosophy of treating the whole person was exactly what I was looking for.”
Elizabeth Nekoloff, M.Ed., LPCC-S, NCCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - January 16, 2025

“Prior to obtaining my DBH, I practiced behavioral health within the boundaries of behavior analysis. The DBH degree has given me the ability to broaden my scope of competence allowing me to provide a higher quality of care to my clients through a person-centered approach, while still staying within my scope of practice. I was in the beginning stages of opening my business when I enrolled in the DBH program which set my trajectory towards being a stronger leader. The program equipped me with essential healthcare leadership and entrepreneurial skills, allowing me to ensure high-quality services for my clients and foster a supportive work environment for our staff. It has also given me the confidence to expand my business and pursue other healthcare ventures, reaching a broader range of patients in need.”
Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo, DBH, BCBA, IBADBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - January 21, 2025

“Although I have worked with many patients who have mental health diagnoses, or behaviors which make managing their medical diagnoses and day to day life difficult, the DBH program at CGI is broadening that knowledge and providing a deeper understanding of behavioral health and how best to help these individuals manage their health and improve their quality of life. This will allow me to provide and advocate for more meaningful and seamless integrated care, providing new tools for my intervention toolbox, and the confidence and skills to collaborate within and lead whole person focused interdisciplinary teams. I also anticipate building upon my knowledge as a nurse case manager and long time caregiver, as well as my personal passions and professional vision, learning about processes and operations, to be in position to start up and lead my own company one day, offering the services and care I know every person should have access to.”
Hollie Wilson, MSN, RN, CCMDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 11, 2025

“The Doctor in Behavioral Health (DBH) program has changed my understanding of the subject and career path. Before this academic journey, my knowledge of behavioral health was primarily theoretical, including essential ideas and methods. However, the DBH curriculum combined intense academic research with practical application, helping me understand behavioral health from multiple angles. Recognizing mental health as part of total health changed my perspective. The biopsychosocial model, which showed how biological, psychological, and social variables affect mental health, was stressed in the DBH curriculum. This comprehensive approach made me realize how complex human behavior is and how important it is to address mental health issues. Effective interventions must target the individual’s surroundings, relationships, and life experiences, not just symptoms. The curriculum also gave me enhanced evidence-based practice training to execute successful solutions. Studies methods and data analysis classes improved my critical thinking and allowed me to evaluate and apply behavioral health studies. This gave me the confidence to contribute to the field’s knowledge base through practice and research.”
Dr. Rhea Hill, DBH, LPCDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 17, 2025

“The DBH program will open opportunities for me to contribute to healthcare system innovation, particularly through trauma-informed care and integrated behavioral health settings. I will be better positioned to advocate for and implement holistic care models that improve health outcomes for underserved populations. Ultimately, this program will help me transition into higher-level roles, such as a director or consultant in behavioral health, where I can influence broader system changes and contribute to the future of healthcare delivery.”
DeKyn Rashad Peters, MPH-CHES,BSW/BA,APCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 4, 2025

“The DBH program has been integral in preparing me for leadership roles by providing a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of leadership within the behavioral health sector. Through coursework, case studies, and hands-on experiences, I have learned to lead with empathy, data-driven decision-making, and strategic planning. The program has also honed my skills in organizational development, communication, and policy advocacy, equipping me to effectively lead teams, drive impactful change, and foster environments that promote positive behavioral health outcomes. With this training, I am confident in my ability to lead initiatives that address systemic barriers and improve care delivery.”
Dr. Jerrika Henderson, DBH, CMHCDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 18, 2025