Meet Kristina Babayan | Speech Language Pathologist

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

Hi Kristina, how does your business help the community?
At Speech Care Co., I truly feel like our impact goes beyond just working on speech and language. A big part of what we do is helping families move from a place of fear and uncertainty to a place of relief, confidence, and understanding.

I’ve seen so many parents come in feeling scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what’s going on with their child. And then over time, as we talk through things, provide the right information, and start therapy, you can literally feel that shift. There’s this sense of ease that starts to come in when they realize their child is capable, that progress is happening, and that they’re not alone in the process.

I always explain that therapy isn’t just about practicing sounds or words. It’s about helping rewire the brain and build the foundation for communication in a way that actually carries into real life. And when that starts to click, it’s really powerful.

Some of the most meaningful moments for me are when parents get emotional in a good way. When they see their child communicate in a way they didn’t think was possible, and you can just see the relief and happiness all at once. As much as I love working with my clients, those moments with parents really stay with me.

I also really value having parents involved in the process. I love when they sit in sessions, ask questions, and learn how to carry things over at home. It creates such a strong sense of support and consistency for the child, and it helps parents feel more confident in what they’re doing.

At the end of the day, I just want families to feel supported, informed, and at peace knowing their child is growing, learning, and able to communicate in their own way.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Speech Care Co. was created from a place of wanting to do things differently. I wanted to build a space where therapy feels personal, intentional, and truly centered around both the child and their family. What sets us apart is that we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every child, every family, every plan is individualized and rooted in evidence-based care, but also in connection and trust.

I’m most proud of the relationships we build. The progress we see is important, of course, but what really stands out to me is the level of comfort families feel when they walk through the door. There’s a sense of ease, of being understood, and of knowing they’re in the right place. That’s something I’ve worked really hard to create.

Getting to where I am today definitely wasn’t easy. Starting and growing a private practice comes with a lot of uncertainty, pressure, and moments of self-doubt. There were times where I questioned if I was making the right decisions or if I could handle all the different roles that come with being both a clinician and a business owner. But I kept going because I genuinely care about the work and the families I serve.

A big part of overcoming those challenges was learning to trust myself, staying grounded in my values, and being open to growth. I invested a lot into continuing education, mentorship, and really understanding both the clinical and business sides of what I do. I also learned that it’s okay to not have everything figured out, as long as you’re willing to keep learning and showing up.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that meaningful work takes time. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does trust. But when you stay consistent and lead with intention, things start to fall into place.

What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s built with so much care. This isn’t just a business to me. It’s something I’ve poured my heart into. I want families to feel supported, informed, and confident in their child’s journey. And I want every child who walks into Speech Care Co. to feel seen, capable, and valued.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would center the whole experience around Burbank, which is where I grew up and where I truly feel at home. There’s something about Burbank that just feels peaceful and grounding. I love being able to walk around, enjoy the fresh air, and not feel rushed. It has this sense of safety and calm that makes you slow down and actually be present.

I would start the mornings with coffee or an açaí bowl from Acai Jungle, which is one of my favorite spots. It’s one of those places where you can just sit, relax, and ease into the day. One of my favorite things to do is walk along the Chandler path, which used to be an old train track. It’s such a nice, open space and just feels really calming, especially in the mornings or around sunset.

I’d take them around the studio areas like Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, because I love that mix of creativity and everyday life that Burbank has. Then we’d spend time walking around Burbank Town Center, going into shops, grabbing little things, and just enjoying being out. For food, I’d keep it simple but really good. Places where you can sit, talk, and enjoy the moment without feeling rushed.

I’d probably plan one beach day or a nice dinner somewhere with a view, but I’d always come back to Burbank as the place to unwind. More than anything, I’d want them to feel how I feel when I’m there. Calm, comfortable, and at ease. That feeling of home is what makes it so special to share.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family, friends, and mentors. They’ve been such a big part of my journey in ways that go far beyond just support.

My family has always believed in me and encouraged me to dream bigger, even in moments when I felt unsure of myself. That kind of belief really stays with you and gives you the confidence to keep going.

My friends have been there through all the ups and downs, especially during the more challenging phases of building a business. They’ve reminded me to stay grounded, to take care of myself, and to keep pushing forward.

And my mentors have played such an important role in shaping how I think as a clinician and as a business owner. They’ve guided me, challenged me, and helped me grow through every stage, especially when I was navigating new or difficult situations.

I think a lot of what I’ve built is a reflection of all of those people. Their support, encouragement, and belief in me gave me the strength to face challenges as they came and continue building something I truly care about.

Website: https://speechcareco.com/

Instagram: @speechcareco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Speech-Care-Co-61572575662311/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/speech-care-burbank-2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF__6npLY-5fpxPtqpqwQsg