Our Leaders and Learners
Jamie Smith, M.A., CCC-SLP/Owner
Jamie Smith is a dynamic speech-language pathologist who makes learning both enjoyable and effective. With over 25 years of experience working with children and more than 18 years in speech-language pathology, Jamie brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her work. She earned her bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and her master's degree from Washington State University. Beyond her clinical skills, Jamie is the owner of Thankfully Inspired, a published author, and mentor.
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Jamie’s journey in education is as diverse as it is exciting. Before opening her practice in 2019, Jamie’s work took her to various schools and locations across the United States, providing her with a unique perspective and the opportunity to refine her approach to education and speech-language intervention. Before earning her master’s degree, she excelled as a preschool teacher and a speech-language therapy assistant, gaining valuable experience in both private practice and school-based settings. This extensive background makes Jamie far from your ordinary speech-language pathologist.
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Throughout her career, Jamie has collaborated closely with other specialists, gaining a deep understanding of sensory differences and the importance of holistic care. Personal growth has been a cornerstone of Jamie’s journey, fueled by ongoing training and a deep commitment to the families she serves. She is passionate about giving back to the community, using her skills and creativity to develop resources and books that help children and their families navigate emotions, frustrations, and challenges like feeding.
One of Jamie’s core passions is advocating for neurodivergent learners. Her dedication is evident in her certifications in the Hanen Program®, More Than Words, and advanced courses in Social Thinking®. Jamie has also undergone extensive training in orofacial myofunctional therapy, which significantly benefits her clients with feeding, swallowing, and related challenges.
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Where Jamie truly excels in virtual therapy and connecting with her clients. She focuses on identifying the strengths and interests of the child and family, using those as the foundation for building new skills. By using green screens and other creative tools, she transforms therapy into fun-filled adventures. Her creative use of virtual backgrounds and interactive activities ensures that therapy sessions are not just effective but also engaging and enjoyable for children. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients underscores the success of Jamie’s approach to speech-language intervention.
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Outside of her professional life, Jamie is a devoted wife and mother to three wonderful children. Her love for animals plays a significant role in her life, and she enjoys volunteering with her children at local animal rescues, teaching them the value of compassion and service. Whether enjoying an early morning walk with her dog, impressing everyone with her grilling skills, or listening to a self-help book, Jamie’s commitment to personal growth extends beyond herself—she’s equally dedicated to helping others reach their full potential.
Kristina Fuentes, M.S. CCC-SLP
Clinical Director
Say aloha to Kristina, a true force of nature who embodies the qualities of organization, loyalty, and going above and beyond in everything she does! She is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Thankfully Inspired's Clinical Director. She also serves as the President of the Hawaii Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
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With her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, Kristina is a beacon of positivity in the field. Her dedication to knowledge and growth is evident in her extensive educational background, including a master's degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders from New York University. As an Adjunct Instructor for their graduate program, she not only imparts wisdom but also remains at the forefront of advancements in the field.
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Kristina's impressive 13 years of experience have allowed her to work in diverse settings, ranging from schools to skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and private practice. Her certifications in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment and Flexible Endoscopy Evaluation of Swallowing, combined with specialized training in orofacial myofunctional disorders and treatment, equip her with a comprehensive skill set to provide therapy services for a wide range of speech and language disorders.
Being the President of the Hawaii Speech-Language-Hearing Association demonstrates Kristina's dedication to her profession and her desire to uplift the community she serves. This esteemed position speaks volumes about her leadership skills and commitment to advancing the field of speech-language pathology in Hawaii.
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As a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist across multiple states, Kristina has had extensive experience working with clients of all ages, from pediatrics to adults. Her passion for neurogenic disorders, executive functioning, language, and literacy allows her to provide targeted and effective interventions that empower her clients to succeed.
But Kristina's impact goes beyond her professional accomplishments. Her love for food and podcasts adds extra zest to her vibrant life. Outside of work, you'll find her soaking up the sun at the beautiful beaches of Hawaii, tackling exciting new house projects, or exploring the majestic outdoors with her husband and their two furry companions, Baxter and Pacho.
Clients fortunate enough to work with Kristina benefit from her wealth of knowledge and expertise and experience firsthand her unwavering dedication to their well-being.