In a field where words hold power, few stories illustrate the global reach of communication quite like that of Dr. Ethan Levien. I was drawn to Dr. Levien because of his background in linguistics, his work providing therapy through his private practice both in Central Florida and the Caribbean, and the way linguistics informs and influences his approach as a speech-language pathologist (SLP).
From Central Florida to the Caribbean: Expanding Access Through Telepractice
Dr. Levien is the founder and owner of therapyinthehills.com, an independent private practice providing speech and language services to children not only in Central Florida, but also in Jamaica. Through teletherapy, families can now access speech and language services, parent training, and resources that were once out of reach.
He is passionate about working in this space where language and culture intersect, particularly when working with students who use non-standard dialects. Dr. Levien earned his Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University in 2022 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Florida. Since 2013, he has been dedicated to helping children find their voice and confidence through communication.
The Challenge: A Shortage of Services in Jamaica
In Jamaica, the challenge of access to speech therapy services is a deep concern as it is in many developing countries. With very few speech-language pathologists serving the entire island, many children with communication impairments may never receive the help they need. According to The Jamaica Observer, this shortage, combined with geographical and socioeconomic barriers makes access to therapy incredibly difficult. Without government-supported programs or nonprofit aid, many families simply can’t afford services.
A Call for Help Inspired Change
When asked what inspired him to start a telehealth practice, Dr. Levien said: “They needed help.”
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, family members and friends in Jamaica began reaching out to him with speech concerns. At the time, he was working at a charter school and outpatient center in Florida. Upon learning about the severe shortage of SLPs in Jamaica, and the needs of families across the island, he felt that there had to be a way to help.
“I figured at the very least, I could use the internet to talk to some people and help out where I could,” he recalls. What began as small, informal efforts quickly evolved into what it is today, a teletherapy practice connecting with families in underserved communities.
A Journey Rooted in Curiosity and Connection
Dr. Levien’s path to speech-language pathology is grounded in both familiarity and practicality. As a child, his mother worked with students in special education, and he often spent time after school playing and helping out. That early exposure sparked a lifelong appreciation for communication and an interest in linguistics.
Later, his fascination with linguistics deepened that passion.
“At some point,” he explains, “I developed the idea that language and words are the best tools I have for understanding what’s going on with people, getting to know their inner worlds and figuring out how people work.” That realization led to the field of speech- language pathology as a career choice.
Therapeutic Approach: Where Language Meets the Mind
Dr. Levien’s approach to therapy weaves together his interests in linguistics, language variation, autism, and literacy, all of which shape how he helps children and caregivers think about and use language.
Therapy in the Hills serves children ages two to eighteen, addressing both speech, language and behavioral concerns. As he puts it, “My interest is less the brain and more the mind. I like watching and taking part in the mind- developing. It’s like watching them make connections and understand things. I see languages as a tool. They’re adding more tools to their tool belt. And so they can do more things, they can convey who they are. They can engage with the world in new ways, and I get to watch that.”
When it comes to assessment, Dr. Levien emphasizes moving beyond standardized testing, especially when working with diverse populations. “I get to see how this child is thinking; what they’re trying to do when they’re not getting tested.” “When there’s no structure, it is very informative and helps to make sense of the information you get in tests a lot of the time.”
For him, effective therapy starts with understanding context, culture, and the child’s natural way of using language. His message to clinicians is simple yet profound: “The biggest issue when working with diverse groups is not knowing what you don’t know.” This is particularly important when clinicians are not familiar with other linguistic forms. Once clinicians recognize that gap and take steps to learn, their practice transforms.
Parent Coaching: A Rewarding Shift
While watching children discover language and sound symbols remains deeply satisfying, Dr. Levien has found growing fulfillment in parent coaching. Using a child-led approach, his sessions often explore children’s interests as the foundation for building communication skills.
But empowering parents to understand and support that journey adds another layer of impact, one that continues beyond each therapy session.
Giving Back: The Jamaica Speech-Language-Hearing Diaspora Association
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Levien serves as Vice President of the Jamaica Speech-Language-Hearing Diaspora Association. This organization is dedicated to empowering and supporting SLPs while serving as a resource for those working with children in Jamaica.
Redefining Service Delivery
Dr. Levien’s story is more than one of professional success, it’s a testament to what’s possible when we take action. His telepractice model shows that flexibility and responsiveness can redefine how services are delivered in the digital age.
For Dr. Levien, telepractice isn’t just about convenience, it’s about bridging gaps, breaking barriers, and bringing help where it’s needed most. His journey reminds us that sometimes the solution isn’t waiting for change, it’s creating it.
