Today we’d like to introduce you to Zayra Marrero.
Hi Zayra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Zayra Y. Marrero Febo. I am a bilingual (Spanish-English) speech-language pathologist and the founder of Crecemos Therapy Services, a mobile private practice providing in-home, preschool, and daycare speech therapy in Davenport, Florida.
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where I earned my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Eleven years ago, I moved to Florida in search of professional growth and new opportunities. Since then, I’ve worked across a variety of clinical settings, gaining valuable experience while also learning how fragile “stability” can be in our field. Several of the places I worked eventually closed, and with each transition, I was reminded how deeply connected I felt to my patients and the families I served.
After my last position ended unexpectedly in 2023, I intentionally took a few months to pause and reflect. That time allowed me to reconnect with myself and ask an important question: What kind of therapist and professional did I truly want to be? Through that process, I came to see those experiences not as setbacks, but as meaningful redirections.
The idea of owning a private practice had lived quietly in the back of my mind for years. Stepping into it required courage, faith, and a willingness to move beyond fear. I ultimately chose to create something aligned with my values, something that allowed me to serve children and families in a more personal, compassionate, and culturally responsive way. That decision led to the birth of Crecemos Therapy Services.
As a Latina clinician in Central Florida, my mission is to support bilingual families and children with communication differences, especially those who often face barriers to accessing services. I am deeply passionate about educating families, empowering children to find their voice, and practicing in a way that is respectful, affirming, and community-centered.
“Crecemos,” which means we grow in Spanish, reflects both my personal journey and how I see my clients. Growth is not linear. It is a process of transformation. I see children as little caterpillars who, with the right support, develop the confidence and skills to spread their wings. While this is just the beginning of my journey as a business owner, it is one built on purpose, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of communication.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but it has been very rewarding. One of the biggest challenges has been building everything from the ground up. I designed my own website and taught myself how to navigate areas that are rarely covered in our training, such as medical insurance systems, credentialing, billing, etc.
As speech-language pathologists, we are extensively trained to support communication and development, but we are not taught how to be business owners. Learning how to run a practice while also remaining a clinician has required patience, problem-solving, and a willingness to learn through trial and error.
There have been moments of uncertainty and a strong learning curve, but each challenge has strengthened my confidence and clarified my purpose. Building something of my own has been incredibly empowering, and seeing families benefit from services that are carefully designed makes every challenge worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a bilingual speech-language pathologist who works primarily with bilingual and Latino families. Much of my work focuses on supporting autistic children.
I specialize in supporting communication through natural, meaningful interactions using play-based therapy and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). My approach is neuroaffirming, meaning I honor each child’s communication style, regulation needs, and individuality rather than trying to make them fit a narrow definition of “typical.” Play is the foundation of my work because it is how children learn best, feel safe, and build authentic connections.
What I am most proud of is helping families better understand their children and feel confident supporting communication at home. What sets me apart is my ability to combine culturally responsive care with neuroaffirming, play-based practices, creating therapy that feels respectful, collaborative, and genuinely supportive for both children and their families.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Seeing any kind of progress in my clients makes me happy, no matter how small. Some days it’s a child learning to co-regulate, using their AAC device to ask for something, or simply showing they feel safe and comfortable with me. Those moments remind me why I love this work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crecemostherapy.com
- Instagram: @crecemos.slt
- Facebook: Crecemos Therapy Services
