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Our Mission

Through a team approach including our staff, clients, parents, caregivers, and community we strive to…

 

* Provide cutting edge, evidence-based therapy to assist our “kids” in becoming the best version of themselves.

*Provide families education and support regarding their child’s individual therapeutic needs and how it may impact   the entire family.

Our Goals

 * We will do what is ethically, moral, and just to provide the services to each of our clients based on their individual needs.

*We will secure the equipment, tools, and resources as we are able to provide for the clients as it relates to their needs in becoming the best version of themselves.

*We will continue to educate ourselves in new techniques, treatment ideas and innovative thinking to find solutions to difficult situation.

*We will reach out for prayer, counsel, financial and any other assistance to those who may be on this journey with us, to aide us in our lofty efforts, to be a place where everyone can Nunc Coepi.

About Us

Building Kid Steps opened in May 2011 and began offering Pediatric Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy.  We have grown from one location in Victoria to now offering Speech Services in Cuero and Edna.

Our highly qualified staff enjoys working with the children we serve and their families.  We believe in treating the whole child by including their family as part of the treatment process.  

Building Kid Steps Staff

Amanda Luddeke, SLP

Owner and Speech-Language Pathologist - MS-SLP-CCC

LaRae Kelley, SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist - MS-SLP-CCC

is a speech-language pathologist who is passionate about helping adults regain function and improve their quality of life following neurological injury or disease. While she loves her profession, her favorite title is being a mom to her daughter Jessie Jo. LaRae specializes in the evaluation and treatment of dysphagia, traumatic brain injuries, aphasia, cognitive-communication deficits, and the maintenance of function in individuals with progressive neurological conditions. She is dedicated to providing patient-centered care that focuses on maximizing independence, restoring meaningful participation in daily life, and helping individuals achieve their highest level of function. Through compassionate, evidence-based practice, LaRae strives to support each patient on their journey toward improved communication, swallowing, and overall well-being.

Sevanah Campos, SLP-A

Texas licensed Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Hi! My name is Sevanah Campos, and I was born and raised in Victoria, Texas. I have been working as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) for nearly six years, and I am excited to graduate with my Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology in August 2026. After graduation, I will begin my Clinical Fellowship (CF) as I continue my journey toward becoming a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). I am passionate about helping individuals find their voice and develop the communication skills they need to build meaningful relationships and engage confidently with others. While my heart has always been in pediatric speech therapy, where I love helping children reach their communication potential, I have recently discovered a passion for working with adults as well. I truly enjoy serving clients across the lifespan and helping each person achieve their unique goals. When I'm not in the therapy room, you can usually find me playing slow-pitch softball, spending time with family and friends, or taking any opportunity to relax and recharge. I feel incredibly grateful to be part of a profession that allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others every day.

Kelsey Wehmeyer, SLP-A

Texas licensed Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

I graduated from Elms College in May of 2025 with a Bacholor of Arts Degree as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant. I've been a part of the BKS family for about 5 years. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family as well as my 4 dogs.

Linda Gomez, PT

Texas Licensed Physical Therapist 

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University in 19999, and then worked for several years before deciding to return to Physical Therapy school. I received my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Texas Women's University in 2010. I worked in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, home health, pediatric and rehab settings. I enjoy helping individuals gain their highest level of function and independence.

Melissa Simpson, PT

Licensed Physical Therapist 

Under construction

Deborah De la Garza, PTA

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant 

a Victoria College 2019 graduate, Deborah joined the Building Kid Steps team in 2021. She enjoys helping individuals of all ages achieve their therapy goals. One of the unique aspects of Deborah's role is her opportunity to work with both pediatric and adult populations. In addition to providing pediatric therapy services, she specializes in working with adults using advanced rehabilitation technologies such as the Lokomat Pro and Armeo Pro. She often says she gets "the best of both worlds" by being able to make a positive impact in the lives of both children and adults. Deborah is passionate about helping her patients gain confidence, independence, and improved quality of life. She is currently furthering her education at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where she is pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Her commitment to lifelong learning allows her to bring the latest knowledge and evidence-based practices to the patients and families she serves.

Marie Reyes, PTA

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant 

Under construction

Cynthia Cuellar

Office Manager 

I am a mother of 3 and joined the BKS staff in the summer of 2014.  I came from the classroom where I enjoyed working with chlldren with special needs.  I am the friendly face that greets you everyday.  I am so excited to be able to continue my work with children who have special needs.

Tabitha Daugherty

Front Office Clerk

I joined this wonderful team in April of 2022! When I'm not working at the front desk, I'm often volunteering with Theatre Victoria or working with the Victoria Ballet Theatre.

Payton Cox
PT Tech

I am currently trying to pursue my goal of becoming a physical therapist and enjoy making a positive impact on others through healthcare. I recently joined the team here and have loved learning how to assist the therapists in helping the children achieve their goals. 

Elizabeth Chavana

Insurance Coordinator

I’m from PL, have 2 kids. I stay busy volunteering with different organizations in my community. In my spare time I like to workout. I love following my children's adventures. My passion for helping others has lead me to my behind the scenes role of insurance coordinator at Building Kid Steps.

"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know."
— Christopher Robin to Pooh

These words remind me of the potential that exists within every person. We all possess strengths, abilities, and gifts that may simply be waiting for the right opportunity to emerge.

For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of creating a pediatric clinic that would provide more than therapy services. I wanted to build a place where families could find hope, understanding, encouragement, and support while watching their children achieve meaningful goals and discover their unique strengths.

That dream became Building Kid Steps.

My vision has always been for Building Kid Steps to be a place where children are empowered to grow, families feel valued and supported, and therapists can learn, collaborate, and develop their skills alongside highly qualified professionals who share a passion for helping others.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Texas State University in 2000, graduating Summa Cum Laude. I began my career as a Speech Assistant with the DeWitt-Lavaca Special Education Cooperative before earning my Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Texas Woman's University in 2005. I received my Certificate of Clinical Competence in 2006 and continued serving children and families through public education and Early Childhood Intervention programs.

In 2011, I became the Therapy Director of Building Kid Steps and was honored to purchase the clinic in January 2014. Since then, I have dedicated my career to helping children and families navigate challenges, celebrate milestones, and achieve goals they once thought impossible.

My professional background includes training and experience in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), DIR/Floortime®, social skills development, sign language, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and assistive technology. I have presented at the Texas Assistive Technology Conference and consulted with school districts across Texas on strategies for making language visible and accessible in educational environments.

Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with medically fragile children and individuals with complex communication needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. I am especially passionate about helping nonverbal children find their voice through assistive technology and empowering families to support their child's communication journey.

While I love what I do professionally, my greatest joy is my family. Being a wife and mother has deepened my understanding of the hopes, dreams, and challenges that every parent experiences. It is a perspective that shapes the way I serve every family who walks through our doors.

Over the years, I have been humbled and inspired by the countless children, families, and therapists who have been part of the Building Kid Steps story. They have taught me lessons about perseverance, courage, resilience, and unconditional love.

Today, my mission remains simple:

To help every child become the best version of themselves.

At Building Kid Steps, we believe every person has a purpose. We believe in celebrating progress, embracing potential, and creating opportunities for success. We work hard every day to help children thrive, build confidence, and discover what is possible.

​Most importantly, we are honored by the trust families place in us. Choosing a therapy provider is deeply personal, and we never take that responsibility lightly. We are grateful for every child, every family, and every opportunity to be part of their journey.

When you choose Building Kid Steps, you become part of our family. Together, we celebrate victories, overcome challenges, and help children take the next step toward their brightest future.

Because every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Our Philosphy

       Nunc Coepi - 

    “now I begin.”            

We believe in 

  the words of        Venerable        Bruno Lanteri-              

“If I should fall even a thousand times a day, a thousand times, with peaceful repentance, I will say immediately,

Nunc Coepi   

[Now I begin]”

We believe this for our clients as well and strive to provide what is necessary to assist them to begin as many times as is required to be the person, they were created to be.

One Sound One Heart Staff

Molly Beahm
MT-BC

A Sam Houston State graduate, Beahm completed her internship at the Lakemary Center in Paola, KS working primarily with children and young adults with intellectual/ developmental delays and/or behavioral disorders. She became board certified in September 2019 and moved back to her hometown to provide music therapy for those in need. 

Victoria Location

4208 Retama Circle

Victoria,Texas 77901

Cuero

Satellite Location

2550 N. Esplanade

Cuero,Texas 77954

*To schedule, call

Victoria location

Edna         

Satellite Location

1013 S.Wells Street

Edna,TX 77957

*To schedule call

Victoria Location

Call us:

Fax us:

 

       

  361.578.2257 

 

  361.578.2260  

Email us at: 

bksoffice@buildingkidsteps.com

Building Kid Steps, LLC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment, or on the basis of sex in its health programs and activities. For further information about this policy, contact: Amanda Luddeke, Section 504 Coordinator, at 361-578-2257 or for TDD/State Relay - 1-800-735-2989.

 

 

© 2014 Building Kid Steps

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