Amanda Luddeke

Owner

"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarther than you think" Christopher Robin to Pooh Bear.  These are words that describe us all.  We all have skills and abilities that we have not yet developed. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to have my own pediatric clinic that provided a place that fostered new hope for families.  The dream I have for Building Kid Steps is that is a place families can come and find hope and understanding while seeing their child achieve new skills and goals.  I also want it to be a place where new therapists or those studying to help people with disabilities can come and learn from highly qualified therapists.  

I obtained my undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Texas State University in 2000 where I graduated Sum Cum Laude. I went to work for the DeWitt Lavaca Special Education Cooperative in 2000 as a Speech Assistant. I received my Masters of Science in Communication Disorders in 2005 from Texas Woman's University and my Certificate of Clinical Competence in 2006.  I continued to work as a Speech Language Pathologist for the DeWitt Lavaca Special Education Cooperative for 3 more years.  In 2009, I went to work as a speech therapist for Early Childhood Intervention in Victoria, Texas. In 2011, I became the therapy director of Building Kid Steps and recently purchased the clinic in January of 2014.

I have a background and training in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Floortime Model intervention, social skills training, sign language, augmentative and alternative communication principals and assistive technology training. I have presented at the Texas Assistive Technology Conference in Texas and consulted with several school districts on making language visible in the classroom. I have worked with severe and profound medically fragile and low incidence population since 2000. Among disabilities that I am experienced with are Autism, Down Syndrome, and Fragile X. I really have a passion for working with children with autism and nonverbal children who need assistive technology to be able to communicate. I truly enjoy being able to work with families to help their children reach their greatest potential.

While I love my job and thrive on being able to help families, my greatest joy is my family. I am a wife and a mother of two wonderful boys. Knowing how important my family is to me only makes me strive hard to work for the families that I come in contact with everyday, both in and out of Building Kid Steps. My greatest wish is that every family that comes to Building Kid Steps realizes how much we want them to feel like they are a part of our family and that we want to see their children reach their greatest potential.  Here every child has only one label - "Achiever!"

Peyton Speed OTR

Kim Har Even OTR

LaRae Kelley

Speech-Language Pathologist - MS-SLP-CCC

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and disorders from Texas State University-San Marcos. I also earned a master's degree in Communication Science and Disorders from Texas State University in 2015. I have had the wonderful opportunity of working in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, acute-care, home health, and private practice. I have provided habilitative and rehabilitative speech and language therapy services within these various settings. My personal favorites include TBI (traumatic brain injury), cognitive impairment, and swallowing disorders. My greatest sense of accomplishment is aiding those individuals who have lost their ability to communicate or eat independently to regain the abilities they have lost. I also enjoy helping family members to understand what their loved one is going through and provide education to family members.

Renee Guenther Absher

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with high honors.  I then continued my education at UT, receiving a Master of Education degree in Special Education with a focus in Autism and Developmental Disabilities in 2011 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in May of 2012.  For the past seven years, I have designed and implemented applied behavior analytic interventions in residential treatment centers, homes, schools, and clinical settings to children on the Autism spectrum as well as children with Down syndrome and behavioral problems.  

Dariela Salazar

Texas licensed Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M-Kingsville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Science and Disorders. I have experience working with children who have been diagnosed with a range of disorders and/or handicaps including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Down's Syndrome. I am also fluent in the Spanish language. I am trained and experienced in working with the pediatric population who have a need for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Stacy Perez

Texas licensed Speech Language Pathologist - CFY

Stacy is joining us on September 17, 2018 - look for her biography soon.

Brianne Harryman

Physical Therapist 

I am the Physical Therapist for Building Kid Steps.  While I work PRN for them I enjoy helping children grow and develop.  

Lori Wehmeyer-McGrew

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and Cerefied Body Talk Practioner

I am a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. I have worked in an acute care Physical Therapy setting as a technician for 5 years prior to graduating with an Associates of Applied Science in Physical Therapy from the first PTA class at Wharton Co. Jr. College in 1991.  I have experience in acute care, outpatient, home health, nursing homes, ECI and, school districts.  I have specialized in pediatrics for nearly 25 years.  I am an adjunct instructor at Victoria College for the Physical Therapist Assistant program.  I am currently a self-employed contract PTA working for 2 Educational Special Service Coops (6 school districts), and Building Kids Steps Rehab clinic.  I am also a Certified BodyTalk practitioner.  I am very passionate about working with “my kids” to provide the ultimate path to wellness continually searching for the best practice to achieve this goal. Believing every life is precious and purposeful, I pray for my clients, their families and for guidance in providing the best individual service for the greater good.

Cynthia Cuellar

Front Office Manager 

II 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.

Sarah Parsons

Front Office Assistant

Hi I am Sarah Parsons.  I joined the BKS Staff in 2018.  I am the mother of 3 children.  I am excited to see each of you every day and enjoy working with each of the families we have here.  I have a background working with special needs children. I love being a part of this “family” and seeing the kids blossom and achieve goals some wouldn’t think possible. They inspire me to never give up and always be thankful.    

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Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9