Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Stangl.
Hi Shelby, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Serenity Speech Language Therapy in December of 2020 because I saw a real need for in-home early intervention speech therapy. While there are many wonderful community resources available, I kept meeting families whose children didn’t quite qualify for those services but still clearly needed support. I wanted to create a practice that could bridge that gap and provide accessible, individualized care for children while also making parents feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout the process.
In July of 2021, I welcomed my first child, and that first year of motherhood was definitely a whirlwind. Becoming a parent gave me an even deeper appreciation for the challenges families face and reinforced why I was so passionate about building a practice that truly partners with parents. Once my son turned one, I really took off running with Serenity and focused on growing the vision I had from the beginning.
Over time, we’ve expanded into an incredible team of speech-language pathologists serving Kansas City and the surrounding communities. We’ve intentionally built a diverse team with specialties in AAC, feeding, expressive and receptive language delays and disorders, fluency, literacy, and speech sound disorders. Today, we work not only with private clients, but also alongside preschools, private schools, and homeschool co-ops to help children thrive in the environments where they learn and grow every day.
At the heart of it all, Serenity was built on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to communicate and that every voice deserves to be heard.
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?
I don’t think the road is ever completely smooth when you’re building a small business, and Serenity has definitely had its share of challenges. But I truly believe that when you’re surrounded by the right people—a dedicated team, incredible client families, and a supportive community—you’re able to navigate those obstacles and come out even stronger.
One of the biggest balancing acts has been growing a business while growing my own family. Since starting Serenity in December of 2020, I’ve welcomed three babies. There have been seasons of juggling motherhood, leadership, and entrepreneurship all at once, and that hasn’t always been easy. But those experiences have actually strengthened the heart behind our practice because I understand firsthand the demands and joys that the families we serve are experiencing.
I’ve also learned that you don’t build something lasting on your own. Because of our amazing team, trusted referral partners, loyal client families, and the systems we’ve put into place, Serenity has not only continued to thrive through those life changes but has also continued to grow. Today, we’re able to reach and support even more children and families throughout our community, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
During the formative years, children are rapidly acquiring language and feeding skills that form the foundation for communication, learning, social interaction, and overall well-being. Early intervention in speech, language, and feeding can significantly impact a child’s ability to express thoughts, form relationships, and navigate mealtime with confidence. Serenity provides individualized therapy to support each family in reaching their goals. We provide therapy in the home, online, in private schools and in preschools. We are private pay because we truly believe it is important to meet every child where they are with no limitations on our therapy sessions. We’ve intentionally built a diverse team with specialties in AAC, feeding, expressive and receptive language delays and disorders, fluency, literacy, and speech sound disorders. Today, we work not only with private clients, but also alongside preschools, private schools, and homeschool co-ops to help children thrive in the environments where they learn and grow every day.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along the way is that you can’t build something meaningful alone. Early on, I thought I had to do everything myself, but I’ve learned that investing in the right people and building a strong, supportive team is what allows a business to truly grow and serve its community well.
I’ve also learned the importance of staying rooted in your “why.” For me, that has always been creating a place where children and families feel supported and where every voice is heard. As Serenity has grown, there have been new opportunities and challenges, but coming back to that mission has helped guide every decision.
Finally, motherhood has taught me that growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of family. Building Serenity while raising three young children has shown me that with the right systems, the right team, and a lot of trust, it’s possible to create a business that not only supports other families but also allows me to be present for my own.
Pricing:
- $230/Evaluation
- $68/30 Minute Session
- $90/45 Minute Session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.serenityspeechlanguage.com
- Instagram: ShelbyPlaySLP
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063516275946
