Editors note: This article has been updated to include the founders accurate last name.

Michelle Martin found her calling as a speech pathologist in college while taking an elective course for her communications degree at The University of Texas.

“I needed a Tuesday, Thursday class at 9:30, and there was one, and it was phonetics. I took this phonetics class, and I fell in love with speech pathology, so I changed my major, and I never looked back,” Martin said.

After earning a degree in speech pathology, Martin began practicing in 2007 and opened her own practice, Launch Pediatric Therapy, in Jersey Village in October 2023.

Staying local


Martin said while growing up in Jersey Village, she attended Jersey Village High School and was an active member of the community. In turn, her roots in the community led her to return to serve the area she grew up in through her own practice.

Located a few streets away from her home, Martin said the proximity of her practice allowed her to have a better work-life balance while fulfilling her passion in her own community.

“It's just been so nice to be in the community that I already love,” Martin said.
Launch Pediatric Therapy serves children of all ages in Jersey Village. (Courtesy Launch Pediatric Therapy)
Launch Pediatric Therapy serves children of all ages in Jersey Village. (Courtesy Launch Pediatric Therapy)
In addition to the proximity, Martin opened Launch Pediatric Therapy in Jersey Village to offer a therapy center where children and families could be equally treated in a family-centered, warm environment.

“I entered this profession to make an impact, to make big changes, and not just for the child, but the whole family unit,” Martin said.


Marking a full circle, Martin said she partners with a Jersey Village High School program, HOSA, in which students volunteer by assisting therapists at Launch Pediatric Therapy.
Launch Pediatric Therapy offers feeding therapy through several methods to encourage kids to have a balanced diet. (CourtesyLaunch Pediatric Therapy)
Launch Pediatric Therapy offers feeding therapy through several methods to encourage kids to have a balanced diet. (Courtesy Launch Pediatric Therapy)
What they offer

Launch Pediatric Therapy is operated alongside a team of 12 speech, feeding, occupational and physical therapists.

The therapy center offers therapy for children of all ages. With a focus on speech and feeding therapy, Martin said she spends most of her time working with children on the floor.

Utilizing creative methods associated with positive reinforcement and experiences, children with cognitive differences and developmental delays are gradually introduced to foods they typically reject, walked through communication development and taught how to regulate their emotions.


“I'm on the floor a lot, and we get thrown up on a lot. We all have spare clothes, but it is one of the most rewarding parts,” Martin said. “I love this part, because feeding and eating is so social.”