From Graduate Student to Mud Pies: My Journey at NatureTalks!

Hi! My name is Karina Marquez, and I am currently a graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology while also working as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) at NatureTalks. One of the things I love most about NatureTalks is the opportunity to combine evidence-based speech therapy with hands-on, nature-based activities that keep children engaged and excited to learn

One of the most rewarding experiences I've had was helping evaluate and diagnose a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). CAS is a motor speech disorder in which a child's brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the precise movements needed for speech. The muscles themselves are not weak; instead, the messages from the brain to the speech muscles don't always get through accurately, making it difficult for children to consistently produce sounds, syllables, and words.

Instead of sitting at a table for therapy, our clients learn through movement, play, creativity, and outdoor exploration, making every session both purposeful and fun. During our Muddy Hands Workshop, we've incorporated evidence-based speech practice into exciting outdoor activities such as:

• Alphabet Soup – searching for and naming objects that begin with the target sound while practicing accurate speech productions.

• Nature Syllable Tapping – using sticks, rocks, leaves, or other natural materials to tap out syllables and practice target sounds.

• Making Mud Pies – following directions, expanding vocabulary, and practicing speech targets while creating muddy masterpieces.

• Butterfly Tea – imaginative play that encourages conversation, sequencing, and speech practice.

• Balloon Pop Games – motivating articulation with balloons.

• Slime Play – a favorite sensory activity that naturally encourages communication and repeated practice.

Of course, every great therapy session deserves a great reward! After working hard, our clients get to pet the bunnies, feed the chickens, and earn fun prizes. Watching their confidence grow while they're having so much fun is one of my favorite parts of the job.

I'm excited to continue creating even more nature-based therapy adventures. Some activities I can't wait to try include:

• Scavenger hunts for articulation or vocabulary words.

• Obstacle courses where children say target words before moving to the next station.

• Leaf or rock sorting by beginning sounds.

• Birdhouse or fairy garden building while practicing sequencing and expressive language.

• "Feed the Animal" games where children earn food for the chickens or bunnies by producing target words.

• Story walks where children retell or create stories using items they find outdoors.

I'm so grateful to be part of a team that believes learning should be hands-on, engaging, and filled with joy. NatureTalks has shown me that some of the best speech therapy happens when children are exploring, laughing, getting a little muddy, and discovering that communication can be an adventure.