ABOUT FLUENS
How We Help
- Are you tired of telling your pediatrician you’re worried about your child’s development and being told “he’ll grow out of it” or just “wait and see”?
- Do you feel like your kiddo understands everything you say but he gets frustrated cause he can’t explain what he’s feeling or needing?
At Fluens, we know that a child's early years are the most formative time in life, so it's important to get them the services they need. Through our work with children and their families, our goal is to get them support quickly so they can move toward independence and functional skills for their everyday activities.
Even if our weekly therapy schedule is full, we offer resources that parents can use right away to get some help for their kiddos, including parent classes, downloadable videos and worksheets, and free guides. We also have an active call-in list that families can use to schedule appointments when other clients cancel. Our motto is, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Call us today to hear more about options available to you and your family, and we look forward to meeting you soon!
Our Mission Statement
fluēns (Latin) = flowing, streaming, pouring
At Fluens we believe in empowering children with the skills necessary for better communication and increased independence, enabling them to have stronger, more meaningful relationships with their family, friends, and community. We come alongside families to support children in reaching their full potential, so there's less stress at home and more time for fun!
Meet Jessica Abawag, Founder
Jessica Abawag is a speech therapist who founded and has been running Fluens Children’s Therapy since 2016. Since starting her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in 2012, she has served hundreds of children and their families. Jessica earned her Master's Degree from San Jose State University and enjoys the privilege of collaborating and mentoring Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) and Clinical Fellows (CFs).
When she's not partnering with parents to improve their child's communication, Jessica is devouring the latest personal development podcast, shopping at the local farmer's market, playing board games with family or friends (and likely winning!), or savoring some yummy chocolatey goodness. While she misses her home state of Hawai'i, she now calls Tennessee her home and has learned to love thunderstorms, lightning bugs, and using "y'all" as often as she can.
Want to learn more about how to partner with the Fluens team?
Here’s your next move: Call us today to set up an evaluation if you know your child needs speech therapy. Occupational therapy coming soon!
Meet the Rest of the Fluens Team
This is April, our Clinic Director here at Fluens Children’s Therapy. In addition to enjoying her job and getting to see our cute clients every day she also enjoys running long distances, hiking, reading, and eating Thai and Mexican food. And donuts. And cookies. She is a busy mom of 5 amazing kiddos and most weekends you’ll find her on a soccer field somewhere watching one of their many games.
Her favorite quote:
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”
Maddie is a Speech Language Pathologist and Therapy Director who earned her MA at Western Michigan University (Go Broncos!). She enjoys working with children of all ages and feels pure happiness when a child gains confidence in their ability to communicate with others. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, snowboarding, going to the beach, playing with her dogs, and cooking.
Her favorite quote:
"Not all who wander are lost" J.R.R. Tolkien
Jess is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Therapy Director who earned her MS at the University of Oregon. She is a born and raised Oregonian ready to explore a new Pacific Northwest state! She loves being able to work with children and families in such a personal and individualized way, as well as being able to have a positive impact on a child's growth and development. Jess likes to spend her free time binging TV shows, attending workout classes, reading romance and thriller novels, exploring new areas with friends, and going to concerts.
Her favorite quote:
"There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day." -Walt Disney
Sydney is a Speech-Language Pathologist who earned her MA at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo in 2022. She was born and raised in Rochester, New York and is excited to explore what Washington has to offer. Sydney is passionate about working with children of all ages! She strives to build a connection with them and help them meet their full potential in creative ways. During her free time, Sydney enjoys trying new foods, making crafts, and exploring new areas.
Her favorite quote:
Lisa is a Speech Language Pathology Assistant with a B.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University. Lisa loves speech therapy because she gets to make an individualized impact in many lives by helping kids interact in the world around them. Lisa is amazed by the resilience and adaptation children show as they develop. Lisa enjoys singing, crocheting, writing picture books, enjoying the great outdoors of the PNW, and spending time with her husband, Ian, and son, Colin.
Her favorite quote:
Her favorite quote:
Kami is a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with a Bachelor's Degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University. She is also pursuing her Master's Degree in Speech Pathology to become a full Speech Pathologist one day. As a Washingtonian born and raised, she is excited to serve the community she grew up in. Kami has a passion for working with children of all ages but has a special love for preschool-aged kids like her daughter. Kami enjoys spending her time outdoors hiking, traveling with her boyfriend and daughter, cooking, going to concerts, and playing Just Dance on her Nintendo Switch.
Her favorite quote:
Erin joins the Fluens team as a Medical Receptionist. She has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences from the University of Washington Tacoma and has a background in clerical work, with ten years of state service. Originally from Tacoma and raised in Olympia, she is excited to be returning to her roots. Outside of work she enjoys drawing and crafting, reading, gardening, biking, and playing video and board games.
Her favorite quote:
"We gain courage and wisdom from every instance in which we stop to look fear in the face." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Hien joins the Fluens team as a Medical Receptionist. She has a B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of Washington Tacoma. Hien is proud to be born and raised in the South Puget Sound area and currently resides in University Place. Outside of work, she enjoys doing Pilates, teaching yoga, watching anime, listening to comedy/pop culture podcasts, and playing Pokémon Go.
Her favorite quote:
"It is not possible to be violent without using force, but it is possible to use force without being violent." -Ravi Ravindra
TRUST YOUR GUT: A Free Guide
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Testimonials
"My daughter has been taking speech therapy classes for 3 years through the school system, but nothing seemed to be helping. She wasn't making any progress and she was hating every minute of it. When I found Fluens Children's Therapy and Jessica we were thrilled. I am amazed at the progress my daughter is making in such a short amount of time. My daughter not only speaks more clearly now but she also really enjoys going to therapy. I often hear them giggling in the back as they are working. The receptionist April is great too. I really appreciate her working with our busy schedules and sending me reminders for appointments."
- Pam