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Partnering With Schools to Support Student Success

Effective communication is the foundation for everything that happens in a classroom — reading, writing, following directions, making friends, and advocating for one's own needs. When students struggle with speech or language, every part of their school experience can be affected.

Breaking Barriers LLC partners with schools and educators in Chaffee County and surrounding mountain communities to provide flexible, high-quality speech-language services that fill the gaps. Whether your district is facing a staffing shortage, managing an evaluation backlog, or looking for consultation and professional development support — we're ready to help.

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About the Founder

Kristine Beard, MA, CCC-SLP brings more than 11 years of school-based experience, including extensive work with IEP development, eligibility determination, ESER documentation, and multidisciplinary team collaboration in rural districts. She understands the unique compliance demands, staffing challenges, and resource constraints facing small mountain schools — because she's been working in them for over a decade.

What We Help With

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What We Help With 〰️

Services for Schools

  • Contract speech-language therapy services — in-person, telehealth, or hybrid

  • Comprehensive speech and language evaluations

  • IEP development, annual review support, and eligibility determination

  • ESER and IDEA compliance documentation

  • Consultation for classroom teachers and paraprofessionals

  • Professional development on communication, language, and AAC

Benefits of Partnering

  • Fill staffing gaps quickly — without lengthy hiring processes

  • Flexible service models — contracted hours, project-based evaluation support, or ongoing therapy

  • Timely evaluations to keep IEP timelines on track

  • Experienced communication with families, teachers, and administrative teams

  • IDEA compliance support from an SLP who knows the documentation

Areas Served

Salida, Buena Vista, Poncha Springs, and surrounding Chaffee County communities. Telehealth available for more remote locations.

Let’s Work Together

Reaching out is the first step. We'll respond within one business day to schedule a time to talk through your district's needs.