Marcus Neal: Helping Kids Communicate With Confidence
Laura sits down with Marcus Neal, speech-language pathologist and owner of the Children’s Therapy Spot, to talk about his journey from engineering student to passionate advocate for children’s therapy. Marcus shares how his brother with down syndrome inspired his career path, how a leap of faith led him to buy his first clinic, and the importance of love, patience, and perspective in both business and therapy. From growing during the pandemic to creating a collaborative, integrative approach across speech, occupational, and physical therapy, Marcus opens up about the challenges of healthcare, the burden of cost on families, and the heart that drives his work every day.
Marcus also discusses the impact of Design For A Cause, an annual fundraiser hosted by Living Oak that has provided nearly 1,200 therapy visits for children in need. With the support of sponsors like Four Hands, this event helps make life-changing therapy accessible to families who otherwise might not be able to afford it.
Topics Discussed
Marcus’s unexpected path from engineering to speech therapy
The role of his younger brother with down syndrome in shaping his purpose
The integrative approach to speech, occupational, and physical therapy
The financial realities of healthcare and why therapy is often inaccessible
The impact of Design For A Cause in funding children’s therapy
The influence of mentors, patience, and family on his career
Resources and Links
Children’s Therapy Spot: https://www.thechildrenstherapyspot.com/
MLee Therapy: https://www.mleeslp.com/
Register for Design For A Cause: https://luma.com/designforacause
7 Habits of Highly effective people: https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/0743269519
Shop Living Oak: https://livingoakhome.com
Learn More About Living Oak Interior Design: https://www.livingoak.com/about