Before a child ever kicks a soccer ball or joins a preschool class, they are already doing something far more meaningful: learning to communicate. It’s one of the earliest skills we develop, yet one many parents don’t realize is most powerfully shaped in the first years of life. That’s why Speech-Language Pathologist Marcia Church, M.A., CCC-SLP, has spent her career elevating early intervention and helping families discover the hidden opportunities tucked inside those beginning stages of communication.
Marcia is the founder of Pediatric Speech Stars, PLLC, a mobile speech therapy practice serving Southlake and surrounding communities. Her work reflects a growing movement to make early intervention more accessible, more personal, and far less overwhelming for families who need support during their child’s most formative years.
A Journey Shaped by Home, Family, and Calling
Marcia graduated from Kent State University at age 22 and quickly began working as a traveling Speech-Language Pathologist across Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Diego. She primarily served school-aged children, then transitioned into home health before pausing her career to start her family.
Life shifted again when her husband, former Dallas Cowboys safety Barry Church, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. During that season, Marcia stepped into full-time motherhood—and unexpectedly rediscovered her passion for the birth-to-five population.
“That experience reignited my love for early intervention,” she says. “It also gave me a deep respect for parents—especially the guilt we often carry when we sense something is going on with our child.”
What originally drew her to the field still grounds her today: connection. “I’ve always had a natural ability to connect with children,” she says. “Communication begins with connection, and that’s where my love for this work truly started.”
A Mission Rooted in Early Intervention
In a culture where early childhood often revolves around sports, activities, and performance, Marcia is determined to shift the conversation back to what comes first: communication. These early years are when children learn to express, explore, and connect—skills that shape every part of their development.
“I am passionate about educating parents and caregivers on the importance of early intervention before the age of five,” she explains. “My mission is to change the narrative.”
Pediatric Speech Stars was intentionally designed as a fully mobile practice, delivering therapy directly to homes, preschools, daycares, and ABA centers. For many families, this model removes common barriers—commuting, scheduling conflicts, waiting rooms—and places support in the environments where children feel most secure.
Meeting children where they are allows for natural connection, and that connection becomes the doorway to real progress.
Changing Lives One Family at a Time
Ask Marcia about the impact of her work, and she immediately talks about families—stories of growth, hope, and transformation.
Many parents say her involvement has been “life-changing,” not just because she supports speech and language development, but because she is often the first professional to recognize early signs of Autism or developmental differences.
“I help families process what a potential diagnosis could mean,” she says. “And I guide them through the next steps and available resources.”
For parents, this season can feel overwhelming. Marcia approaches it with a neurodiverse-affirming lens, helping families understand their child’s strengths, needs, and options. She walks with them through evaluations, school-based services, private therapy recommendations, and actionable strategies they can use at home.
“One of the most meaningful parts of my work is supporting families through the diagnostic process,” she says. “No family should feel they are navigating this journey alone.”
While Pediatric Speech Stars specializes in birth to five, the practice also supports older children with literacy, feeding challenges, myofunctional therapy, and speech sound development. Therapy remains play-based and engaging because children learn best when they feel safe, regulated, and connected.
“Our goal is to prepare children to graduate from therapy,” Marcia says with a smile, “not to stay in it forever.”
For Parents: Trust Your Gut
If Marcia could leave families with one encouragement, it would be this: trust your gut.
“If you suspect your child may benefit from therapy, act sooner rather than later. The ‘wait and see’ approach is outdated,” she says.
Early action can make a significant difference in a child’s long-term success—supporting not only communication, but confidence, regulation, connection, and overall wellbeing.
As the practice continues to grow, Marcia remains deeply grounded in her purpose: ensuring every child has the opportunity to shine and every parent feels equipped. If Pediatric Speech Stars is not the right fit for a family, Marcia always provides trusted referrals. No family is ever left without a next step.
“No parent should ever feel unsure about where to turn,” she says.
Rooted in Community
Southlake is more than the location of her practice—it’s home. Marcia and her husband, Barry, are raising their two children, Mariah and Jordan, here, deepening their investment in the same community she serves. That personal connection shapes her commitment to supporting families with honesty, compassion, and expertise.
At its heart, Pediatric Speech Stars exists for one purpose: to support children as they find their voices and to empower parents with confidence along the way.
Families interested in connecting with Marcia or learning more about services can visit www.pediatricspeechstars.com