evidence-based speech therapy

Every voice deserves to be heard.

Playful, evidence-based speech therapy that helps children communicate with confidence—and give families a clear path forward.

Proudly serving South Bay, Los Angeles families—and we come to you. Sessions happen wherever your child is most comfortable and supported: at home, at school, at daycare, or meeting in the community, so children learn and grow right where it matters most.

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Jeni blowing bubbles with a child during a playful therapy moment

Small sounds.

Big breakthroughs.

Jeni Bakula

M.S., CCC-SLP

About Jeni

A decade of helping children find their voice.

Jeni Bakula grew up in Indiana and earned her undergraduate degree at Indiana University before completing her master's degree at Rush University in Chicago. With more than a decade of experience in speech pathology, she specializes in pediatric care and brings deep, hands-on expertise across a wide range of needs—including autism, articulation and phonology, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), language delays and late talkers, language disorders, childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), fluency disorders, feeding disorders, and social communication (pragmatic language).

Jeni is a licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist, passionate about evidence-based treatments and making a difference in the lives of her clients. She works hard to provide evidence-based therapies that help her clients make meaningful, lasting changes in their communication skills—meeting each child where they are and building confidence one breakthrough at a time.

At home, Jeni is a proud mother of three boys under three—including identical twins—and is always accompanied by her beloved golden retriever, Rudi. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her family, surfing, hiking, biking, and scuba diving.

Continuing education

Specialized training & expertise.

Jeni has completed specialized training and has expertise in the following areas:

Language Acquired Through Motor Planning (LAMP)

Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT)

AEIOU: An Integrated Approach to Pediatric Feeding

Social Thinking

DIR/Floortime

Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)

Jeni engaging playfully with a child during a therapy moment

Our approach

Where expertise meets imagination.

Jeni Bakula Speech Therapy is a warm, welcoming practice where children feel safe to experiment, express, and grow. We partner closely with parents to turn clinical insight into everyday confidence.

Child-led

We build trust first, then turn each session into purposeful play.

Evidence-based

Every goal is rooted in proven methods and shaped around your child.

Family-centered

Simple strategies help progress continue naturally at home.

How we help

Skills that bloom into lifelong confidence.

Articulation

Clearer speech through playful, targeted practice.

From frustration to being understood.

Language Delays & Disorders

Building vocabulary, sentences, and confident self-expression.

More words for what matters.

Social Communication

Growing conversation, connection, and flexible thinking.

Stronger friendships start here.

Late Talkers

Helping little ones find their first words and find their voice.

First words, right on time.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

Tools and supports that give every child a way to be heard.

Every voice finds a way.

Feeding

Gentle guidance for safer, more comfortable mealtimes.

Nourishment without worry.

Fluency

Supportive tools for easier, more comfortable speaking.

Confidence without pressure.

Autism

Supporting communication, connection, and self-expression—on every child's terms.

Connection that fits each child.

Questions, answered

Clarity for the journey ahead.

How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?

If communication feels frustrating, speech is difficult to understand, or milestones seem delayed, an evaluation can provide clarity—without pressure or labels.

Do you take insurance?

We don't bill insurance directly, but we're happy to provide a Superbill for paid invoices that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Reimbursement depends on your plan, so we recommend contacting your insurer to confirm your coverage.

What happens during the first visit?

We listen to your concerns, observe your child through conversation and play, and share clear recommendations for next steps.

How are parents involved?

You are an essential part of the team. We share practical, manageable ideas that fit naturally into your family’s daily routines.

Does therapy feel like work?

To your child, it should feel like meaningful play. Behind every activity is a carefully chosen communication goal.

Where does therapy take place?

Therapy happens in naturalistic settings where your child feels most comfortable and communication matters most—including home, school, daycare, and community settings. Working in real environments helps skills carry over into everyday life.

Let’s find the next step, together.

Tell us what you’re noticing. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you decide what feels right.

Let's begin