Now enrolling: Nestlings - a joyful communication class for little ones & their caregivers — guided by an SLP.
Now enrolling: Nestlings - a joyful communication class for little ones & their caregivers — guided by an SLP.
Every child deserves a voice: Let’s help your child find theirs.
Congratulations, loving caregiver, on finding your way to our little corner of the web! If you're here, it means something incredibly special is on the horizon for you and your child – the promise of empowering and compassionate speech therapy.
I'm Samantha Jaekel, M.S., CCC-SLP, the heart and mind behind Beetle and Hare Pediatric Speech Therapy.
Always the rebel, I believe in the phrase “know better, do better” - even when “better” does not necessarily mean familiar. Traditionally, speech therapy has focused on oral speech (also known as simply “talking”) as the only acceptable means of communication while parents are relegated to a passive role in the waiting room; however, that no longer aligns with the evidence. Today’s research supports multimodal communication (including verbal speech, sign language, and use of Alternative and Augmentative Communication [AAC] devices) as well as empowering parents to be a force for positive change in their children’s lives. If you’re ready to “do better” with me, then I thank you for considering Beetle and Hare Pediatric Speech Therapy for you and your family.
Serving our community…
Beetle and Hare Pediatric Speech Therapy is proud to serve Texans ages 2-21 across the greater Austin area and beyond. We offer in-person sessions in the cities of Austin, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, and more.
For those in the further reaches of our great state, such as Dallas, San Antonio, and El Paso, teletherapy is available.
Introducing NestlingsEarly Communication Classes
Designed and led by a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, Nestlings is a gentle, play-based class that helps you support your child’s early communication — through songs, stories, and meaningful moments of connection.
Each session blends evidence-based language strategies with sensory play, simple routines, and child-led exploration. Caregivers learn how to bring speech and language support into everyday interactions.
This class is not therapy and doesn’t require a referral or diagnosis — it’s a joyful space for all infants and toddlers to learn, connect, and grow through play.
Every Saturday in Georgetown, Texas
Kind words from families like you…
Dear Ms. Samantha,
I did not know when I brought my child to you, that you were going to change his life. As a child with Autism, I knew that he was coming to you with many behaviors and challenges that can be difficult for others. He became very blessed the day he met you. You established an unusual rapport with him in that short time span… I was astounded that Tristan started talking to you and his speech has blossomed ever since. He now speaks to everyone in his family but you are the one who brought forth his change. It has gone from one word to several and now an occasional sentence. We are thrilled. Your interest, patience, and loving practices have made this possible.
- Linda
“Never assume a person who has difficulty communicating has nothing to say.”
Stacy Sekinger
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![Child playing with a tablet at a wooden table indoors, next to an orange transparent cup.]()
Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC)
Every child deserves a voice, no matter what that looks like. Alternative and Augmentative Communication, also known as “AAC,” can be an invaluable tool for your child’s language development, but also a beast to navigate. With Beetle and Hare, it doesn’t have to be. From program selection to daily use and troubleshooting, let Beetle and Hare be your guides to all things AAC.
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Parent-Taught Early Language Intervention
You are your child’s first and most important teacher. While speech therapy is critical in its importance, there is only so much that can happen within the span of a weekly or bi-weekly appointment. Collaboration and parent-coaching offer a solution by teaching YOU the best ways to support your child’s language development all throughout their day.
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Supportive Advocacy Services
Navigating the world of Special Education can be challenging to say the least. While school-based services can provide a strong support for your child, it’s hard to ensure they are getting what they need without knowing what is available and how to ask for it. As a parent, you have the power to affect change in your child’s education; Beetle and Hare’s advocacy services are here to show you how to do it.
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![Smiling child with blonde hair and floral patterned shirt sitting on a checkered blanket outdoors.]()
Strength-Based Stuttering Therapy
Historically, speech therapy has focused on fluent speech as the only acceptable kind of communication - but today’s research has shown us the error of our ways. Strength-based stuttering therapy focuses on confident and effective communication, self-advocacy, and (uniquely) stuttering openly. Let Beetle and Hare be the support that empowers your child to take charge of their communication and live their life to the fullest.
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Individualized Speech Therapy
Play-based and child-led, Beetle and Hare’s individualized speech therapy gives your child one-on-one attention from a speech-language pathologist. Sessions are designed to meet their specific needs, whether that be developing their language or perfecting their speech sounds - it’s all about them! Let Beetle and Hare be the stepping stone that propels your child into the stratosphere of successful communication.
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Nestlings - Early Language Classes
Designed and led by a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, Nestlings is a gentle, play-based class that helps you support your child’s early communication — through songs, stories, and meaningful moments of connection.
This class is not therapy and doesn’t require a referral or diagnosis — it’s a joyful space for all infants and toddlers to learn, connect, and grow through play.
