Begin today —
watch your child bloom.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Hi! I’m Mackenzie Shiba, a licensed speech-language pathologist and the founder of Communication Blooms—a warm, welcoming space for speech and language therapy in Lodi, California. We specialize in personalized, play-based, and child-led speech therapy that supports meaningful growth through connection and joy.
My mission is to create a clinic where children can develop stronger communication skills, parents feel supported and empowered, and authentic relationships have space to bloom.
I provide support for a wide range of speech and language needs, including AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), echolalia therapy, gestalt language processing, and speech delay interventions. I'm a Certified Myofunctional Therapist (CMT®), NLA trained, PROMPT trained, and certified in the Hanen It Takes Two to Talk and More Than Words programs.
Whether you're seeking early intervention, speech therapy for autism, or guidance with language development milestones, I’m here to help your child thrive through connection, play, and expert care.
Meet the Team
At Communication Blooms, we take a neurodiversity-affirming, child-led approach to speech and language therapy—centered on connection, play, and personalized support. Our team specializes in working with Autistic children, as well as those with speech delays, Apraxia, Down syndrome, orofacial myofunctional disorders, and more. We’re here to support meaningful communication—one child, one moment, one word at a time.
"We are so incredibly grateful for the care and dedication our family has received from Communications Blooms Speech Therapy Inc. Both of my sons are currently receiving services, and the impact has been truly life-changing.
My oldest, now 6, has been attending speech therapy here since he was 4, and the growth we’ve seen in his communication skills has been amazing. My youngest, who is 3, has been doing food therapy for the past few months, and we are already seeing such encouraging progress.
Ms. Mackenzie and her wonderful team—Miss Ariel, Ms. Arlette, and Ms. Katie—have become such a special part of our daily lives. Their names are constantly heard in our home because my boys absolutely adore them. It says everything that my kids are always asking when they’ll get to see them next!
Their patience, kindness, and genuine passion for helping children shine through in everything they do. They create such a warm, supportive, and fun environment that makes learning feel exciting and safe.
We feel so lucky to be part of the Communications Blooms family. Thank you for loving and supporting our boys the way you do—we appreciate you more than words can express!”
—Caroline
SERVICES OFFERED
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AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION (AAC)
We support families in building meaningful, functional communication through AAC. Our services include device trialing, personalized programming, parent coaching, and real-life strategy implementation at home and in the community.
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NATURAL LANGUAGE ACQUISITION (NLA)
We support gestalt language processors by honoring their scripts and guiding them through the stages of Natural Language Acquisition toward self-generated, flexible language. Our approach uses stage-appropriate language models to meet each client where they are and build meaningful communication step by step.
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SPEECH SOUND THERAPY
We support children with articulation, phonological, and motor speech challenges using evidence-based strategies that boost clarity, confidence, and communication success. Each session is tailored to help your child speak more clearly and be understood in everyday situations.
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MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
We support children with oral motor challenges that impact breathing, swallowing, speech, and facial development. Therapy focuses on strengthening and coordinating the muscles of the mouth, jaw, and face to promote optimal function and overall health.
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INDIVIDUAL PARENT OR STAFF COACHING
We offer personalized coaching in AAC, Gestalt Language Processing, and early toddler communication. Whether you're a parent or professional, we provide practical tools and strategies tailored to your needs to support meaningful, effective communication every day.
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COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT
We provide in-depth evaluations using a combination of play-based observations and standardized tools. Assessments may cover areas such as speech sound production, language comprehension and expression, grammar, social communication, Gestalt Language Processing, and AAC needs—giving us a clear picture to guide personalized support.
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IEP REVIEW
We provide thorough, line-by-line reviews of your child’s IEP to ensure their unique needs are fully supported. We help draft meaningful, neurodiversity-affirming goals and offer clear answers to any questions you have throughout the process.
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APRAXIA THERAPY
We provide Apraxia Therapy to help improve speech clarity by strengthening coordination and enhancing the planning and execution of speech movements through targeted exercises and techniques.
At Communication Blooms we offer the flexibility of In-person and Virtual sessions
The Blooms Blueprint
The complete guide to your child's first two years.
For parents who don't want to wait and see.
These resources were built for you. Whether you're looking for guidance, a plan, or a professional set of eyes, there's a clear next step below.
Feeding. Airway. Language. Movement. This 90-page digital guide walks you through every stage from birth to 24 months, with real milestones, Bloom Signals to watch for, and simple strategies you can use today.
This is the resource I wish every parent had before their first "let's just wait and see" conversation.
