Meet Sirisha Duvvuru

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sirisha Duvvuru. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sirisha, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

Every day, I walk into work knowing that I’m not just addressing a skill—I’m changing lives. As a speech and feeding therapist who owns a business, my optimism doesn’t just come from hope; it comes from the incredible resilience I witness, the transformations I get to be part of, and the belief that no challenge is too big to overcome.
My optimism is fueled by the parents who walk into my practice, sometimes overwhelmed and exhausted, looking for solutions. They trust me with their child’s growth, and that trust inspires me to give my all, every single day. Seeing their determination to support their little ones reminds me that challenges can be met with strength, love, and persistence.

When a parent tells me, “This is the first time my child ate without gagging,” or “I finally heard them say ‘Mom,’” it solidifies my belief that the work we’re doing is worth every ounce of effort.

Children are remarkable. Their resilience, even when faced with the most significant obstacles, is nothing short of inspiring. Whether it’s a child taking their first sip of water safely or finding their voice for the very first time, I’m reminded that progress—no matter how small—should be celebrated.

As a therapist and business owner, I’ve learned that every day brings a new challenge. Whether it’s finding the right approach for a complex case, navigating the logistical demands of running a business, or simply encouraging a parent not to lose hope, I’m constantly problem-solving. But here’s the thing: every problem has a solution, and the journey to find it is what fuels me. It’s not about having all the answers immediately—it’s about the process of figuring out what works and knowing that persistence always pays off.

Every milestone I witness, no matter how seemingly minor, is a testament to the power of perseverance. My optimism grows with each child who surprises themselves with what they can accomplish.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At Your Speech Matters PLLC, we focus on two big areas that make a real difference: Gestalt Language Processing and Feeding Therapy. Over the past seven years, I’ve put in a lot of time and effort to really dive deep into feeding therapy. From getting certified in VitalStim to working with patients of all ages (especially kids and infants), it’s been a hands-on, rewarding journey that I’m incredibly passionate about.

What I love most about this work is seeing the incredible difference it makes for families. Feeding therapy goes far beyond addressing picky eating or mealtime struggles—it’s about helping children and their caregivers enjoy these important, bonding moments with confidence and ease. That’s why I’m so excited to launch our Feeding Intensive Program this January! The Feeding Intensive Program is specifically designed for children with oral aversions, pediatric feeding disorders (PFD), and ARFID. Each session is thoughtfully tailored to address one or more feeding challenges while also empowering parents with the skills and strategies they need to support their child’s progress at home. This comprehensive approach ensures that both the child and their caregivers are set up for success.

In addition to that, I’m also working on short courses for new SLP graduates to help them build a strong foundation in feeding therapy. This area is often overlooked in grad school, and I’m passionate about sharing the knowledge and skills I’ve developed over the years to empower the next generation of therapists.

Looking ahead, I’m also planning to introduce FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) into the practice sometime next year. This will be a game-changer, as it will allow us to complete a full, detailed assessment of feeding and swallowing for our clients. FEES will give us a clearer picture of what’s happening during the swallowing process, ensuring our therapy is even more targeted and effective.

I’m incredibly excited about the future and the potential these new additions bring to the practice. By combining innovative tools like FEES, intensive programs, and educational opportunities for therapists, Your Speech Matters is truly becoming a one-stop destination for feeding and swallowing care. I can’t wait to see how these changes help us make an even bigger impact!

The past six months have been amazing—our team has worked hard on marketing, and it’s paid off! We’ve expanded all across North Dallas, and it’s been so rewarding to connect with even more families. I’m very grateful for my team and everyone who’s trusted us to be part of their journey.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the most impactful qualities shaping my journey have been

Mastery of my craft has been a constant pursuit. Whether it’s delving into the intricacies of feeding therapy, gaining hands-on experience with pediatric populations, or completing certifications like VitalStim, I’ve always believed in the importance of staying curious and committed to lifelong learning. Mastery is not just about knowledge—it’s about applying it effectively and adapting to each unique situation. My advice for those starting out is to invest in your skills, stay updated with evidence-based practices, and never stop asking questions.

Integrity and authenticity have anchored my approach to therapy and relationships. Being transparent, honest, and true to my values allows me to build trust with families, colleagues, and my team. It’s not always easy, but when you lead with authenticity, people feel it, and the connections you build are stronger and more genuine. For those early in their journey, I’d say: Be yourself, honor your word, and always prioritize the best interests of those you serve.

Finally, fostering meaningful connections has been at the heart of everything I do. Whether it’s empowering parents through feeding therapy, mentoring fresh SLP graduates, or collaborating with my incredible team, these connections are what make the work fulfilling. They remind me why I chose this path in the first place. To those starting their careers: focus on building relationships. Listen, empathize, and show up fully for the people around you—it’s those connections that will fuel your passion and purpose.

At the core of it all is accountability—to myself, to my clients, and to my values. Holding myself accountable ensures I continue to grow, deliver high-quality care, and create a lasting impact. For anyone beginning their journey, know that when you align your work with your values and stay true to yourself, the possibilities are limitless.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I rely on a few strategies that have been game-changers for me:

One tool that has been incredibly effective is an app called Focusmate. It’s a virtual co-working platform where you’re paired with another person for a 25- or 50-minute work session. You both share your goals at the start, work quietly together, and then check in at the end. It’s like having an accountability partner in real-time, which is so helpful for staying on track, especially when tackling overwhelming tasks.

There’s something truly transformative about a good brain dump—just taking all the swirling thoughts in your head and putting them onto paper. Writing things down brings clarity, organizes your ideas, and strengthens your memory. I’ve found that physically writing in a planner or journal, rather than using a digital one, feels far more intentional and impactful. This idea is beautifully explored in the book The Power of Writing It Down by Allison Fallon, which highlights how the simple act of writing can unlock creativity, reduce overwhelm, and bring focus to your life. If you’re feeling stuck or scattered, grab a pen and paper and let your thoughts flow—it’s a small habit with a big payoff!

Meditation as a daily practice has been life-changing for me. Meditation provides the space to reflect, reset, and approach each day with intention and focus.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Dheeraj Pelluru @saravana Creations

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