Val Lorenzo

Val Lorenzo is a speech-language pathologist with 35 years of experience assisting individuals with disabilities to overcome barriers to communication.

Background: Bachelor's degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Baylor University, Master's degree in Communication Disorders from The University of Texas at Dallas

Experience: 35 years of experience in both medical and educational settings, specializing in autism spectrum disorders and autism assessment

Personal Motivation: Passionate about assisting families of disabled individuals in understanding and supporting communication and social skills to maximize independence

Aspirations: Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through effective communication support

Val's graduate school research focused on early learners with autism spectrum disorders, which shaped her early career in autism assessment. She is currently the Director of Rehabilitation for Continuum Rehab Group in Plano, Texas. Living in Murphy, Texas, with her partner Bruce Hoekstra, Val is the proud mother of three adult sons, Zachary, Chandler, and Caleb, and one very active Australian Shepherd, "Prez." Val enjoys volunteering for Special Olympics, reading, and providing online support for other speech-language pathologists. Her extensive experience and dedication to communication support make her an invaluable addition to the Buzz Bridge Farms board, where she will help foster connections and enrich the sense of purpose and community for adults with IDD.