We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cristi Garfield a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cristi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

From an early age, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, especially with children. My passion for helping others blossomed while babysitting and assisting my mom in caring for my aunt, who had special needs. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences from Gettysburg College, and my first job was as a therapy aide on a brain injury unit. There, I led a group called “Lunch Bunch,” which immediately sparked my interest in feeding therapy. Driven by this passion, I pursued a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Loyola University Maryland, where I gained invaluable clinical experience in schools and children’s hospitals. After graduation, I worked in various settings—hospitals, outpatient clinics, early intervention programs, and schools—but ultimately, my connections in DC led me back to where I am happiest: working in a level 3 NICU.

My journey into private practice was inspired by the deep fulfillment I found helping families in the NICU. Over the years, I’ve often provided guidance to friends and acquaintances, sometimes through late-night phone calls and texts. My own breastfeeding journey with my now 4-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son also opened my eyes to how vital support is for new mothers, yet how difficult it can be to find. As an SLP and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)—two roles that provide a deep understanding of the oral-motor function of the swallow—I decided to take the leap. I came up with a name, designed a logo, and officially registered my LLC! The name *Pura Vida* was inspired by my time studying abroad in Costa Rica. The country’s breathtaking ecotourism, rich culture, and the warmth of its people left a lasting impression on me. It holds a special place in my heart and is also where I honed my Spanish-speaking skills.

When I decided to launch my private practice, I turned to a colleague—also a Loyola alum and former coworker—who guided me through setting up a social media presence, selecting EMR platforms, scheduling systems, and opening a Google Workspace account. One of the biggest challenges has been managing everything on my own while juggling a part-time hospital job and being a full-time mother to two toddlers. I often wish I had taken a business or marketing course to better understand SEOs and business strategies. But, I’ve learned to be patient, take things one day at a time, and trust the process as I grow my practice. If private practice is in your future, my advice is to start preparing before you earn your degree by learning the basics of business management and strategy.

Cristi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! My name is Cristi and I grew up outside of Philadelphia (Go Birds!). I’m a pediatric speech therapist and certified lactation counselor who is committed to empowering breastfeeding dyads and families of young children in a supportive, stress-free environment. I was drawn to my field from my time as a therapy aide on a brain injury unit of a rehabilitation hospital and love for babysitting. My Master’s program at Loyola University Maryland was incredible. It immerses you in hands-on clinical treatment right away, with one day a week dedicated to coursework. I thrive in that kind of environment—learning by doing. I absolutely loved graduate school, and it was an amazing feeling to dive into a field that I immediately knew was my passion and purpose.

My background as an SLP in hospitals and NICU/pediatric units, combined with my expertise in oral-motor assessments and feeding therapy for all ages, truly sets me apart. I ensure that the families I work with are well-equipped for success—both in their breastfeeding journey and in fostering age-appropriate speech and language development for their baby. The inspiration to open my private practice came from my desire to provide families with ongoing support as they transition from the hospital to home.

My services include:

1. Prenatal Education: I host prenatal breastfeeding classes to educate expecting parents on the basics of breastfeeding, expectations, techniques, etc.

2. Lactation Support: With an oral-motor focus as an SLP, I specialize in assessment of the infant’s skills and provide mothers with positional adjustments and suggestions to obtain the ideal latch and set the breastfeeding dyad up for success. I have many patients in the NICU where I work that I’ve identified concerns for tongue-ties and initiated conversations with the families on next steps.

3. Bottle Support: Breastfeeding and bottle feeding can look entirely different, I help guide families with bottle and nipple selection(s) for safe and functional feeding

4. Transitions: I help families navigate key transitions from hospital to home, returning to work & daycare, and introducing solids using a sequential-oral-sensory approach to feeding. I’m also a huge fan of Baby-Led Weaning (with some exceptions…)!

5. Early Intervention Screening and Guidance: I provide professional support to maximize a child’s growth and development related to their speech-language and feeding milestones. I have two standardized assessment tools for ages 0-6:11 to evaluate early language and cognitive development.

I’m most proud of how naturally I can integrate my expertise as an SLP into my lactation support services. It allows me to offer a unique, holistic approach that benefits both breastfeeding and speech/language development. Those who know me often describe me as selfless, optimistic, and genuinely caring—I’m the kind of person who checks in just to see how you’re doing and is always there in times of need. I’m excited to bring this level of support and dedication to the families I have the privilege of working with, helping them thrive every step of the way.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I started by emailing family and friends, who helped spread the word about my business and supported my social media efforts. I’ve been creating fun and engaging reels that are actually reaching my target audience, which has been exciting. I also joined several mom-focused Facebook groups where I can share information about my practice and respond to posts related to infant feeding. In addition, I signed up for a Sixx Cool Moms Approved Business Membership and purchased an ad in a DC neighborhood magazine. Building strong connections with other small businesses has led to collaborations, events, and mutual referrals. Recently, I had the best compliment when a dentist told me they had “heard about me.” Word of mouth is spreading, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see my efforts pay off. I’m confident that I know what I’m doing!

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Short answer: absolutely. I love being an SLP. Interestingly, I originally planned to become a Physician Assistant and even pursued that path. However, after struggling with organic chemistry, my plans shifted, and I discovered Speech-Language Pathology. In hindsight, I think I would’ve made a great PA-C, but I’m incredibly grateful for where I ended up. Working in the hospital with medically complex patients has allowed me to grow immensely and gain experience that I wouldn’t trade. My role has evolved into more of a colleague than just support staff on the unit, and I’m proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in my profession.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.puravidalactation.com
• Instagram: @puravidalactation
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PuraVidaLactation
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristin-garfield-ms-ccc-slp-clc-90107711
• Other: My Google Business Page: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9r9GfdEwwJG15Y1r5My Google Booking Page: https://calendar.app.google/P5fepU4Eb7YXHWwN8

Image Credits

I have not been able to get any action shots of me working with clients. I am working on obtaining a picture release form to start using/taking pictures. Sorry!