Dr. Lauren buford

FOUNDER, CEO, & OWNER

Why I Opened the KCB Play Institute

Growing up in Northern Virginia, I’ve always felt a deep connection to my community, and I’m thrilled to give back in a meaningful way! My passion for helping neurodivergent children blossomed during my time as an undergraduate speech clinician. I vividly remember working with a spirited 4-year-old girl who communicated exclusively through sign language, gestures, and a few verbal approximations. At first, she struggled and often expressed her frustration by hitting. But after just a few months of therapy, I witnessed an extraordinary transformation. Her expressive and receptive language skills flourished, and those moments of frustration faded away! When her mother looked at me with tears of gratitude, I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose. That experience lit a fire in me, igniting my lifelong commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and their families!

Speech and Language Professional

Prior to the establishment of the KCB Play Institute, I dedicated several years to my role as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), ardently delivering essential services to children. My professional journey has encompassed a variety of dynamic environments, including public and private educational institutions, university clinics, and private practices. Throughout the majority of my career, I have experienced the privilege of working intimately with toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children, significantly impacting their lives through my hands-on methodology.

I embarked on an incredible journey during my undergraduate studies in Communication Disorders at Hampton University, laying the foundation for my master’s degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C. My transformative time at Howard allowed me to collaborate with exceptional faculty, opening the door to work with patients from underserved communities. This experience unveiled the harsh reality of limited resources for autistic children and their families, igniting a passionate drive within me to take action. I launched initiatives to educate parents about autism and the crucial role of speech-language pathology. By fostering trust and building strong relationships with families, I witnessed remarkable breakthroughs in the children I worked with—each success story filled me with joy and strengthened my commitment to making a meaningful difference!

With a focus on continuous learning and advancing the field of speech-language pathology, I earned a Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University. My doctoral research focused on the impact of family-centered care and shared decision-making in the diagnostic and therapeutic processes for families of children with autism. I am dedicated to applying clinical research to improve communication and feeding skills, as well as advocating for policies that enhance speech-language pathology services for autistic children. Additionally, the program provided me with essential skills to serve as a leader, mentor, and educator for future speech-language pathology clinicians.

I hold the prestigious Certificate of Clinical Competence awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Furthermore, I have been recognized with multiple ACE awards from ASHA, showcasing my dedication to continuous education and professional development in the field of speech-language pathology.

Expert Therapy

My passion lies in the assessment and treatment of neurodivergent children with speech sound disorders, including articulation and phonological processes, as well as expressive, receptive, and social pragmatic language deficits. With a special interest in autism, I am committed to implementing evidence-based practices that empower every child to find their voice. I strive to drive systemic change to bridge the health disparity gap in communication disorder treatment for marginalized children. I believe that the best outcomes stem from a collaborative, team-based approach, where professionals come together to innovate and inspire.

Additional Passions

My husband and I call Ashburn, Virginia, our home, and we embrace every moment of our adventures together! As an avid amusement park enthusiast, I love exploring new thrilling rides and attractions with him by my side. When we’re not out seeking adrenaline, we enjoy cozy nights in watching captivating historical documentaries, often with our adorable pug, Sasha, snuggled up with us. And of course, nothing beats the joy of indulging in warm, homemade chocolate chip cookies as I browse the latest manipulatives on Super Duper for my sessions.