Meet Patricia Diaz Portela | Speech-Language Pathologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patricia Diaz Portela and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patricia, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico in a big family full of love, empathy and compassion, where education was always highly encouraged. My family taught me to never give up on my goals no matter the obstacles or the time it takes to achieve them. My family, my education, and the work experiences I have lived in Puerto Rico and in Miami have molded me into who I am today and the service I want to give to my patients in my mobile private practice, Blossom Therapy Services, LLC.

I obtained a bachelor’s degree in special education in Learning Disabilities and an Autism Certification from the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the Interamerican University in Puerto Rico. During my college years my professors taught me how our vocation teaches us to bring all our knowledge with love for each child who needs our expertise. In 2021, love brought me to Miami, FL. At the time, I joined a Private Practice Clinic where I worked for four years. During my time in this Clinic, I not only grew professionally, but also learned about the different cultures and languages that we have here in Miami. Having the opportunity to learn from every patient and their family helped me connect and give a little of me and my knowledge to them. In June 2025 I started my own private practice to create a space where I can give quality time and my expertise to my patients.

The name of my private practice comes from the fact that every child is a growing flower, and I’m part of the fertilization process of bringing my expertise to help them flourish and achieve their own goals. I decided to design my logo using the national flower of my country, flor de maga, symbolizing the closeness I have to where I grew up. My love-filled upbringing and the passion that I have for my career is who I am today. By combining these two together, I want to be able to connect with the child and their families to guide them and improve their communication. Each child challenges me to be a better version of myself and to constantly learn so I can provide them with all the tools they need. I love what I do in my profession because it is very rewarding, and I want to continue pursuing this career with love, dedication, respect, and professionalism.

What should our readers know about your business?
Four years ago, when my husband’s career brought us to Miami, I knew it would also be the start of a new chapter for me. Living in a new country, away from our families, has been both challenging and rewarding. These years have allowed me to embrace Miami’s diversity, connect with its people, and grow deeply as a professional.
What sets me apart is my empathy, charisma, responsibility, professionalism, and deep sense of vocation. When I meet a new child and their family, my first goal is to ensure they feel heard, understood, and supported. I want every child to know that I will walk alongside them, guiding their growth while building a relationship based on trust and joy.
The journey of creating my own mobile private practice has been one of courage and constant learning. This is not something you are taught in school, but with time and the generous guidance of colleagues from different areas, I have learned how to navigate the business side of things. In just three months of opening my practice, my caseload has grown faster than I imagined, and I have taken on new roles: administrator, biller, accountant, and advocate. Each role has taught me something valuable.
I want the world to know that I am here to be part of a child’s speech, language, and feeding journey, helping them develop the skills they need to thrive. Always in ways that honor their individuality and strengths. I am proud of myself for how far I’ve come, and I credit my background in sports as a child for shaping my discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, the very qualities that now support me in my professional life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d plan a week full of great food, coastal vibes, and unforgettable local experiences. Here’s how it would go:

Friday Night – A Taste of Cuba in Miami. We’d kick things off with a reservation at Café La Trova, one of my favorite spots for Cuban cuisine. We’d sip classic daiquiris, savor traditional dishes, and enjoy the vibrant energy of live music. The band brings amazing energy, and the show put on by the “cantineros” behind the bar is just as entertaining—it’s the perfect way to start the trip.

Saturday to Tuesday – Road Trip to Islamorada. We’d hit the road early Saturday for a mini escape to Islamorada. During these few days, we’d spend our time soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring Founders Park, and boating out to the sandbar—one of the best ways to enjoy the Keys.
Each evening would end with a great meal. We’d have dinner at Papa Joe’s Waterfront with some fresh local fish as we watch the sunset. Another night, we’d go to Robbie’s for a laid-back Keys experience, and then Square Grouper for something a bit more refined.
On the way back home, we’d make a must-stop at the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory to pick up their famous pie—it’s the perfect souvenir (if it makes it home without being eaten first!).

Wednesday – Exploring Coral Gables & Coconut Grove
Back in town, we’d spend Wednesday wandering the charming streets of Coral Gables. Lunch at Maman would be a cozy, delicious midday break. Then we’d head over to Coconut Grove to stroll through the neighborhood, pop into local shops, and just enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. For dinner, we’d make a reservation at Narbona—the perfect end to a well-paced day.

Thursday, for the last day we will rest and if we get bored, we will go to Brickell City center to walk around.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family and my husband who have been part of my growth as a professional. They have been supportive of me in all the good and bad moments of my life, in the moments when I have needed direction and strength to keep moving forward to continue and achieve my goals. They are the ones that know that I have the power to complete all my professional and personal goals.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossomtherapyservicesllc?igsh=ZTM5dDBvdzZjMnEz&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-p-diaz-portela-5529601a6/

Image Credits
The pictures with my cream shirt and long sleeve pictures are from Diana Florida Wedding Photographer. Her instagram is @dianaceciliaphoto.