Alumni Spotlight: Perla Tamez Casasnovas ’07

For more than two decades, this proud Javelina has dedicated her career to helping children find their voices both literally and figuratively.

When Perla chose Texas A&M University–Kingsville, she knew she wanted to become a Speech Therapist Assistant. During her time on campus, she found more than an excellent education; she found mentors who would help shape her future. One of those mentors was Dr. Beam, whose leadership and passion for the profession inspired Perla to strive for excellence and pursue her goals with confidence.

After graduating in 2007, Perla began her career as a Speech Therapist Assistant, a profession she has loved for more than 20 years. As her experience and passion for serving children grew, so did her vision. Today, she is the owner of successful outpatient pediatric therapy clinics that provide speech and occupational therapy services, helping children build the skills they need to thrive while supporting families throughout their journey.

One of Perla’s greatest accomplishments has been building a business that not only transforms the lives of children and their families but also creates opportunities for others. She now leads a team of more than 60 dedicated therapists who share her commitment to making a difference every day through compassionate, life-changing care. Through her leadership, she has built an organization that continues to strengthen communities by empowering both the children it serves and the professionals who serve them.

Looking back, Perla credits TAMUK with helping her become educated, resilient, confident, and motivated to pursue both her clinical and entrepreneurial dreams. The lessons she learned and the relationships she built continue to influence her success today.

Her advice for current Javelinas is to seek guidance from your professors and learn from their experience. She also encourages students to get involved on campus, sharing that she wishes she had participated in more organizations because those experiences often lead to lifelong friendships and valuable professional connections.

For Perla, being a Javelina means belonging to a community that encourages students to dream big, support one another, and build a strong foundation for the future. She remains proud to call herself a Javelina and continues to share the value of a Texas A&M University–Kingsville education wherever she goes.

We are proud to celebrate Perla’s journey and the incredible impact she continues to make. Her story is a testament to the power of a Javelina education, strong mentorship, and a passion for serving others.