When it comes to supporting children’s communication, confidence, and emotional growth, 143 Speech Therapy brings a thoughtful and compassionate approach to every family they serve. Founded by Speech-Language Pathologist Megan Tucker in 2024, 143 Speech Therapy provides evidence-based speech therapy designed to help children build communication skills while also feeling empowered, capable, and proud of who they are.
The name 143 Speech Therapy is inspired by the timeless teachings of Mister Rogers. “1-4-3” was one of the ways Mister Rogers would sign his letters — one letter for “I,” four letters for “love,” and three letters for “you.” This meaningful message reflects the heart of the practice: every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued just as they are.
143 Speech Therapy serves children with a wide range of communication needs, including speech sound differences, delayed language, and difficulty understanding spoken language. The practice also works closely with autistic children and families seeking meaningful ways to connect. In collaboration with Kids Lead Occupational Therapy, 143 Speech Therapy offers Floortime therapy — a child-led, relationship-based approach that meets children at their developmental level. Through play and meaningful interaction, Floortime helps build emotional connections, communication skills, and social engagement by following each child’s interests and expanding upon them in an intentional way.
What sets 143 Speech Therapy apart is Megan’s relationship-focused approach and over 10 years of experience working in school settings prior to opening her practice. This background allows her to bridge the gap between school-based and private therapy, creating cohesive, practical strategies that support children both in and out of the classroom. “This work is so important to me because every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and truly understood,” shared Megan Tucker, owner of 143 Speech Therapy. “It is especially close to my heart that autistic children feel genuinely welcomed in our space. We honor and protect all forms of communication, including non-speaking language, because every child has a voice and a meaningful way of connecting with the world.”
The inspiration behind 143 Speech Therapy also comes from Megan’s own childhood. Growing up as one of eight children in a busy household with two working parents, she found comfort and inspiration in PBS Kids programming like Mister Rogers, Sesame Street, and Reading Rainbow. These early influences shaped her understanding of kindness, curiosity, and the importance of meeting children where they are — values that continue to guide her work and the welcoming environment she has created.
For Megan, the most rewarding part of the business is the relationships built with families and the progress children make along the way. The team strives to create a safe, warm, and nurturing space where children can truly be themselves. Some of their favorite moments come when children are having so much fun they do not want to leave, or when families share milestones like first words or newfound confidence in the community. These moments are deeply meaningful and reinforce the importance of their work.
After spending the past year growing the practice in Clive, 143 Speech Therapy recently joined the Clive Chamber of Commerce. As the business continues to grow, Megan looks forward to building stronger connections within the community, expanding resources for families, and bringing new opportunities to the children they serve.
Beyond therapy services, 143 Speech Therapy is committed to expanding access to resources and support throughout the community. In partnership with Davis Carmack of Kids Lead, Megan co-founded the nonprofit Rainbows & Butterflies Co., which focuses on connecting families to meaningful services and opportunities. Through this work, they are helping bring the first Floortime-inspired camp to the Des Moines area, along with additional parent education, tools, and support.
The practice also believes in the power of everyday moments of connection and learning. To support families even further, 143 Speech Therapy is currently finishing a Little Free Library and Toy Chest outside their building, offering free access to books and resources that support literacy, imagination, and community engagement.
Whether families are seeking support for speech and language development, emotional regulation, or meaningful connection, 143 Speech Therapy provides a welcoming space where children can grow, learn, and thrive. You can reach 143 Speech Therapy by calling 515-216-0161, emailing [email protected], or visiting www.143speechtherapy.com to learn more.
