Catalyst Speech Joins Stepping Stones
Pediatric behavioral health provider The Stepping Stones Group has announced its acquisition of Catalyst Speech Language Pathology, an in-school speech therapy provider serving over 20 school districts across California, as part of its ongoing strategy of pediatric behavioral health acquisitions. Catalyst Speech, founded in 2015 by Ji Kim, has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality speech-language pathology services. Following the acquisition, Kim will continue to lead Catalyst Speech as a standalone entity while also joining Stepping Stones as director of client services, ensuring a smooth integration and continuity for current clients.
“Ji and her team have built a strong reputation for providing high-quality speech-language pathology services to school districts, and we are thrilled to welcome the Catalyst Speech team to The Stepping Stones Group,” said Tim Murphy, CEO of The Stepping Stones Group.
Growing Demand for Speech Therapy Services
This acquisition comes amid rising demand for speech therapy services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 21% from 2021 to 2031, reflecting increasing recognition of the importance of early intervention for children with communication challenges. The deal is also part of a broader trend of pediatric behavioral health acquisitions, as companies expand their reach and capabilities through strategic mergers.
About The Stepping Stones Group
Stepping Stones is a Boston-based, private equity-backed provider operating in 45 states with more than 8,000 employees. Its services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, autism-related services, behavioral interventions, and special education support. The company was recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation, highlighting its rapid expansion in pediatric behavioral health.
Growth Through Acquisitions
Since being acquired by Five Arrows Capital Partners in 2018, Stepping Stones has pursued a growth-through-acquisition strategy. Recent acquisitions include Building Block Behavior Consultants, CBEST, HM Therapy, The Southcoast Autism Center, EBS Healthcare, Futures and Behavioral Learning Center, New England ABA, Star of CA, and Ador School Solutions. This acquisition of Catalyst Speech further reinforces Stepping Stones’ strategy of expanding its in-school therapy offerings and service footprint.
The deal also highlights the growing role of private equity in pediatric behavioral health acquisitions, where providers seek to scale operations, increase accessibility, and meet rising demand. In a similar move, Acorn Health acquired seven ABA centers from Breakthrough Behavior, underscoring a broader consolidation trend in the sector.
Impact on School Districts and Families
With Catalyst Speech joining its portfolio, Stepping Stones can offer more comprehensive services to school districts while maintaining a high standard of care. The acquisition exemplifies how pediatric behavioral health acquisitions can strengthen service offerings without compromising the identity or quality of established providers. By retaining Catalyst Speech as a standalone entity under Ji Kim’s leadership, Stepping Stones ensures that specialized expertise continues to benefit students across California.
As the demand for speech and behavioral therapy grows nationwide, the acquisition marks another milestone in Stepping Stones’ expansion strategy. Each new addition reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing accessibility to evidence-based services, and it positions Stepping Stones as a leader in pediatric behavioral health acquisitions and nationwide service delivery.
Looking Ahead
The integration of Catalyst Speech is a clear example of how pediatric behavioral health acquisitions are reshaping the landscape of care for children with complex developmental, behavioral, and educational needs. Families and school districts now have access to a broader range of services under the Stepping Stones umbrella, from speech therapy and ABA to occupational therapy and behavioral interventions.
Looking ahead, Stepping Stones’ continued focus on strategic growth through pediatric behavioral health acquisitions ensures that children across the country receive timely, effective, and high-quality care. By combining the expertise of established providers like Catalyst Speech with a nationwide infrastructure, Stepping Stones is setting a new standard for integrated pediatric behavioral health services.
