As a full-time SLP at Journey School, Amy is a busy lady! She works with more than 25 students to ensure that each of them has their communication potential met. Amy is finishing up her Clinical Fellowship and she gave me answers to some of our favorite SLP/SLPA questions!
Here is Amy:
Why did you become a speech therapist?
My decision to become a speech therapist was ignited by my professional experiences in the classroom. I worked in an inclusion setting, co-teaching with a special education teacher and then as a reading and dyslexia interventionist. I came to realize my preference for focusing on functional language and learning skills. I wanted to build upon a child’s current abilities, using their strengths as a focal point for future growth and development. In addition, as a mother, I was seeking a career that offered autonomy, flexibility and support for a healthy work-life balance.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given in this field?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given related to working as an SLP is to be spontaneous.
What’s some advice you’d give to an SLP/SLPA possibly wanting to join our team?
The advice I would give an SLP/SLPA who wants to join our team of superstars is to consider the needs of the child and family when implementing therapy plans and activities & to collaborate with families as well as other professionals. We can learn so much from one another.
What would you be doing if you weren’t an SLP?
If I weren’t a speech therapist, I’d probably be a music therapist or children’s book author. Actually, when considering graduate school options, I looked into a music therapy program then decided on speech instead.
What’s your favorite area of speech to work in?
My favorite area of speech therapy to work in is language.
What’s your favorite speech therapy toy/activity?
My favorite speech therapy toy/activity is any child-led, play-based activity. Language (and therefore speech and communication) is available everywhere. So when a child chooses the toy or activity, I prefer that toy or activity. The structure of the therapy sessions expands from there. I find when they are intrinsically motivated by simply having fun, then I have fun too!
What’s the most inspiring or amazing thing about your job as an SLP?
The most inspiring part of my job is witnessing resilience from both children and their families as they learn and grow.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned as an SLP?
The most important thing I have learned while working as a speech therapist is the value of honoring and respecting neurodiverse experiences.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be…
the ability to hear people from across the room. The fact that I worked at a hospital when I was younger may be the reason for that. When you have someone talking to you in a low voice from across the nurse’s station, your ears get trained to hear far distances.
If you were a superhero, what would you be?
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be teleportation.
Name three things you always have in your speech bag/office!
In my speech bag, I have some playdough, a floor puzzle, a stuffed animal, and a picture book.
We are so appreciative of Amy and her love for this career and her school team! Thank you Amy for all you do!
If you are considering a school in North Houston for your little one with special or unique needs, consider Journey School. They are also linked in our Resource tab.
Learn more about being an SLP or SLPA, this series of Team Interviews will be the one to keep up on! Anyone qualified or that is interested in being an SLP or SLPA, view our job opportunities or submit resume to Speak Speech Therapy (info@speakspeechtherapy.com).
