By Beatrice Kimble, Director of Recruitment at Epic Special Education Staffing
May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable work of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and their contributions to improving communication and hearing health. In honor of this month, we sat down with Jessica, a passionate SLP, to learn more about her journey, experiences, and insights into the profession.
What Inspired You to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
For Jessica, the decision to pursue this profession was deeply influenced by her little brother. Growing up, Jessica witnessed firsthand the challenges her brother faced in communication. His experiences and journey ignited this strong desire to help children who, like him, struggle with similar issues.
Thankfully, her brother is doing much better these days in terms of his communication, overcoming many obstacles to become successful in a career supporting cancer clinical trial research. In his role, he assists with patient services, explains their involvement in the studies, and also handles the statistical analysis. It’s incredibly inspiring to see how he’s turned his challenges into opportunities to make a difference.
What Is the Best Part of Your Job?
For Jessica, the best part of being an SLP is undoubtedly witnessing the progress of the children she works with and knowing that she’s making a difference in their lives. She finds it incredibly rewarding to see them grow and develop, both in their ability to communicate and in their confidence.
Jessica expressed how hearing their voices become clearer and helping them find the right words brings her immense joy. She also believes that building their confidence is a significant aspect of the job, finding it incredibly fulfilling when she sees her students become more self-assured.
What Lessons Have You Learned Working as an SLP?
One of the biggest lessons Jessica has learned is the importance of adaptability. In this field, there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all solution to every challenge. Each child and family is unique, and what works for one student may not necessarily work for another. It’s essential to remain flexible and open-minded, continually trying new approaches and techniques until we find what resonates best with each individual. Being innovative and willing to explore different methods is key to effectively supporting the diverse needs of the children and families she works with.
How Has It Been Working with Epic Special Education Staffing?
Jessica has found working with Epic to be an incredibly positive experience. From the very beginning, she has felt fully supported and valued by the team. Collaborating with them has been a joy, and she has always felt that her input and feedback were genuinely listened to and taken into account. The matching process has been excellent, allowing her to connect with amazing individuals.
The Epic Special Education team has been incredibly supportive, striking the perfect balance between providing enough support without micromanaging. Compared to other staffing agencies she has worked with, Epic stands out for its strong sense of community and support. Jessica has never felt alone in her role and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a supportive team.
Whenever asked about her experience, she always responds with high praise. She feels valued and appreciated both in terms of her professional growth and the compensation she receives. It’s not always common to feel heard and understood, so she truly appreciates that Epic values what is important to clinicians.
Even in moments of challenge, the support from clinical managers has been exceptional. They have made themselves readily available and have been proactive in addressing any concerns or issues that arise.
As someone who initially felt disconnected or apprehensive about walking into new school environments, Epic’s support has made it incredibly easy for her to navigate these situations. Jessica has had the pleasure of working with amazing individuals at Epic and can honestly say she has never met anyone she didn’t like. They have been nothing short of amazing.
What Advice Do You Have for Fellow SLPs?
Jessica advises fellow Speech-Language Pathologists to prioritize self-care. In their profession, the dedication to caring for others can sometimes lead to neglecting their own well-being.
She emphasizes the importance of establishing boundaries and giving themselves permission to take breaks and recharge. Balancing work and personal lives is essential for preventing burnout and maintaining effectiveness as therapists.
Jessica encourages SLPs to carve out time for themselves and practice self-care without guilt. It’s not about overcare, but rather finding a healthy balance that allows them to continue providing the best possible care for their patients while also taking care of themselves.
What Is Something You’d Want People to Know This National Speech-Language-Hearing Month?
Jessica hopes that this National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, the community will understand the importance of our voices. It’s not just about the ability to speak; it’s about giving individuals, especially children, the power of expression and communication.
Whether it involves helping a child find their words or sentences, or restoring something they’ve lost, giving someone their voice back is incredibly meaningful. It’s a beautiful and essential aspect of the work done by Speech-Language Pathologists. She encourages everyone to strive to listen to others for who they truly are and empower them to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Amplifying Voices: National Speech-Language-Hearing Month 2024
As we celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, it’s stories like Jessica’s that remind us of the profound impact SLPs have on the lives of individuals and families. Their dedication, adaptability, and compassion truly make a difference, one voice at a time. Let’s take this month to honor and appreciate the incredible work of all Speech-Language Pathologists.
Find rewarding work as an SLP with the help of Epic Special Education Staffing. We offer school SLP positions nationwide including local and travel, short-term or full school year, and full or part-time. We have opportunities that align with your lifestyle and help you feel fulfilled, while providing unsurpassed care and support every step of the way. Get in touch with us today to learn more about your options!
About the Author
Bea Kimble, Director of Recruitment has celebrated 30 years in recruiting and talent management. She is passionate about helping people find fulfilling career opportunities, while simultaneously helping school districts and their needs. Bea credits her success in building meaningful relationships to help others manifest their highest potential. She is a lifelong learner who carefully analyzes market trends, identifies talent gaps, and devises recruitment strategies. Bea is based in Orange County, CA, and lives with her family and two dogs surrounded by her growing succulent collection.
