‘I want to give back to my community by helping families that need my support’

What is the degree you're receiving this fall? What are your former degrees (and where are they from)?
I will be receiving my master’s degree in speech-language pathology (SLP). I have a BA in French and Spanish language and literature from the University of Alberta, a BSc in communicative disorders and deaf education from Utah State University and a diploma for speech-language pathology assisting from MacEwan University. 

What drew you to the area of your study, and why are you passionate about it?I have always been interested in languages since I was young. During my undergrad, I went to the Organization of Alberta Students in Speech (OASIS) conference and I fell in love with everything about speech-language pathology. From getting to help kids who need to work on pronouns or use an alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) device to communicate, to performing an assessment to figure out what a child needs to work on — I love it all!

Why did you choose the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine?
I had heard from many SLPs about the practical aspect within the SLP program at the U of A. I had already practiced in the field as an SLP assistant and knew the importance of hands-on learning with real clients, which made the U of A program my top pick.

What is one of your fondest memories during your time in the program?
Practicing supportive communication with my two daughters and then watching them use supportive communication with each other. I recorded them using the strategies and posted it for my classmates to see prior to our practical exam. My classmates said that it inspired them, because if my daughters could do it, then we all could learn how to use supportive communication. 

What are you doing now? What is next for you? What are your long-term goals and aspirations?
I am thrilled to be the newest team member at the Child Development Centre in Prince George, British Columbia. I work on a multidisciplinary team with two other speech-language pathologists, four occupational therapists and seven physical therapists. I work with children from birth to just under six years of age. I also provide outreach to McBride and Valemount during the year. I absolutely love working on a team and the next step for me is to continue to learn and grow as a new clinician. I plan on doing more education in the area of autism and fluency, which are two of my areas of interest. I want to give back to my community by helping families that need my support. 

What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you when you started your graduate degree in CSD?
I know the advice I would give a student now! I am a practicing clinician who loves her job and I would tell new students that all the hard work is worth it - all the laughter, tears and hours of studying. There are no words to describe how incredible it is to wake up every morning and be a registered speech-language pathologist.