The Pedi Speechie

When I was in my college, my dad suggested two fields: speech-language pathology, or nursing.


I thought hard about my decision. Then, I remembered that time I fainted when I got a shot at the doctor's office. Considering my disdain for shots and blood, I decided to look into becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist.


I met with the director of the undergraduate speech and language department at Kent State, and liked what I heard. I could work with kids? I could work with adults? I didn't have to see blood? DONE.


I really had no idea what I was getting myself into at the time, but it was honestly the best decision I could have made!


I completed my undergrad studies at Kent State. I initially had a tough choice to make: did I want to go into speech pathology or audiology? I met with a director at an audiology program. The first thing he asked was, "Do you like math?" I don't. I chose speech therapy.


It came time to choose a masters program. I attempted to get into Hawaii. That didn't work out, but the University of North Texas did. My mom and I flew to visit the school. I made my decision before even meeting with the director or taking a tour. I saw palm trees planted outside of an iHop. REAL palm trees. "I'm going here," I informed my mom. "You haven't even SEEN it," she protested.


You see, I've always known right away when I want to do things. I picked out the first communion dress I saw, solely based on the crazy amount of fluff and lace. I picked the first wedding dress I saw. It was so glittery and blingy that you couldn't miss it walking into the store. They made me try on 12 additional dresses. I still wanted the glittery one. So anyways, the tour went great, and before I knew it, my parents and I were taking a road trip tour halfway across the country. I left Ohio winters and moved to Texas.


In grad school, I learned that it was apparently weird to say "you guys" instead of "y'all". I amazed my fellow SLP grad students when I wore real snow boots that one time it snowed. I also learned some cool things about speech pathology.


"Maybe I'll work with adults!" I thought eagerly. I did two adult internships, one of which involved working with trachs. I quickly realized that for someone who gets queasy around blood/ fluids, the adult side of things wasn't really up my alley. ( I applaud the SLPs who rock that setting, by the way!)


"Back to the working with kids idea!" I said to myself.


I haven't looked back since. There are two types of SLPs (well, actually, there's a lot more than that, I'm just being dramatic): adult SLPs and kid SLPs. I am a kid SLP. I will always be a kid SLP.


I've gone back and forth between pediatric outpatient and school settings since then, but I've landed my dream job. I plan on staying in the schools until I win the lottery, or retire. Since the only lottery ticket I ever get is the one my father-in-law gives out at Christmas, chances are, it'll be until retirement.

I'm sure many of you have scoured Pinterest and seen perfectly those colorful classrooms, with the colorful bins all labeled and stuff.


My room doesn't look like that. Well, it DOES, at the beginning of the year, before the kids start coming to therapy.


Then, life happens. Paperwork piles up on my desk. To finish it requires an intense amount of caffeine. To drink the intense amount of caffeine requires bathroom breaks, which I don't always have time for. Sigh.


I occasionally prep but prefer not to. I'm not really into cutting things out and laminating. I sometimes do it. Sometimes you have to. Blah. That's kind of why a lot of my products are low ink, no or low prep, or digital.


I'm also pretty nerdy. I like to introduce my students to unique topics, like the fact that Henry VIII was kind of a jerk. Obvs we answer comprehension questions and discuss vocab after.


In my room, we read about the Loch Ness Monster when we're working on articulation. We talk about the Great Wall of China- and oh, dogs. Definitely dogs.


In my former college/ grad school/ even slightly after grad school life, I used to travel a lot. That's why I moved to Texas for grad school. Oh yeah, I came back to Ohio- forgot to tell you that part. Sister had cute kids, met my future husband, etc. One of the best weeks of my life was the week I spent in Ireland/ N. Ireland. I WILL come back to see you one day, Galway. Until then, I'll listen to Ed Sheerhan's "Galway Girl".


Anyways, I don't travel anymore. Partly because the airlines kept losing my luggage and delaying flights, but mostly because we have a toddler. Living the toddler lifestyle means it's a pretty big deal if we make it to Aldi's. I wish I could say Target, but they closed the one closest to me. I'm still sad.


Okay, I'm getting off topic. Teaching style- or speeching style- in a nutshell: I'm into low/ no prep, nerdy, fun, and unique speech therapy. That's why I started creating materials like that. If you're into those same things, I hope you'll join me on this crazy journey by following me on TpT!

ASHA CCC's Licensed Speech- Language Pathologist in Ohio Recipient of ASHA ACE (Award for Continuing Education) (2014) Google Level One Certification (June 2018) #nerd

B.S.- Speech Pathology and Audiology, M.S.- Speech Language Pathology I have taken continuing education in a variety of areas, including Orofacial Myology & AAC

You can usually find me sitting on the couch, working on my TpT store, with my dog laying on my leg and my husband a few feet away, holding a video game controller. That's only after my son has gone to bed. Before 8 p.m., I'm either at work, playing with the baby, or reading a TON of Richard Scarry books to him. Here is a photo of my husband and I at the Cliffs of Moher (remember that Ireland trip I told you about?): Let's keep in touch: ♥!My blog ♥!Facebook