Through our Monthly Spotlight Series, we are taking the time to highlight the staff at KidsCare Home Health. Whether you’re an aspiring therapist or current therapist looking for your next big move, we hope you gain inspiration and valuable advice from these successful individuals and their stories.
This month we were excited to interview, Taylor, Clinical Manager/Speech-Language Pathologist at KidsCare Home Health.
Where did you grow-up and what is special about your hometown?
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. We host the Kentucky Derby the first Saturday in May every year! I used to watch the races on the backside in the barns with the horses. The derby is a very cool experience if you ever get a chance to go!!
Where did you go to school for college?
I went to the University of Kentucky for my bachelors and masters program.
Why did you decide to become a speech-language pathologist?
I knew I wanted to work in healthcare and initially began nursing school to become a neonatal RN. After about 1 semester in nursing school, I decided that nursing was not for me. However, I knew I still wanted to work with babies. So, I began school for Speech Language Pathology because I learned that SLPs worked in the area of pediatric feeding…and here I am!
What is your favorite thing about working in pediatric speech therapy?
Honestly, I just love the kiddos. I love getting to know families, building rapport with the clients, and spending my day “playing.” Also, kids really do say the funniest things!
When you’re not at work, how do you like to spend your time?
I have been married for going on 6 years – crazy! During the winter, my husband and I go skiing in Breckenridge a lot. During the summers, we try to spend our weekends outdoors – camping, walking the dog, and rock climbing. I also love a good book.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
For me, the biggest achievement in my career so far is gaining experience in the world of pediatric feeding (which was my initial goal 😊) through work in the NICU, pediatric ICU, various CEU opportunities, and patients through KidsCare. This is a difficult area to gain experience in and I am so grateful I have had multiple opportunities. I have had the ability to really see change in these kiddos lives through using skills that I have learned in these opportunities.
What is the best advice you’ve received for your career?
Just keep swimming! If you are unsure, seek help. Ask a mentor, co-worker, or supervisor. Chances are, they have or know someone who has been in your shoes or has worked in a similar situation.
How do you make pediatric speech therapy fun?
Honestly, I think it’s fun already. Who wouldn’t want a job where they get to “play” games with 5 year olds?! But seriously, we do get patients that make our jobs sometimes difficult. Just role with the punches. Work with what you have and do your best!
What advice would you share with someone looking to become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
We go to school and sometimes come out thinking… “okay now what?” I think school gives us the education and tools to get started. Then it is our responsibility to keep growing, changing, and learning. Best advice is to always keep learning and growing as a clinician. Things in the field change constantly, so we must too. Not only that, but by continuing to grow as a clinician, we can better serve our kiddos and make a difference in their lives!
What is your favorite memory in working at KidsCare Home Health?
It is so hard to pick just one, because there are so many! The first to come to mind… for Christmas, I received a card from a baby (okay, so mom wrote it) that I worked on feeding with. The card said “Thanks for helping me grow!” This was one of the sweetest families and kiddos I have worked with, and it really melted my heart!
What is the best part of working at KidsCare?
Best part of KidsCare… my patients and families. I truly had the opportunity to work with the best people and I am extremely grateful for that. KidsCare has also always provided me with the support that I needed in the field and provided opportunities for me to grow as a clinician – which I think is so important. I feel like the staff at KidsCare really do want YOU to succeed above all else!
