My introduction to learning about communication started when my grandmother gave me a book about American Sign Language when I was 5 years old. I was fascinated by the idea that people could communicate in a way that didn’t involve verbal words. When I was 7, my mom helped me get a library book called “Communication” by Aliki. It went into even more detail about how people communicate differently around the world, across the lifespan, and when feeling different emotions.

Jump forward to me going to college in New York City, getting my undergraduate degree in Psychology. I had a job as a nanny and part of my job was taking the kid to speech therapy every week. I got to sit in on sessions and was given tips about how to help the kid at home. I also enrolled in an Intro to Linguistics class for a degree requirement. I loved seeing the kid I nannied progress in speech and, in class, I was so fascinated by all of the components of language. That was the magic combination that lead to a new goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist.

Getting my graduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Iowa has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I got to participate in intensive clinical experiences, learn from great professors and clinical supervisors, and explore the latest communication device technology. 

Since then, I’ve gained over 10 years of experience in both clinical and school-based settings, working with both adults and children. I’ve specialized in AAC and Assistive Technology services, and I like to work collaboratively with caregivers and other professionals.