Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachael Nelson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rachael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

I was working as a speech-language pathologist, devoted to helping children. Among the children I had the privilege of working with, one young boy was a particularly heartwarming experience. At the age of seven, he had never communicated verbally. His primary means of communication was pointing. Lacking a speech-generating device or any effective method of communication, he found himself in a frustrating world of unmet needs and misunderstood desires. I explored various communication tools, including sign language and assistive devices, hoping to find the key that would unlock his ability to communicate. His love for play and his knack for silliness were clear indicators that he had so much to say; he just needed the right means to do it. Then, one morning, as his mother observed from the room, a breakthrough happened. He was reaching for an item high on a shelf, his frustration evident as he repeatedly failed to grasp it. I stepped forward to offer assistance, handing him an object from the shelf. In his disappointment, he dropped it to the floor and continued pointing. I began naming each item on the shelf as I retrieved them, attempting to decipher his wants and needs. Then, it happened.
In the midst of this silent conversation, he looked at me and said, “ba” for “ball,” his voice fragile but unmistakable. The room lit up with a shared sense of wonder and joy. His face beamed like the morning sun, and his eyes sparkled. We all recognized the magic of that moment. My face mirrored his excitement as I grabbed the ball and enthusiastically modeled the word back to him. His mother, in a state of disbelief and joy, could only cover her mouth with her hands. Tears of happiness welled up in her eyes as she hugged him tightly. This was a milestone, a pivotal moment marking the start of an incredible journey.
From that day forward, everything changed for him. Eventually, his newfound ability to communicate opened the doors to his thoughts, feelings, and to friendships with peers who were now able to understand him. He was no longer isolated, and the world eagerly embraced him. His progress was nothing short of extraordinary, and his hard work yielded an increase in communication. His parents watched with hearts full of pride and joy as their child transformed into a young boy with a voice capable of connecting with those around him.
His journey served as a poignant reminder of the power of words and communication. It was a key to inclusion, understanding, and the connection between individuals. The day he spoke his first word remains etched in my heart, a testament to the boundless potential of the human spirit and the remarkable transformations that occur when we help others find their voices.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a passionate and dedicated speech-language pathologist with a deep commitment to helping children find their voices. My journey in this field was profoundly influenced by a pivotal moment (discussed in this article) when I witnessed a child’s remarkable transformation as they began to communicate. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the profound impact of speech therapy in breaking down barriers to inclusion and connection. Motivated by this revelation, I made the decision to open Find My Voice Therapy Services. The primary focus of my clinic is to empower children to communicate effectively, prioritize inclusion, and celebrate each child’s unique journey. I firmly believe that every child possesses incredible potential, waiting to be unlocked through the right guidance and support. At Find My Voice Therapy Services, we offer a comprehensive range of services, addressing various speech and language challenges, from articulation, feeding, language development and social communication skills. We cater to children from all backgrounds, including those with speech and language disorders, developmental delays, and individuals on the autism spectrum. Our mission centers on guiding children towards effective communication, nurturing connections, and ensuring their rightful place in a world where communication is the key to building bridges and fostering lasting connections.
What I am most proud of is the positive impact my clinic has on the lives of children and their families. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the progress and growth of each child, to see them discover their voices, and to experience the joy they bring to their families and communities. My dedication to making a difference in the lives of these children sets me apart, and I’m committed to providing the best possible support for their communication journeys.

If you’re a parent with concerns about your child’s speech or language development, we are here to help. We offer personalized, evidence-based therapeutic interventions, ensuring that your child’s unique needs are met. What we want potential clients and followers to know is that Find My Voice Therapy Services is not just a place for therapy; it’s a place of empowerment and celebration. Together, we can help your child find their voice and embark on a journey of effective communication, and inclusion.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back and choose my profession all over again, I would undoubtedly make the same choice without a second thought. The journey of being a pediatric speech-language pathologist has brought me endless amounts of joy. The ability to make a positive impact on children’s lives, to witness their growth, and to help them find their voices is an unparalleled source of happiness that can’t be replicated. It also helps that I am a kid at heart, and I get to have fun and play with these kids every single day.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

In my field, aside from the essential training and knowledge, I believe that empathy and the ability to truly connect with the individuals I work with are equally crucial for success. Understanding the unique challenges and needs of each child goes beyond textbooks and academic expertise. It involves a genuine understanding of their experiences, emotions, and perspectives. Building a strong and compassionate rapport with clients and their families fosters trust, making them more receptive to therapy and guidance. Additionally, effective communication and adaptability are key in tailoring therapeutic approaches to suit individual needs. Being a good listener and a lifelong learner, staying attuned to the evolving field of speech therapy, and continuously honing my skills are integral to my success in helping children find their voices and reach their full potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.findmyvoicetherapy.com
• Instagram: find_my_voice_therapy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachaelNelsonSLP
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/findmyvoicetherapy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FindMyVoiceTherapy/featured
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/find-my-voice-therapy-services-st-petersburg?osq=find+my+voice