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

Chamile, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

A defining moment in my professional career:
The defining moment in my career was when I realized I wanted to give back to the community where I grew up, Miami Gardens. I moved to the U.S. at the age of 10, and this community has been my home ever since. Partnering with Maria C. Mauricio, MS CCC-SLP, the co-founder of SmarTherapy and a dedicated Speech/Language Pathologist, we founded SmarTherapy.

Our goal was clear: to create a multidisciplinary team that could provide quality services in Speech, Occupational and Physical therapy; especially in low-income communities where these services are most needed. Many of these families struggle to find a facility that not only understands their unique needs but also advocates for them.

A moment that changed the trajectory of my career:

The trajectory of my career shifted significantly when I was introduced to Annabelly Luis and her husband, Yoel Morera, who are experienced entrepreneurs in the healthcare field. Together, we opened a Behavior Analysis agency right in the heart of Miami Gardens. This collaboration was a pivotal moment for me; it allowed us to diversify our services and significantly improve the lives of the children and families we serve. This step not only transformed my career but also opened doors to a more successful and fulfilling life.

Chamile, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

About Me:

As a healthcare entrepreneur with deep roots in Miami Gardens, my passion has always been to give back to the community that shaped me. Since arriving in the U.S. at the age of 10, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges many families face, particularly in accessing quality healthcare services. This inspired me to co-found SmarTherapy in 2011 with Maria C. Mauricio, MS CCC-SLP, a dedicated Speech/Language Pathologist; and uniting forces together with Annabelly Luis and her husband Yoel Morera to give rise to Lighting Behavior Services. Together, we’ve created a multidisciplinary practice that’s committed to serving the needs of our community, with a focus on providing essential services to low-income families who often face barriers to care.

Our Services:

We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to support the developmental and therapeutic needs of children in the community. Our multidisciplinary team specializes in:

– **Speech Therapy:** Helping children improve their communication skills, including articulation, language development, and social communication.

– **Occupational Therapy:** Supporting children in developing the skills they need for daily living, including fine motor skills, sensory processing, and coordination.

– **Physical Therapy:** Assisting children in enhancing their physical abilities, strength, and mobility, to improve their overall quality of life.

• Behavior Analysis: Providing evidence-based interventions to address behavioral challenges, promote positive behavior, and support learning and development.

We understand that access to these services can be challenging, especially for families with limited resources. That’s why we go above and beyond to make our services as accessible as possible. For patients in need, we offer transportation to and from our facility, ensuring that distance and mobility are never barriers to receiving the care they deserve.

**Our Practice:**

Our practice is more than just a healthcare facility; it’s a community hub where families find support, advocacy, and a dedicated team committed to their well-being. We are proud to serve all of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with a focus on reaching those in underserved communities. We believe that every child deserves access to the best possible care, and we’re here to make that a reality for as many families as possible.

Whether it’s through our comprehensive therapeutic services or our commitment to accessibility, we are dedicated to helping each child reach their fullest potential.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My first business was more than just a business; it was a lifeline for many families, providing critical services for those often overlooked.

But as noble as this mission was, the road was anything but smooth. Serving low-income communities meant the profit margins were razor-thin. The rising tide of inflation added further pressure, making it increasingly difficult to keep the business afloat. Month after month, I grappled with financial challenges, often wondering how to make payroll or paying the bills.

Despite the relentless obstacles, I refused to give up. Each challenge was met with unwavering determination. I knew that the work I was doing was too important to let go. My resilience became the bedrock of the facility’s survival. I found creative ways to stretch every dollar, sought out loans, and leaned on the strength of my team. Together, we weathered the storms.

Years later, that small facility, born out of a desire to serve, became a beacon of hope in Miami Gardens. My journey was a testament to the power of resilience, proving that with perseverance and a heart full of purpose, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

In my experience, the key to succeeding is leading with heart and genuine care for the people we serve. When you approach your work with a deep commitment to making a difference in others’ lives, the rewards naturally follow. It’s not about chasing profits but about staying true to your mission. When you truly help others, life has a way of rewarding you in ways that go beyond financial gain. That authenticity and dedication are what sustain you through the toughest challenges and ultimately lead to lasting success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.smartherapy.com / www.lightingbehavior.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightingbehavior?igsh=MTQ4dGRzaTZ3MmEzNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chamile-rosa-2529a630

Image Credits

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