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

Hi Judy, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

During my undergraduate studies, I enrolled in a public speaking course taught by a speech pathologist who had a significant stuttering challenge. She became my ultimate inspiration and guide throughout my professional life. Her unwavering determination, despite her speech impairment, reminded me that success is achievable even when faced with circumstances beyond our control. This experience convinced me that I had found my true calling in life.

The field of speech-language pathology aligned perfectly with my compassionate nature, allowing me to pursue my passions and the desire to assist others. I embarked on my career as a licensed SLP, and my first job after college was at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. The hospital primarily served economically disadvantaged communities, providing me with opportunities for both professional and personal growth. I utilized my skill set to aid those in my community who were facing the greatest challenges.

One of my most cherished volunteer experiences was our annual Burn Camp, sponsored by the Children’s Burn Foundation of Florida. This camp brought together young people who had experienced burn injuries. Over four days, we bonded through shared experiences involving music, dance, and the creation of art.

These experiences have shaped my journey as a speech-language pathologist, reinforcing my commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those facing communication and developmental challenges.

Judy, 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?

I’m a first-generation American born to parents who immigrated from the Dominican Republic. Growing up, I was raised in a single-parent household. My mother, despite having only an elementary-school level education and basic reading and writing skills, independently managed to raise her two daughters and ensured that both of us went on to become college graduates, contributing positively to society.

In 2007, I earned my Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences from Florida State University. Fluent in both Spanish and English, I am a licensed bilingual speech-language pathologist currently practicing in North Carolina. With over 15 years of experience in the field of speech pathology.

My family and I made a move from Miami, Florida, to Pittsboro, North Carolina, in 2019. I am happily married to my biggest supporter, Jose Batista, and together, we are proud parents to a 5-year-old daughter. My husband and I have both persevered in life and accomplished so much with very little.

My ultimate aim is to continue contributing to my community through the use of my skills and experience. I can still recall a clear memory from my childhood, when I was ten years old. After returning home from school, I would sit down with my older sister to work on our homework. Our mother, though well-intentioned, often struggled to assist us. However, she was aware of the “Call a Teacher” program on the public television station. We grew up in an era when the internet was not yet available, leaving us with limited sources of information. Thankfully programs like Call a Teacher helped close that gap. 

In today’s world, with the prevalence of social media, the internet, and numerous streaming platforms, parents face an even more challenging task in finding reputable resources. Moreover, some parents are raising their children without the support of an extended family network, either due to living a considerable distance from relatives or not having access to a close family or friend support system. Many parents also contend with demanding work schedules, leaving little time to connect with others or seek information from reliable sources. As a result, they often find themselves isolated, despite the technology that was supposed to bring us together.

My aspiration is to establish Laughing Monitos as an access point to crucial information concerning language development. Through our bilingual, play-based program designed with proactive language strategies for language development, Laughing Monitos will provide a welcoming environment for infants and toddlers to unlock their creative potential. Additionally, it will serve as a valuable resource for parents seeking guidance on language and speech development from a licensed professional.

Programs at Laughing Monitos will seamlessly blend language, play, and social development through music, art, exploration, and both structured and unstructured play for children from birth to age four. Our programs will encompass songs, chants, fine and gross motor activities, arts and crafts, unique props, puppets, sensory play, and individual instruction from our qualified speech-language pathologist. These strategies will actively promote the attainment of critical milestones and life skills right from the beginning, enabling families to support their child’s development and growth effectively.

Furthermore, we will offer optional monthly parent education workshops at an additional cost. These sessions will be led by licensed professionals with extensive expertise in early childhood development. To assist families in monitoring language development milestones, we will provide starter kits. Additionally, one-on-one consultations will be available for parents who have specific concerns or questions.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Coming from South Florida, I believed I had encountered a wide array of experiences until I encountered the unfiltered reality of the “true South.” I had the mistaken belief that working alongside a group of well-educated professionals at a prestigious university hospital would shield me from racism. I thought that having reached this point in my career and life would serve as sufficient proof of my equality with my colleagues. However, I couldn’t have been more mistaken.

Shortly after commencing my position at a prestigious university hospital in Durham, I found myself subjected to microaggressions, discrimination, and gaslighting from my immediate superiors. These behaviors have impacted my life and family significantly, but my resilience has allowed me to persist. The traumatic events I experienced were a reminder of the cruel reality people of color face in America.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The invaluable support from organizations like Kidzu Children’s Museum, Echo-NC, Chatham County Small Business Center, E3 Durham, and Clicksuasion Labs has played a transformative role in my entrepreneurial journey. Their guidance, resources, and expertise have not only empowered me but have also been instrumental in navigating the challenges and uncertainties that come with entrepreneurship.

Kidzu Children’s Museum has opened its doors to my ideas and allowed me to grow my business in their beautiful facility.

Echo-NC has provided essential mentorship and networking opportunities that allowed me to connect with seasoned professionals and fellow entrepreneurs, facilitating crucial knowledge exchange and opening doors to new possibilities.

The Chatham County Small Business Center’s practical workshops and one-on-one consultations have been a cornerstone of my business development, offering me essential insights into strategic planning, marketing, and financial management.

E3 Durham’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the community has been a driving force behind my creative initiatives. Their support has been instrumental in transforming ideas into actionable plans.

Clicksuasion Labs’ expertise in consumer behavior and persuasion has been a game-changer in shaping my marketing strategies, enabling me to connect with my target audience effectively.

In summary, the collective impact of these organizations has been immeasurable, fortifying my entrepreneurial endeavors and guiding me toward sustainable success. I am deeply grateful for the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they have provided on this challenging yet rewarding journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laughingmonitos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laughingmonitos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laughingmonitos/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/96883334/admin/feed/posts/

Image Credits
Alvaro Zepeda