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

Kelly, appreciate you joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Talk is Sweet was built upon my previous experiences in the school system and various private practices. I aimed to create an environment that embodied the best aspects of each setting while mitigating challenges or drawbacks I had experienced.

While working the in the school system I gained a vast understanding of the strengths and set-backs of speech-language therapy in this setting. I was able to see the volume of students put on one caseload and the painstakingly slow process required for a child to access services. It was disheartening to see some clients lose an entire year of therapy due to the lengthy administrative procedures. By establishing Talk is Sweet, I am able to provide individualized 1:1 care, eliminate the prolonged administrative process, and provide ample resources for therapy.

Conversely, I gained invaluable experiences from my time in the school setting. I was able to support teachers and witness first-hand some of the stressors they endure. We worked collaboratively confidently and effectively support students with diverse needs, all while balancing the needs of the other 20 students in their class. Clinically, I developed the ability to effectively manage a group of 4+ children. This experience enabled me to learn how to deliver efficient therapy and achieve rapid results.

Following my time in the schools, I ventured into a private practice setting where my passion for this environment was ignited. In the private setting I was able to build lasting relationships with my clients and their families, collaborate closely with other disciplines, and pursue continuing education courses that allowed my to find my areas of specialization.

Enter Talk is Sweet, where passion meets purpose. Each day, I am inspired by the progress and achievements of my clients and motivated by the opportunity to empower them on their communication journeys. I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of the families I serve. I aspire to continue to grow as a clinician and support my clients every step of the way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! I’m Kelly, an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist and the proud founder of Talk is Sweet, a pediatric speech-language therapy clinic that thrives on the joy of helping children communicate effectively. My journey in this field began at the University of Cincinnati, where I earned both my Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Speech-Language Pathology. My time at UC solidified my passion for this field and equipped me with a strong foundation to support children with diverse needs.

At Talk is Sweet, we’re driven by the belief that every child deserves to express themselves and connect with the world around them. Our clinic is more than just a place for therapy; it’s a vibrant community where children and families come together to embark on a journey toward effective communication. We pride ourselves on creating a positive, collaborative environment where children can truly find their voice and flourish.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various settings, including private clinics, schools, and daycares. This diverse experience has allowed me to support children and adolescents with a wide range of disorders such as childhood apraxia of speech, articulation/phonology disorders, receptive-expressive language delays/disorders, and more. Each setting has taught me something unique about how children learn and communicate, enriching my approach to therapy.

What sets Talk is Sweet apart is our commitment to building strong, empathetic connections with each child and their family. We believe in using evidence-based strategies tailored to the individual needs of each child. Our therapy sessions are not only about meeting milestones but also about enjoying the journey. Through play-based therapy and caregiver training, we ensure that learning to communicate is a joyous experience for every child.

I am continually inspired by the resilience of the children I work with. Witnessing their progress, seeing their smiles when they master a new word, or their excitement when they’re able to express their thoughts for the first time, is incredibly rewarding. These moments are a testament to what children can achieve when given the right tools and support.

At Talk is Sweet, we’re excited about the opportunity to enrich your child’s life through the power of communication. We believe that every child is capable of making remarkable strides, and we’re here to support them every step of the way. Whether you’re concerned about your child’s speech and language development or seeking support for specific communication challenges, we’re ready to partner with you in this journey.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

1000x yes! Every day, I have the privilege of making a tangible difference in children’s lives, helping them unlock their ability to communicate, which is fundamental to human connection and expression.

The challenges and triumphs of working with children, each with their unique needs and personalities, have enriched my life immeasurably. Witnessing a child say their first word, share a story, or simply express their needs and desires after months of hard work is profoundly rewarding. These moments are not just milestones for the children and their families; they are also personal victories that remind me of why I chose this path.

This profession has allowed me to continuously learn and grow. The field of speech-language pathology is ever-evolving, with new research, techniques, and technologies that constantly push the boundaries of how we can enhance the support we provide. The joy of learning something new and then applying it to help a child communicate more effectively is unparalleled.

So, would I choose this profession again? Without a doubt, yes, 1000 times over. The journey is filled with challenges, learning, and love. It’s a path that has allowed me to make a significant difference and there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.

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

I believe that empathy and communication skills are crucial for succeeding in the field of pediatric speech-language pathology. Understanding the unique needs and perspectives of each child and their family is essential for providing effective therapy. Being able to communicate with compassion, patience, and clarity fosters trust and collaboration, which are essential for achieving meaningful progress in therapy. Additionally, flexibility and creativity are valuable traits, as they allow clinicians to adapt their approaches to meet the ever-changing needs of their clients and tailor interventions that are engaging and effective.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.talkissweet.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk.is.sweet/?igsh=MW4zMHlzbThqeWxtdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556325779411&mibextid=YMEMSu
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/talk-is-sweet-pediatric-therapy-ponte-vedra?utm_source=ishare