We caught up with the brilliant and insightful La Jannelle Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
La Jannelle , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
At Listen Before You Speak Speech Therapy Services, PC, my mission revolves around empowering families to nurture their children’s communication skills effectively. With a primary focus on children aged 0-18, I passionately guide parents on practical strategies to bolster their child’s communication development at home. By equipping families with confidence and essential tools, I ensure that progress continues seamlessly, whether I’m present or not. Recently, a parent shared how implementing these strategies with her preteen children yielded noticeable improvements, underscoring the impact of our collaborative approach. As both a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and business owner, facilitating client empowerment is integral to achieving sustained skill application beyond therapy sessions.
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.
My journey into the field of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) began with a lifelong desire to become a teacher. I initially pursued a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies, fully expecting to become an elementary school teacher. However, as time passed, I started to reconsider the idea of teaching a large classroom of students. After discussing my thoughts with my mom, she pointed out my habit of correcting people’s speech and suggested I explore Speech-Language Pathology. Although I was unfamiliar with the field, I researched it and attended an open house at Loma Linda University. It was there that I realized this was the career I had been searching for.
Determined to follow this new path, I returned to school to earn a second bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, followed by a master’s degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences, both from Loma Linda University.
During my studies, I gained invaluable experience as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, working with children with various disabilities. This hands-on experience significantly enhanced my skills and prepared me to be a better SLP. I now provide a range of services, including assessments, parent consultations, early intervention, and therapy for speech, language, fluency, and feeding issues. These experiences have shaped my patient and client-centered approach, which I apply every day.
The joy of helping my clients whether it’s seeing a child confidently produce a sound they struggled with or take a bite of food they previously refused is truly priceless. My work is deeply personal, as I can relate to my clients through my own experiences as a student with a learning disability during my youth and college years. This empathy drives my commitment to meet each client where they are, helping them build confidence and achieve their goals.
At Listen Before You Speak Speech Therapy Services, PC, our philosophy is simple: “Meeting the child where they are presently is the key to guiding them to the next step on their communication and/or feeding journey.”
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn is that you never truly know how your first client will come to you, and it’s important not to undervalue your expertise. I launched my private practice, Listen Before You Speak Speech Therapy Services, PC, in 2021, but I officially started accepting clients in October 2024. During this time, I was navigating the lengthy process of becoming a vendor with the Regional Center, which took over a year. While waiting, I focused on building my website, creating social media profiles, and raising awareness of my practice within the community.
Unexpectedly, my first client came to me through a parent who reached out directly. This situation forced me to quickly figure out my pricing, something I had only loosely considered. I initially hesitated to accept private pay clients because I “felt bad” about setting rates, worried they might be too high or too low. However, I learned an important lesson: do not be afraid to charge for your expertise and services. The value of the knowledge and skills you bring to the table is significant, and it’s crucial to recognize and reflect that in your pricing.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Beyond training and knowledge, one of the most crucial factors for succeeding in my field is building a strong rapport with both clients and their families. Establishing this connection fosters trust, ensuring that families feel confident in my ability to support their loved ones effectively. Trust is essential because, as professionals, we are often seen as the go-to source for answers. Even when we don’t have an immediate solution, it’s our responsibility to find it for the family.
I’ve had the privilege of working with many families who appreciate my transparency and involvement, acknowledging that they play a vital role in their family member’s progress. To strengthen this rapport, I provide practical tools like handouts, advice, tips, and examples of activities they can incorporate at home and in the community. This collaborative approach ensures that families feel supported and empowered, rather than isolated, in helping their loved ones achieve their goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://listenb4youspeak.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listenb4uspeakspeech/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/listenb4youspeakspeechtherapyservices
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/la-jannelle-smith-m-s-ccc-slp-b67a31a8/
- Other: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/ListenB4YouSpeakSpeech?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=f845fcf0-125d-4fc8-b3a6-f34cf793a626
Image Credits
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