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

Alright, Teresa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?

Once upon a time, in sparkle city, there was a passionate and ambitious early childhood enthusiast named Dr. Teresa White. Filled with 30+ years of experience, support, and a burning desire to make a difference, Dr. White embarked on a journey to start a business. Student Solutions Early Intervention Agency. With a clear vision in mind, Dr. White set out to identify a team that would assist to bring this vision to life.

To begin, I hired a single employee, who demonstrated experience and determination. This team member wore multiple hats, working in marketing, manning the office, and engaging in process development, while constantly adapting and learning as they went along.

As Student Solutions started to gain traction, the workload grew. I knew it was time to expand the team and bring in additional talent. The process of recruiting new team members began.

I realized that I needed a structured approach to evaluate candidates effectively. I designed a multi-stage process that included screening resumes, conducting phone interviews, and finally, face-to-face meetings.

During the interviews, I focused not only on the candidates’ qualifications but also on their experience working with children from birth to six years old.

As interviews progressed, over time, I realize the importance of involving our team members in the selection process. I organize interviews to allow existing colleagues to interact with candidates, ask questions, and provide their input. This approach allows us to gauge how candidates would integrate into the existing team dynamics and foster a sense of family and betterment among the team members. We are very protective of the work environment and culture at Student Solutions!

Throughout the recruitment process, I am careful to maintain transparency and communication with the candidates, and our team. I also ensure that candidates have a clear understanding of the company’s mission which is to help scholars SOAR (skills, optimism, advocacy, and results).

Looking back, and reflecting on the lessons learned and what I would do differently. I acknowledge that early on, I was so focused on finding candidates with specific educational skills that I overlooked the importance of maturity and being a fit for our company culture. I realized that hiring for company culture and work ethic and then training for skills, would have helped build a stronger and more cohesive team from the start.

I have also realized the need for a more comprehensive onboarding process. As the team grew, it became challenging to integrate new members smoothly into the existing workflow. To address this, we decided to develop a structured onboarding program that included having a dedicated company trainer to introduce new hires to the company’s culture, values, and processes, as well as assigning them mentors to guide their transition. This has been one of the best decisions ever!

Student Solutions continues to flourish, thanks to the talented team that we are blessed with.

Through the journey of starting a business with just one employee, recruiting new team members, and continuously improving our approach, Student Solutions is an agency with a nurturing environment where team members can thrive and contribute to our shared passions of helping children birth to six years old SOAR in their development. To a person, we can all say that we love our work family!

Teresa, 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?

In my journey toward the industry of early intervention, I discovered my heart-racing passion for making a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families. Inspired by personal and professional experiences and a deep desire to help, I embarked on a mission to provide crucial services in the field of early intervention.

Driven by a vision, I founded Student Solutions, an early intervention provider dedicated to supporting children with developmental delays and their families. Student Solutions offers a range of comprehensive services tailored to each child’s unique needs.

At Student Solutions, we provide a holistic approach to early intervention, encompassing family training, and various therapeutic services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral interventions. These services are designed to support children in achieving their developmental milestones, enhancing their communication skills, improving motor function, and addressing behavioral challenges.

Through early intervention, Student Solutions tackles a variety of problems faced by children with developmental delays and their families. By intervening at an early age, we aim to minimize the long-term impact of developmental delays, providing children with the best possible chance for optimal growth and development. Early intervention can address issues related to speech and language delays, sensory processing difficulties, motor skills deficits, social and emotional development, and cognitive delays.

What sets Student Solutions apart as an early intervention provider is the personalized and family-centered approach we take. We understand and uphold that each child is unique, and we strive to create individualized intervention plans that consider their specific strengths, challenges, and family dynamics. Collaborating closely with parents and caregivers, we ensure that the intervention strategies extend beyond therapy sessions and are implemented consistently in the child’s everyday routines and environments.

Moreover, Student Solutions is committed to maintaining a team of highly skilled and compassionate professionals. Our team consists of early interventionists with expertise in early childhood development and a genuine passion for helping children reach their full potential. By continuously investing in the professional growth and training of your team members, we provide the highest standard of care for your clients.

One thing that we are particularly proud of is the positive impact Student Solutions has made on the lives of countless children and families. Witnessing the progress and growth of the children we have worked with fills us with joy and reaffirms the importance of early intervention. Seeing children achieve their milestones, gain confidence, and thrive in their daily lives is a testament to the effectiveness of the services provided by Student Solutions.

When it comes to potential clients, we want them to know that at Student Solutions, their child’s well-being and progress are the top priorities. We strive to create a warm and nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore their potential. By tailoring interventions to meet each scholar’s unique needs, we ensure that their developmental journey is approached with empathy, expertise, and dedication.

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

My entrepreneurial journey began with a vision—an idea that ignited a fire within me. With weak and trembling knees, I took the first steps toward turning that vision into a reality. However, as with any journey, I encountered numerous obstacles along the way.

In the early stages of my business, I had limited resources. I refused to stay stuck and instead became resourceful and creative, finding innovative ways to stretch every resource. I wore multiple hats and tirelessly kept going to make each business day count.

As the business grew, I encountered market fluctuations, evolving customer demands, and even the occasional failure. But instead of viewing these hurdles as roadblocks, I saw them as opportunities for growth. I embraced change, adapted our strategies, and continuously reflected on our business practices to stay ahead of the curve.

We also cultivated a resilient mindset within our team. We have fostered a culture of perseverance. Together, we have weathered storms, celebrated victories, and forged a bond that strengthened the very foundation of Student Solutions.

Through it all, I have never lost sight of our purpose to help scholars SOAR. We remain deeply connected to the core values that underpin our business—skills, optimism, advocacy, and results. These values serve as our guiding compass, ensuring that our resilience is always grounded in authenticity and purpose.

My story of resilience in business serves as a reminder that success is defined by an unwavering commitment to the vision of Student Solutions, the resilience to persevere in the face of adversity, and the ability to inspire others to do the same.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Within the market of early intervention, several factors contributed to building our reputation and establishing our presence as a reputable agency.

1. Expertise and Knowledge: our team’s deeper education and experience in the field of early childhood have set us apart. Our comprehensive team knowledge of child development allows us to provide valuable insights and guidance to families and professionals alike. By continuously staying informed about the latest research and industry best practices, we have positioned ourselves as a trusted authority within the market.

2. Results and Success Stories: Our collective ability to cultivate positive results and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families solidifies our reputation. By consistently achieving positive results and helping children reach their developmental milestones, we have earned the trust and respect of clients and the community. Success stories and testimonials from satisfied families became a powerful tool to showcase our expertise and the effectiveness of our interventions.

3. Collaboration and Partnerships: Our willingness to collaborate and establish strong partnerships within the early intervention community greatly contributes to our reputation. By working closely with other professionals, educators, and organizations in related fields, we exemplify our commitment to a multidisciplinary approach and a shared goal of supporting children’s development holistically. Collaborations and partnerships demonstrate our openness to learn, grow, and provide comprehensive care to your clients.

4. Continuous Professional Development: Our dedication to ongoing professional development and staying updated with the latest research and practices in the field play a crucial role in building our reputation. By participating in workshops, and training, we showcase our commitment to provide the highest standard of care and continuously improve our skills. This dedication to professional growth earns us regard as knowledgeable and forward-thinking practitioners.

5. Client-Centered Approach: Our client-centered approach and personalized care became a distinguishing factor in oour reputation. By putting the needs, preferences, and goals of the children and families we serve at the forefront, we created a supportive and empathetic environment. Our ability to build strong rapport, actively listen, and involve families in the decision-making process fosters a reputation of being client-focused and genuinely invested in their well-being.

6. Ethical Standards and Integrity: Upholding strong ethical standards and maintaining integrity in our professional practice contributes to building a reputation of trust and reliability. Our communication, adherence to professional guidelines, and ethical decision-making demonstrates our commitment to the well-being of our clients and the integrity of the field. This ethical foundation establishes credibility and earns the respect of clients and colleagues alike.

By combining these elements, our reputation within the market of early intervention continues to grow. Families seek our expertise, professionals recognize our contributions, and our agency name Student Solutions has become synonymous with quality care and soaring results. Through our dedication, expertise, and client-centered approach, we have worked hard to carve out a respected position within the industry and become a go-to professional in the field of early intervention.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://studentsolutionssc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studentsolutionsllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studentsolutionssc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-teresa-white-99b02a33/

Image Credits
Image Credit: Smitha Lee