I received my Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the Graduate program at Memphis State University in 1984. The Speech and Hearing Center was across the street from the University of Tennessee Child Development Center (aka Boling Center). I left the Speech and Hearing Center and completed my Clinical Fellowship Year in Speech Pathology at the Boling Center starting in 1984 and have never left. It's been almost 33 years now and I remain the staff member with the greatest longevity. I love working with children with developmental disabilities and their families. My passion over the years has been developing Social Skills groups for children, adolescents and young adults with Social Communication difficulties. I also really enjoy working with our LEND trainees in an interprofessional atmosphere.
I have learned so much since walking through the door of the Child Development Center back in 1984, but what I think I do daily is advocate. I advocate for the children and the families with disabilities and teach the trainees to become advocates. I hope to continue educating others in the community about people with disabilities through social media.