Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Philpot-Slocum.
Jasmine, before we jump into specific questions about the company, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Originally, I wanted to be a Pediatric Surgeon. At one point, I decided that being a Pediatric Surgeon would not likely be conducive to having a family so I switched gears and took a career aptitude test in college. Speech Pathology was 3rd on the list after Social Worker and Counselor. I decided in my last year of working on a Bachelor’s in Spanish, that I would go into Speech Language Pathology.
In 7th grade, I met a lifetime friend who had a younger sibling with the diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. Out of all my friend’s friends, I was the one who actually spent time with her sibling and tried to decipher what was being said. We are still friends till this day. I decided from that experience that I could likely give others the gift of gab. My love of children pushed me into the pediatric population.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
After several horrible experiences professionally, I decided to open my own practice. I learned from all of those experiences, those that question passion over greed, modern day slavery, racism, ethics, those experiences that seemed more like a hazing process than an externship, and all of them inspired me to take what I needed to be the type of practice owner I wanted to be.
I had A LOT of examples of what I DID not want to be. I had a lot of situations that I quickly removed myself from so that I would not be jailed or have my license possibly taken away. I had a lot of situations that provoked negativity and challenged my mental health.
Please tell us about the company.
Today, we are a small but passionate company. I’m grateful for all of the experiences professionally and personally that brought me to GIST. I personally specialize in language and feeding. On my caseload there are bilingual patients as well. I have most of my experience with Autism and Medically Fragile patients. Other therapists in the company have other specialties. Everyone brings a unique flavor to the company.
I am most proud that we as a team are truly passionate about servicing our patients. Of course, we have to live and we are paid, but that is not the priority. Our priority is servicing patients, it is seeing ability instead of disability, it is meeting patients where they are and bringing them where they need to be. I’m proud to be a family centered family therapist and work as a team with families and other professionals for the betterment of the patient! I’m proud to see them progress.
What sets us part is that we keep honesty and communication with our patients. We are fair and truly care about what we are doing, that is what the company was founded on and that’s what I am most proud of. We are mobile and we show up when scheduled and indicate if we will not. We believe we should all be on the same page with care as well. Every part of the team is responsible. This is not just a job, it’s a passion. We operate in the patient’s best interest not necessarily in our own, and I believe that truly sets us apart. I’d like to thank my husband Robert for supporting me while building GIST. There were a lot of long nights, sweat and tears. I recognize the importance of your support and it has definitely made a difference in my life and the longevity of GIST.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My childhood in Connecticut before moving to Georgia were magical. My favorite memories* would be with my mom being silly, making sundaes and pizza and seeing her laugh, us laughing together. I loved making cookies with her, going trick-or-treating, jumping in leaf piles, walking to the deli, watching musicals, and just spending time with her. My Godparents, Godbrothers and Godsisters were integral parts of my childhood. I couldn’t have made it without Barbara, Leroy, Tawanda, Dammein, Jamaul, Felicia, Jay, Beverly and Poppy.
When I moved to Georgia, Tisha, Lamont and Auntie Debora really made my life special. They listened to me, guided and advised me and continue till this day. Pastor Wilbur T. Purvis III gave me a solid foundation of faith since the age of 7. I’m sure I’m missing tons, charge it to my head and not my heart. I love everyone!
Contact Info:
- Address: 650 S.Central Avenue, Unit 82581
Hapeville, GA 30331. - Phone: 678-948-6632
- Email: gist.therapy@gmail.com
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