Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacey Roberts.
Hi Stacey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am the daughter of Carol Brewer and the late Thomas Brewer. I have two sisters that are my best friend’s. When I was a kid, every time we would kiss our mother bye before going to school, she would say, “learn something!” She wanted us to do just that, learn something. She didn’t want us to waste the day doing nothing. Learn something. She didn’t care what it was because she knew that whatever we learned was going to shape us into the individual’s that we are today. I wouldn’t be where I am today without God or the love and the sacrifices of my parents. I am married to the most loving and selfless husband, Johnathan Roberts. We have three amazing boys. Three years old twin boys and a five months old baby boy. I am a Speech Language Pathologist. I have been practicing for eight years. I specialize in pediatric early intervention and feeding disorders. I received my bachelor’s from Valdosta State University. I became a Speech Language Pathology Assistant in Henry County for two years. I was accepted into the graduate program at Valdosta State University. Once I graduated, I immediately started working in a pediatric private practice. Currently, I own a private practice, Explore to Express Pediatric Speech Therapy. I go out into the community to spread awareness of speech therapy and how to go about receiving it for your child. I consult, evaluate, and provide treatment to individuals ranging from age 0-18. I don’t call it a career. I call it my lifestyle. I thoroughly enjoy what I do and seeing others progress in their lives. I also enjoy being a positive representation for my community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of me becoming a SLP was not for the weak or faint-hearted. The graduate school entry process for SLP’s is very competitive. It took me three times to apply before I was accepted. Once I completed graduate school, I had to take our national certification examination. It took me nine times before I passed the examination.
African American Speech Pathologists make up 2% of the speech population. During graduate school, there were no more than 3 African American students in my class. I had a professor look me in my eyes and say that she didn’t think that I would have made this far. To see where I am now, owning a business that I never imagined. It was nothing but God.
As you know, we’re big fans of Explore to Express Pediatric Speech Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Explore to Express Pediatric Speech Therapy was started on a serious faith walk. I am the owner and the lead Speech Language Pathologist. I specialize in pediatric early intervention and feeding disorders. I have over eight years of experience. My biggest purpose for starting my business is to be a valuable resource for the African American community. I want to spread information about speech pathology to those that don’t know anything about speech services. I enjoy going out into the community and discussing what I do and how speech pathologists do more than just teach people how to speak. I am known for my treatment skills and resource information through my social media platforms. I try to make everything I say relatable and understandable for a parent to be able to use my techniques independently at home. I like showing parents that they too can help their child through everyday activities. I am really big on making every moment at teaching moment. Even as simple as looking out the window. You can facilitate and increase language, use imagination, sequence, cause and effect and so much more. Teaching parents to be purposeful in their play with their kids is one of my top goals.
I provide speech and feeding evaluations, screenings and treatment for individuals 0-18. Whether in office, schools, teletherapy or homes. I speak at community events. I do Inservice training for school districts, other private practices or wherever needed. I also provide a language development class for parents called Transitional Toddler, virtually or in person.
What matters most to you? Why?
I am not where I am without God and without people giving me an opportunity. I want to show the children in community that they too can do what I do. They can actually be greater than me. I desire them to be greater. The civil rights activists Marian Wright Edelman said, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” I want my community to see that they too can be extraordinary and not just ordinary. I want to invest in them like someone invested in me. I want them to be provided the same resources that others receive. It takes a village and I want to be a part of as many children’s villages that God allows me to be.
Pricing:
- Speech Consultations: $55
- Copy of Language Development Class, “Transitional Toddler” $65
Contact Info:
- Email: staceybrobertsslp@gmail.com
- Instagram: poise_with_stace
- Other: Instagram: @explore2express_ex2
Image Credits
Professional shot thanks to Gardner Innovations.
