Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Mitchell.
Hi Rhonda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been a practicing speech-language pathologist for the past 26 years. The majority of my career has been spent in the area of early intervention speech therapy services. After contracting my services with different companies, I started my own private practice in 2010 by the name of Articulate Today Inc. Although I have experience in servicing patients of all ages and communication disorders, I developed a love for early child development in the areas of communication and swallowing disorders. It gives me an opportunity to be an integral part in not only a child’s voice in the world but also assisting the parents with the tools to help their child achieve one of the most important tasks they will have in life, which is the ability to express themselves in the most effective way. My company provides face-to-face and/or virtual speech therapy services with children as well as adults of all ages and disorders. In addition, I have a specialty certification in Traumatic Brain Injury and Accent Reduction services.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, unfortunately the road is never smooth when dealing with family dynamics, socio-economic strains, and government/insurance rules and standards that may prevent families from seeking the help their child may desperately need. For small business owners, the requests for information to even serve children with communication disorders can constantly be questioned, rejected, or ignored by entities that control authorizations and funds that are available to children/families in need. Speech and language disorders can easily be overlooked and considered as something that is not imperative, yet, these skills are so important for building the character and texture of a young person’s personality. I have tried throughout my career to not let these underlying issues be a deterrent because my first prior is to the patient and making sure they receive the services they need. I have found the universe always makes things right in the end when your goal is to do what is right.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I would like to think I am best known for being a speech-language pathologist (or SLP) who can relate to children of all age ranges, backgrounds, and ethnicities and find that common ground that makes speech something fun and meaningful. My patients affectionately call me “Ms. Rhonda”. I look forward to seeing my patients, and they look forward to seeing me! If there is a love for dinosaurs, music, and cars, I find a way to incorporate them. If there is a love for politics (yes, I have children that have a passion for politics), I will find a way to incorporate it. I have learned that if I tap into someone’s interest, hobby, or passion, I can help that person use that as a motivating factor to achieve their communication goals. This could consist of something as simple as reading articles to answer comprehension questions or understand grammar concepts, introducing new sounds or vocabulary, or helping someone overcome the fear of stuttering. The sky is really the limit!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My faith in God is definitely an anchor for me. I consider my job such an honor and privilege to constantly meet new people and for families to entrust the care of their children to me. I am so fortunate to have a very strong village of family and friends. My parents definitely sacrificed a lot to make sure I got the education and training I needed to be the success I am today. I also have been blessed in my life to work with some amazing professionals in other therapy disciplines that have collaborated with me to include other areas of development simultaneously with communication. Lastly, I have a very supportive husband who is extremely supportive and shares my passion and love for helping children and their families.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Articulate Today Inc.
Image Credits
Photos come from an Adobe Stock picture subscription
