Inspiring Conversations with Deb Hughes of Buford Kids’ SPOT

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deb Hughes.

Hi Deb, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It’s been a weird journey to get to where I am today. In 1995, I gave birth to a micro-preemie, my first son. Through all the medical things we went through, I learned that I wanted to somehow work with children but never really knew in what capacity. I volunteered in every aspect of his life. When he was 12 years old, I got married and three years later, gave birth to my second son. This is really where this journey began. My son has a terminal disease called Alexander Disease, a Leukodystrophy. This is where his white brain matter vanishes, he creates too much GFAP, which in turn creates too many Rosenthal Fibers – ultimately killing the brain.

At age 2.5 years old, we were told there was no treatment, no cure. Go home and give him the best possible life until he passes between the age of 6-10. I didn’t want to accept that so I researched all the possible therapies and ways to keep him moving and “alive”. I knew my corporation was leaving Atlanta and would eventually lose that job – so I told my husband I wanted to go back to school and be a speech therapist. That’s what I did – I was laid off in April and started school the very next semester – August 2015. I graduated with my BS-CSD (SLPA) – and was accepted into Grad school. When Grad school started – I almost lost my son, so I forewent my Master’s in Speech Pathology. Knowing I needed the flexibility to continue to work – I knew I couldn’t go to the school district because they had no flexibility – I decided to put my MBA into practice and start my own business.

Now I get the best honor of all – I get to use my undergraduate degree in better understanding the therapist aspect, my MBA for ownership, and as a parent – EXPERIENCE. As a business owner, I get to do what I need to do for my son whenever I need to. I can still work and help the families’ that need to better understand the resources that are out there: for example, step-by-step Katie Beckett Waiver, explain the various waivers, support resources, etc. My vision is to continue spreading awareness of what all is out there to help these kids get the best support they can possibly get to have the best chance of getting their best life! By helping parents get the resources, it gives them hope, realizes they are not alone – and just a village to help them through this difficult journey of being a parent to a special needs child – whatever that looks like in their life.

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?
Absolutely not! There is no smooth journey in the medically complex world OR the entrepreneur world. I have faced many struggles from people I allowed in my journey and thought they were there to help – only to be a survivor of the circumstances left on my shoulders. These struggles have made me stronger and determined more than ever to continue moving forward – because my vision and mission to help families have a better quality of life by providing necessary therapy services, knowledge of available resources, etc. It’s not about money with me – it’s about making a difference. I believe the Lord has given me the many challenges to make sure I was truly up for what I desire – and that is to truly make that difference in the lives of those who need it – especially the special needs community. So I believe the challenge I had to overcome was to realize who was real – and who was ONLY in it for the money. Sometimes HE needs to rid the weeds before HE provides the Roses!

As you know, we’re big fans of Buford Kids’ SPOT. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Buford Kids’ SPOT is a Speech and Occupational clinic (soon to include Physical therapy) – that provides pediatric outpatient therapy services to the Buford and surrounding communities. We are known to have a close-knit and diverse group of therapists that are very dedicated to providing the best services to these children. We are set apart by other clinics because we go into the community – meaning daycares, home, and autism centers so the parents do not have to bring their child into the clinic. This is huge to ensure carryover is done in the child’s daily environment and not just during sessions with our clinicians. I believe the thing, though, that sets up apart from all the other clinics is the fact I am a parent of medically fragile complex child. I KNOW what it is like to live this journey, I know the frustrations of all the appointments, therapies, etc. So I am able to bring a different perspective as a parent into the perspective of the clinicians – and combined we are bringing a SOLID FOUNDATION and EXPERIENCE to these kids/parents.

I have been extremely blessed with a huge network – so if I don’t know an answer a parent needs – I know someone I can refer them to. That is rare. There is so much information out there that unless you live it yourself – you really can’t understand all the means to these resources – if that makes sense. I am most proud of the therapists! They work relentlessly to learn new approaches, collaborate, etc to ensure these children get the very best of them (therapist) each session. To see a non-verbal child to that same child speaking or communicating and an unfamiliar person can understand – that right there is my WHY! Same with OT – from a child that only drinks milk and suddenly is biting and swallowing broccoli — That is my WHY! Though this may seem very minute to some – this is a HUGE VICTORY to parents like myself. I am incredibly humbled, honored, and privileged to be surrounded by such an amazing team of therapists.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I believe the biggest thing I have witnessed from Covid-19 is watching the amount of people who ensure their hands are washed. What should have never been a question in the past – has now become a must – walk in and immediately going to the hand sanitizer OR going straight to the sink to wash hands. I believe therapists have become more diligent of sanitizing everything utilized in each session vs. maybe just the end of the day. I find it interesting that not many parents bring siblings into the waiting room anymore – they tend to stay out in the vehicles or allow the children to play outside vs sitting in the waiting area. This is actually a positive observation as it deviates distractions for those children receiving services because it isn’t as chaotic or loud.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.BufordKidsSPOT.com

Image Credits
Kendall Piccolo (gym & sensory room photos)