Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Robinson.
Kelly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was a little girl, around the age of five, I had a family experience that changed my life. I attended a large family birthday party for my great grandmother. I remember seeing tears streaming down her face as we sang happy birthday to her. After the song was over, she attempted to speak but was unable to say any words. I observed her to struggle to contort her mouth in an effort to talk but was only able to produce a few sounds. Her eyes spoke a thousand words and I could see the joy and frustration that she was unable to effectively voice. At that time I did not understand why my great grandmother was unable to communicate. I did not understand why they blended all of her food in a blender so that she could eat. I later learned that my great grandmother had suffered multiple strokes and presented with aphasia. Soon after this birthday party, she died after having sustained another stroke. The images of my great grandmother’s struggles never left my heart. It is because of this experience that I later decided to become a speech language pathologist. My initial goal was to become an aphasiologist and study and treat strokes. After completing my master’s degree at the University of Georgia, I had my first experience as a speech language pathologist with Dekalb County School System. Hungry to work with individuals with neurological difficulties, I pursued and landed an opportunity at the Shepherd Acquired Brain Injury Day program. During this period I also had several experiences working part time and metro area hospitals. After a few years of commuting from Northern Cobb County to downtown Atlanta, a colleague introduced me to Early Intervention Services with pediatrics. From that point I found a new love, which included working in natural environments of families of children with communication disorders.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a very eventful road. I have learned just as much from the families and children that I have met along the way as they have learned from me. Learning how to understand and meet the needs of families, while also helping the “child” improve is not always an easy task. Every situation is different as each child and family present with their own perspectives, values and needs. Another challenge is being able to serve as both the manager and service provider for my company. Working in the community and in the clinic is not easy. I have learned to wear a lot of hats. Another challenge is balancing work and family time. Unfortunately, as a small business owner and service provider, you are never technically “done” with work at the end of each day, there is always something that needs attention.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Strong Link Therapy Services – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Strong Link Therapy Services is a pediatric speech therapy company. Strong Link Therapy provides home, clinic, and teletherapy services. Strong link also provides parent training classes, social skills groups and camps. The goal of strong link therapy services is to empower children and their families by using evidenced based interventions and giving them the education and tools to advocate for their needs. Strong link Therapy is known for partnering with parents and the community. It is not unusual for Strong Link to attend student IEP meetings or to collaborate with schools and community resources. The compassion, partnership, and personal attention that is given to the individuals and families that come to Strong Link Therapy Services is what sets it apart from others.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am looking forward to expanding by offering more family and community trainings and educational opportunities. It is important for families to understand how they can help their own children so that they can intervene all of the time rather than just on “therapy days”. I would also like to help spread awareness and educate the community on how to support and help individuals with communication disorders.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1275 Shiloh Road, Suite 3040, Kennesaw GA 30144
- Website: www.stronglinktherapyservices.com
- Phone: 678-310-0436
- Email: stronglinktherapy@gmail.com
- Facebook: http://stronglinktherapyservices.com/
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