This school SLP shares why she decided to become a speech-language pathologist, what she enjoys most about working with the Cross Country Education team and schools, and what advice she has for school SLPs just now embarking on their careers.

<h2>Today We’re Celebrating School SLP Destiny J.</h2><p>At Cross Country Education, we’re honored to work with the best of the best from across the nation who are dedicated to improving kids' lives every day! We take great pride in their shared passion for helping students succeed, and we love passing along their insight to inspire others interested in this rewarding field. This time, we’re spotlighting an awesome school SLP, Destiny J.</p><p>Here, Destiny shares why she decided to become a speech language pathologist, what she enjoys most about working with the Cross Country Education team and schools, and what advice she has for school-based SLPs just embarking on their careers.</p><h3>Why did you become an SLP?</h3><p>While working as a behavioral interventionist, I was around many professionals that were also working with my clients. I was able to see the positive impact a speech language pathologist’s treatment had on my clients’ speech and language skills. From that moment on I knew that I wanted to specialize in communication disorders.</p><p>My motivation for becoming an SLP was to support the communication needs of individuals. I have seen the impact that communication disorders can have on an individual's quality of life, and I believe that communication is a basic human need. I am really passionate about helping others and continuing to advocate for my clients/students as well as the profession.</p><h3>What do you like about working as an SLP with Cross Country Education?</h3><p>Cross Country Education is by far the best contracting agency out there. They have been supportive since day one. CCE provided me with assessment protocols, clinical tools, and an amazing clinical fellowship opportunity. I really appreciated that they allowed me to meet and speak to my CF mentor prior to signing a contract. My recruiter is and always has been an advocate for me at all the sites I have helped support, and I am very grateful for that.</p><p>Cross Country Education has continued to be very supportive throughout my time with them. They listen to my needs and ensure that I am placed at a location that best fits my needs so that I can continue to grow as a clinician. They also support me by providing me with assessment tools, materials, etc. whenever I request it. They were also considerably supportive with me during the pandemic, including making sure that the transition from in-person to remote learning was seamless.</p><h3>What kind of advice would you give to those starting out in your field as an SLP?</h3><p>ASHA offers great resources for us to utilize whenever we have more questions about treatment, assessment, providing culturally competent services, dynamic assessment, bilingual language development, etc. I would recommend using ASHA Leader which contains current articles and current research so that you can stay up to date on evidence-based practices. I also recommend that you network and consult with your colleagues. Oftentimes your colleague may offer a different perspective whenever you are seeking counsel. I would also encourage interdisciplinary care since that will really make a greater impact on your students/clients.</p><h2>School SLP Opportunities</h2><p>If, like Destiny, you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of students and embark on a meaningful adventure as a school speech language pathologist, explore our <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/job-search" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">career opportunities</a> today.</p><p><br></p>

Employee Spotlight – Destiny J., Speech Language Pathologist