Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Mathews.
Hi Courtney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Discovering the field of communication disorders and becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist started my sophomore year in college. All I knew upon entering college, was that I wanted to pursue a career where I could help others. My life changed with a simple phone call from my mother who shared with me that she had a co-worker whose two daughters were attending college and majoring in communication disorders. I was fortunate that the college I was attending had the major! This was a turning point for me to discover a field where I truly felt like I could be a difference-maker.
I completed my Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in communication disorders. 2003 was the year I began to work in the field as a Speech Language Pathology. Finally, I had the chance to operate in a field that I could empower parents and positively impact the lives of children who needed support with communication. I have experience working with babies as young as 6 months and my oldest client has been 21 years of age. Seeing the multiple Breakthroughs in speech therapy is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career!
I truly believe that everyone has the power to communicate rather, through eye gaze, sign language or their verbal ability. I was once that quiet child in school who didn’t know the power of her own voice! Who knew that little ole me, could also be a difference maker. That I would one day, have the opportunity to help others embrace the power of communicating with others to get their wants and needs met and to enjoy actively engaging with others.
In 2021, I opened my private practice “Speech Breakthroughs” where we change one life @ A time! My practice is currently based in McKinney, Texas where we provide speech therapy. services to client’s birth-21 years of age. We love collaboration with other professionals and parents. Together, our clients make the progress and the gains needed to COMMUNICATE!
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?
In order to become a Speech-Language Pathologist, you have to obtain your Master’s Degree. The first time I applied to a graduate program that often only had 20-25 student opportunities, I did not get accepted. There I was with a Bachelor’s degree, working at a car rental business. I had to take care of customers and when we were short staffed, I had to wash cars. This was a very humbling experience for 6 long grueling months. A breakthrough in my career happened when I obtained a job in the field as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant! This position entailed working with children which disabilities inclusive of: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Rett syndrome. It was a game-changer for me because this experience confirmed that I had to obtain my Master’s degree by any means necessary! I then applied to graduate school again, got accepted, and traveled over 1000 miles away from home to obtain my Master’s in communication disorders!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The name of my company is so important to me because throughout my journey in speech therapy, I am eager for the client to continuously achieve their next breakthrough! What sets us apart from other companies is that we form a true partnership with all of those who are vested on that client’s journey of effective communication. We focus on what the client can do and use that to help with the deficiencies they may have. Every behavior has a purpose, rather others view it as positive or negative. It is our job to enhance what they do have. We are a company who is strategically growing as we make an imprint throughout the North Dallas area! Partnership is key to us because without it, progress can be stunted. We are most proud of the legacy and tradition we are building in helping others reach their individual goals!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@
speechbreakthroughs.com - Website: www.
speechbreakthroughs.com - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/Speech- Breakthroughs-100869431705279
Image Credits
Paige Marie Photography
