Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Marsh.
Hi Erin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Erin Marsh, and I am the CEO/Founder of Unique Therapy Connections (UTC). I am a certified Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Texas and a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
My journey in Speech-Language Pathology began when I was diagnosed with Waardenburg Syndrome, a genetic syndrome that includes hearing loss and other physical characteristics, at the age of three. As the only Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) individual in my family and community, I experienced the challenges of the “unknown” firsthand.
Growing up, I faced bullying due to my differences, which fueled my desire to help others. This led me to dream about Unique Therapy Connections where passion meets purpose.
In 2016, I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and became a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) in the state of Florida. Continuing my education at Jacksonville University, I earned a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2019.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I transitioned to virtual speech therapy, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in teletherapy and parent coaching for individuals of all ages. Throughout my career, I have worked in various clinical settings, including early intervention, home health, outpatient clinics, and schools.
I understand the challenges and responsibilities of being a busy parent in today’s world. The worries about your child’s development and uncertainty about whether they may benefit from therapy services can be overwhelming. My mission at Unique Therapy Connections is to provide individuals and families with the education and support they need to feel empowered in their journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road I’ve traveled hasn’t always been smooth. During my childhood, I faced bullying because of my differences, which caused me to suppress my true self and conform to societal expectations/norms. It wasn’t until adulthood that I shifted my perspective and started embracing my differences as something unique. This change in mindset allowed me to see the beauty in the challenges I encountered along the way.
Throughout my college years, I faced additional struggles due to my hearing loss. I required special accommodations and had to invest extra effort and time to keep up with my studies. I also was rejected admission into multiple Speech-Language Pathology graduate programs. However, I never let these obstacles deter me. I recognized that putting in the extra work would only ignite my passion even more.
Nevertheless, I still experience moments of self-doubt, and there are times when the feeling of “imposter syndrome” creeps up on me, especially when I’m practicing. But I constantly remind myself that my uniqueness is what shapes me and my approach to practice. I also acknowledge that there are other individuals in the world who, like me, need to embrace and share their uniqueness with the world.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Unique Therapy Connections?
At Unique Therapy Connections (UTC), we offer individualized and family-centered speech, language, and feeding therapy to form connections that foster functional skills in everyday life. UTC is dedicated to providing exceptional therapeutic services to individuals of all ages in various settings, including the community, clients’ homes, and virtually via teletherapy. We also serve public, private, and charter schools through contracting services.
We specialize in Early Intervention, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Rare Syndromes, and Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy. We take a comprehensive approach to therapy and collaborate with providers to assist with Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs), such as tongue ties, to provide pre and post-frenectomy support.
In addition to our individual therapy services, we offer a range of unique services to meet the diverse needs of families.
– Parent and Me Class
– Infant-Directed Sign Language Class
– Life Skills Group
– Parent Coaching
– IEP/ARD Advocacy
Please contact us to learn more about these unique services offered.
What sets Unique Therapy Connection apart is our unique perspective, as we have experience both as healthcare providers and as patients ourselves. This allows us to not only understand our patients but also relate to them and their families on a deeper level. We recognize the importance of incorporating counseling into speech therapy sessions, as individuals with communication disorders can often have significant emotional experiences related to their struggles with communication. Moreover, patients and families may be going through a grieving process after receiving a diagnosis.
At Unique Therapy Connections, we prioritize creating a safe and supportive space for our patients and their families/caregivers. We believe in providing ample time for them to be heard, seen, and understood. That’s why we integrate counseling into every therapy session, tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs of each patient. By addressing the emotional and psychological aspects alongside speech and language development, we aim to enhance the overall well-being and success of our clients.
By offering comprehensive services, addressing emotional well-being, and providing support beyond therapy sessions, we aim to empower individuals to embrace their differences, overcome obstacles, and thrive in their everyday lives.
What do you think about luck?
Luck, defined as the occurrence and development of events by chance, has undoubtedly played a significant role in my life and business journey. However, it is not merely luck that determines our trajectory but rather how we navigate and respond to the circumstances we encounter.
Discovering my passion for Speech-Language Pathology at a young age and receiving education from esteemed institutions like the University of Central Florida and Jacksonville University have been fortunate opportunities that laid a strong foundation for my professional growth.
However, I have also faced challenges that could be considered instances of bad luck, such as being diagnosed with Waardenburg Syndrome and enduring bullying for my differences. These obstacles shaped my perspective and fueled my determination to make a positive impact on others facing similar struggles.
One challenge early on in my career was being denied admission to multiple graduate programs. However, this setback became a pivotal moment in my journey as it led me to start my career early on as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA). Working as an SLPA provided me with valuable hands-on experience, honing my skills and knowledge and laying the foundation for how I would learn and work as a future clinician. Through dedication and perseverance, I transformed this setback into an opportunity for growth, resilience, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of the field.
In the context of my business, the COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique challenge. While it disrupted the traditional in-person therapy model, it also provided an unexpected opportunity for growth and adaptation. Transitioning to virtual therapy and developing expertise in teletherapy allowed me to overcome geographical limitations and reach individuals and families in need. In this sense, good luck emerged from a challenging situation.
Amidst these experiences, I also encountered a personal journey related to my son’s health, who was born prematurely with a lip and tongue tie causing initial feeding difficulties. However, this led me to deepen my understanding of Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS) and the importance of collaboration with other service providers.
It is through these experiences that I have learned the importance of seizing opportunities and making the most of every circumstance, regardless of whether they are perceived as good or bad luck.
Overall, I believe that luck, whether good or bad, is an inherent part of life and business. It is our response to these moments that define our path. The combination of fortunate circumstances and adversity has shaped my perspective, deepened my empathy, and motivated me to provide exceptional care and support through Unique Therapy Connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.uniquetherapyconnections.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniquetherapyconnections/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063960848903&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://qrco.de/bdmVM7
Image Credits
By Snappr
