Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Smith.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always enjoyed helping people, and when I discovered the world of speech-language pathology at Oklahoma State, it was a naturally perfect fit. No one can know where life will take them, and I certainly wouldn’t have predicted the path mine has followed. One of my first jobs after finishing grad school at the University of Texas at Dallas was working for Early Childhood Intervention, treating very young children in their homes. That was where I found my love for helping parents and kids work together to understand, and be understood by, each other. Soon after I married my husband my life started taking turns that I wouldn’t have expected. We moved to the NYC suburbs, then to Chicago, Nashville, and finally back to Dallas. In each backdrop, I was able to discover a new piece of myself and who I wanted to be. In New Jersey, I was a part of opening a new outpatient clinic for a children’s hospital. That gave me a glimpse of what it was like to put my own stamp on a space. In Chicago, I worked closely with occupational and physical therapists at a multi-disciplinary clinic. When I went back to work after having my son, I became part of the leadership team and again felt myself growing as a person and as a speech pathologist. Next was our move to Nashville. After practicing for over ten years, I started to find my niche. I focused my continuing education and professional experience on speech sound disorders, including childhood apraxia of speech, and preschool language development. Now with two kids, I was learning to find a balance between being a good mom and maintaining my identity outside of being a mom, which included being an SLP.
We made the decision to move back to Dallas at the beginning of 2018, and I started Kid Pro. Kid Pro began as a home-based practice, but I opened a clinic in June 2019. My practice embodies the path I’ve taken get here. I focus on providing excellent family-centered therapy, with an emphasis on fun. Kids learn best when they are highly engaged, so if we aren’t having fun something needs to change. I would love for Kid Pro to grow into a multidisciplinary practice where kids can come for occupational and physical therapy, as well as speech!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For me, the most difficult thing has been finding a balance. I have been fortunate to have a flexible work schedule since my kids were born, but at times it can feel like I’m only giving 50% to my career and 50% to my family. Granting myself permission to let some things go and acknowledging and dismissing the guilt that comes along with being a working mom are things that I have to be mindful about.
Professionally, the biggest challenge in starting Kid Pro has been wearing all the hats. It has been mostly fun, but there has been a big learning curve. In the past, someone else has taken care of things like insurance credentialing, marketing, billing, medical records, and website development. Now, though, those things all fall to me. Honestly, I enjoy knowing that I’m growing and constantly becoming more than I was, so doing things that are out of my previous scope is a welcome challenge.
My advice for young women would be to try to be present and open. Other women around you are doing great things. Ask questions. Listen. Hear their stories, and learn from them. I always thought I was doing this on some level, but as I have strived to do more, the lessons, opportunities, and connection have been well worth the effort.
Please tell us about Kid Pro Speech Therapy – what should we know?
As the owner of Kid Pro, I specialize in speech sound disorders and preschool language. One speech sound disorder that I am passionate about is childhood apraxia of speech. I have taken extensive continuing education to be skilled enough to be listed on the apraxia-kids.org and childapraxiatreatment.org directories.
Other things that set me apart are my core values, which drive my practice. These include compassion, excellence, innovation, and fun. When making decisions for Kid Pro, I evaluate how the options fit with these values.
Lastly, I believe that communication, especially as a pediatric service provider, is one of the most important aspects of my job. I strive to ensure that open lines of communication are always maintained regarding the speech therapy process, from the evaluation to goal setting, tracking progress, and finally discharge.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Lately, the books I’ve been reading have been mostly about parenting- The Whole Brain Child by Dr. Dan Siegel was my most recent. It was an interesting explanation of neurodevelopment and how our interactions with children can and do influence it. The strategies I learned to have been helpful both at work and with my own kids. Additionally, I am involved with several online communities within my field. They have been a rich source of advice and knowledge for me as I have started my private practice journey.
Contact Info:
- Address: 10405 E Northwest Hwy, Ste 302
Dallas, TX 75238 - Website: www.kidprospeechtherapy.com
- Phone: (972) 755-9157
- Email: asmith@kidprospeechtherapy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidprospeechtherapy/
Image Credit:
Krista Arnold Photography
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