Thanks for agreeing to the interview Maddy. Great to see you!

What was your greatest challenge starting your CF after completing a grad school program during COVID?

I feel like we had to learn everything backwards. We knew how to plan sessions through telepractice before we learned to do it in person. I remember my friends and I being so excited when we finally got the chance to be face-to-face with our clients.

Yes of course! Can you share with us your clinical journey since graduation in May 2022?

I’ve been working in the pediatric private practice setting since graduation. At my current practice, Buttonloop Children’s Therapies, I’ve been trained in providing feeding therapy as well as orofacial myofunctional therapy and I’m supervising my first grad student (from Northeastern!)

Awesome! What does a typical day look like in your work practice?

I see about 8-10 clients scattered throughout the day, drink lots of coffee, write my notes, and have fun lunch breaks with my speech and OT coworkers! We have a great sensorimotor gym space which is amazing for so many of our clients.

You are now an off campus clinical supervisor for our MS SLP students – fantastic! What is one thing you learned from a clinical supervisor when you were a graduate clinician that you now use as a clinical supervisor?

To always follow through with the promises you make to your clients, even if it’s just what game you’re going to be playing next session! It means more to them than you may think.

Great advice. What do you do for fun outside of work?

I love making personalized gifts for my friends and family using my embroidery machine!

What are you currently reading either with your clients or for yourself? You knew I would ask a literacy related question.

All the Pete the Cat books!

So great! What is one thing you would tell your first semester grad school self?

Don’t be afraid to ask your professors and supervisors questions, it’s really the best way to learn what you don’t know.

And lastly, favorite class in grad school?

I loved hearing about everyone’s placements during our Clinic courses, and I also loved Voice Disorders with Dr. O!

This has been such fun. Thanks Maddy and best of luck.