I am a Therapy Assistant at FABIC, supporting children and families with speech and communication goals, and one of my biggest strengths is the way I build connection. Children often warm to me quickly because I meet them with genuine care, patience and calmness, and that helps them feel safe enough to engage. I do not come into sessions trying to force a result. I focus first on building trust, because once a child feels at ease, they are far more open to learning and participating.
I mainly work with children between the ages of 3 and 14, including children with ASD, non-verbal communication needs, speech sound difficulties, language processing challenges, and broader communication delays. Some of the children I support can become frustrated, overwhelmed or dysregulated when communication feels difficult, and I am very comfortable staying steady in those moments. I know how important it is to create a space where a child does not feel judged or pressured, but still feels gently supported to keep trying.
My approach is practical, relational and highly child-focused. I support programs designed by a senior Speech Pathologist at FABIC, and I help bring those programs to life in a way that feels accessible, engaging and supportive for the child. I am often able to make sessions feel less clinical and more natural, which helps children stay connected to the process. I also understand that every child is different, so I pay close attention to how they communicate, what helps them feel comfortable, and how to work with their personality rather than against it.
I also care deeply about the role of the parent and support team. In my experience, the best progress happens when everyone around the child is engaged and consistent. When families are involved, listening, learning and reinforcing the work between sessions, the change can be significant. I value being part of that wider team and helping create an environment where the child feels supported not just in the session, but in everyday life as well.
What I bring most naturally into this work is warmth, empathy, patience and a real love for people. I have always been someone who looks beyond behaviour and sees the person underneath. That helps me connect deeply with children and families, and it is a big part of why this work feels so meaningful to me.