Hala J

What got you interested in working as a speech therapist?

I was originally drawn to the field of speech-language pathology after my younger cousin was diagnosed with Autism. Watching his journey and seeing the incredible impact that speech therapy had on his ability to communicate and connect with others inspired me to pursue a career where I could support other children and families in similar ways. I quickly fell in love with the field, not just for the unique blend of science and creativity it involves, but for the meaningful, lasting relationships it allows us to build with the people we serve! I was drawn to Front Range Pediatric Therapies because of the supportive and collaborative culture, and FRPT’s commitment to both families and therapists. It’s clear that FRPT values clinical excellence while also fostering a warm, team-oriented environment! I’m excited to be part of a team that’s so dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and their families!

 

What do you love most about being a speech therapist?

One of my favorite things about being a speech-language pathologist is witnessing those “lightbulb” moments, like when a child says a new word for the first time, communicates a need/want independently, or finally feels confident using their voice. Those moments never get old and are a powerful reminder of why this work matters! A memory that stands out to me is working with a nonverbal child who had been hesitant to engage in therapy. Over time, we built trust, and with the help of AAC, he began expressing his thoughts and preferences in ways he never had before. Seeing his personality shine through and watching his family experience that connection was incredibly rewarding! It’s moments like that which make this profession so special to me!

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I’m very passionate about film photography! I love the slower, more intentional process of shooting on film and capturing moments in a more meaningful way! I also enjoy spending time in nature, whether it’s going for a hike or just taking a quiet walk outdoors! There’s nothing better than pairing that with a good book and a visit to a cozy local coffee shop! I really enjoy exploring different spots around town and finding new favorite places to relax and recharge!

 

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Something most people don’t know about me is that I have a bifid uvula! I actually discovered it during a practice oral mechanism exam in one of my undergraduate speech classes, which made for a pretty memorable moment! It was fascinating to learn about it in a clinical context while also realizing I had one myself!

 

What is your favorite activity to encourage learning and growth with kids?

One of my favorite activities to suggest is incorporating speech and language goals into everyday routines, like during mealtime, bath time, or while getting dressed. These natural moments are full of opportunities for modeling language, encouraging turn-taking, or practicing specific sounds in a low-pressure, meaningful way! I also love recommending reading together, especially interactive books that encourage labeling, predicting, or answering simple questions. It’s such a great way to build language skills while also creating special bonding time between children and their families.

 

Any other info you want to share?

I’m so excited to be joining the team at Front Range Pediatric Therapies and can’t wait to get started! 🙂