We were lucky to catch up with Adrienne Fairfield recently and have shared our conversation below.
Adrienne, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I used to think purpose was something you found in a single, defining moment. But for me, it’s been a collection of moments — some small, some life-changing — that pointed me toward the life I was meant to build.
When I first moved to St. Thomas, I came looking for a new chapter, not necessarily a long-term home. But almost immediately, I felt a deep connection to the island — to the resilience, the vibrancy, and the way the community values relationships and belonging. I realized that the kind of life I wanted wasn’t about chasing the next big thing; it was about investing fully in where I was.
Professionally, I already loved working with children as a speech-language pathologist. But living here shifted my perspective. I saw how important it was to create a space where families could find consistent, high-quality support without having to leave the island or navigate overwhelming barriers. I wasn’t here to change the community — I was here to listen, to collaborate, and to build something for the benefit of all.
That’s when my purpose crystallized:
To grow services that honor the strength of the families here, and to be part of helping children thrive in the place they call home.
Founding Play OnWords Therapeutic Services became an extension of that purpose. Our practice is rooted in partnership — meeting children and families where they are, working together toward milestones both big and small. Every child’s progress, every parent’s celebration, every collaboration with local schools and organizations deepens my commitment to this work.
Finding my purpose wasn’t about a single choice — it’s an ongoing journey, shaped by the people I’m privileged to serve. I’m grateful every day to be part of this community’s fabric, contributing what I can and learning even more in return.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve always been drawn to connection — to helping people feel seen, heard, and understood. That instinct led me to a career in speech-language pathology, and eventually to founding my own practice here in St. Thomas, USVI.
When I first moved to the island, it was meant to be a new chapter, maybe even a temporary one. But from the moment I arrived, I felt a deeper pull. There’s a resilience, a vibrancy, and a sense of community in St. Thomas that changed the way I thought about home — and about the kind of work I wanted to do. Building a life here, rooted in service and relationships, has shaped me into the person and professional I am today.
Today, I’m the founder of Play OnWords Therapeutic Services, where we offer speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support for children of all abilities. What makes our work special isn’t just what we offer — it’s how we offer it. We meet children and families where they are, building skills and confidence through play, trust, and true partnership. In a place as dynamic and close-knit as St. Thomas, we believe therapy should be accessible, meaningful, and woven into the fabric of the community itself.
One of the most exciting new developments has been the launch of our therapeutic art program — a creative space where children can express themselves, explore new skills, and connect with others in a way that feels joyful and empowering.
At the heart of everything I do — whether as a therapist, a business owner, or simply a member of this community — is a belief in the incredible potential of every child. I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to be part of their journey, and for the life that this work has allowed me to build, right here in St. Thomas.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities have made the biggest impact on my journey: adaptability, genuine connection, and long-term vision.
Adaptability has been essential.
No matter how much you plan, there are always unexpected challenges — whether it’s navigating changing systems, balancing the needs of a growing business, or simply adjusting when life doesn’t go the way you expected. Learning to adapt without losing your core values has made it possible for me to keep moving forward, even in the face of uncertainty.
Genuine connection is at the heart of everything.
The ability to build real relationships — with families, colleagues, and the broader community — is what has made this work sustainable and meaningful. It’s one thing to offer services; it’s another to show up as a real partner, listening first and leading with empathy.
Long-term vision has kept me grounded.
There are always immediate fires to put out, but keeping one eye on the bigger picture — the life and the legacy I’m trying to build — has helped me make decisions that align with my deeper purpose, not just short-term wins.
Advice for those early in their journey?
Stay flexible. Your path may not look the way you expected, and that’s okay — sometimes the detours are where you find the best opportunities.
Lead with authenticity. People can feel when your heart is in it, and that trust is irreplaceable.
Keep the long game in mind. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to have everything figured out immediately. Focus on building something that feels true to you, even if it takes time. It’s worth it.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to grow into the person you’re meant to be — not the person you think you have to be right now.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
One of the biggest challenges I’m facing right now is balancing growth with sustainability. As demand for pediatric therapy services grows in St. Thomas, it’s exciting — but it also means being thoughtful about how we expand without losing the heart and individualized care that families trust us for.
Logistically, one of the more complex challenges has been navigating the Medicaid system to ensure that our most vulnerable children and families can access the services they need. It’s a process that requires persistence, creativity, and a lot of advocacy, but it’s work that feels deeply worth it. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the paperwork or barriers that stand in the way.
It’s tempting to grow quickly when there’s so much need, but I’m focused on growing well — building a team that shares our values, maintaining the quality of services, and ensuring that families continue to feel seen, supported, and prioritized. That sometimes means making hard decisions about pacing, partnerships, and priorities.
To navigate these challenges, I’ve learned to lean even more into collaboration — connecting with like-minded professionals, investing in mentoring and training for team members, and staying grounded in the mission that started this journey in the first place. Growth is exciting, but meaningful, sustainable growth — where every child, regardless of circumstance, has a place — is the real goal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.playonwordsvi.com
- Instagram: @playonwordsvi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playonwordsVI
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennedooley/
Image Credits
They’re mine
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
