Meet Swinita Shah

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Swinita Shah. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Swinita below.

Hi Swinita, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose was a journey deeply rooted in personal experiences and a passion for making a difference. Growing up, I witnessed the challenges my sister, who has Down syndrome, faced within the education system. Watching my parents advocate tirelessly for her needs instilled in me a profound understanding of the importance of support and advocacy for individuals with special needs.

Inspired by my sister and motivated by my own experiences navigating the public school system as a person of color, I pursued a career in speech-language pathology. This path allowed me to merge my love for communication with my desire to empower families. I soon realized that many parents, like mine, needed guidance and support to advocate effectively for their children’s educational rights.

Establishing Charm City Speech was a natural progression of this passion. It became my mission to provide comprehensive services that not only address speech and language needs but also offer robust IEP advocacy. I wanted to create a space where families feel heard, supported, and equipped to navigate the complexities of the education system.

Every day, I am driven by the stories of resilience and the transformative impact that proper support can have on a child’s educational journey. Seeing the positive changes in the lives of the families we serve reaffirms my purpose and fuels my dedication to this work.

In essence, my purpose found me through a blend of personal experiences, professional passion, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It’s a journey that continues to inspire and fulfill me every day.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My name is Swinita Shah, and I am the proud owner and founder of Charm City Speech, a practice dedicated to providing speech-language therapy services and IEP advocacy to families across Maryland.

Charm City Speech was born out of a deep-seated passion to support families navigating the often complex world of special education. Growing up with an older sister who has Down syndrome, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with advocating for a child’s educational needs. This personal experience inspired me to pursue a career in speech-language pathology and later, to establish a practice that offers comprehensive, compassionate support to other families.

What makes Charm City Speech special is our holistic approach. We don’t just focus on speech and language development; we are committed to empowering parents with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for their children effectively. Our services range from individual therapy sessions to IEP advocacy, educational assessments, and more. We believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with parents, educators, and other professionals to create the best possible outcomes for our clients.

One of the most exciting aspects of our work is the recently launched ‘Roadmap to IEP Advocacy’ course. This course is designed to guide parents through the intricacies of the IEP process, helping them understand, navigate, and advocate effectively for their child’s educational needs. We offer different modules and pricing structures to cater to various needs and budgets, ensuring that every parent has access to the resources they need.

In addition to our course, we are continuously expanding our outreach and services. We have plans to collaborate with local schools and daycares, offering screenings and evaluations to identify children who may benefit from our services early on. We also host community events like the ‘Meet the Advocate’ gatherings, where parents can connect with our team and learn more about how we can support them.

What excites me most about our work is seeing the tangible difference it makes in the lives of the families we serve. Whether it’s a child making significant progress in their speech and language skills or a parent feeling more confident and empowered in an IEP meeting, these moments of success are what drive us forward.

At Charm City Speech, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for all our clients. We are here to make navigating the education system easier, respect the time and needs of parents, and ultimately, have a positive impact on each child’s educational journey.

Thank you for allowing me to share our story. I invite anyone interested in learning more about our services or collaborating with us to reach out. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in our community.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, there are three key qualities that have been most impactful: resilience, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning. These qualities have not only shaped my path but have also been essential in the growth and success of Charm City Speech.

Resilience: Navigating the challenges of starting and running a business, especially one in the field of special education, requires a great deal of resilience. There have been times when things didn’t go as planned, but staying focused on the mission and pushing through difficulties has been crucial. Resilience has allowed me to overcome obstacles, learn from failures, and keep moving forward.

Advice: For those early in their journey, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Develop a mindset that views setbacks as temporary and solvable. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and loved ones who can offer encouragement and perspective during tough times.

Empathy: Understanding the needs, fears, and hopes of the families we serve is at the heart of what we do. Empathy allows us to connect with clients on a deeper level, providing them with the support and care they truly need. It has also helped in building strong, trusting relationships with both clients and colleagues.

Advice: Cultivate empathy by actively listening to others and seeking to understand their perspectives. Engage in regular self-reflection to remain aware of your own biases and assumptions. Volunteering or working in diverse settings can also enhance your ability to relate to people from different backgrounds and experiences.

Commitment to Continuous Learning: The fields of speech-language pathology and special education are constantly evolving. Staying current with the latest research, best practices, and technological advancements is essential. This commitment to learning ensures that we provide the highest quality services and remain adaptable to new challenges and opportunities.

Advice: Invest in your professional development through continuing education, workshops, and conferences. Join professional organizations and networks to stay informed and connected with others in your field. Additionally, seek feedback from peers and clients to identify areas for improvement and growth.

For those at the beginning of their journey, my advice is to stay patient and persistent. Building a meaningful career or business takes time and effort. Focus on developing these key qualities, stay true to your passion, and never stop learning. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and make a lasting impact in your field.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was their unwavering support and encouragement to pursue my passions, get as much education as I wanted, and venture out on my own to find my purpose. Their belief in me and my abilities gave me the confidence to explore different paths and ultimately discover my true calling.

Growing up, my parents always emphasized the importance of education and self-discovery. They encouraged me to follow my interests and passions, no matter how unconventional they might seem. This open-minded approach allowed me to explore various fields and experiences, from volunteering with special needs children to studying speech-language pathology. Their support was a constant source of motivation, pushing me to strive for excellence in everything I pursued.

My parents also instilled in me the value of resilience and independence. They encouraged me to take risks, learn from my failures, and persist through challenges. This mindset was crucial when I decided to start Charm City Speech. Their belief in my vision and their unwavering support helped me navigate the uncertainties and obstacles of building a business from the ground up.

Moreover, my parents’ own journey as immigrants who worked tirelessly to provide a better life for their children deeply influenced my sense of purpose and dedication. Their sacrifices and hard work inspired me to give back to the community and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

In essence, my parents’ encouragement to pursue my passions, their emphasis on education, and their support in finding my own path were the most impactful things they did for me. They laid the foundation for my personal and professional growth, and their influence continues to guide me every day.

My advice to others is to seek out and embrace the support and guidance from those who believe in you. Use their encouragement as a springboard to explore your passions, invest in your education, and confidently venture out to find your own purpose. The journey may not always be easy, but with resilience and determination, you can achieve your dreams and make a lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://charmcityspeech.com/
• Instagram: @charmcityspeechtherapy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095341461645
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/charm-city-speech-baltimore

Image Credits

Emily Paterson
Katy Chib