We recently connected with Nikki McRory and have shared our conversation below.
Nikki , 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?
From a young age, I knew I had a passion for helping others. I vividly remember baby-sitting my brother and several kids in my neighborhood until I was old enough to get a job at our local nursing home as a certified nursing assistant. Little did I know that this early inclination towards helping others would one day lead me to discover my life’s passion as a pediatric speech-language pathologist.
Life is funny, isn’t it? It often has a way of leading us down unexpected paths, and my journey to finding my true calling was no different. I started college with a vague idea of wanting to work as a nurse, but I did not have a clear direction as to what I wanted my career to look like. It was only when I enrolled in a course on communication disorders that something clicked.
My fascination with language and communication was kindled. The more I delved into the world of speech-language pathology, the more it felt like coming home. I was struck by the profound impact communication has on a person’s life. It’s not just about speaking and hearing; it’s about connection, understanding, and self-expression. I realized that helping people find their voices was my passion, and I was ready to embark on a journey to make it my life’s work.
As I pursued my studies and gained hands-on experience in the field, I was drawn to working with children. There’s something undeniably special about helping kids discover the power of their own voices. It’s as if you’re unlocking a treasure chest of potential, watching them bloom and grow. The smiles, the laughter, and the “aha” moments of progress became my daily rewards.
One of the most incredible aspects of being a pediatric speech-language pathologist is witnessing the resilience of children and their families. I’ve worked with children who faced communication challenges due to various conditions, from speech disorders to autism and developmental delays. Their determination and the unwavering support of their families are nothing short of inspiring. Each day, I was not only helping children communicate more effectively, but I was also providing families with tools to foster connection and understanding.
It hasn’t always been a walk in the park, of course. There were moments of frustration and self-doubt, just as in any profession. But it was the impact I could make on a child’s life, no matter how small, that kept me going. Whether it was helping a toddler say their first words or assisting a school-age child in overcoming a stutter, these victories fueled my passion and reminded me of the vital role of a speech-language pathologist.
Being a pediatric speech-language pathologist is more than a job; it’s a calling. It’s about helping children find their voices and become confident communicators. It’s about being there for families who are navigating the sometimes challenging waters of communication disorders. And it’s about witnessing the transformative power of communication on young lives.
In the world of pediatric speech-language pathology, every day is a new opportunity to make a difference, to help a child find their voice, and to be a part of a journey towards brighter, more connected futures. I can’t imagine a more fulfilling way to spend my days, and I’m grateful for every child and family who has allowed me to be a part of their story.
So, for all those who are still on their own journey to find their passion, remember that sometimes your true calling is hiding in plain sight, waiting for you to recognize it. Embrace your interests, follow your heart, and, who knows, you might just find your own path to helping others and discovering your life’s passion, just like I did in the world of pediatric speech-language pathology.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I have been blessed to own and operate McRory Pediatric Services, Inc. along with my husband Michael for over the past 20+ years.
When McRory Pediatric Services was started, it was with the determination of providing the highest quality, evidence-based therapeutic services that involve families as integral members of the therapy team, as well as providing an exceptional work environment for our team members. As a company we are not only unique because of the variety of services in which we are able to provide to families, but also for the way in which we deliver our services within innovative frameworks. We know that each family’s journey is unique, and it is a blessing for us to be able to work alongside parents and watch their children grow,
Whether families are searching for speech-language therapy services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, ABA services, social skills classes, Jasper sessions, early intervention programs, or a therapeutic preschool school, we are confident that our highly collaborative and compassionate team members can help you and help your child so that they reach their fullest potential.
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?
Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve identified three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were particularly impactful in shaping my career.
The first quality that I believe is absolutely essential in pediatric speech-language pathology is empathy. Children can face a wide range of communication disorders, from speech sound disorders to language delays and more. As a speech-language pathologist, you’ll work with children who may be struggling to express themselves, make friends, or even learn in school. It’s crucial to understand their frustration and challenges, and that’s where empathy comes in.
Advice: To develop and improve your empathy, spend time listening to the stories and experiences of children and their families. Ask open-ended questions, and really engage with their narratives. Put yourself in their shoes to better comprehend the emotional and practical aspects of their struggles. This will not only help you build stronger connections with your young clients and their families but also guide your therapy and interventions in a more compassionate and effective manner.
The field of speech-language pathology is constantly evolving, with new research and techniques emerging regularly. It’s vital to have a strong foundation of knowledge and a commitment to continuous learning. Understanding the intricacies of speech and language development, as well as different communication disorders, and a variety of evidence-based interventions is paramount to providing the best care to your patients.
Advice: Stay current by attending conferences, taking workshops, and webinars, as well as keeping abreast of the latest research in the field. Invest in professional development to improve your skills, whether that’s learning new assessment tools, therapy techniques, or technology applications. Additionally, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can provide valuable insights and guidance. As they say, knowledge is power, and in this field, it’s the key to helping children flourish.
When working with children, no two days are the same. Each child is unique, and their needs, progress, and challenges can vary greatly. Being adaptable and flexible are other essential skills needed to effectively address these individual differences. Your ability to adjust your therapy plans, communication style, and interventions based on the child’s response is crucial.
Advice: Cultivate your adaptability by embracing change and being open to trying new approaches. When something doesn’t work, don’t be discouraged; view it as an opportunity to learn and adapt. Be willing to collaborate with other professionals, such as teachers, parents, and occupational therapists, to ensure a holistic approach to each child’s development. This flexibility will not only help your patients but also enrich your professional journey.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
I’ve had the privilege of working with countless amazing families, each unique in their own way. While every child I encounter brings their individual strengths and challenges, there are certain characteristics that make a family an ideal client.
One of the most valuable characteristics of an ideal client is their willingness to engage in open and effective communication. When families are open to sharing their observations, concerns, and goals for their child, it creates a collaborative environment that leads to better outcomes. This communication paves the way for a strong partnership between the speech-language pathologist and the family.
Consistency is key in a child’ therapy program. An ideal client is committed to attending sessions regularly and following through with recommended activities at home. Consistency helps reinforce the progress made during therapy and fosters a sense of continuity that benefits the child.
Children with communication challenges may take time to show significant improvement. An ideal client understands that growth happens gradually and celebrates the small victories along the way. They maintain a growth mindset, knowing that every step forward is a step in the right direction.
So, for me an ideal client isn’t about being perfect; it’s about creating a supportive and collaborative partnership with your child’s therapist. By emphasizing open communication, consistency, patience, and a nurturing environment, you can help your child reach their full potential in their overall development. Remember, we’re here to support and guide you on this journey, and together, we can make a world of difference in your child’s life.
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