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National Speech-Language Pathologist Day, celebrated each May 18, is a time to recognize the impact SLPs make every day.
At Vivian Health, we’re marking the moment by amplifying real clinician stories highlighting how SLPs are growing, evolving, and shaping careers that truly fit their lives.
This is Kaitlyn, an SLP from New York working in a pediatric clinical setting.
Her journey isn’t defined by one big moment, but by the small, meaningful breakthroughs that help each child find their voice.
Read her full Q&A Below:
- What is is like working in clinical setting? what has that experience been like?
I work with both children and adults, which makes my caseload really diverse and keeps my day-to-day constantly changing. I really enjoy being in a private practice setting because it exposes me to a wide range of clients within the scope of speech-language pathology, so I’m not limited to just one population. I also enjoy building ongoing relationships with clients over time. That mix of variety is what I really like it keeps me learning and growing in my clinical work every day.
- Was there a moment in your career when something really clicked where you felt, “this is exactly where I’m meant to be”? What did that feel like?
There have been moments with clients where I’ve seen real progress. Whether it’s a child communicating first words or an adult returning to prior level of function and that’s when it really clicks. It feels rewarding and reassures me I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
- What did the process of finding your niche in speech-language pathology look like for you? Was there any uncertainty, trial-and-error, or second-guessing along the way?
I found my niche by exploring different clinical settings and staying open to what each one had to offer. Over time, I realized I didn’t have to limit myself to one area or population, and that I could actually do a lot of what I enjoy most within private practice. It gave me the ability to work with a wide range of clients and needs, and still feel really fulfilled in my work.
- What makes private practice work especially meaningful or rewarding for you compared to other settings?
Being an SLP in a private practice is especially meaningful because I get to work with both children and adults in a more individualized setting. Being part of their progress across the lifespan and helping support their communication skills is incredibly rewarding.
- How do tools or platforms (like job boards, networks, or resources) support SLPs in finding roles that truly fit their goals and lifestyle?
Tools like job boards, networking, mentorship, and platforms like Vivian.com can really guide you in discovering opportunities and narrowing down what best aligns with your career path and future goals. Vivian makes it easier to search for jobs across different settings such as schools, hospitals, and travel positions, while also offering transparency around pay and job details.
- What does your work feel like now compared to when you first started your career?
When I first started, everything felt new and overwhelming, but over time I’ve grown into my role and really found my rhythm. Now, I feel much more confident and comfortable in my clinical decision-making and I’ve also learned that it’s always okay to be unsure and ask for help along the way.
- Looking back, what did the moments of uncertainty or misalignment teach you as a clinician?
Those experiences helped me better understand what I value in a work environment and supported my clinical growth. They encouraged me to reflect, adapt, and advocate for both my needs as a clinician and the needs of my clients.
- What would you say to an SLP who feels unsure or not fully aligned in their current role?
It’s completely normal to feel unsure especially when you are just starting out. There are so many paths in this field, I’d encourage exploring different settings, seeking mentorship, and trusting that it takes time to find the right fit!!
Want to keep celebrating SLP Day?
Explore our full National Speech-Language Pathologist Day post HERE for more history, fun facts, and ways to honor the profession.
