Tell us about your family. 

I've been married to my husband Keith for almost 5 years, and we have an almost 2-year old daughter Karis who keeps us busy!

Do you have any hobbies or interests? 

Being a mom has really taken over on the hobbies and interests front. However, I enjoy a nice walk or hike with my husband, eating out, and playing outside with my daughter. 

Favorite Birmingham restaurant? 

I don't know if I can choose just one! A few of my favorites include Saw's Soul Kitchen, El Barrio, and Taco Mama. 

Where did you go to school? 

I went to Samford University for my undergrad degree in Child Development Education, and I attended the University of Montevallo for my Master's degree in Speech-language Pathology.

What made you want to be an SLP? 

I always knew I wanted to work with young children, but I also knew I wanted to work with them in a more one-on-one setting. When I was in my senior year of a college, in my child development class, an SLP came to talk about cognitive and language development. And I knew after hearing her speak, that working with children who had difficulty communicating was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. 

What's your favorite aspect of being an SLP? 

I love to see lightbulb moments that children will have when it just seems to click. I love to see the moment when a child learns they have the power to communicate whether this be through a sign, gesture, or a spoken word. Hearing a child say their first word, especially when the journey has been long, is so rewarding. 

What are your favorite resources for learning more about speech and language? 

The Teach me to Talk podcast and website with Laura Mize is such a great resource for SLPs working with the birth-3 population and for parents of late talkers. She is such a great wealth of information and ideas! ASHA.org is always a go-to, and the Hanen Centre is a great resource as well. 

What's the one thing you wish parents knew about speech and language? 

Helping your child develop speech and language doesn't have to be a chore. It can and should be fun! Children learn best through play. So just take at least 15 minutes every day and sit down on the floor with your child and play! Your child can learn so much language just in that 15 minutes spent intentionally each day. 

You can reach Kandice at kandice.pearson@steelcityspeech.com!