I believe that all students have the potential to achieve excellence. While access to resources may vary, every child has the capacity to learn, grow, and contribute something unique to the world. As a bilingual school-based speech-language pathologist, my mission is to empower students with language delays and disorders to develop the skills they need to thrive academically and socially. By addressing the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, I aim to help students access a quality education and confidently participate in their communities.
I also believe that bilingualism is a superpower. The cognitive, social, and cultural benefits of speaking two languages are undeniable. It’s a misconception that learning two languages causes speech or language problems. Without accurate assessment practices, however, bilingual children can be misdiagnosed as having a language disorder or delay. To ensure equity and accuracy, it’s essential to evaluate children in both languages and consider how their first language influences their English development. A true language disorder will manifest in both languages. My work centers on advocating for bilingual children, celebrating their linguistic strengths, and ensuring they receive the support they deserve.