Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiera Harris.
Hi Kiera, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I’ve always had a passion for community and service work. Coming from my hometown, Far Rockaway, in NYC, I’ve seen how a lack of access to resources and information impacts the greater potential of a community in need.
After getting my Graduate degree in Communication Disorders in 2018, I knew I wanted to create an avenue of change with this degree. Two years later, at the peak of the pandemic in 2020, I founded what is now, SLP Empowered Inc.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been bumpy because the entire road along the way has been new.
Red tape is one of my greatest challenges. Creating the foundation to build an impactful organization takes a ton of paperwork which can make the journey cumbersome.
However, everyone’s shared passion and vision keep us motivated and focused to stay on the mission.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a licensed speech and language pathologist (SLP). In short, I’m a therapist for all things, language, communication, cognition, feeding, swallowing, and MORE!
I work as a school-based SLP. I specialize in literacy, social communication, and executive functioning. I absolutely love what I do. My field is incredibly diverse and keeps me challenged daily. Thus far in my professional career, I’m most proud of founding my non-profit organization, SLP Empowered Inc.
This has been a huge accomplishment for me and continues to be because it empowers families to be actively engaged in their children’s language development and equips them with the necessary tools to be effective communication partners/nurturers.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Compassion. Being an SLP requires a large emotional investment.
Communication is our primary tool to interact and build relationships. So, when this is impaired, it inhibits a person’s form of expression and ability to make connections.
Each client’s story and goal are different, and as an SLP, I must be compassionate first, to ensure I am giving them the best individualized and culturally responsive treatment.
Contact Info:
- Email: slpempowered@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slpempowered/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SLPEmpowered/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/SLPEmpowered
