Here is a brief interview with Kristina of Speech Unleashed. Enjoy!
Recently, we had the chance to chat with Kristina of Speech Unleashed, and learned more about what lifelong learning, creativity, and connectedness mean to her.
Here is a description from Speech Unleashed’s website:
Speech Unleashed envisions a mental health community in which therapists and clinicians are guided by their hearts as much as their minds, have the self-awareness and courage to do our own therapy when appropriate, avoid using the people they treat to meet their own needs or abuse their power, adhere to ethical principles, and treat all people with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Enjoy the interview below!
What does lifelong learning mean to you?
My parents are both lifelong learners, and met at the University of Missouri. Dad was Engineering, Mom was an Art major. Over the years, both continued to pursue advanced degrees in their fields, and worked in various ways in their fields. My mothers life long dream was to be a children's book illustrator, and at age 74 her dream finally came true! She illustrated the Raspberry Noodle series by Linda Barboa and Jan Luck.
Like speech, art is another way of communicating what we know, believe, feel, or experience with the world. Many people enjoy expressing themselves through art, which can help them tap into other ideas or ways of communicating. What role does creativity play in your work?
Creativity plays a big part in each and every therapy session every day. Everyone comes with a different set of experiences in the world, and a different set of expectations. Additionally, they bring various barriers with them, either real or perceived, such as hearing loss, vision loss, difficulty using their hands, or unwillingness to talk because people can't understand them. My job is to understand all of that, and teach the patient to use what they have to communicate effectively and efficiently. No two therapy sessions are the same, just as no two patients are the same. It can be quite challenging at times!
Working with elderly people is a wonderful way to stay connected to our roots while also giving us perspective on how much has changed in their lifetime. What are some lessons you’ve learned, or perspectives you’ve gained, from working with elderly people?
Working with elderly people I have learned many things, and see life very differently than I did when I started this career. First of all, I don't assume there will always be a tomorrow. If you want to say or do something, do it now. If it is important, don't put it off.
Secondly, remember the elderly people you meet were once young, ambitious, people who accomplished great things during their lifetime. I met the inventor of the milk carton, an actual rocket scientist, a telegraph operator, and thousands of other amazing men and women who made the world we live in today. Once upon a time, they were young, cool, handsome, had husbands or wives, drove fast cars or carefully pushed strollers. They had hopes and dreams, and someone's life depended upon them. They took a bullet for their country and was hailed a hero when they returned. I want people to recognize the value of our elders, and treat them with the care and respect they deserve. That is the soap box I stand on every day, and the reason I get up in the morning.
Thank you, Kristina, for taking the time to meet with us! We enjoyed learning more about you and are excited to continue following along on your journey. Kristina’s links and contact information are as follows:
Blog: http://www.SpeechUnleashed.net
Store: https://www.Teacherspayteachers.com/store/Speech-Unleashed
ETSY: https://www.etsy.com/shop/speechunleashed
