Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakisha Dawkins.
Hi Lakisha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Becoming a speech language pathologist birthed out of searching to find a more fulfilling career after I decided to leave the world of Telecommunications. I had a family friend, who worked in the schools, share with me she thought I would be a great speech therapist. The only thing I knew about speech therapy at that time involved kids. After doing more research I discovered that speech therapy encompassed more than the pediatric population. I discovered the adult medical side of it and from that day forward I knew I wanted to serve the adult neuro population. I wanted to be a part of the rehabilitation team which helped people find life again after such tragic circumstances. After graduation I worked in an outpatient clinic at one of our local hospitals specializing in neuro rehabilitation. I learned how to better my craft as a clinician. I learned things beyond the theory in the classroom and my clinical practicum in graduate school. I learned how to listen without words, how to see the patient beyond the diagnosis, how to celebrate progress even if it seemed small to the outside world. As I grew confident in my clinical skills I also became aware that something was still missing. I wanted to treat the “whole person” in a way outside of the limitations of the hospital and its model of care. I wanted more time, more flexibility, I wanted to collaborate more deeply, I wanted to create therapy that was more meaningful and truly patient centered. My private practice was born because I wanted to serve people differently meeting them where I felt I could help them and their caregivers the most. Dandelion Speech Language Pathology Services was created as a mobile SLP practice meeting patients at their home or in the community. Research has shown community based therapy or therapy provided in a familiar environment promotes functionality, decreases anxiety, improves generalization, and is more convenient. My goal was to minimize the many hurdles adults encounter when they seek therapy. Today, 5 years later, Dandelion SLP is still helping patients and their families meet their therapy goals. I continue to provide services in the home, in the community, and online.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many bumps along the way. I had to learn skills never taught in graduate school like entrepreneurship, billing, marketing, and building business relationships. I’m still learning. This is a lifelong journey but every bump has been an opportunity for growth..
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have heard the question many times…. What does a speech language pathologist do? The easiest way to explain it is we help people speak, think, and eat. I assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with various communication, cognitive, and/or swallowing disorders. I specialize in neurological rehabilitation, therefore, I’m treating individuals following a stroke, TBI, or those with degenerative disease like Parkinson’s or Dementia. I’m most proud of being able to serve people in a way which aligns with my values. Serving others in this capacity is truly my ministry, my calling, my God-given purpose.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe my heart and compassion for others allow patients and their families to feel seen and heard. This along with the courage to move even when I didn’t have things figured out has contributed to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.dandelionslp.com
- Other: lakishadawkins@dandelionslp.com
