Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Tanya Shores.
Hi Dr. Shores, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I discovered the field of Speech-Language Pathology as a high school student earning volunteer hours and I fell in love with the fact that there is actually a job in which I would be able to help children learn how to communicate!! I graduated from Florida State University with both my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, also starting my career in Leon County Public Schools while I lived in Tallahassee. I then moved back to the area and started working as a school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP) at a local elementary school for a number of years before transitioning into a leadership position as the district Speech-Language Specialist.
In this role, I was able to provide training and support to over 100 other SLPs throughout our school district and felt a new calling for leadership in supporting students with disabilities. Throughout much of this time, I also worked in the private sector providing in-home services to children with autism and related disabilities. This experience was also invaluable in helping me see the critical importance of partnering with family members to increase positive outcomes. I decided I was ready for the next challenge and went back to school at the University of Central Florida to earn my doctorate in Educational Leadership. During that educational experience, I also had a baby, was promoted to a district-based administrative position supporting the implementation of services for students with disabilities, and defended my dissertation pregnant with my second little boy! Through volunteer work and communication with other professionals throughout the country, I have also had the opportunity to serve on the Continuing Education Board for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, present at multiple national conferences and coordinate/providing professional development for hundreds of educators. I am currently serving as the Director of Special Education Services for a local school district and have recently started my own company, Grow Communication, to provide early intervention, consultation, and coaching services to children with communication delays and their families.
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 most significant struggles that I have had have been related to a large workload and work-life balance. I am so lucky to have an amazing support system of with my amazing husband, parents, siblings, and other family members always willing to be flexible and pitch in when the logistics of a busy work week and my children’s activities seem impossible. My philosophy when I have a new opportunity is to always say yes, and sometimes that contributes to imperfect timing or periods of an overwhelming workload. I have also learned a lot about reprioritizing priorities, delegation, and setting boundaries as I have grown in my abilities as a leader and a mom!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am so excited about the development of Grow Communication as a small business supporting young children and families. I specialize in supporting communication development in natural environments through direct services with children and coaching/consultation with caregivers to provide the best outcomes possible to develop effective communication. I have additional expertise in autism spectrum disorders, literacy development, and supporting behavior through emotional regulation. I have developed amazing relationships with the children and families that I support and I value the opportunity that I have to make change for each child, their family members and other caregivers, and generalization of skills to multiple environments.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
With the changes that many educators and service providers were required to make due to virtual and at-home learning opportunities during COVID-19, the field of Speech-Language Pathology has quickly developed new and exciting techniques as well as expanded reach through the use of technology. This provides a shift in the landscape that will continue in the coming years to increase access for families, especially for the purpose of providing ongoing parent coaching and consultation. I’m excited about this change as it provides an opportunities to provide my expertise to parents outside my immediate area in a convenient and effective format.
Contact Info:
- Email: grow.communication.info@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grow.create.learn/
