HELLO THERE
Thanks for coming by to get to learn about me.
I spent most of my childhood in speech therapy to overcome a speech and language learning disability. While many peers in my life spoke without second thought, I had to work deliberately on repeating sounds, creating words, and bringing those words into coherent sentences that can be easily understood. At times, people laughed at my pronunciation or teased me to “say that again.” I didn’t have the tools to explain how isolating that felt so I withdrew from many social moments.
However, I turned to creative mediums as a tool to communicate when words failed me. I'd sketched things out that happened during my day, my interests, and how I was feeling. These small acts became bridges between me and being able to connect with people on the passion of creative work. Which shaped me into someone who not only holds deep empathy for the challenges that make everyone inherantly unique but believes these perspecives are what positively shape societies. If designers take the time to approach a design problem with intention, design can create deep bonds, shapes perception, and propels engagement.
As I strive to make a lasting impact in my career, I will continue to create, learn, and connect with people from all walks of life. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and for the support of those who have influenced my work. I am excited for what lies ahead and committed to giving every idea the right visual voice.
However, I turned to creative mediums as a tool to communicate when words failed me. I'd sketched things out that happened during my day, my interests, and how I was feeling. These small acts became bridges between me and being able to connect with people on the passion of creative work. Which shaped me into someone who not only holds deep empathy for the challenges that make everyone inherantly unique but believes these perspecives are what positively shape societies. If designers take the time to approach a design problem with intention, design can create deep bonds, shapes perception, and propels engagement.
As I strive to make a lasting impact in my career, I will continue to create, learn, and connect with people from all walks of life. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and for the support of those who have influenced my work. I am excited for what lies ahead and committed to giving every idea the right visual voice.
THESIS PASSION
Best in Show — 2025 BFA Thesis Exhibition
Best in Show — 2025 BFA Thesis Exhibition
SPEECH IN BLOOM
Speech therapy plays a critical role in young learners’ academic success as it addresses communication challenges that hinder their ability to fully comprehend and engage within their foundational coursework. While often associated with pronunciation, speech therapy develops linguistic skills for excelling in core subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics. Without early identification and intervention, young learners with speech and language disabilities risk falling behind the academic benchmark.
During the 2011 – 2012 school year, 40% of public schools faced severe speech therapy staff shortages due to inadequate funding. As a result, special education services declined and led to the first drop in enrollment since 2011 – 2012.[1] In 2023, Denver Public Schools failed to provide required speech therapy to over 1,000 students with disabilities and violated federal regulations.[2] Despite the legal protections from the Individuals with Disabilities EducationAct (IDEA) enacted in 1975, persistent funding shortages continue to create a gap between the law’s intentions and its implementation.
As young learners’ communication skills develop across various environmental contexts, reflecting on overcoming speech and language disabilities becomes essential in transforming speech therapy policy in public school special education programs. Informed by documentation from psychologists, speech pathologists, and educators, a personal narrative provides insights into the effectiveness of speech therapy programs. Speech therapy is not just about addressing language deficiencies; it’s a tool for connecting with others, articulating thoughts clearly, and navigating the world with confidence. By ensuring access to speech therapy, young learners are empowered to shape a world filled with possibility.
[1] Schaeffer, Katherine. “What Federal Education Data Shows about students with Disabilities in the U.S." Pew Research Center, July 24. 2023.
[2] Asmar, Melanie. “DPS Failed to Provide Speech Therapy to More than 1,000 Young Students Due to Staff Shortages, State Says.” TheDenver Post, March 30, 2023.
During the 2011 – 2012 school year, 40% of public schools faced severe speech therapy staff shortages due to inadequate funding. As a result, special education services declined and led to the first drop in enrollment since 2011 – 2012.[1] In 2023, Denver Public Schools failed to provide required speech therapy to over 1,000 students with disabilities and violated federal regulations.[2] Despite the legal protections from the Individuals with Disabilities EducationAct (IDEA) enacted in 1975, persistent funding shortages continue to create a gap between the law’s intentions and its implementation.
As young learners’ communication skills develop across various environmental contexts, reflecting on overcoming speech and language disabilities becomes essential in transforming speech therapy policy in public school special education programs. Informed by documentation from psychologists, speech pathologists, and educators, a personal narrative provides insights into the effectiveness of speech therapy programs. Speech therapy is not just about addressing language deficiencies; it’s a tool for connecting with others, articulating thoughts clearly, and navigating the world with confidence. By ensuring access to speech therapy, young learners are empowered to shape a world filled with possibility.
[1] Schaeffer, Katherine. “What Federal Education Data Shows about students with Disabilities in the U.S." Pew Research Center, July 24. 2023.
[2] Asmar, Melanie. “DPS Failed to Provide Speech Therapy to More than 1,000 Young Students Due to Staff Shortages, State Says.” TheDenver Post, March 30, 2023.
