Where Compassion Meets Communication
Department: Island Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
Where Compassion Meets Communication
Why do you love working at Island Health?
I love working at Island Health because it allows me to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives every day while collaborating with a supportive, multidisciplinary team. The environment encourages growth, compassion and high-quality care, and I value being part of a community that truly prioritizes both patient outcomes and staff well-being.
What distinguishes Island Health from other workplaces you’ve experienced?
Island Health demonstrates a truly patient-centered culture and a supportive, collaborative team environment. From my experience, staff here are genuinely committed to high-quality care, and there’s a strong emphasis on professional growth and interdisciplinary collaboration.
If you could sum up your job in one sentence, what would it be?
Being a speech-language pathologist means helping people find, understand and use their voice, whether through speech, language or alternative communication, to connect with the world around them.
What do you like about living in the Pacific Northwest?
I love living in the Pacific Northwest for its incredible natural beauty, from the mountains and forests to the water—all just a short drive away. I love being outdoors, whether I’m walking, hiking, running or biking. The changing seasons, fresh air, and access to both adventure and calm make it a special place to live.
Tell us about a time when you really helped a patient.
I remember working with a patient who was struggling with communication after a stroke. They were frustrated and often withdrew from conversation. I worked with them on targeted speech exercises and strategies for expressing basic needs, while also coaching their family on supportive communication techniques. Over a few weeks, they became more confident speaking and were able to participate in conversations with their loved ones again. Seeing their sense of independence and confidence grow was incredibly rewarding.
Do you have any tips that you’d like to share?
One tip I always share is to focus on small, achievable goals for patients. Celebrating each success, no matter how minor it seems, helps build confidence and motivation. I also encourage caregivers to be consistent with practice and positive reinforcement at home, because progress is much faster when therapy carries over into daily life.