Rewarding Career Path for Online SLPs: Michele’s Story
“We want you to experience joy, purpose and achievement with TinyEYE” ~Marnee
TinyEYE’s speech-language pathologists enjoy rewarding opportunities to advance their careers. The culture of our company facilitates professional and personal growth so that our own SLPs qualify for roles with evolving leadership. At TinyEYE, we have many stories of extraordinary professionals who previously faced leaving the field of speech-language pathology. Reasons for leaving involved health challenges, geography, family needs, and following diplomat or military spouses around the world. At TinyEYE, they have found a way to remain in their cherished profession, and to also grow beyond what they had dreamed for their careers. Below is Michele’s story.
Michele’s Story
At the age of 27, my life was turned upside down. I was suddenly stricken with a mysterious illness that depleted all of my strength, leaving me weak and afraid. I fought to keep my independence. I pushed myself to continue working thinking things would get better…they HAD to get better…if I could just hang on a little longer.
I wish I could say that things did get better, but my journey was just beginning. My health continued to deteriorate until I was forced to accept the fact that I was sick…I was really sick and I didn’t know if I would ever get better. I had to make some tough decisions; one of the hardest being to leave my position as a Speech Language Pathologist at our local hospital. At the age of 27, I retired from a profession I loved. My identity was stripped away. Who was I now?
The path before me grew dark and uncertain. My focus became simply getting through each day…getting through with enough hope left over for the next day. I am a strong believer in fate. I truly feel we all go through trials for a reason; that these tests ultimately guide us to where we belong. Over the next few years I clung to that belief as I searched for my purpose and slowly regained my strength.
In 2009 I started to research “working from home”. I felt that I had recovered enough to try working a few hours a week, but what could I do? Who would hire me when I had so many limitations? Then one day, out of pure desperation, I did a Google search for “Online Speech Therapy”. Those three little words led me to TinyEYE Therapy Services. Those three little words turned my life upside down…again!
I began working for TinyEYE that spring as a SLP for two schools. I WAS BACK! I still struggled to meet the physical demands of therapy. In those early days, I would say a little prayer before each session asking that I not become dizzy or lightheaded. I would pray for the fortitude to give my absolute BEST to each child. I can’t begin to express the joy those students brought to me. They gave me the strength and motivation to continue. Through them, I found my ability to shine!
I returned to TinyEYE that fall and continued to provide therapy services. As time progressed, my confidence grew. My physical condition still limited the amount of time I could commit to therapy, but I felt there may be other ways I could contribute to the company. I offered my assistance to our Director of Therapy, Marnee Brick, and she soon reached out to me with my first assignment – editor of our “Together” and “Connect” newsletters. I gratefully accepted the challenge and was soon given the opportunity to become TinyEYE’s Home Therapy Coordinator. Not long after that, I added Trainer to my duties and then eventually became a Primary Support Leader. This year, I stepped back from therapy to fulfill my newest role as TinyEYE’s Service Excellence Manager. I feel so honored to be entrusted in upholding the integrity and values of this great company.
When I look back at the beginning of this journey, I can’t help but feel both grateful and triumphant. I can once again see the path before me. I once again know Who I Am!
We would like to share our song with everyone who knows what it feels like to face the insurmountable:
Do you know who I am?
I’ve been here before
I fell down to the floor, I lost my way
Do you know who I am?
Everything was going right
100 dreams like stars at night, life stole away
So bring on the insurmountable
I can crumble or stand tall
Bring on the insurmountable
I can grow or loose it all
So I’ll get back up 1000 times, 1000 wishes tall
Who I am is waiting…the other side of insurmountable
Do you know who I am?
I’ve been here before
I know what I’m fighting for, I found my way
Do you know who I am?
We’re putting stars back in the sky
Turning them to dreams so kids can fly
Let’s lead the way
Bring on the insurmountable
We can crumble or stand tall
Bring on the insurmountable
We can grow or lose it all
We’ll get back up 1000 times, all for one and one for all
Who we are is waiting…the other side of insurmountable
1000 wishes tall
With gratitude,
Marnee Brick, MSc
Speech-Language Pathologist and Director of Speech Therapy
TinyEYE Therapy Services (Speech Therapy Telepractice)
1-877-846-9393
Growing smiles, mending spirits, engaging children in their lives…
TinyEYE is the world’s preferred online speech therapy service provider for schools, agencies, and individuals who seek exceptional performance, revolutionary solutions, outstanding service, and student success!