Meet Tyonie Patterson of Speech Language Express Therapy Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyonie Patterson.

Hi Tyonie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. My lovely mother, Toni Patterson, and beloved father, Tyrone Patterson, were married for 22 years. Unfortunately, my father passed away my senior year of high school. His passing definitely shook my family and turned our world upside down, but God kept us and made us stronger. I love you and I miss you dad. Also, I have an older sister, Doreka Prevo, who I admire dearly. My family is my world and I’m so grateful for them!

Growing up, I was very involved in church. I sang in the choir, gave speeches, attended vacation bible school, and praised danced for over ten years. I would definitely say that my family and church family prayed for me and planted seeds in me as a child, which molded me into the woman I am today. My two favorite scriptures are “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6) and “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). I carry those scriptures in my heart because they minister to me, and they allow me to persevere through the good and bad seasons of my life. I have to give a shoutout my Greater Liberty friends and family. I love you all!

I attended the best historically black college/university (HBCU) in the world, Prairie View A&M University, and graduated in 2014 with my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. This university changed my life because it further enhanced my leadership skills. I was the president of the psychology club, presented research in Houston, Tx and Indianapolis, Indiana, joined a mentoring program to assist freshmen college students, etc. Prairie View truly produces productive people! I have to give a shoutout to my mentor, Dr. Wilson, and to Praire View “PPPPVVV, YOUUU KNOW”! Also, I attended Hampton University, the best HBCU in the world as well, and graduated in 2019 with my master’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. This university definitely prepared me for my career by setting the standard and expectations high so me and my fellow peers would be great clinicians. My critical thinking skills and clinician skills were challenged tremendously, and I truly blossomed by the time I graduated. I am forever grateful for the professors and supervisors at Hampton University, Dr. Wilkerson, Dr. Jones, Mrs. Matthews, and Mrs. Easter. Thank you!

In between my undergrad and graduate school years, I worked at an early intervention with children with speech and language developmental delays. I was a teacher’s assistant and I taught the students how to talk (e.g. building their vocabulary and ability to say phrases or sentences) and how to socialize appropriately with one another (e.g. sharing toys, taking turns, etc.). I fell in love with the development process of how children learn speech and language and the treatment strategies as well. So, I decided to pursue it as a career and attended the master’s program at Hampton University. After completing my master’s program, I came back to California to begin my career as a speech language pathologist in the school setting with children in Transitional Kindergarten through the eighth grade. While working in the school setting, I learned that many parents were unaware of early intervention services and developmental milestones for speech and language. Parents were unaware that California offers free early intervention services for children, birth to age 3, with developmental delays through the regional center. With that knowledge, I learned that there’s a need for awareness of early intervention services and speech and language milestones for parents, caregivers, and teachers. If parents were aware of this information while their child was younger, they could consult with a pediatrician or speech language pathologist and seek treatment as early as possible; so their child can potentially catch up with their typically developing peers prior to primary school.

As a solution, I decided to create an Instagram account to bring awareness and to educate parents, caregivers and teachers about speech and language milestones, techniques, activities, research, tips, and most importantly to seek consultations from their child’s pediatrician or a speech language pathologist if they have concerns about their child’s development. A couple of months later, I started a private practice, part-time, where I assess and treat children who are in need of services virtually or in-person. I also provide parent training to parents so they are aware of the milestones and strategies. This allows them to work with their child when I am not present. Family involvement is key!

After I started my private practice, I was inspired to write a children’s book because I noticed that several popular children’s books characters were either animals or white characters. So, I diversified my books and noticed an increase in comments and questions from my students, and witnessed how they were able to connect to the diverse characters, food, and culture within the stories. So, I decided to write my own children’s book, based on me as a child and my grandmother sharing and learning different characteristics about various fruits and vegetables. I am so excited to launch my book in July!

This has truly been an amazing journey so far, and I feel so blessed and honored to be walking in my destiny.

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?
My journey has been a rollercoaster for sure! I’ve had my high moments and my low moments but overall, I’ve been able to manage it. Initially, my biggest struggle was imposter syndrome. I had my doubts, fears, and worries. I felt that I was extremely young and too fresh in the field to have a private practice or to write a children’s book. In my mind, people only started businesses if they were rich or had decades of experience in the field prior to starting a private practice or being an author. However, in reality, that’s not the case! I’ve read stories, listened to podcasts, and watched videos of many entrepreneurs of all ages and experiences who shared their stories. They all experienced those same feelings of imposter syndrome and self-doubt but they pursued their dreams anyways. After learning about other people’s journeys and experiences, I was able to find the courage and put my best foot forward, despite how I felt because I was doing this business for children in need of speech and language services. So, every day I remind myself to cast my fears aside and say the scripture 2 Timothy 1:7.

We’ve been impressed with Speech Language Express Therapy Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a speech language pathologist in Los Angeles, California. Currently, I have a part-time private practice where I provide services to children, virtually or in person. I am only accepting private pay clients at the moment, but I do plan on accepting insurance in the future. As a speech language pathologist, I assess, treat, diagnose and help to prevent speech and language disorders in children. For example, I provide treatment to children who need assistance with learning to say their sounds in words correctly; increase their vocabulary so they can eventually learn to say words, phrases, sentences, and tell stories; improve social skills so they can learn to make appropriate comments, requests, and questions; and improve fluency skills for children who stutter, etc. I’m also coming out with my first book in July 2021 called “Tamia T. Scott: MeMaw’s Garden” and customized games and activities for children birth to 7-years old.

I believe that my passion and drive sets me apart from others. I have a huge heart and a desire to help and serve people who are in need. I’ve graduated from two HBCUs and I have all of this knowledge and information, but it does me no justice if I keep it to myself. So, my goal is to continue to be a resource to my community and share as much information as I can whether it’s through a children’s book, a private practice, an Instagram post, a video, or word of mouth.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Honestly, I have been blessed to call some of my professors, supervisors, and friends my mentors. I never had to search too hard for them because they were literally in front of me during class, externships, or church. So, I would say pay attention to the people around you that inspires you or challenges you to be better. If you don’t have anyone in your circle who’s a mentor, then consider stepping outside of your circle and joining a positive organization or program with people who are welcoming and have strong leadership and mentoring groups. Also, I’ve come across people on social media who I admire and, in my head, they are my mentor too! I may sound crazy but I’m so serious, lol!

Contact Info:

• Email: tpatterson@speechlanguageexpress.com
• Website: www.speechlanguageexpressts.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechlanguageexpress_/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/tamiatscottseries/