Stephanie Ramos – A Hopebridge SLP Finds Passion Working with Kiddos

A Speech Therapist Living her Career Goal to Care for Children with Autism

Imagine seeing your direct impact on the world and its people every day. Even more than seeing it, how about hearing it, and then feeling how it changes entire families’ lives? That’s what it is like for the role of a Hopebridge speech language pathologist (SLP), according to Stephanie Ramos.

For instance, take the time she helped place one child on a path towards reaching his full potential, all stemming from a routine evaluation. The two-year-old originally came to see Stephanie because he was considered a “late talker.” After evaluating him, she believed he needed more than speech assistance. With his parents’ permission, he received a diagnostic assessment that determined he had autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as an occupational evaluation due to difficulties with sensory regulation.

“Because he came to see us at Hopebridge, his family had the benefit of receiving all of these services under one roof. They did not have to drive all over Fort Wayne – or even all over Indiana, as some parents have to do – to get help for their son,” said Stephanie. “It’s a great feeling to know I was a part of this experience.”

All Work and All Play

Her days are rarely the same, but in addition to performing evaluations, a typical day as an SLP consists of working on communication skills with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays. Within 30-minute sessions, Stephanie helps these kiddos develop sounds and language and attend to tasks, all with the goal of getting them as independent as possible.

“There’s a lot of play. We love to play because that is how children learn,” said Stephanie. “As with all of our therapy offerings at Hopebridge, we personalize our programs by finding what our kiddos really enjoy and use it as a motivator during sessions. Motivators allow us to work on our goals.”

Where It All Started

It wasn’t always this way for Stephanie. Following her undergraduate and masters programs at Ball State, she worked with adults in long-term care, eventually becoming a rehab director. She enjoyed it, but felt she had a different calling. After six years, it was time to find her way to her passion of caring for children.

Her career in the pediatric world began in an in-home setting through First Steps. She ultimately desired a different environment, which led her to Hopebridge.

“The model that Hopebridge provides is interdisciplinary, so we’re all working together for these kids. Each role carries its own weight. As an SLP, I collaborate with behavior, occupational and physical therapists to improve communication and other foundational skills,” said Stephanie.

“As a team, we are able to help build eye contact, decide whether we need to introduce a device or assist with feeding, for example. Communication of basic wants and needs is a huge part of independence, so it’s better that we can all aim for the same goal.”

Interested in making the career move to caring for children like Stephanie? Visit the Hopebridge job board to see the opportunities available to you.

Get to Know Stephanie

Favorite way to spend her time outside work: “Relaxing with my husband and three daughters.”
When she’s in the mood for a treat: “Skinny Pop popcorn and a Coke.”
On her playlist right now: “Depending on the mood…anything from classical to country.”
Fun fact: “I love to gamble; mainly slots, but you might also catch me at a table for three-card poker. ????”

*Informed consent was obtained from the participants in this article. This information should not be captured and reused without express permission from Hopebridge, LLC.