Dawn McCreary Isom, MA CCC-SLP is selected as our Related Service Provider Spotlight for May 8th of Teacher Appreciation Week 2018! Dawn was nominated to our Spotlight by a colleague who recognized her commitment to providing early access to high-quality speech and language pathology services to children of our most marginalized communities. As a “Thank You” from all of us at MindWorks Collaborative, Dawn will receive a gift card and certificate of appreciation. Learn more about her below and look out for the rest of our spotlight features during our celebration of #TeacherAppreciationWeek 2018!
Dawn is a speech-language pathologist at the Judith P Hoyer Early Childhood Assessment Center, known as a “Judy Center”, in Prince George’s County, MD. Judy Centers are located across Maryland and provide a range of school readiness services for children, from birth through kindergarten level, of low-income families. Dawn supports in the early identification and intervention services for early childhood students presenting with communication challenges.
How long have you worked in special education?
- I served in DC Public Schools for 31 years and in Prince George’s County, MD for 9 years.
What is your favorite aspect of working in SPED?
- My favorite aspect is the immediate gratification of witnessing a child’s “aha” moment when achieving a task. I’m appreciative to see and stay connected with some of my now adult students who have grown into happy and successful adults.
What is one accomplishment at work that you are most proud of? Why?
- In 1987, I was able to obtain the first speech generated device for persons with disabilities that was approved by Medicaid in the DC area for my students. Why? Before then these devices were not allowed as “medically necessary” and were denied by insurance companies. I was so proud to hear the joy of my student’s grandmother when he asked her, “What do we have to eat?” and told his sister to “Leave me alone.” In addition, it was greatly gratifying to witness this same individual address Congress in 1988, while advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and speaking with his speech generated device.
What past experiences helped to prepare you for your current role?
- During my graduate internship at the National Institutes of Health, I was provided invaluable experiences while working with persons with complex medical issues which impacted their speech and language. In addition, I assisted young children, with communication needs, who were displaced from their families.
What keeps you motivated day in and day out?
- The satisfaction in acquiring and keeping abreast of skills to enable children to grow in confidence as well as communication is my motivating force.
What is one special ritual you have to start or end your day at work?
- I like to begin the day with quiet time to meditate and mentally prepare for the day. This practice helps me to reflect on the past and center myself in preparing for the day’s challenges.
If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring or new speech/language pathologist, what would it be?
- I would recommend that they explore the various options available in the field. I have found education to be a satisfying choice, while having the opportunity to explore other settings on weekends, holidays and during summer vacations. Also, time goes quickly, so consider jobs with pensions, 401k’s and SAVE!
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