Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Pendergast.
Hi Jillian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As an undergrad in college, I found myself at a crossroads, searching for my path in the world of helping professions. It wasn’t until I had a conversation with a Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) professor that everything clicked into place. That discussion ignited a passion within me, leading me to major in Communication Sciences and embark on a transformative journey.
Understanding that a master’s degree was the next step in my career, I seized the opportunity to fulfill my desire to immerse myself in different cultures by applying to programs abroad. The decision to move to Edinburgh, Scotland, for my master’s in speech and hearing sciences was a leap of faith for which I’ll forever be grateful. Living there for three years broadened my academic horizons and enriched my personal growth.
Upon returning to the United States, I eagerly dove into the field, starting my career as an SLP in both an outpatient clinic and an elementary school. While the clinic environment initially seemed promising, the long hours and lack of work-life balance left me feeling drained and unsatisfied. Recognizing that this wasn’t the path for me, I transitioned more toward the school setting, where I found greater fulfillment in helping children thrive.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for change. Faced with the need for additional income, I tapped into my creative talents and began designing and selling products tailored for speech therapists. This entrepreneurial venture not only provided financial stability but also ignited a desire within me to chart my own course in life.
In November of 2021, I took a leap of faith and founded my own private practice. What began as a modest endeavor to see a few clients on the side quickly blossomed into something far greater. Being my own boss has been nothing short of life-changing. Not only do I have the freedom to set my schedule and pursue my passion on my terms, but I also have the opportunity to create a supportive work environment for other therapists.
Today, my private practice not only serves as a source of income but also as a platform for empowering fellow therapists to achieve a better work-life balance. By providing employment opportunities and fostering a supportive community, I aspire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of both my clients and colleagues.
My journey from undergrad to entrepreneur has been marked by challenges and triumphs, but through it all, my passion for speech therapy has remained unwavering. As I continue to navigate this path, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped my career and excited for the journey that lies ahead.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Embarking on a journey of higher education, particularly in a foreign country, can be both exhilarating and daunting. My own experience transitioning to grad school in Scotland was no exception. While I anticipated some cultural adjustments, what caught me off guard was the academic rigor and the unique approach to assessments.
In Scotland, the academic landscape was vastly different from what I was accustomed to. Unlike the continuous assessment system I was familiar with, where grades are spread out over various assignments and tests, here, the entirety of one’s grade often hinges on a single assignment at the end of the semester. It was a paradigm shift that I wasn’t prepared for.
The reality of this hit me hard when I received my first assignment grade—a fail. It wasn’t just a setback; it felt like a crushing blow to my confidence and aspirations. Doubt crept in, whispering that maybe I wasn’t cut out for this, that moving to a new country was a mistake. The specter of imposter syndrome loomed large, casting shadows over my every endeavor.
But in that moment of despair, I made a choice—to let failure define me or to rise above it. I chose the latter. Instead of succumbing to self-doubt, I channeled my energy into redemption. Over the summer, I diligently worked on revising and improving the failed assignment. It was a test not only of academic prowess but of resilience and determination.
The journey through grad school was fraught with challenges, both academic and personal. Imposter syndrome became a constant companion, a nagging voice of inadequacy that threatened to derail my ambitions. The fear of not being good enough haunted me, casting shadows of doubt even on my chosen profession as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), let alone the prospect of becoming a business owner.
Yet, amidst the self-doubt, there was a glimmer of hope—a realization that overcoming these obstacles was not just about academic success but about personal growth. I sought solace in therapy, finding the courage to confront and challenge my negative thoughts. It was a journey of self-discovery, a process of untangling the web of doubts and fears that had ensnared me.
Finding a balance between work and personal life became paramount in my quest for self-acceptance. I learned to prioritize self-care to nurture my mental well-being amidst the demands of academia and beyond. It was a gradual process, marked by setbacks and small victories, but each step brought me closer to reclaiming my confidence and sense of self-worth.
Today, as I reflect on my journey through grad school and beyond, I realize that resilience is not just about bouncing back from failure but about forging ahead in the face of uncertainty and self-doubt. It’s about embracing the challenges, not as obstacles to be overcome but as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. While the road may not have been smooth, each twist and turn has shaped me into the person I am today—a resilient, determined individual who refuses to let self-doubt dictate the course of my life.
As I embark on the next chapter of my journey, I carry with me the lessons learned—the importance of resilience, self-compassion, and the unwavering belief in my own potential. In the end, it’s not just about the destination but the journey—the winding path of self-discovery and growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As a pediatric community-based private practice, Edge Therapies specializes in providing comprehensive care for children from birth through age 11.
With a focus on various diagnoses such as speech disorders, early language disorder, fine motor difficulties, self-regulation challenges, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and more, they are committed to enhancing the lives of their young patients and empowering their families.
At Edge Therapies, their dedication goes beyond conventional treatments. They take pride in their expertise in utilizing Alternative Augmentative Devices (AAC) programs to cater to individuals who are nonspeaking, ensuring that every child’s unique communication needs are met.
What sets Edge Therapies apart is not just their commitment to clinical excellence but also their deep-rooted values. Their mission goes beyond traditional healthcare paradigms. They strive to provide high-quality, neurodiversity-affirming care, recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths and challenges of each child they serve. This approach not only fosters a supportive environment for the children but also promotes understanding and acceptance within the community.
However, Edge Therapies’ mission extends even further. As a business owner, their vision encompasses more than just clinical outcomes. They are passionate about creating a positive impact on the lives of their therapists.
Recognizing the importance of work-life balance and fair compensation, Edge Therapies is dedicated to providing its team with higher wages and supportive work environments. By prioritizing the well-being of their therapists, they ensure that their team can deliver the best possible care to their young patients.
In a field where compassion and expertise are paramount, Edge Therapies stands out as a shining example of excellence and integrity. Their holistic approach to pediatric therapy, combined with their commitment to professional empowerment, sets them apart as leaders in their community.
For families in Bradenton and Sarasota, Edge Therapies isn’t just a place to seek treatment—it’s a trusted partner in their journey toward brighter, more fulfilling futures for their children. For therapists seeking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, Edge Therapies offers not just a job but a supportive and fulfilling career path.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Collaborating with Edge Therapies, a premier pediatric speech and occupational therapy practice offers a multitude of opportunities for healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations to enhance the development and well-being of children.
Edge Therapies emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, making it ideal for collaboration with pediatricians, psychologists, and other specialists. Healthcare providers can refer patients who exhibit speech, language, or occupational challenges, ensuring that these children receive comprehensive and specialized care tailored to their unique needs. Edge Therapies’ team of certified therapists works closely with referring professionals to create integrated treatment plans that address both the clinical and functional aspects of a child’s development.
Educators and schools can also benefit significantly from partnering with Edge Therapies. Schools often encounter students who require additional support to succeed academically and socially. By collaborating with Edge Therapies, educators can ensure that students receive targeted interventions, such as speech therapy for articulation issues or occupational therapy for fine motor skills development, directly within the school setting or at the practice. This collaboration can include on-site screenings, professional development for teachers, and individualized therapy sessions, all aimed at fostering a supportive learning environment.
Community organizations and non-profits focusing on child development and family support can enhance their programs by working with Edge Therapies. These partnerships can involve co-hosting workshops, providing joint community outreach programs, or developing educational materials for parents and caregivers. By combining resources and expertise, Edge Therapies and community organizations can raise awareness about the importance of early intervention and provide accessible services to families who might otherwise face barriers to obtaining specialized care.
Furthermore, research institutions and universities can collaborate with Edge Therapies on studies related to pediatric therapy outcomes. Such partnerships can lead to advancements in therapeutic techniques and evidence-based practices, benefiting the broader field of pediatric therapy. Edge Therapies’ commitment to innovative and effective treatment approaches makes it a valuable partner for research initiatives aimed at improving therapeutic interventions for children with developmental delays and disorders.
Overall, Edge Therapies is a valuable partner for a wide range of stakeholders committed to improving pediatric care. By working together, professionals and organizations can ensure that children receive the holistic and specialized support they need to thrive. Through collaborative efforts, Edge Therapies and its partners can create a network of care that not only addresses immediate therapeutic needs but also promotes long-term developmental success for children.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.edgetherapiesfl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgetherapies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edgetherapies
Image Credits
Ashlee Hamon Photography
