Speech-Language Pathologist’s Career Path Influenced by Twin Brother

Growing up in Silver City, New Mexico, Jason’s twin brother endured health problems and several developmental delays, which required a specialized physician and ongoing speech and occupational therapy services. It was through these early life experiences that Jason decided to chart his course in becoming a speech-language pathologist (SLP).   

After earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, Jason served as a SLP for three years at various agencies in New Mexico before joining the Solace Pediatric Healthcare team in 2017.

“We were relocating to Colorado for my wife’s work when I decided to apply at Solace. At that time, Solace was a fairly young and growing company, but I was drawn to the company’s commitment to their patients and clinicians. Solace was easily the most welcoming place I ever worked for when I started 5 years ago. Though we have grown to support more families, Solace is more close-knit and supportive than ever before. It’s been amazing to be part of Solace’s growth from a group of less than 200 therapists to a premier home health care company easily recognizable throughout Colorado,” said Jason.

Professional Growth Opportunities Within Solace 

As a SLP at Solace, Jason gained invaluable leadership experience by serving as a clinical mentor. Clinical mentors are responsible for leading a large clinical team, fostering connections and brainstorming clinical ideas through interdisciplinary collaboration. The professional growth opportunities that Solace provided is something he wasn’t able to obtain at previous clinical positions in New Mexico.

“I discussed goals and expressed interest in growing my leadership skills with my regional clinical manager (RCM) at the time. She helped me identify opportunities such as Clinical Mentor and Onboarding Success Coach. I leaned into these leadership opportunities with the hopes of bolstering my skill set. It was amazing to have a manager who understood my goals and supported me to achieve those goals. I think this sets Solace apart from other places I’ve worked,” adds Jason. 

Embracing the Manager Role 

In his current role as an RCM, Jason leads Team Keystone, one of six regions in the state of Colorado. He supports a team of 70 clinicians, assisting them with documentation, clinical questions, and a variety of daily situations that occur while working with families. 

“Some situations can be challenging or overwhelming in the field. Being able to utilize my experience to support clinicians and provide guidance along the way is something I really enjoy. As an RCM, I lead Spreading Exceptional Service, a training specifically for our new hire clinicians. We focus on soft skills and how they support us in building and maintaining emotional connections with our patients and families. By doing this, we are able to make a positive impact because our families know we care,“ said Jason.

“As we continue to support more families around the state of Colorado, Solace has identified ways to provide opportunities for leadership growth and development. With the addition of our most recent RCM, we have increased available leadership opportunities with the addition of six new Clinical Mentors,” adds Jason. 

Exceptional Culture at Solace

The values within Solace Pediatric Healthcare provide clear direction into the future, while its cultural beliefs allow it to achieve a  positive culture. The company’s vision is to be admired for the quality of its services, the kindness of its people, and the integrity and innovation of the work it provides. The staff makes decisions as a team to ensure they are always the very best home healthcare organization for its families, children, community partners and its valued team members.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work for other companies and in a variety of settings, including hospitals, early intervention, and public schools. The culture Solace has established is unique because we believe in serving our community – families, patients, and employees. We are also a company supported by clinicians. Much of our administrative staff has a clinical background so we’re able to approach home health, not just from a customer service experience for families, but a customer service experience for clinicians. I love that I am able to serve clinicians and families in the same way my parents and brother were supported,” adds Jason.

Solace Pediatric Healthcare meets clinicians “where they are” and provides the resources and support for their individual growth throughout their career. Solace is a streamlined, organized system that allows its clinicians to devote their full energy and attention to children, instead of spending unnecessary time doing administrative tasks. The administrative team takes on non-clinical activities so clinicians can focus on what they do best. This aligned focus on teamwork has made Solace employees’ lives more rewarding and impactful.

Jason’s three tips for new clinicians, include:

1. We are here for you! It’s okay (and encouraged) to ask questions!
2. Lean into the support systems at Solace.
3. Have fun with your families!

About Solace Pediatric Healthcare

Solace Pediatric Healthcare is the leading provider of school-based services, family caregiver, occupational, physical, speech and feeding therapy services. Since 2005, our clinicians have provided pediatric care to children from birth to 21 years of age. At Solace, we’ve instilled a culture built on trust, communication, teamwork and accountability. Our mission is to provide pediatric healthcare services to help children and families live their best lives.

Currently serving over 6,000 families in Colorado, Nevada and Arizona, we’re looking for passionate individuals to join our growing team. To view our complete list of clinical and non-clinical job openings, simply, visit the Careers section on our website.