About

Nearly 300,000 children in South Carolina need speech intervention but do not currently have access, impacting their ability to learn, connect, and thrive. Every Word Matters is my Community Service Initiative, born from the belief that every child deserves the chance to be heard. This platform was inspired by my personal story: when I was in middle school, my grandmother had a stroke that took away her ability to speak. Watching a speech-language pathologist help her regain her voice showed me just how powerful and life-changing communication support can be. That experience sparked my passion for speech-language development and fueled my mission to ensure that no child is left without a voice. 

Through Every Word Matters, I am working to address the severe shortage of speech-language pathologists in South Carolina by raising awareness, building resources, and advocating for early intervention. I have launched everyvoicematterssc.com, a free online hub offering speech development tips, milestone charts, printable activities, and a statewide directory of speech-language pathology services. To support professionals on the ground, I organized an Amazon Wishlist campaign that has already provided dozens of therapy tools, such as articulation cards, sensory materials, and books, to local speech-language pathologists. I also visit schools across the state to lead workshops, speak with students and educators, and distribute bracelets with QR codes linking to my website. These visits not only raise awareness but also inspire high school students to explore careers in speech-language pathology, helping to address the growing workforce gap.

Beyond digital outreach and in-person events, I have advocated at the local level by meeting with city leaders, including the Clemson City Council, to emphasize the importance of investing in early intervention. I partner with organizations like the Meyers Center to extend the reach of this work, and my outreach has already impacted over 100 students, teachers, and families. Educators report feeling more confident identifying early speech delays, and several students have expressed new interest in pursuing speech-language careers. Every Word Matters is already changing lives, and this is only the beginning.

My long-term vision is to expand this platform across South Carolina and beyond by deepening community partnerships, growing the online resource library, and continuing direct advocacy. Through creativity, compassion, and collaboration, I am building more than a platform. I am leading a movement. Every Word Matters is my way of turning personal experience into purpose. Because when we invest in a child’s  ability to speak, we invest in their ability to succeed. Communication is not just a skill. It is a lifeline. And every child deserves the chance to use theirs.