In honor of Better Hearing and Speech month, we’ll be highlighting SLPs throughout the month of May. Today’s spotlight is on Deb Diraddo, a seasoned speech-language pathologist and supervisor working primarily on the 5th floor Spinal Cord Injury Unit at Magee!
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I have been a Speech Language Pathologist for 23 years and have been working at Magee for 21 of those years. I received a bachelor of science degree in communication disorders from Marywood College in 1988 and a master of arts degree in hearing and speech sciences from Ohio University in 1990.
Why did you decide to become an SLP?
At an early age, I was exposed to speech therapy as a child. Therapy to perfect my phonemic inventory (sound production) had a lasting impression. I can also respond by saying, “Being an SLP runs in the family”, as I have an older and younger cousin who are both SLPs.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
There are so many aspects of the profession that I find rewarding. Of course as an SLP, having the ability to assist clients in regaining “communication connections” with their loved ones is and always will be a special moment. But to take a little different spin on this question, I’d have to say the lessons learned over the years from those individuals I serve will always be rewarding. It’s the richness of life experiences shared!
Tell us about an experience that solidifies for you that you made the right career choice.
Too many! Let’s just say after 23 years, I keep showing up and really look forward to the daily challenges each and every day.
What are your passions outside of work?
Many will say that I am a workaholic, but when I do step away, I can be found wandering a golf course playing a round of golf. I also enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family.
