Our 321go Kids Team

Gretchen Sexton

Speech Language Pathologist

Knowing that I get to be a small part of their journey is what makes this profession so meaningful to me.

When did you first know you wanted to pursue a career in therapy? I first knew I wanted to pursue a career in speech-language pathology after seeing the impact an SLP had on my cousin, who was diagnosed with Moebius Syndrome at birth. He required a feeding tube, feeding therapy, and speech therapy to help improve his overall quality of life, communicate more effectively, and build friendships. Today, he is beginning his master’s degree in Business and Hospitality Management and is truly the epitome of “never stop believing in yourself.” The SLP who worked with him through so many challenges and barriers played a meaningful role in helping him get where he is today. Seeing that impact firsthand inspired me to pursue this profession and ultimately become that same source of support, encouragement, and possibility for someone else.

Who inspires you in your profession? The children and families I have the opportunity to connect with inspire me every day. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing a child come in with struggles or concerns and watching them learn, grow, gain confidence, and reach new milestones.

One of my favorite moments is seeing the look on a child’s face — and often their caregivers’ faces, too — when they accomplish a goal they have been working toward. Whether something that once felt difficult suddenly becomes easier, or a child realizes that they have a voice and can use it effectively, those moments are incredibly special. Knowing that I get to be a small part of their journey is what makes this profession so meaningful to me.

What is your favorite way to engage with kids? My favorite way to engage with children is to follow their lead and incorporate therapy goals into activities they genuinely enjoy. Children are often the most motivated to interact, communicate, and learn when therapy doesn’t feel like “learning,” but instead feels like play.

I love getting down on the floor, being silly, exploring their interests, and building genuine connections. When children feel comfortable being themselves and know that their interests and ideas are valued, it creates such a fun environment for learning and growth. Every child is different, and I love finding the activities and approaches that make each child excited to participate.

Tell us about a challenge that you watched a child overcome? During my clinical placement in graduate school, I worked with a toddler whose primary source of nutrition was toddler formula from a bottle. He refused to touch, smell, taste, or eat age-appropriate foods, which was a significant challenge for both him and his family.

Through lots of play-based modeling and gradually helping different foods, liquids, and feeding utensils feel safe and familiar, we began to make progress. Eventually, he accepted applesauce from a spoon for the first time! Seeing his mom cry happy tears in that moment was incredibly rewarding. It was such a powerful reminder of the impact this profession can have not only on a child, but on the entire family. That experience remains one of the moments that reminds me why I chose this career.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Outside of work, I love trying new hobbies and finding little things that make everyday life fun. I enjoy puzzling, scrapbooking, reading, and, of course, going on fun drink runs for coffee, refreshers, or anything new I want to try! I also love spending time with my pets, Ezra and Pixie, as well as my friends and family. I would love to start traveling more over the next few years.