Our 321go Kids Team

Sulema Ortega

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

I absolutely love engaging with kids by making them feel special and cherished.

When did you first know you wanted to pursue a career in therapy? When my nephew was about 7 years old, he was playing and accidentally injured himself while jumping off something with a straw in his mouth. The injuries he sustained made it difficult for him to speak and caused significant challenges in communication, leading to immense frustration. Seeing his struggles and frustrations deeply impacted me and sparked a strong interest in the field of speech therapy. After researching and learning about different techniques speech therapy could help, I became increasingly aware of the profound impact I could potentially have on the lives of those experiencing similar challenges. This realization confirmed my determination to pursue a career as a speech therapist, driven by the deep empathy and connection I felt with my nephew's experience.

Who inspires you in your profession? I find inspiration in the patients I work with. Witnessing their growth and progress brings me immense joy, especially when they recognize their own achievements. Being able to play a part in their communication development is incredibly fulfilling and truly the most rewarding part of my work.

What is your favorite way to engage with kids? I absolutely love engaging with kids by making them feel special and cherished. When they sense your genuine interest, that's when the real fun begins! It's all about creating an enjoyable environment while ensuring they know just how important they are. That's my goal every time I'm with them!

Tell us about a challenge that you watched a child overcome. I was able to observe a child who encountered difficulties with speech development. Witnessing the unwavering determination and perseverance he displayed in his struggles to communicate was truly moving. The challenging road to his first spoken words was a real emotional rollercoaster for both the child and his family. However, the overwhelming joy and sense of togetherness that followed when he achieved this milestone was utterly inspiring. It was a deeply touching and uplifting experience to witness the child's victorious overcoming of this obstacle.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I really enjoy spending time with my family! Whether it's hanging out with my parents, siblings and many nieces and nephews in Texas, spending time with my kids at home, or visiting my grandbabies in Oklahoma, family is a top priority for me. And when I'm not doing that, I'm all about trying out new recipes and exploring different types of food – I'm a total foodie!