Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Abrams
Hi Lindsay, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with kids in a health-related setting but I never knew exactly what that would look like. After high-school, I attended Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN planning to become a pediatric mental health therapist. I loved my psychology classes, especially those focused on childhood development and the relationships and dynamics within families. During my sophomore year, my grandmother was injured and required many months of intensive care with a variety of specialists, including speech-language pathologists. This made me curious about the field, and during my research I discovered I was so excited by it. I completed my bachelor’s in psychology with a focus in child and family studies in 2018, then moved to Knoxville to start working toward my master’s at the University of Tennessee’s speech-language pathology program.
My time in grad school was such a great experience because I was exposed to a variety of clinical settings and challenges while being mentored by experts in the field. For me, private practice was unique and stood out among the other clinical experiences. I had the opportunity to serve many children from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of diagnoses and severity levels. I was able to provide one-on-one care tailored to each child’s unique interests and needs while building relationships with families during a challenging season in their child’s life. So when I received my master’s in 2021, I began working in the pediatric private practice setting.
Over time I felt a calling to go into business for myself. I wanted to continue my work as an SLP in a setting that allowed for new professional opportunities and improved work-life balance. Starting my own business provided me with these freedoms. I opened my own practice, Sweet Friends Pediatric Therapy, here in Knoxville in September 2024. Getting to do the job I love in the city I now call home has been so fun and exciting!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve learned so much throughout this journey! When I first felt a calling to open my own practice, I completely dismissed it because I didn’t feel qualified or capable. Starting a business felt like an insurmountable task, and opening my own practice was never part of my plan in grad school or when I first started working as an SLP. Still, this little dream planted itself and continued to grow. Over time, the idea slowly began to feel more achievable. I’ve grown and learned so much since the beginning of my career, and I’ve had endless support and encouragement from family and friends.
I still feel the effects of imposter syndrome as new experiences and challenges come up. My education and training has only focused on being a therapist, so finding my footing as a business owner has taken a lot of time and hard work. I’m still trying to learn as much as I can to manage Sweet Friends as confidently as a businesswoman as I do as a speech therapist.
We’ve been impressed with Sweet Friends Pediatric Therapy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I officially opened Sweet Friends Pediatric Therapy in September 2024. I offer speech therapy to young children and I’m committed to providing individualized, play-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and research-based care. I’m specialized in working with children with a variety of needs, including late-talkers, language and communication disorders, speech and articulation disorders, autism, gestalt language processing, high-tech alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices, and behavior and development.
Opening my own practice has allowed me to pursue new opportunities. I’m seeing clients in my own office while also working with local private schools, preschools, and childcare programs to provide services on-site. I’m also currently working towards additional certifications in a variety of clinical areas, including gestalt language processing, speech and articulation disorders, AAC, and supporting those with sensory processing disorder.
Starting when I was a kid and even today, I have always referred to my dearest friends as “sweet friend”. When I began working with children professionally, my greeting at the beginning of each session naturally became, “Hey, sweet friend! I’m so happy you’re here!”. I believe humanity was created for connection with others. I believe we thrive and are made better by the relationships in our lives. There are very few gifts as powerful as true friendship – someone who meets us where we are without judgement and with kindness, understanding, encouragement, and joy. This involuntary title feels like the theme of my philosophy as an speech therapist and as a business owner – to welcome each child and family with a spirit of friendship, working alongside them and cheering them on to help them achieve their child’s goals.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I lived the first 23 years of my life in west Tennessee, so moving to Knoxville was a new experience. I decided to permanently call Knoxville home because of the people. I’ve been fortunate to create a community of friends, and these relationships have shaped me into the person I am while entering this new chapter professionally. Having the backdrop of a city with people proud of their community is inspiring.
I was also born and raised as a dedicated Tennessee Volunteers fan, so getting to cheer on the Vols during football, basketball, and baseball season here in Knoxville has been so much fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweetfriendstherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetfriendstherapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sweet-Friends-Pediatric-Therapy/61562847072722/
