Isabel Lawton and Alisha Russell are both 2013 Master’s graduates of the FSU School of Communication Science and Disorders. Together, they have co-created a program called BRAV (Brooks Rehab Alternative Voices) that works to bring speech-activating equipment to patients who are unable to speak.
It all began when the two of them realized that very few speech language pathologists feel capable and confident when using AAC (augmentative and alternative communication). Lawton and Russel came to the conclusion that something needed to be done about this, and so came BRAV.
The program was designed to accomplish a few centralized goals. The first was to provide consistent and up-to-date training with AAC systems – specifically speech generating devices – to speech language pathologists across the Brooks system of care (where Lawton and Russel work). The second goal of the program was to provide standardized, evidence-based assessment and treatment of communication disorders with the use of AAC. Lastly, they were trying to satisfy the necessities of a population with complex communication needs who require such technology.
They aimed to create a group of “SuperUsers” among speech language pathologists who could demonstrate competency with all types of devices. These “SuperUsers” would not only provide those services to the community, but also train and empower other speech language pathologists at their facilities to become proficient with the technology as well. Lawton, Russel, and their teammates wrote and presented the proposal to the executive leadership at Brooks Rehabilitation in a crowdsourcing event. Team BRAV won the crowdsourcing award and start-up money by an overwhelming majority. The program has been implemented in the main rehab hospital and is underway at the Brooks outpatient clinics.
Thanks to the passion and dedication of these speech language pathologists, Lawton, Russel, and their colleagues are better able to teach individuals how to speak for the first time and communicate in different ways while returning lost voices to patients that have suffered injuries.
“It is very rewarding,” Russell says. “When your career and passion align – that is true happiness.”
Lawton seems to be in agreement because when asked about working in her field she replied, “Every day my faith in humanity is strengthened. The amount of kindness and compassion I am surrounded by on a daily basis is remarkable. It is a true gift to work in a field where everyone you work with is passionate about the patient. You feel like what you do matters. It makes all of the hard days and the effort worth it.”
Continue reading to learn more about the incredible women behind this program.
Isabel Lawton
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Current City: Jacksonville, FL
Job Position & Company: Speech Language Pathologist at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital on the Brain Injury and Pediatric Programs
What Jeopardy category could you clear, no problem?
Foodie and cooking knowledge
Favorite Office Snack?
Pretzels and Peanut Butter
Best account to follow on social media?
@thehayleycakes on Instagram: baking wizard with the cutest/funniest decorated sugar cookies
Who do you admire and why?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Susan B Anthony, Sally Ride, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks and all of the amazing women in history who have paved the way for me to be the independent, intelligent, multiple degree having, voting woman that I am. I remember vividly learning their stories as a little girl and telling myself that one day I would do something amazing in the world. I’m still working hard every day to get there. But their stories provide that guiding light and push me forward.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Being a pediatric speech language pathologist, I have to be in-the-know for current events and so I rely heavily on social media to keep me informed of current trends so that I can be relatable to my patients. It’s so important to make therapy meaningful for them. So when I’m able to name all of the Paw Patrol pups or know some of the lyrics to the latest Kendrick Lamar song, it makes a world of difference in my therapy.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Listen first.
How did your education prepare you for your career?
FSU’s Master of Science in Communication Science and Disorders was very robust. I had opportunities to explore my varied interests in meaningful, practical ways, not just in theory. My professors were all very well established and well known in the field, many of them being ASHA Fellows (our highest honor and distinction). Despite their incredible talent and intelligence, every professor I had was approachable and genuinely invested in my success. Many times I felt like their only student, despite being in a cohort with 31 other students!
Share a notable (funny, embarrassing, exciting) experience you’ve had at work.
I had a teenager who was born in another country (Greece) teach me to say “awesome.” A few days later that patient’s mother joined him for therapy and I told her that her son was doing an “awesome” job using the word he taught me. Her eyes bugged out of her head and she got red in the face. He had actually taught me how to say the word “poop,” the vulgar word poop, anyway. He got in massive trouble but we all thought it was hilarious!
How do you handle work-life balance?
I make a conscious decision every day to leave work at work. Since having a baby, I’ve realized the importance of work-life balance. This former workaholic is learning how to say “no” more easily and enjoying all the precious moments.
What advice would you give yourself in college?
Have more fun.
Alisha Russell
Hometown: Apopka, FL
Current City: Jacksonville, FL
Job Position & Company: Speech-Language Pathologist at Brooks Rehabilitation Orange Park
What Jeopardy category could you clear, no problem?
Anything related to antique jewelry and dishwater!
Favorite Office Snack?
Almonds
Best account to follow on social media?
Who do you admire and why?
My mom is my wonder woman. She has fought and beat cancer twice and is truly an inspiration for her strength, optimism, and perseverance.
Where do you look for inspiration?
My patients. I love seeing their personalities shine and how grateful their families are for each baby step or milestone they make.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Find something you love, then find someone to pay you to do it.
How did your education prepare you for your career?
FSU’s on-campus speech and hearing clinic was one of the most valuable training tools to prepare me for seeing patients. The support from our graduate professors and our colleagues is something that has shaped me into the SLP I am today and for that I am very thankful!
How has working in your industry changed the way you look at the world?
Working with children and adults with disabilities and communication difficulties has made me thankful for even the smallest things we take for granted. From being able to tell someone “I love you” to eating, these are some of the things we take for granted.
Share a notable (funny, embarrassing, exciting) experience you’ve had at work:
One of my favorite memories was when one of my adult patients was able to use a speech-generating device to go to his favorite steak restaurant and order a beer on his own, without his wife ordering for him. I remember he came back to my session the next week in tears because he was beyond thrilled with this new level of independence a speech-generating device gave him. It was a fun and touching moment; the man got his beer!
How do you handle work-life balance?
Yoga
What advice would you give yourself in college?
I wish I had taken more chances and pushed myself to come out of my shell more. I’m a naturally shy person, so speaking to and meeting new people has always been tough for me, but I am making up for lost time now!
