Meet Nicole Corin | Speech-Language Pathologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Corin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
The scope of practice for a speech-language pathologist runs wide. We are not only supporting people who stutter or shaping that tricky “R” sound. From feeding and swallowing disorders to programming alternative communication devices, there are many skills to be developed under the supervision of a licensed, qualified speech therapist. When researching speech therapy services, please be sure that the provider you are considering is well-versed in the area in which you are seeking support. This helps to ensure you have a provider who is passionate, current on the most applicable science, and can provide a high level of guidance in the area of speech pathology this is relevant to your needs.

Many of us choose to be specialists in order to focus our knowledge and improve the quality of our services. This may look like a specialization in certain populations such as early intervention or the 0-3 age group, pediatric, young adult, or geriatric. Speech therapists can also specialize in different areas of communication such as articulation, fluency, literacy, or overall language development. Multilingual speech therapists can specialize in the nuances of identifying and treating language disorders in the presence of dual language development. Medical speech pathologists often focus on cognition, dysphagia or aphasia secondary to an illness or injury.

Me? My passion lies in the empowerment of the Autistic community, understanding the Autistic communication style, associated mental health topics, and reframing the use of the term “social skills.” My office shelves are packed with books written by Autistic authors. I attend continuing education courses designed by Autistic and/or other neurodivergent professionals and advocates. It could be considered disingenuous to claim specialization in a neurotype I do not possess, but it is most certainly where I will always find my heart.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Every day is a new day and every child is a different child. Some days, you will witness a child have an “a-ha!” moment that will light you up. Other days, you may feel helpless while you try to understand the source of a child’s dysregulation and ultimately leave a session without answers. What you do next is what defines you.

These might be the most important lessons I have learned over the past 15 years. Each individual must be looked at with fresh eyes, without judgment or expectation. You have to set your own ego aside and accept that you will always have more to learn. To me, THIS is the pinnacle of professionalism.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Now, this is where I get caught for not having a better handle on my work-life balance. After 15 years in Los Angeles, I should definitely be more knowledgeable.

In my opinion, two things contribute to my ultimate sense of happiness and relaxation: being outside and live music…and maybe a glass of wine. Ok, three things. I will always bring visitors to the Hollywood Bowl, The Greek, or The Ford during the summer season.

Food? Maybe we go to Homestate if we’re digging Mexican or Antico Nuovo for some amazing Italian. Malibu Seafood and a nap on the beach if we feel like trekking up the PCH.

There are still so many places I haven’t experienced like the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures or going for a ride on Angel’s Flight Railway. Next out-of-towner who comes to visit, we’re going.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh my goodness, where to begin…

The first professor I met within the communication sciences department at the University of Rhode Island was Dr. Mikyoung Kim. She taught me what it meant to be a professional within the field of speech pathology while maintaining humanity with our clients.

My first exposure to the world of autism was under the guidance of one of my graduate school professors, Amy Laurent. The way she talked about the Autistic mind inspired me, which is a true feat for a 3-hour class that started at 7:00pm. To this day, I incorporate her work with Autism Level Up! to enrich the services I provide.

As a professional, I have been lucky to work directly with some incredible speech pathologists including Laurie McCloskey, Linda Pippert, Brittany Sheldon, and Kyle Epps. They are exemplary of what it means to lead with humility, kindness, and strength.

The voices of many Autistic advocates and professionals educate and inspire me every day. They include and are not limited to Tiffany Hammond, Rachel Dorsey, Pete Wharmby, Megan Anna Neff, the Yellow Ladybugs, Kelly Mahler…this is probably the point in my speech where the academy would start to play the exit music in an effort to get me off stage…so I’ll type louder…

Last, but not least, my wonderfully supportive friends and family. My mother Rhonda is always asking questions to further her own education and my husband Andrew, who loves and supports me even when I am working WAY too late in the evening. Love you all!

Website: https://thesocialhouse-la.com