Get ready to kick off the new year with an exciting new series: "The Faces of TTS". We're thrilled to shine a spotlight on our amazing team members who are the true heart of Therapy Tree Services. Each installment will celebrate the incredible people who drive our success and make a difference every day.
We are launching "The Faces of TTS" series by introducing Marissa Hicks, one of our speech-language pathologists! Marissa's journey started in Quincy, Illinois, where a personal experience ignited her passion for speech-language pathology. As an undergraduate, she witnessed her younger brother make remarkable strides after receiving Early Intervention speech services. This lit a fire in her heart, and propelled her toward a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist. In 2021, Marissa moved to Raleigh with her husband, Ty, and soon became a part of the TTS family in 2022. Over the past two years, she has dived headfirst into an array of courses, specialized training, and workshops, all aimed at helping children overcome literacy challenges. Marissa has been instrumental in launching and leading the Therapy Tree Services’ literacy and dyslexia department, Beyond seeing patients, Marissa provides invaluable mentorship to therapists during their Clinical Fellowship Year. Her enthusiasm and dedication continue to inspire those around her!
In her spare time, Marissa loves binge-watching cooking shows and getting creative in the kitchen by recreating the delicious dishes she sees. When she’s not playing chef, you can find her and her husband Ty exploring various restaurants and breweries around Raleigh. Marissa is also a big fan of the great outdoors; she enjoys hiking and checking out local parks, but she loves a cozy night in just as much. You might catch her curled up watching movies or immersed in her favorite video games. Marissa and Ty are proud “fur-parents” to their adorable dog Dior, their sweet cat Clea, and a fun little gecko named Gecky!
Marissa sees patients at our Cary clinic, where she collaborates closely with patients and their families. Through her commitment, she is making a vibrant difference in the lives of children, creating a supportive environment for them to learn and grow!
How long have you worked for TTS?
2.5 years, I started in July
What drew you to the field of speech-language pathology?
I was going to community college and hadn't declared a major yet. My little brother started getting EI services and I instantly started looking for schools with a speech program!
What is something that inspires you professionally?
The connections I build with the families and children I work with inspire me every day. Also, seeing the "lightbulbs" turn on during literacy sessions makes all the hard work worth it!
Do you have a favorite therapy moment with a child or family?
Recently, I had a family member share with me that their child reads books without being asked or told and reads to family members, which they have never done before!
What made you choose to work with pediatrics instead of adults?
I have always been drawn to working with pediatrics. I feel like a big kid at heart and never felt the same connection while working with adults during grad school.
What is the best advice, personal or professional, that someone has given you?
The best advice I ever received is to change my perspective from "I have to" to "I get to".
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would love to be a sea creature, like a whale or dolphin. The thought of swimming in the ocean all day makes me happy!
If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would be very happy to eat mac and cheese every day for the rest of my life! It has been my favorite food my entire life.
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