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

Hi Tamara, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I started my speech/language therapy business to positively impact the lives of children and families. One of the most important factors behind my success is my dedication to providing quality services in the metro Atlanta and online communities. I truly care about the well being of others. I desire for those that receive speech/language services and purchase speech/language therapy materials to know that they are supporting a small business that is committed to enriching the lives of special needs children and families.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a pediatric speech/language pathologist in Snellville, Georgia a suburb of Atlanta who has been practicing for 17 years. I am the founder and owner of Building Successful Lives Speech & Language Services LLC since 2016. However, I have been designing and selling speech/language evaluation and therapy materials for speech language pathologists since 2013 to maximize children’s success. As a multilingual and multicultural speech/language pathologist, I specialize in providing services for children from diverse backgrounds with language and literacy disorders. I am originally from Saint Andrew, Jamaica and have lived in Miami, Florida, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I have expertise in providing equitable and inclusive services to meet the needs of the diverse Atlanta and online communities.

Over the years, thousands of speech/language pathologists around the United States have used my materials with their clients. Additionally, I am glad that I have been able to provide essential evaluation services for toddlers, preschoolers, and school aged children as a contractor for vocational rehabilitation. In 2020, I had the excellent opportunity to present a course for my national organization, American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) on Culturally Responsive Speech & Language Therapy. Additionally, I am currently available to provide consultative services on best practices and helpful tips to parents, therapists, school districts, and organizations to improve the communication, language, and literacy skills of children and adolescents with special needs.

One of the greatest lessons that I have learned as a business owner is to adapt with the changing needs of clients. For example, over the past year, I created new interactive digital materials for use in teletherapy during the pandemic when many children were learning from home. I also created a Language & Literacy YouTube channel with read alouds of quality diverse children’s literature. Additionally, I feature a professional interview series on my website and YouTube about Diversity, Culture, and Equity. In the fall of 2021, I will share other pertinent information for speech language pathologists and parents so that they may continue building successful lives of children and families.

Prior to starting my business, I gained experience as a medically based pediatric and adult speech language pathologist at Dekalb Medical Center in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia. I also have extensive experience providing speech/language services for children and adolescents in public school settings. Working in these settings allowed me to see the need for additional and specialized private therapeutic services.

My business, Building Successful Lives LLC., provides consultative, evaluation, and therapy services for children with communication disorders, language disorders, learning disabilities, and dyslexia.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is a vibrant city with many things to experience. If I had a friend visiting the area, I would make sure that they enjoy all the delicious cuisine, creative events, and a bit of the outdoors.

I would take them to brunch or lunch at Seven Lamps in Buckhead. Then we would head to the High Museum of Art to tour the latest exhibitions. After that, we would head to Ponce City Market to browse the shops and have a light bite. If there was a concert or comedy show there, we would check that out too.

The next day, we would have brunch at Corner Cafe and then go to Atlanta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the outdoors. In the evening, we would enjoy the vibes at Top Golf in Midtown with our friends.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother, Dr. Jacqueline Anderson, clinical psychologist, has always been an inspiration for me. She has dedicated over 30 years to providing valuable services to children, families, and adults in Florida. She is a true servant leader who has made a tremendous impact in South Florida and Central Florida communities. I have learned the importance of being committed to professional work while also taking time to enjoy the beauty of life along the way.

Website: www.buildingsuccessfullives.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingsuccessfullives/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-anderson-m-s-ed-s-ccc-slp-4121676

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bslspeechlang?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BSLSpeechLanguage/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKUwYkbSnH987kX5qxmBkrQ

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