From New Grad to Thriving Therapist: Olivia’s Journey
Raised in Dubuque, Iowa, Olivia always knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare where she could directly make a difference in people’s lives. Her main inspiration came from close to home, as her grandmother was also a speech therapist. Following in her grandmother’s footsteps, Olivia set out on a path toward speech therapy.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 2022 before continuing her education at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, where she graduated with her master’s degree in 2024. Immediately after completing graduate school, Olivia joined Blue Stone Therapy to begin her career, and now two years into her role, she continues to bring endless enthusiasm, empathy, and expertise to all her patients and team members.
As a speech therapist, Olivia feels supported and well-respected within her role. She visits four different facilities each week, meeting with a variety of patients. Each day is different for her as she meets one-on-one with patients to set goals, assist with swallowing at mealtimes, and lead specialized voice therapy sessions.
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Beyond the therapy work she delivers, the most rewarding part of her job is building strong relationships with each of her patients. She enjoys listening to their stories, hearing about their loved ones, and working together on their goals to help them get stronger. Even while working one-on-one with her patients, Olivia has never felt alone at work. “At Blue Stone Therapy, I’ve never felt like I can’t reach out to somebody. I’ve always felt comfortable reaching out for help or assistance within my role as a speech therapist,” she explains.
Blue Stone Therapy gives its therapists the chance to reach out for assistance because delivering high-quality care to patients is at the heart of what they do. The people-first environment allows Blue Stone Therapy to engage well with patients and accomplish amazing milestones each day. Olivia stays organized at work by communicating with her team members, facility employees, nurses, and families. This strong communication allows her to help her patients reach their goals and become stronger individuals.
Not only does she feel a strong connection with each facility, but she also shares how the patients are impacted by the therapy they receive. “Blue Stone Therapy’s mission makes a big impact on every patient’s life. This company fosters a positive environment with patient-centered care,” Olivia explains. The company creates powerful partnerships with each facility, which allows therapists to perform at their very best.
Blue Stone Therapy constantly supports its therapists and allows them to pursue nothing short of greatness. Olivia’s passion for helping others has grown even more as she has established strong leadership and professional clinical skills. Olivia explains how she has felt comfortable working here from the very start, “Blue Stone Therapy has been fantastic at supporting my everyday life. Everyone is very understanding and helpful toward their employees, teams, and patients.” This company is constantly raising the bar not only for its patients, but for its employees too. Therapists who work for Blue Stone Therapy, like Olivia, come to work strong and leave even stronger day after day.
Article Written By: Sarah Linder
Sarah uses her creative talents to build uplifting environments and inspire those around her. Driven by a passion for making a meaningful difference, she channels her artistic perspective into work that encourages and supports others. Her commitment to bringing positivity and genuine warmth to her community shines through in every project she touches.