Today we’d like to introduce you to Felicia Lawrence.
Hi Felicia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I began my college career at South Carolina State University (SCSU) as a biology major. After taking my first two calculus classes, I quickly realized that biology wasn’t my major. I decided to discover other majors at the university, and Speech Pathology and Audiology stood out. I knew little about the major; however, my interest was sparked. I love the flexibility of the major. I could work for children or adults. I could work in school districts or the medical sector. I graduated with an undergraduate and graduate degree from SCSU. I worked as a public school and medical therapist in several local nursing homes. After 13 years of working in these arenas, I decided to take a stab at entrepreneurship. In 2008, I opened Lawrence Speech Services. I stepped out on faith and didn’t return to the public schools. Instead, I contracted my services through my own company and was surprised by the many offers I received. My company has grown from a company of 1 to over 5 employees.
In 2014, I began teaching courses at the university, which I earned. I am a person who likes to change hats. I love doing new things. My itch for something new led me to earn an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S) in educational leadership. This degree allowed me to work as a principal or school superintendent. I completed the degree; however, I have not worked one day in the field. My speech pathology company was thriving, and I didn’t want to stop the momentum. I am a person who likes to shake things up, so after 10 years of my company operating successfully, I branched out and began working at the university where I earned my speech pathology degree. In 2014, I started my career as a college instructor. This was outside the plan. I had no desire to teach at the higher education level. Once I began my career in higher education, I surprisingly loved it. This is my 10th year working at the University level. Although career-driven, my true-life fulfillment comes from raising my 12-year-old son Chance. He is truly my gift and the light of my life. I love motherhood, and I love pouring into him.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Since I was 17, I had a plan—a blueprint for my life. I wrote the vision, and I was able to hit all my milestones. I wanted to be married, finish college, and have a master’s degree by 25. I accomplished every goal I set for myself. I was setting goals and crushing them, and life was wonderful. After being married for 5 years, my husband and I wanted to start a family. At this point, every goal and aspect of my life was accomplished with hard work. After trying to conceive for a year, we were unsuccessful. So, we sought out Invitro Fertilization. After 2 rounds and over $50,0000, it was unsuccessful. We were left with a tubal pregnancy and a miscarriage. I was devastated. I was at a loss. I couldn’t understand and felt defeated. After much prayer and fasting, God told me to adopt. The process wasn’t easy; however, it was worth it. I was blessed with bringing home my son, who was 2 days old. I named him “Chance.” My “Chance” to be a mom, and his “Chance” to have a family.
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your business.
My Business:
At Lawrence Speech Services, we bring an evidence-based, family-centered approach to speech therapy and work with children, their families, and caregivers. Our therapists strive to empower children and adults to reach their full potential. Lawrence Speech Services, founded in 2008, is a private practice that provides quality speech and language services to individuals in Orangeburg County. Located in downtown Orangeburg, South Carolina, Lawrence Speech Services is a committed team of nationally certified and state-licensed Speech-Language Pathologists servicing children and adults of all ages experiencing difficulties with speech, language, or literacy. Lawrence Speech Services primarily serves children and or adults in their natural environment (home, daycare, preschool). We do offer office appointments if they best fit the individual’s needs. We believe in a team approach to therapy and therefore encourage collaboration with parents, teachers, and other therapists, when applicable, to provide the most encouraging and thriving environment for their clients. We strive to provide clients with the highest quality of service by empowering families through education to achieve their speech and language goals.
My Credentials:
I am professionally licensed as a Speech-Language Pathologist in South Carolina and a nationally certified American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) member. Felicia also holds a South Carolina State Board of Education Certification in Speech Pathology and Educational Leadership. Felicia has a diverse range of experiences treating a variety of speech and language challenges to both children and adults in the following settings:
- Public school contracts
- Hospitals
- Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation
- Public and private schools
- Childcare centers
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Home Health
Contact Info:
- Website: Fezspeech.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawrencespeechservices
