September 1, 2026
Employee Spotlight: Carina Rodriguez
Speech Language Pathologist – Clinical Fellow
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field or looking to advance their career?
Speech-Language Pathology is an incredibly rewarding field that will change the way you see the world. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to know everything. Ask questions, seek guidance, and remember that success comes from continuous learning.
It’s also important to look beyond the patient and consider the entire family. My experience in home health taught me that while therapists may develop goals and intervention plans with the best intentions, families often need hands-on support and practical guidance to implement those strategies successfully. Understanding their challenges and meeting them where they are can make all the difference.
As you gain experience, your confidence will naturally grow. Graduate school provides the foundation, but real professional growth happens when you work with a variety of patients and families, each bringing unique needs and challenges. Never hesitate to learn from more experienced clinicians. Their advice, support, and mentorship can have a lasting impact on your development and help you become a stronger practitioner.
For those looking to advance in the field, surround yourself with people you admire and can learn from. Continue pursuing professional development opportunities and seek out continuing education courses that genuinely interest you. Passion and hard work are key. If you’re committed to your goals and continue to put in the effort, opportunities for growth will follow.
Describe your career progression throughout your time at St. Mary’s.
My career journey at St. Mary’s has been both rewarding and transformative. Every step along the way helped shape me into the clinician I am today and continues to inspire me to grow.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders, I was still uncertain about my career path. During my job search, I came across a Feeding Technician position at St. Mary’s and immediately applied. In February 2018, I began what would become a life-changing journey of professional discovery, learning, and personal growth.
As a Feeding Technician, I had the opportunity to work closely with Speech-Language Pathologists and learn from experienced professionals across multiple disciplines. Their mentorship and expertise sparked my passion for speech-language pathology and inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in the field.
What stood out most was the unwavering support I received from my colleagues and supervisors. They encouraged my professional aspirations, wrote recommendation letters, and even spoke with representatives from the graduate programs I was considering. Their belief in me demonstrated just how much St. Mary’s invests in the growth and success of its employees.
When I was accepted into New York University, I was overjoyed. Although I was excited to begin graduate school, it was difficult to imagine leaving the supportive community I had built at St. Mary’s. Fortunately, I was able to continue working while pursuing my degree, thanks to a supervisor who supported my academic schedule and helped me balance both responsibilities. In May 2025, I proudly earned my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
Following graduation, I knew I wanted to return to what felt like my second home. I joined St. Mary’s Home Care to complete my Clinical Fellowship and immediately felt the same encouragement, support, and sense of community that I experienced when I first joined the organization in 2018.
St. Mary’s will always hold a special place in my heart. The care, compassion, mentorship, and community I’ve experienced here have played an invaluable role in my personal and professional journey, and I am grateful to continue growing alongside such an exceptional team.
