Former Grizzly Now DCSD Speech-Language Pathologist
Shana Fraley helps students as a speech-language pathologist, runs a private practice, works with patients at a skilled nursing facility, and is a Special Olympics Unified Coach!
What is your name, which school did you attend, and what year did you graduate?
My name is Shana Fraley, and I graduated from ThunderRidge High school in 2006.
What have you been doing since graduation?
I’m a speech-language pathologist at the Douglas County School District (DCSD). I started at the preschool level, moved to elementary, and now I work with students at Rocky Heights Middle School. I’m also a Special Olympics Unified Coach for kickball, basketball and soccer. Special Olympics Unified Sports joins people with and without disabilities on the same team.
Through my private practice, I work with all ages on a variety of communication skills including articulation, executive functioning skills, using augmentative and alternative communication devices, stuttering, job and life skills, and more. At a skilled nursing facility, I work with patients on communication, swallowing, and cognitive skills, especially after a stroke. I love working with different populations in all of these settings!
What is your proudest achievement since graduating?
Becoming a speech-language pathologist is one of my proudest achievements. It’s a career I really enjoy. I like making a difference and helping others to learn their strengths and use them, especially in regard to communication skills.
Share a positive memory from high school that sticks out to you.
I participated in a senior project where I shadowed a preschool speech-language pathologist who inspired me to pursue a career in this field. She observed that working with others is a strength of mine and encouraged me to consider exploring this career path.
What was one unique thing you learned about yourself during high school? How did your teachers and school support you?
I learned how to be confident in my strengths, even though school did not always come easy to me. I learned how to work hard and build resiliency skills. I also developed great social skills to help me along the way.
What advice would you give your 15-year-old self?
To keep working toward your goal, even when it’s difficult. The important thing is to keep moving forward even when obstacles get in the way.
What skill (professional or personal) are you trying to master?
I continue to work on being the best speech-language pathologist I can be for my students so that they can feel successful and confident!
What are your future plans?
To continue in my role helping students in DCSD.