Therapist Feature: Jocelyn Wells, SLP
This month, our featured team member is Jocelyn Wells, Speech-Language Pathologist.
Jocelyn received her Master's in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from the University of Nevada, Reno. When Jocelyn was in college, she knew she wanted to work with children, but did not have a desire to become a teacher. Her grandfather and mother both worked in the medical field as a doctor and a nurse (respectively) and Jocelyn was always drawn to this industry as a result. One day, Jocelyn spoke to a neighbor with whom she had grown up, who was a Speech-Language Pathologist, about her career and it was then that she knew her career path. Jocelyn received her undergraduate degree in linguistics and had always been drawn to language studies.
Today, Jocelyn has worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist for 13 years in the pediatric setting and one and a half with Tilton’s Therapy. She has worked briefly in adult settings in skilled nursing facilities and home health settings in Northern Nevada as well. Outside of these settings, Jocelyn has also worked in private practice clinics, hospitals, school settings, and Early Intervention.
Throughout her career, Jocelyn has given back to the profession by mentoring/supervising several students as interns. She has also volunteered to represent at booths at awareness walks such as the Down Syndrome walk in Reno, Nevada. Before events migrated to a digital format, Jocelyn was working to assist with an Apraxia walk in Las Vegas, NV.
“I did get the opportunity to volunteer at the Apraxia walk the year before and I had a blast!”
Jocelyn has lived in Las Vegas or Northern Nevada for her entire life. She was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, lived in Reno, NV while she attended graduate school, got married, started a family, and then moved back to Las Vegas in 2015. Jocelyn says she loves the weather (even the hot days), the ease of travel to other places, being near her family, enjoying no state taxes, hiking, skiing, Lake Mead, and all the great food and entertainment that Las Vegas has to offer.
When asked what theory or aspect she most enjoys about her profession, Jocelyn responded, “I really enjoy helping children learn how to communicate and the freedom that it provides them in their daily lives. The lightbulb moment that happens when they realize that they can tell others what they like, want, need, have, is so amazing!”
Jocelyn’s areas of specialization include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Apraxia, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Early Intervention, and feeding. She jokes that one of her passions is sleep, but truly is passionate about creating balance in her life and living life to the fullest. Jocelyn wants to show her children how to have fun, learn, and experience different cultures and foods. She spends most of her time with her family going skiing or snowboarding, riding bikes, playing games, putting together puzzles, and cooking together.
The aspect of mobile therapy Jocelyn most enjoys is making her own schedule and not being stuck in one place all day. She also loves developing relationships with people she never would have met which are more than just surface-level relationships because she is in their homes and lives daily.
“I just need a transporter to beam me up to my next home.”
Thank you Jocelyn, for your positivity and dedication to your clients!
