How Spectrum Speech Therapy Evolved

I’m Amy Schueler Harlow, and I’m so glad you’re here. A little about me: I was born and raised on a farm in Sykesville, Maryland, surrounded by my parents and five siblings. Growing up, I learned a deep love for animals from my father, a veterinarian, and I also learned what it means to care for others. I’m one of a set of triplets with three older siblings, including a pair of twins, which always made life interesting and full of energy!

I attended Towson University for both my undergraduate and graduate studies, earning a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 1997. Since then, I’ve been working as a speech-language pathologist, providing therapy for children and adults alike. I currently live in Parkton, MD, with my wonderful family, including my husband James Harlow, our dog, and two cats. We also have three adult children, and I’m so grateful for the joy and challenges they bring to my life.

While my career in speech therapy keeps me busy, I also love challenging myself both intellectually and physically. Whether it’s taking on new educational opportunities or pushing myself in fitness, I believe in the importance of growth and perseverance—principles I carry into my work with clients.

As a child, I personally experienced speech therapy due to a minor birth defect. This experience deeply shaped my understanding of communication challenges and developed my empathy for others. I can still remember the sensitivity I felt as an adolescent, knowing what it’s like to struggle and to overcome obstacles. I developed a strong sense of resilience and a passion for helping those who face difficulties that life doesn’t make easy.

It was this passion that led me to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. During my time at Towson University, I knew this was the path that would allow me to combine my desire to care for others with my drive to make a difference. I was fortunate enough to begin working in the field right after earning my degree and started gaining invaluable experience in hospital and nursing home settings. This is where I worked with patients recovering from neurologic impairments, learning from expert colleagues in the field and rehabilitation physicians.

Over time, I moved into management, overseeing large rehabilitation departments and working as a clinical specialist. While I was proud of the work I did in these roles, I began to feel that I was missing the direct, one-on-one connection with my clients. As healthcare changed and paperwork took over, I realized that my true passion was to be more involved in the personal relationships that therapy allows. That’s when I decided to follow my dream and open a private practice.

Private practice gives me the opportunity to connect with each client on a deeper level. It allows me to provide meaningful, continuous care and gives me the time needed to truly make a difference. I get to serve people from all walks of life with varying needs, and I can offer personalized care that empowers individuals, parents, and caregivers to take an active role in their progress.

I truly believe that as a Speech-Language Pathologist, I have the privilege of making a lasting impact on the lives of my clients. Not many people get to experience how deeply rewarding that is, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.

My experiences as a child dealing with my own challenges have helped me better understand the struggles that children and adults face when they have communication difficulties or emotional hardships. I know what it’s like to feel misunderstood, and that empathy drives my work. My energy, enthusiasm, and passion for helping others are reflected in every session I conduct, and I always strive to create a compassionate, supportive environment for each client.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, nursing homes, home health, and private practice. Each of these experiences has shaped my knowledge and skillset, allowing me to bring a fresh perspective to each situation I encounter. The best advice I can give is to find a therapist who listens, understands, and adjusts their approach to meet your needs. Your therapist should be someone who not only explains the therapy process clearly but also includes you in creating a plan that feels right for your loved one.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and your family, providing the care and support you deserve.