Dr. Alexandria Watson, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

It was a sunny California day.  I was a junior in high school researching for my future career.  As a bright-eyed teenager, I was torn between two options.  Do I follow in my father's footsteps, an engineer who despite being color blind had a successful career flying planes for the military.  OR follow my heart and work with children as a speech-language pathologist.  I was interested in two different career fields and needed direction.  What I got was far from it.  I wasn't leaning towards engineering but it was listed first on my notepad...followed by speech pathologist and business woman.  As I was researching engineering, someone made a comment that was pivotal in my decision making.  It doesn't matter who said it; what matters more is what was said.  I was told, "that's not something girls do," and the person pointed to engineering on my notepad.  OH REALLY!!!!  One thing you do NOT tell Alexandria Watson is what she CAN'T do.  In THAT moment, I decided to become an engineer.   I graduated with honors with a degree in engineering and went on to earn a master's degree as well.  All paid for by the U.S. Air Force.  I rose through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel and served over 25 years on active duty but always felt I wasn't fully living in my purpose.  As I approached military retirement, I decided it was time for me to pursue my first love...working with children.  So, I went back to school and earned a master's degree in speech-language pathology from South Carolina State University.  Next, I went to work in the home health setting and fell completely in love with my new profession.  It's exciting to work with precious little ones.  Whether it's articulation, language, social skills, feeding, and/or swallowing, I truly enjoy partnering with parents and caregivers to determine and implement strategies and techniques to support their child's development.  I especially love how the faces of my little ones light up when I come to see them for therapy.  For some, that means a big bright smile, laughs, and giggles.  For others, it means a quick glance in my direction (no eye contact but a glance) or a wave of the hand without vocalization or a quick run to "our spot" on the floor, at the table, or wherever therapy is conducted.  Being a pediatric speech-language clinician is exhilarating and I know I'm fully walking in my purpose.  Not long after joining the field, I decided to expand my knowledge in my field and earned a Doctorate of Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University. My thirst for knowledge and professional development earned me an ACE Award from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, a formal recognition of professionals who've demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning by completing numerous hours of continuing education.  Now, I'm committed to Little One Therapy Services, LLC and hope to expand as the business grows.