Kamber Covey, MS, CCC-SLP, is no stranger to charting new paths. As a member of the inaugural 2021 graduating class of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program in Dallas, she embodies adaptability, dedication and vision in her career—qualities that have defined her journey from student to practitioner.
“I started graduate school at another university but transferred to USAHS because of the flexible, mostly online coursework,” Covey explains. “The ability to stay at home and complete clinical rotations in my area helped me figure out where I did and didn’t want to be professionally.” This hands-on, locally grounded approach was pivotal, preparing her for a career that would call for real-time problem-solving.
Her virtual graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic, while unconventional, was another formative experience. “A lot of the time, you are on your own and have to figure things out yourself,” says Covey. “We learned to pivot and adjust together during the program, which set me up well for my future role. It’s essential to have a flexible personality.”
From geriatrics to pediatrics: A shift fueled by community needs
Though Covey initially focused on geriatrics, she found the specialty limiting in growth opportunities. “There’s a significant need for SLPs in southwest Oklahoma, but I hit a ceiling with my initial role,” she says. Encouraged by a USAHS SLP professor who nudged her toward exploring new avenues, Covey began to reconsider her path.
Her transition to pediatrics revealed a community greatly underserved. “There’s a huge demand for pediatric speech therapy, especially for families on Medicaid. Many clinics have long waitlists, and families often have to drive to Oklahoma City for care,” Covey notes.
Seeing this gap, she took a leap of faith and founded Stellar Speech Therapy in Chickasha, Oklahoma, in August 2024, with the support of her husband, who purchased a building to bring the vision to life.
Listening and learning: Building a practice rooted in relationships
Before opening her clinic, Covey spent time listening to families and assessing local needs. “Many parents don’t know the typical speech and language milestones or the exposure their kids need to thrive,” she says. “I work closely with parents during sessions, showing them strategies to carry over at home because I can’t rely on them making it to therapy every time.”
This parent-inclusive approach is central to her philosophy. “It’s about relationship-building and empowerment. Once parents see their child responding and realize they can help at home, they get more engaged. I want to be a friend on their level, having patient-friendly conversations that build trust,” says Covey.
She also aspires to foster social skills for children on the Autism spectrum through her work. “I work with kids with emotional challenges, and I’m learning to adapt and set realistic goals,” she explains.
This effort to create a connection extends to her pediatric clients, many of whom have complex needs. She shares a memorable case: “One boy struggled with turn-taking and sharing. He didn’t trust that I’d give him back things. So, I had to give him small amounts of control and constantly balance giving and taking.” Covey argues that it was the best teaching moment because she met him where he was, rather than focusing solely on her goals, and helped him leave feeling successful.
Overcoming rural barriers with innovation and empathy
Serving a rural area comes with unique challenges. Families face obstacles like transportation, scheduling conflicts, and even stigma. Covey explains, “I try to acknowledge these upfront during evaluations, creating a no-judgment, safe space. I’m pretty laid back, so families feel comfortable being honest.”
Despite these hurdles, she remains optimistic about collaboration and growth. “Recruitment and networking can be tough in rural settings, but there’s a strong community of SLPs who support each other, passing clients and sharing resources. That sense of community is invaluable.”
Advocating beyond the clinic
Covey’s passion extends beyond speech therapy. Together with her husband and local soccer organizations, she’s working to create sports opportunities for children with disabilities in her area. She volunteered with Top Soccer in college—a program that pairs kids with disabilities with buddies to play soccer drills and scrimmages. “It’s incredible to see parents watching their kids participate in group sports where they’re truly included,” she shares enthusiastically.
Her clinic also has plans to create a full-service center that meets multiple needs. “I have a building with three empty rooms waiting for more SLPs, and I want to add a sensory room for an occupational therapist, though I haven’t found one yet.”
Wisdom for aspiring SLPs
Looking back on her journey, Covey offers practical advice for students and early-career SLPs interested in rural practice or starting their own clinics. “My first recommendation is to absorb everything you can,” she advocates. She thought she would only work with adults but ended up in pediatrics. Most of her clinical rotations were pediatric, which prepared her for her current role.
“Don’t be afraid to leap. There are plenty of SLPs out there who want to support each other and build strong referral networks.”
A heartfelt mission
For Covey, success isn’t just about clinical outcomes or business development. “It’s about the connections I build with clients and their families. Whether I work with someone for two weeks or six months, the memories we create and the trust we build are what truly matter,” she says.
Through her work, she is filling a critical gap and inspiring others to believe in the power of personalized, compassionate care, no matter where you practice.
