Isaac Fisher grew up in Kansas and started studying Spanish in high school. This early interest led him to continue his studies at Washburn University in Topeka. While there, he studied abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico for a year. He completed his undergraduate studies while studying abroad in Montpellier, France, and returned to Mexico the following year to complete a Master's degree in Teaching English in a Foreign Language (TEFL).
After six months, Isaac returned to the United States and earned a Master’s degree in Second Language Acquisition in Spanish at Kansas State University. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Iowa and started a PhD in Sociophonetics/Lavender Linguistics (linguistics focusing on queer identities). It was during his first year at the University of Iowa that he learned speech-language pathology even existed as a course of study. It was at this time that he knew he wanted to become an SLP.
“I enjoyed studying linguistics and teaching Spanish at Kansas State and the University of Iowa while I was working towards getting a PhD. After the first year, I decided I wanted more applied linguistics (vs. research), and started the MA the following year. The University of Iowa just so happened to be one of the top programs for speech, so it worked out well for me!”
Enjoying Variety, Work-Life Balance
As an SLP at Solace Pediatric Healthcare, a Care Options for Kids company, Isaac enjoys the best of both worlds — he is able to continue using his Spanish by working with about 70-80% Spanish-speaking clients, and he is able to work with a wide range of clients.
“I particularly like working with apraxia of speech and literacy. I was significantly delayed with my literacy skills when I was younger, so I enjoy working with kids with literacy disorders because I can really empathize with them on the amount of effort it takes to grow in that area,” says Fisher.
“The favorite part of my job is the flexibility and relationships I have with my clients and their parents. I always say I feel like I have a unicorn job!”
A typical work day for Isaac can be described as work hard, play hard. He has back-to-back clients every Monday through Thursday from 3-7 pm, as well as a few telehealth clients during the day. He tries to squeeze in a one-hour walk with his partner and two dogs, Java and Tater.
“The support is what makes Solace a unique place to work. It feels like there is a team or a resource online for just about any question you may have,” adds Fisher.
Isaac’s Proudest Accomplishments
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In sixth grade, he was reading at a first grade reading level. With a lot of work and support, he graduated valedictorian in his class.
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Paid his way through college over 13 years (two MAs, a year of a PhD, six months of postgraduate studies in Mexico), and paid it all within six months of graduation.
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Donated bone marrow two times to a stranger. He was matched through the BeTheMatch program.
In his spare time, Isaac enjoys DIY house projects, traveling, and hiking with their two dogs.
“We bought our first house here in central Denver in 2022 and I’ve learned so much, including electrical, plumbing, carpentry and sheetrock,” adds Fisher.
Isaac’s biggest inspiration has been the parents of the children he works with on a daily basis.
“Witnessing their unwavering love, dedication, and tireless efforts to support their child's health and well-being is truly inspiring.”
“They demonstrate remarkable strength and resilience despite facing many challenges. Their unwavering advocacy and determination to provide the best possible life for their child motivate me to go above and beyond in my role as a therapist. I am continuously inspired by their hard work and I am grateful for the opportunity to support them on their journey,” adds Fisher.
Isaac’s Three Tips for New Clinicians
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Ask for help! I’m still learning of new resources and programs to help us succeed.
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Our internal Google drive has so many resources if you forget a process. Use it to your advantage!
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Set your boundaries to have a good work-life balance. We can only pour into others when our own cup is full!
Join Our Team
Solace Pediatric Healthcare is proud to be a part of the Care Options for Kids Community, the leading provider of pediatric nursing, family caregiver, occupational, physical, speech, and feeding therapy services. Since 2005, our clinicians have provided pediatric care to children from birth to 21 years of age. At Care Options for Kids, we’ve instilled a culture built on trust, communication, teamwork, and accountability.
We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our growing team. To view our complete list of job openings, simply, visit the Careers section on our website.