Maria Yanez (B.S. ’22, M.S. ’24) came to The University of Tulsa from what she describes a “fated event.” While considering her career goals, she attended one of her nephew’s speech therapy appointments. She became intrigued by what she observed, listening to her nephew’s therapist switch between English and Spanish to provide care. A bilingualist herself, she discovered a kindred goal in helping people between both languages.
“It’s rare to have a bilingual therapist in this field. I wouldn’t find out that I was a part of this rare group until later in my career,” she explained. “Seeing her talk to my nephew and sister, providing caregiver coaching in both languages, inspired me immensely.”
Yanez stayed in Tulsa to have close support from her family and friends. She and her family are tight-knit — enjoying family dinners, holidays and activities together. The culture of UTulsa aligned with her values, making her experience feel like home. She has created many dear memories; the annual Homecoming Pep Rally and Bonfire is a personal favorite.
“The Mary K. Chapman Center made me love the university even more,” she said. “The events there and around campus were great opportunities to bring my family so they could see what I was experiencing.”
Yanez also participated in several speech pathology research projects in her graduate studies. She completed a project in collaboration with Associate Professor Laura Wilson and Clinical Assistant Professor Christy Hedges. They presented their research at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention in Seattle last year. Yanez also traveled to Boston with Wilson and Chapman Clinical Associate Professor of Speech Suzanne Stanton.
“The department was unmatched with the assistantships and research opportunities available to my cohort,” Yanez said.
Advising those who want to follow her path, she emphasized that anyone is capable of great things once they set their mind to it. She now works for Tulsa Public Schools, assessing, diagnosing and treating speech-language disorders. She is experienced with pediatric speech and language disorders, helping patients with speech, cognitive ability and swallowing difficulties following serious health events in the home health setting. UTulsa’s speech pathology program’s clinical foundation, with Yanez’s tenacity, made her an applicable candidate for the role.
“Everything is 100% possible. The University of Tulsa and its community will support you in any dream to make it a reality. They did that for me.”
UTulsa’s Graduate School has made thousands of dream careers come true. Learn more at utulsa.edu/grad.