Kelly Hooker

Working as a speech pathologist in Helen DeVos NICU, Kelly Hooker '08 has found ample opportunities to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.

While the program at Calvin provided me with a solid foundation for grad studies and off-campus externships, the professors made my experience positive and memorable. The staff at Calvin were committed to my learning, but they also invested in me as a person. I still enjoy keeping in touch with them over almost ten years later! The strong curriculum and high expectations set me up for success. I was able to apply what I had learned in my dream clinical setting at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital under the supervision of Erica Newberg.

Working at the children's hospital provides ample opportunity for being the hands and feet of Jesus. When I meet children and their families, they face unexpected challenges and disheartening circumstances. Offering a listening ear, creating a care plan together, or simply bringing a cup of coffee can bring hope in the midst of brokenness.

Keep an open mind about what area of the field you see yourself working in. When I first started in the program I thought I would never be interested in dysphagia, and now working with swallowing is my favorite aspect of the job. Although the program is rigorous, it will be worth it to gain invaluable skills to lead a fulfilling career.

After completing my internship at the children's hospital, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. I enjoy the unpredictability of the hospital setting and I am always learning something new. I love working with children who have medical needs that impact their ability to swallow or communicate. I constantly find myself with a renewed sense of purpose and a full heart; there is just something special about using your skill set to bring glory to God.

The acute care setting presents the challenge of continually learning about new medical developments that may affect speech, cognition, or swallowing. People frequently ask me, "Isn't it sad working with kids who are in the hospital?" Although many situations are difficult, there is always an opportunity to bring hope, partner with families, and see life changing improvements. Watching a child heal and thrive against the odds is the most rewarding aspect of my job.

The professors were intentional about incorporating our faith into each and every class, often praying or reading devotions together. The professors approached disability and our role as therapists with a Kingdom mindset and challenged us to consider the role of our faith in our assignments. We were always encouraged to think of the individuals we worked with as people first, and to not view them only in light of their abilities. We were challenged provide therapy that was based on each client's interests, desires, and goals.

Calvin emphasized creation, fall, and redemption and the theme of redemption is one that I see played out on a daily basis in the children that I work with. Through partnering with other members of the medical team, we are able to witness healing arise from brokenness. I am constantly reminded of the part I play, in Christ, in redeeming my small corner of the world. I couldn't have asked for a better foundation than Calvin provided.