Jennifer Sparano, M.S. ’17, Uses Her Training to Help Children with Speech Challenges
Ms. Sparano Has Worked in a Variety of Settings to Help Children Who Struggle With Speech and Swallowing Disorders
Jennifer Sparano, M.S. ’17, who graduated from the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Program in the School of Health Sciences and Practice, has spent the last five years using her expertise to help young students who struggle with speech. Ms. Sparano’s love for SLP was born when she was in high school, and she has not looked back. Recently, as a tribute to her late grandmother who loved watching Wheel of Fortune with her, she auditioned for the show and was selected as a contestant.
Q&A
What was your initial inspiration to pursue Speech-Language Pathology? What were your motivating factors as you began your studies?
I always knew I wanted to work in a helping profession. When I was in high school, I volunteered my time to work with students with disabilities within my community of Pleasantville, New York. I began shadowing occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech-language pathologists and realized SLP was the best career choice for me. I fell in love from the first session I observed.
What type of work have you been doing in the SLP field since you graduated?
I worked for two years in a District 75 school - P186x in the South Bronx. While I was there, I worked with students with profound intellectual disabilities. Much of my practice focused on the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), feeding and early communication skills. I am now in my third year at Mildred E. Strang Middle School in Yorktown Heights, New York as the school’s speech language pathologist. I help my students in self-contained and integrated co-taught classes develop their expressive language, receptive language and vocabulary. I provide support with many listening strategies and language strategies to help the students make their curriculum accessible.
Can you describe what that process was like leading up to being selected for Wheel of Fortune?
The process was exhilarating. I moved to California for the summer in my time off and applied for the show since I lived close to the studio. Little did I know the audition was all virtual. A week later I got a call and scheduled my audition in July. After taking a test and participating in virtual toss-ups—quick rounds where puzzles continue to fill in with letters until a contestant solves it—the audition was over. I heard one week later that it could be two weeks to two years to be selected for the show, although I learned in November that I was chosen for the December 2 taping.
What did that experience mean to you knowing that the show was the core of so many pleasant memories with your grandmother?
My grandma was my heart and soul. She supported me throughout graduate school and throughout all my endeavors. I lived with her so she did not have to quarantine alone during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was the best decision I could have made. She always used to tell me she wanted me to go on the show as we would watch together every night. I could not be happier that I made her dream come true and that her name, memory and love was shared with our entire country. I have never been prouder to represent an amazing soul who made me the women I am today.
What led to you choose NYMC for your studies? What were some of your favorite aspects about the College while you were here?
I chose NYMC because of its convenient location, expertise amongst professors, wide range of clinical practica and hands-on learning opportunities. I think one of my favorite parts of the program was the bond between all the students. We worked hard when classes were difficult and had fun while doing so. I also loved how helpful many of the faculty members were. I developed lifelong relationships with some professors and clinical supervisors who are now friends and colleagues.
