Jinan Erchid never expected that watching a family member struggle with communication after a stroke would define her career path. The licensed speech-language pathologist and mother of three has since dedicated her professional life to ensuring that communication becomes a fundamental right rather than a privilege for every child she encounters.
"What first sparked my passion for helping others through speech-language pathology was witnessing a close family member struggle with communication after a stroke," Erchid says. "I remember the frustration in his eyes when he couldn't find the words he wanted, and the relief when his speech therapist patiently worked with him to regain even small abilities."
That moment opened her eyes to how communication deeply impacts confidence, relationships, and quality of life. Growing up trilingual with an Arab background, Erchid developed a natural appreciation for cultural and linguistic diversity that would later become central to her clinical approach.
Her journey into speech pathology began with studying the science of language in college, building the foundation for her specialized work with children facing communication disorders. The experience that transformed her perspective came during the summer of 2015, when she witnessed firsthand the shortage of speech-language services available to children in Arab Gulf countries.
This revelation ignited her commitment to providing culturally and linguistically appropriate care to underserved populations, both domestically and internationally. Her long-term vision includes continued international travel to offer free speech-language services in communities where such care remains limited or nonexistent.
The moment that confirmed Jinan Erchid had chosen the right profession came during her undergraduate clinical practicum. She was working with a nonverbal preschooler on the autism spectrum, focusing on using a communication board to help him make simple requests.
"For weeks, we focused on using a communication board to help him make simple requests, and while there was slow progress, he hadn't yet initiated communication on his own," she says. "One day, while we were playing with a set of animal toys, he suddenly tapped the picture for 'cow' and pointed at the toy."
The child's face lit up when he realized he had been understood. His parents, watching from the observation room, became emotional witnessing their son's breakthrough moment.
"That moment hit me deeply," Erchid says. "It reminded me that communication is so much more than speech; it's about connection, identity and empowerment."
This experience reinforced her belief that meaningful change in communication skills requires time and persistence. She learned to embrace patience and remain open to unexpected breakthroughs, understanding that progress often comes in small but significant ways. The lesson shaped her approach to therapy, teaching her to celebrate incremental progress while maintaining hope for larger breakthroughs.
The experience also highlighted the importance of family involvement in the therapeutic process. Seeing the parents' emotional reaction reminded her that communication challenges affect entire families, not just individual patients. This understanding influences how she structures her practice, ensuring that families receive support and education throughout the therapeutic journey.
Erchid's approach to speech-language pathology is anchored in three core values: empathy, respect and lifelong learning. These principles shape every aspect of her professional responsibilities and patient interactions.
Empathy allows her to truly understand and connect with her patients' experiences, challenges and goals. This emotional intelligence helps her recognize that each patient brings unique circumstances, fears and hopes to the therapeutic relationship. She understands that communication challenges often involve deep emotional components, including frustration, embarrassment and fear of judgment.
Her empathetic approach involves active listening, patient observation and careful attention to nonverbal cues. She recognizes that patients may struggle to express their concerns verbally, making it essential for her to develop alternative ways of understanding their needs and experiences.
Respect informs how she honors each patient's individuality, cultural background and personal preferences. No two patients are the same, and she tailors her interventions accordingly, ensuring that cultural and linguistic differences are viewed as strengths rather than obstacles.
Her commitment to lifelong learning motivates her to stay current with the latest research, techniques and technologies. The field of speech-language pathology continues evolving, and she wants to provide the best possible care by continuously refining her skills and knowledge.
This commitment to learning extends beyond formal continuing education to include peer consultation, professional networking and staying informed about cultural developments that may affect her patients. She regularly attends conferences, participates in professional organizations and engages in case discussions with colleagues.
Her clinical work has provided opportunities to support individuals with diverse needs, particularly in stuttering and accent modification. Her fluency in American Sign Language and Arabic allows her to connect with clients and families who might otherwise struggle to access or benefit from services.
The integration of these values creates a therapeutic environment where patients feel understood, respected and supported. Erchid recognizes that successful communication therapy requires more than technical intervention; it demands a holistic approach that addresses emotional, cultural and social factors alongside speech and language mechanics.
One of her most meaningful professional experiences involved working with a young boy diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech. When they first met, he was nearly five and could only produce a few inconsistent sounds. His parents felt heartbroken and isolated, worried he would never fully express himself.
After more than a year of working together using motor planning strategies, visual cues and patience, the breakthrough came unexpectedly. During a session, he said "Mommy" clearly and spontaneously for the first time without prompting.
"His mother burst into tears," Erchid says. "It was the first time she'd heard him say it without prompting. From that moment, his confidence grew. He started engaging more with his peers, participating in class, and finding joy in being able to share his thoughts."
These moments of connection and breakthrough continue to drive her passion for ensuring that every child has access to the communication support they need to thrive. Each success story reinforces her belief that communication is indeed a fundamental right that should be available to all children regardless of their circumstances.
Raising three young boys while maintaining her career as a speech-language pathologist has taught Jinan Erchid valuable lessons about balance, resilience and time management. The dual responsibilities have created both challenges and unexpected synergies that enhance her effectiveness in both roles.
She takes pride in accomplishments across both professional and personal spheres, recognizing that success in one area often supports success in the other. The patience and communication skills required for effective parenting translate directly to therapeutic relationships, while the empathy and problem-solving abilities developed through clinical work benefit her family interactions.
Professionally, her greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing patient breakthroughs, whether helping a child express their needs for the first time or supporting an adult regaining communication abilities after a stroke. These moments remind her why she chose this profession and fuel her continued dedication.
"Knowing that I played a role in helping someone find their voice and confidence is incredibly fulfilling," she says.
On the personal front, raising three boys has taught her patience, adaptability and unconditional love on an entirely new level. Watching them grow into compassionate, curious individuals reinforces why perseverance and empathy matter in both work and life.
She has learned to be flexible with expectations while maintaining high standards for both professional performance and family engagement. This flexibility has become a strength that benefits both her patients and her children.
She maintains this balance through deliberate strategies including setting clear boundaries between work and home life, practicing mindfulness and self-reflection and relying on a strong support network of colleagues, friends and family. These boundaries protect both her professional effectiveness and her family relationships.
For Erchid, success extends far beyond professional titles or clinical metrics. She defines success through the quality of relationships she nurtures and the positive impact she creates in the lives around her.
As a mother, success means being present, patient and supportive; creating a loving environment where her children feel safe to express themselves, make mistakes and grow into compassionate, confident individuals.
As a speech pathologist, success is measured not just by clinical outcomes, but by the trust and empowerment she builds with her patients. Each breakthrough moment, no matter how small, represents meaningful progress toward helping someone reclaim their voice.
Beyond her clinical work, she actively supports Mercy Without Limits, an organization focused on orphans and vulnerable communities. Their mission to provide immediate relief and long-term support through education, healthcare and empowerment programs aligns with her values of compassion and sustainability.
Through her culturally aware approach and commitment to her patients, Jinan Erchid exemplifies how healthcare professionals can create lasting positive change in their communities and beyond. Her work bridges not only communication gaps but also cultural divides, creating pathways for understanding and connection that extend far beyond individual therapeutic relationships.
