Kathleen Tallent
BA, Spellers Method Provider
Kathleen has over 20 years of experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum. She began her career with these amazing kids and families as an ABA therapist while getting her degree in psychology. Kathleen continued to work with families as a therapist in private homes and schools until she had her own children. Over the next 18 years, she then shifted her attention to supporting just one family and their child, learning all she could about the holistic approach to autism.
Kathleen: “From ABA to biomedical interventions, I’ve learned so much over the past 20 years and have grown in my understanding of this amazing group of individuals.” Kathleen discovered Spellers Method a few years ago while working with this family and she became the primary CP for their son. She continues to work with him, but now, she also gets to coach others in their Spelling journey at Spellers Center Atlanta. She is passionate about looking at ‘the whole person’ and giving every individual a voice in their journey. In the near future, Kathleen is excited to plan and facilitate social groups at Spellers Center Atlanta with goals to foster long a term community for local spellers.
What do you love most about your work at Spellers Center?
“I love that I get to spell with spellers ranging from age 7-25. Whether we are working through intentional motor skills or spelling on the letterboards, it’s always a gift to be a part of their journey. I really enjoy working with parents and care givers as well, giving them the tools and support needed to spell with their spellers”.
What is something that you wish everyone understood about your job?
“Presuming competence is the most important thing I do and the easiest! I wish more people knew how impactful it can be in the lives of nonspeaking and unreliable speaking people. Giving non speakers and unreliable speakers a voice is the most rewarding thing I can think of. I am so thankful for the chance to be a part of the journey for these families.”
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
“I love to be outside with my family! We rock climb, paddle board, hike, and bring our dog Daisy for it all!” Also, “Community is everything…I love my church, friends and climbing community!” Kathleen loves to read, preferably outside, in a hammock (if the weather is nice).