SoundEd Spotlight: Meet Kristi Rhoades

At SoundEd Therapy, we’re proud to work alongside passionate, mission-driven professionals who make a lasting impact on the students and families they serve. This month, we’re honored to spotlight Kristi Rhoades, a dedicated speech-language pathologist who has been with us for over five years — bringing heart, experience, and a deep commitment to connection in every session she leads.

A Calling Sparked by Family

Kristi’s journey into speech-language pathology began over 30 years ago, shaped by personal experiences that left a lasting impression. When her grandmother had a stroke and her younger cousin received fluency therapy, Kristi witnessed firsthand the transformative power of communication support. That early exposure sparked a lifelong dedication to helping others find their voice.

Adapting, Growing, and Thriving in Teletherapy

Kristi was working with a public school district when COVID-19 changed everything. As schools closed, she quickly pivoted to providing therapy online — a challenge that soon became an opportunity. “After learning how to provide therapy during COVID,” Kristi shares, “I felt that teletherapy would be a perfect transition for me.”

And it was. Over the past five years, Kristi has not only adapted to virtual care — she’s thrived in it. “I’ve learned so many ways to enhance my teletherapy sessions through various technologies,” she says. “I strive to provide the best online therapy experiences for my students and their families.”

What Makes Virtual Work So Special

Kristi lights up when talking about working with students online. “I love that I get to know the whole family,” she explains. “I get to collaborate with parents, see students in their home environments, and even meet their siblings. That connection is something truly special.”

It’s not just the students who benefit — teletherapy has also allowed Kristi to design a lifestyle she loves. The flexibility of remote work enables her to travel, explore new cuisines, and spend time with her two beloved dogs, Murphy and Star. She’s an avid reader, a self-proclaimed foodie, and a traveler at heart.

A Moment That Stays With Her

One of Kristi’s most rewarding moments came during an AAC evaluation with a young student. After receiving his communication device, his mother shared a video of him using it to connect with family. “She told me how proud he was,” Kristi recalls, “and how happy she was to see him communicating so effectively. It was such a beautiful moment.”

Advice for New Virtual Therapists

Kristi encourages new virtual therapists to embrace the learning curve. “Give yourself grace,” she says. “Be patient, rely on your team, and never stop learning. Continuing education and shared insights from colleagues make all the difference.”

Passionate About Service — On and Off the Clock

In addition to her clinical work, Kristi serves as a chapter director for a local nonprofit that provides birthday supplies to children in need. Her heart for service shows up everywhere — in her therapy sessions, in her community work, and in every thoughtful interaction she has with students, families, and colleagues.

Why We’re Grateful to Work With Kristi

From her calm, knowledgeable approach to her passion for helping others thrive, Kristi exemplifies everything SoundEd Therapy stands for. We’re lucky to have her on our team — and even luckier that the students and families she supports get to experience her care firsthand.

Thank you, Kristi, for everything you do!