Shelli Badger, Someone You Should Know! - By David

I have been fortunate enough to work closely with an exceptional Speech and Language provider in our school district, #129. I have been able to call her a co-worker and also a friend. Shelli Badger has a way of bringing joy and passion into her work with the students she services and not only that, but goes above and beyond to connect with the parents and caregivers of those children as well. I know that she has been a tremendous asset to the School Districts’ Early Childhood Program over the years and has been with the district for over 20 years. Her dedication to her work shows in the positive attitude she brings in her relationships with staff but also individual relationships with students and families that she has and continues to build throughout her professional career. I am lucky to know her and to have worked with her. She is truly an amazing early childhood provider and person.

I hope that more special education service providers like Shelli Badger continue to enter the field. She brings something to her work with her students that others are not able to imitate, a relatability and focus on relationship that allows for true progress to be made on behalf of the child. We need more speech pathologists and other providers of color to work not only with students, but also families in understanding the importance of receiving services that are recommended at an early age. Shelli always maintains this at the forefront of her day-to-day work and strives to make sure parents understand that as well. I hope that we see this continued focus on diversity within the service providers that are essential to a child's overall success.