This week's Staff Spotlight goes to Tamsin Leeth, Speech Language Pathologist!
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I have always felt natural caring for and being around children. I grew up babysitting, working in summer camps and daycares, and helping with Vacation Bible School. When I moved to Birmingham after earning an English degree, I lived with an audiologist, and through her I realized speech pathology interested me. I shadowed SLPs in various settings, and decided to go back to school and change direction.
2. What’s your favorite part of working with students?
My favorite part of working with students is their little personalities and sense of
humor, and, of course, when they light up after learning a new skill. They are always saying funny things and they are so innocent, which makes me smile and brings me joy.
3. If you weren’t in education, what do you think you’d be doing?
If I were not in education, I would work at an art gallery or flower shop to surround myself with beauty!
4. Do you have any professional goals you’re working on this year?
I have learned that in the field of speech pathology, as in any profession, there is always room for growth. I consistently look for opportunities to learn and collaborate with other SLPs and all school staff, because it takes a team.
5. What’s one thing you love most about our school community?
Our school community is full of the most wonderful teachers and professionals. I have developed numerous friendships over the years because of the special people at Meadow View.
6. Is there a particular moment in the school year you look forward to each year?
Every year I look forward to the Parade of Graduates, especially now that my former students are coming through. It is a full-circle moment and a reminder of how precious time is, and why we pour into our students’ lives.
7. Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents?
I love spending time with family, collecting Mississippi mud pottery, art and hearts, going to see plays and musicals, listening to live music, going to the farmers market on Saturday mornings, traveling, reading, going on girls’ trips with college friends, tailgating during football season (Hotty Toddy! War Eagle!), meeting friends at new dinner spots and walking our dog, Ollie Penn! If I had a hidden talent, you would know about it - I’m an open book!
8. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
People may be surprised to know that my husband proposed to me on the front porch of Elvis Presley’s birthplace! Being from Tupelo, Mississippi, that was a must!
9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Paris is high on the list for a travel destination, because everyone should see the Eiffel Tower in their lifetime, right? A cool concert at Red Rocks in Colorado is definitely on my bucket list.
10. What’s a food you can never say no to?
I can never say no to queso, guacamole, or salsa with chips in the spring and summer!