October 18, 2022
This week’s Up-and-Comer is Vanessa Anderson-Smith, a speech-language pathologist and CEO of the Anderson-Smith Therapy Institute.
Name: Vanessa Anderson-Smith
Age: 36
Hometown Canton
What brought you to Sioux Falls?
I did my undergraduate education at Augustana University. I liked the idea of a small college in a big city. Sioux Falls always has a lot to offer from entertainment, restaurants, and there is always something to be involved in!
What keeps you in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls offers a small town feel but with big city amenities. There’s always a new restaurant or brewery to visit, and it seems like there’s a new concert announcement happening every week. From family/family needs to our growing business needs, everyone is so well connected that it’s easy to find who or what you need.
What made you decide to start a business, and what was your experience with it?
I always say, “That was never the plan!” My personal experience was so spontaneous and snowballed beyond anything I could have ever imagined. In the year In 2013 I was working for a national contracting company in a local skilled nursing facility and I am very happy with my job. However, the industry and company I worked for began to change rapidly, so I made a split second decision to leave my “full-time” job with benefits and go to work with the people I’ve always loved: Birth to 5 .
My goal in becoming a speech-language pathologist was simple: help babies learn to eat and speak. So that’s what I decided to do. In the year In 2013, I started working part-time in a school district and saw children privately and part-time in the state’s early intervention program. Before I knew it, word got around about my work and the rest is history. The practice I stumbled upon from my office turned into a bustling private practice with two locations and 20 employees. Demand has grown exponentially, not fallen.
I believe it is my personal responsibility to ensure that no child in need of services is lost. To meet local needs, we began offering occupational therapy services and reading/dyslexia education as well as speech and feeding therapy. We offer in-person and teletherapy services, with families driving up to six hours one way for one of our special services.
How did you connect with your industry?
My industry is very small, even nationally. As a millennial, I found Facebook groups for private practice owners and speech-language pathologists, and I felt like I had found my tribe! My activity on social media caught the eye of the skilled company TalkTools, and they recognized my passion for speech and food therapy. I am now a TalkTools instructor and have created webinars and courses that I teach to other SLPs around the world. I have presented at various dental associations, state conventions and associations, and other continuing education forums.
Describe your business in three words.
relationships. Loyalty. Professional.
What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
I’m an identical twin! My sister is used to being approached by families in the grocery store who say it’s me, and I’m used to people thinking I’m a banker from Canton. Fear not, the days of playing pranks on our co-workers, friends and even husbands are behind us!
What is your favorite way to give back to your community?
ASTI is a proud sponsor of various local organizations such as the New Directions Down Syndrome Association and the Huntington’s Disease Association of America. I serve on the board of the South Dakota Speech Language and Hearing Association, providing support for SLPs and audiologists. We love to foster continued growth in our industry by hosting local college and graduate students for internships and internships.
What is one business you would like to see in Sioux Falls that is not currently available?
Trader Joe’s, of course!
If you had $1 million to start another business, what kind of business would it be?
I joke that if I ever get bored and stop growing my practice, I will start an independent 3D/4D ultrasound clinic. I know soon-to-be moms and families love to see a closer look at their baby. I have a 4 year old and a 4 month old and would love some more ultrasounds to see my babies. Pregnancy can feel long and boring at times, but there was nothing more exciting than seeing our baby during those appointments!
