The Journey from Pre-Med to Speech-Language Pathology: Aspen Jester’s Story
Aspen Jester’s academic journey began with aspirations in the healthcare field, initially pursuing a pre-med track and later considering a career as a physician assistant. However, her path took a decisive turn during her junior year when she discovered a field that resonated deeply with her personal experiences—speech-language pathology.
“I always knew I wanted a career that involved helping people, with a strong foundation in neurology and opportunities for hands-on work in a medical setting,” explained Jester. “That combination is what ultimately led me to speech-language pathology, as it offers such a wide scope of practice with countless specialties to explore and grow within.”
Jester, who is about to graduate with a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, brings to the field a wealth of personal experience as someone who stutters and has undergone speech therapy herself. This background fuels her passion to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
“That gave me a unique perspective and a strong desire to contribute to the field in a meaningful way and help others feel heard, supported and confident in their communication,” she shared. “Speech-language pathology continues to be incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to support individuals in their speech, language, feeding and swallowing journeys.”
NAU and Beyond: A Fulfilling Career Path
Jester’s academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, where she studied behavioral neuroscience alongside speech-language-hearing sciences and disorders. As she evaluated graduate programs, Northern Arizona University (NAU) caught her eye. Initially applying on a whim, her interest in the program grew stronger as she learned more about it.
Through the application process, she formed a lasting bond with another applicant who became her friend, classmate, and eventually her roommate. During her time at NAU, Jester has formed meaningful relationships with clients, peers, and faculty, finding great fulfillment in witnessing her clients’ progress.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Jester founded a National Stuttering Association chapter in Flagstaff, providing a supportive community for adults and teens who stutter, as well as their families, friends, and speech-language pathologists. These monthly meetings offer a platform for sharing experiences and fostering confidence.
“A lot of it is just creating space for people to share their experiences in communication challenges and connect with others who understand,” she noted. “I’ve seen participants gain confidence, feel less isolated, and become more open in their communication. Personally, it’s been incredibly impactful, deepening my understanding of stuttering beyond the clinical perspective and reminding me how important community and validation are in this field.”
Post-graduation, Jester will embark on an externship at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver, focusing on acute care. She aims to specialize in pediatric care and expand her expertise in areas such as traumatic brain injuries, feeding/swallowing, and complex medical needs, while maintaining her connection to stuttering and fluency work.
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