Maya Klatsky, a graduate student in speech-language pathology at Stony Brook Southampton, is preparing to enter her final year with a focus on helping people improve their communication abilities. Klatsky said her motivation for entering the field was rooted in a desire to help others express themselves and reduce feelings of isolation caused by communication challenges.
“I have always been drawn to helping people express themselves,” Klatsky said. “Communication is such an essential part of who we are, and when someone is unable to communicate effectively, it can be incredibly isolating. Being able to help in that process feels like meaningful work.”
Klatsky’s interest in speech-language pathology began during her undergraduate studies at the University of Vermont. She found the field combined her interests in science and working with people, and she appreciated its broad scope, which includes working with both children and adults facing various communication difficulties.
“It really clicked for me when I realized how many different populations speech pathologists can work with,” she said. “From children with developmental delays to adults recovering from strokes, the scope of the field is huge.”
Her early experiences included shadowing professionals in both pediatric and adult therapy settings. This exposure showed her how therapy could positively affect individuals’ confidence and ability to connect socially.
When choosing a graduate program, Klatsky sought strong academics, clinical training, and a close-knit community. She found these qualities at Stony Brook Southampton.
“I liked the idea of a smaller campus and cohort size,” she explained. “It means more one-on-one time with faculty and supervisors, and it creates a supportive, tight-knit environment. Everyone really gets to know each other, which is so valuable in a program that’s as intensive as this one.”
She also noted the benefits of studying on a campus near natural surroundings while having access to resources from Stony Brook University’s main campus. The proximity of classrooms, labs, and faculty offices helped foster collaboration among students.
“You might have a class in the morning, then walk across the hall to a clinical lab or supervision meeting,” she said. “It’s an environment where learning and practice are very integrated.”
Klatsky gained practical experience from her first year by working directly with clients under supervision. She learned diagnostic evaluations, assessment administration, treatment planning, and progress tracking.
“The hands-on experience has been invaluable,” she said. “You can read about techniques in a textbook, but it is completely different when you are in a room with a client and adapting in the moment.”
Externships taught her that flexibility is key since every client has unique needs.
“Every client is different,” she said. “You have to figure out what motivates them, what their goals are, and how to make therapy engaging. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.”
This summer Klatsky volunteered at Camp Dream.Speak.Live., hosted at Stony Brook Southampton for children who stutter—a program run by faculty and students from her department—where campers were encouraged to accept their stuttering.
“It was amazing to see how the kids supported each other,” Klatsky said. “Some of them had never met another person who stuttered before. To be in an environment where they could just be themselves and not worry about being judged was really powerful.”
She described activities where campers shared personal stories about being teased or misunderstood because of their stutter.
“It was emotional, but it also created such a strong sense of connection,” she said. “It reinforced for me how important it is to address not only the mechanics of speech but also the emotional side of communication disorders.”
The collaborative atmosphere on campus contributed further to her education.
“We really support each other,” she said. “If someone finds a great resource or has a new therapy idea, they share it with the group. We have a group chat and are constantly in contact. It feels like we are all in this together.”
Faculty involvement played an important role as well.
“They know you by name, they know your strengths, and they push you to grow,” she said.
Looking ahead professionally, Klatsky remains open-minded about career options within medical settings or schools after placements at both types of institutions—including work at Long Island State Veterans Home conducting swallowing evaluations alongside nutrition teams—and plans future work with children this fall.
“I had one wife at the end of my placement, who I had seen daily since my first day, and she said ‘I don’t think you realize how much of an impact you’ve made on him.’ He struggled with coughing during meals, and now they can get through a meal and talk without him being stressed and anxious about coughing,” Klatsky explained. “The fact that I can help give them this time back, and be able to enjoy a meal together like they used to is just an amazing feeling.”
Her advice for prospective students centers on gaining early observation or volunteer experience as well as developing interpersonal skills necessary for patient care.
“The more you can see what the field is really like, the better,” she said. “It’s one thing to read about it but when you see the impact therapy can have it’s incredibly motivating.”
“A big part of our work is listening being patient and finding creative ways to connect with people,” she added.“Those are skills that can be valuable in any part of life.”
Klatsky also values advocacy within speech-language pathology: educating teachers or families about supporting those facing communication disorders beyond direct treatment sessions.
“Sometimes part of the job is educating others,” she explained.“You might be explaining to a teacher how to support a student in the classroom or talking to family about how carry over strategies at home.You’re not just treating client,you’re building whole support network around them.”
For Klatsky,the ultimate goal remains clear:“At end day,it’s about helping someone communicate way lets them fully participate their life.That’s what keeps me motivated.”
