Meet Darla Greene | Speech-Language Pathologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darla Greene and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darla, how does your business help the community or the world
CoHearts Speech Therapy & Communication Services, PLLC, was birthed out of the need that I recognized—-to bridge the community with vital expertise that those in the medical and academic field took for granted. Those with cognitive challenges make up 6.5 million people in the U.S.. In saying this, there has to be bridge builders, those who gladly educate the general population, concerning howto deal with individuals that present with intellectual disabilities and communication challenges. When there is a lack of information, people unknowingly make decisions out of fear that further debilitate the livelihood and opportunities for those with disabilities. As a career Speech-Language Pathologist, I fashioned CoHearts to be the hub of communication needs. We partner with other caregivers and public servants within the community to extend continuity of care. How can we make knowledge accessible to those with disabilities, those who love them and those who serve them so that there is a seamless meeting of the minds? Further, how can we reach out to medical, educational and community-based institutions to assist with professional development, caregiver coaching and education of youth who strive to understand their communication needs? Simple…CoHearts. In addition to providing traditional therapy, CoHearts continues to forge the way in becoming the answer to all of the above! We all deserve an education that improves our individual quality of life and the people’s lives around us.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
There is a CoHearts difference when comparing us to other speech therapy service practices. CoHearts is a community serving practice. We have a mission to: 1. Help individuals who have communication disorders or delays. 2. Coach community helpers (law enforcement, church staff, etc,), caregivers and family members in order to break down communication barriers between those who struggle to communicate and those who struggle to understand them. 3.Dismantle the belief that those who don’t grasp the dynamics of communication and social skills are “bad” and not deserving of empathy or a full quality of life. 4. Become a hub of community resources that teach the art of communication skills. Not understanding communication can harm you; however, having communication savvy can move you to the top of the list when it comes to entry into colleges or interviewing for jobs within the workforce. I am most proud of the fact that the name CoHearts is now a common name on social media. I have had several people reach out interested in traditional speech services or to ask for assistance with understanding their child’s needs. The CoHearts Facebook page is there to provide up-to- date legislation information, articles and tips that will benefit everyone within our community on special needs. I strive to engage in hard conversations about the afflictions presented to those in the disability community, as well as provide community service for organizations such as the police department, when our expertise is needed. Accessibility is key when it comes to legitimacy within the community and CoHearts is 10 toes down!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’re so many things to do and places to go in DFW! Unfortunately, I don’t know as many as I should, lol! In order to find dynamic options for dining and ‘getting out on the town’, I would have to tap my friends through social media. One thought, if money was no object, I would definitely say go and visit the Reunion Tower and dine in the restaurant atop called Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck. Unfortunately, it’s temporarily closed due to COVID-19. When business is restored, go! It’s literally a 360 view of the city with floor to ceiling windows to peer from. The dining room gently revolves so that sitting in one place while 50 floors up, you’ll see all that is Dallas. The best time to go? Sunset or late evening. It’s a great conversation starter. It gives you a humbling perspective of how small you are in the ever-evolving world around us. You should take time to be present in your life and enjoy the view.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a cohort, Erica Short, a fellow Speech-Language Pathologist, who helped me brave many advocacy endeavors. Although some of the audiences presented a bit of a challenge, we were able to cross the metroplex providing information on disability awareness to law enforcement departments. There is something to be said about a person who is willing to stand with you and be willing to “Go Where The Wild Things Are.” When I say “Wild Things” I mean the unexpected challenges in unfamiliar places. Erica has always been a friend to remind me of my purpose, even when the path looked uncertain. The road to success has many obstacles and disappointing detours, but she has always been a friend that sticks closer than a brother (sister).

Website: Www.CoHeartsServices.com
Instagram: Darlabdcb
Linkedin: Darla Greene
Twitter: @dlpatrick
Facebook: Darla Greene
Youtube: Darla Greene
Other: Google: CoHearts Speech Therapy & Communication Services, PLLC