Her Story
About Catherine
Catherine Delaney recently graduated from the University of Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in 2024 and a master's degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders in May 2024. She is preparing to start her role as a Clinical Fellow in the Acute Care Unit at a hospital in Florida in August, following extensive clinical placements during her graduate studies. These included work in early intervention, with stroke clients, augmentative and alternative communication devices, the Speak Out program for individuals with Parkinson's disease, an elementary school, and a skilled nursing facility. Catherine holds a TSSLD certificate from Buffalo and is in the process of obtaining her provisional license in speech-language pathology. She attributes her success to her mother and family, who valued education highly, and she emphasizes honesty and empathy in her approach to patient care, meeting individuals where they are to improve their quality of life. Catherine advises aspiring professionals to remember that what is meant for them will not miss them and to give themselves grace during challenges.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Catherine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mom and family. Education is more valued now than in her day, and I felt like I was doing it for my mom and family who didn't have the same opportunities.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is that what is meant for you won't miss you. Whatever you're meant for is going to teach you something and be a good growing experience, especially with applying to jobs and placements.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be so hard on yourself and give yourself grace. Not everything has to be perfect. One bad grade or session doesn't define you; it's a growing lesson to help make you a better clinician and student.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is always learning, not knowing all the answers, getting exposure to everything, and clinical decision-making. There's not always one right answer for treatment. Evaluating the whole patient, considering multidisciplinary teams like PTs, OTs, PAs, and advocating/educating on recommendations can be challenging.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and empathy are most important. In tough conversations, be honest. Meet patients where they are, hold their hand, and go through it together rather than sitting above them to improve their quality of life.
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