Meet Mary Grace Gunnels. She’s a second-generation Knight and speech language pathologist (SLP). As she prepares to walk the commencement stage, she gives all credit to her mom, Krista Gunnels ’06, who is also a graduate of the UCF School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. From sitting in her mom’s office as a kid, to now “talking shop” at the end of each day, she and her mom share a special bond unlike any other. “She has supported me through my entire journey. It has added a new layer to our relationship,” she says. The coolest thing about being an SLP, Mary Grace says, is that there are so many ways and populations you can positively impact. After graduation, she plans on moving to St. Petersburg to work as an SLP at a local elementary school.
Hometown: Longwood, FL
Degree: Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
What will you be doing after graduation?
After graduation, I will be moving to St. Petersburg and working in an elementary school nearby as one of their SLPs. The school I will be located at has specialized programs for medically complex children and children with autism. I cannot wait to be a part of this!
What are your long-term career plans?
After my time in the schools, I would love to transition to a medically based pediatric facility such as a hospital outpatient rehabilitation program or Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC). My mom has worked in a PPEC for as long as I can remember, so I grew up surrounded by medically complex children. I am looking forward to working with this population again.
What accomplishment from your time at UCF are you most proud of?
I think my greatest accomplishment from my time at UCF would be gaining a sense of confidence in my abilities. I came into my graduate career feeling excited but unsure of myself. I am so thankful to all of the fantastic mentors in my program, whether they be supervisors or professors, that provided me first with the technical skills to be a successful clinician but then the confidence I needed to excel.
What did you love the most about your time at UCF?
While I have loved many things about my time at UCF, what I love most is the friends I have made. I absolutely would not have had such a fulfilling learning experience without the
help of my classmates. It is an indescribable feeling to know I am going into my professional career with so many wonderful individuals by my side. The community we have built is incredibly supportive!
What was your favorite class, professor, or experience at CHPS, and why?
My favorite experiences at CHPS all center around partnering with organizations in the community. I was fortunate enough to participate in a Mighty Knights outing to the Orlando Aquarium which was not only a blast, but very rewarding. I also attended an outing with the Aphasia House at a local farm. In both scenarios, it was clear that the patients and their families were happy to leave their concerns behind for an hour or so and just enjoy each other’s company and their surroundings.
