Speech Pathologist Jinan Erchid Empowers Children To Find Their Voice
by Arnab Dey Blog Published on: 08 July 2025 Last Updated on: 10 July 2025
What Is a Speech Pathologist? Clinicians who help speech-impaired individuals with the observation-analysis-intervention technique go by the name. Let’s bring up Jinan Erchid, an exceptional speech pathologist. But what makes her different?
Jinan Erchid’s childhood cast a spell on her life at large. She grew up in a trilingual household. In that Arab-American household, she learned the nuances of speaking fluently in Arabic, English, and, most importantly, American Sign Language.
Later, she became inquisitive about how language becomes a medium of communication and how it conveys thoughts and elementary emotions within the context of societal exchanges.
Jinan Discovers More About Speech Impairment
She says, “I always knew communication is an elementary right, not an amenity.” She further disclosed that she became passionate about speech pathology after one of her close family members lost their voice after a stroke.
His frustration, unable to speak, moved Erchid. However, she realized the importance of speech pathology therapy when she saw him respond to it and regain his speech.
Such a personal experience made her empathetic towards people with impaired speech abilities. She now utilizes her innate grasp of language to help people speak more effectively.
Defining Success Through Small But Mighty Breakthroughs
Today, Jinan has expressed herself as a renowned speech pathologist. But what is a Speech Pathologist in real life?
They diagnose speech difficulties and treat underlying issues. However, the process is more extensive than it sounds. However, Jinan achieved many notable feats through her hard work and dedication to speech therapy.
Example #1
When Jinan was in the UG school, she worked with an autistic preschooler. It was one of her earlier projects.
For 1 or 2 months, her sessions focused on using communication patterns to express simple statements, wishes, and demands clearly.
In the early days, she didn’t experiment much with expressing emotions. Though she saw slow success, she was convinced that the child would speak independently one day.
The victory wasn’t far. One day, the child was playing with toy figures. Suddenly, he pinpointed a picture of a cow and immediately pulled out an animal figure, which was indeed a cow.
Jinan recalls that the boy’s face became plump with happiness when he realized he could articulate statements independently now. However, Erchid realized at that moment that speech is not as essential as communication.
Extensive Role Of Speech Pathologists!
What Is a Speech Pathologist? They are trained personnel with the ability to analyze speech issues, diagnose underlying problems, and plan progress.
Like Jinan, others devise new ways to help individuals with speech impairments practice cognitive communication.
However, Jinan’s technique is not limited to clinical parameters. She closely understands a patient before intervention.
One of her fine techniques is closely observing a patient before therapy and treating each case individually.
What Are Jinan’s Driving Forces?
Jinan had a trilingual background. Therefore, she used her intuition to comprehend speech and provide replies. Later, she came to understand the grammar behind each language she spoke.
She uses the same intuitive abilities to help patients regain communicative skills. She unlocks confidence and dignity that have been hidden behind silence.
Serving With Cultural And Linguistic Compassion
Erchid grew up listening to three languages simultaneously. Since she could speak the American Sign Language, she has a clinical understanding of the issues that speech-impaired people face.
Meanwhile, her crystal-clear Arabic skills also enable her to serve cross-cultural individuals effectively.
What is a Speech Pathologist without an empathetic connection to the people they serve? Jinan leads by example, setting standards for speech pathologists.
If she’s not serving people, she helps as a mediator between them and clinicians. In other words, she uses her knowledge of three languages to help people in every way possible.
Example #2
Jinan’s multi-lingual expertise helped her during a trip to Gulf countries in 2015. There, she came across a host of children facing common speech and communication disorders. However, most of them didn’t get any help.
But why? She realized that advanced empathetic speech care was scarce in that part of the world.
Simultaneously, the parents of such children were unaware of the problem. Hence, the intervention was low and almost negligible.
The scene compelled her to change the course of her life. She decided to travel internationally, offering free services to children with speech impairments.
Grounded In Empathy, Guided By Lifelong Learning
Erchid’s practice is rooted in three core values: empathy, respect, and lifelong learning.
“Empathy allows me to truly understand and connect with my patients’ experiences and goals,” she said.
“Respect informs how I honor each patient’s individuality and cultural background. Lifelong learning keeps me current with research so I can provide the best care.”
She explained that speech pathology requires constant adaptation and adjustment. No two patients are ever the same, and each therapy plan must be tailored to meet their individual needs.
This requires patience, creativity, and the ability to read cues that may not be explicitly stated.
Her inspiration comes from leaders who model courage and justice. “Malcolm X’s resilience and advocacy inspire me deeply,” she said.
“He showed that leadership rooted in compassion and integrity can create meaningful change. That is how I want to lead in my field.”
While balancing clinical work with motherhood is challenging, Erchid sees it as her greatest accomplishment. “Raising three boys has taught me patience, adaptability, and unconditional love on a whole new level,” she said.
“Watching them grow into compassionate, curious individuals reminds me daily why perseverance and empathy matter, not just in my work, but in life.”
She believes success is defined not by metrics or titles but by the impact left on others.
“As a mom, success means creating an environment where my children feel safe to express themselves,” she said. “As a clinician, it is about the trust and empowerment I build with patients.”
Building A Legacy Of Voices Restored
Jinan works passionately. However, she doesn’t let emotion overpower the work. Almost everyone knows what is a Speech Pathologist today. However, Jinan’s professional approach differs significantly from the rest.
She is always attentive, observing trends and patterns in her patients’ disabilities. A strong support network also assists her.
But people in her network query- “how do you manage work and home so efficiently?”
Her social efforts have also gained air. She helps “Mercy Without Limits,” an organization focused on child education. She also helps in orphanage education projects.
“Every child deserves safety, dignity, and hope for a better future,” she said. “Supporting them feels like an investment in a kinder, more just world.”
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