Feature Family Member

When Maryam Berenberg began working for THERAPY 2000 four and a half years ago, as a speech pathologist assistant, she didn't realize it would eventually lead her to a master's degree. Thanks to THERAPY 2000's Career Track Assistance program, Maryam expects to reach that long-term goal by December 2008.

THERAPY 2000's Career Track Assistance Program is specifically designed for assistant speech-language pathologists who have the desire to obtain their master's degree. It helps the agency recruit and retain Speech-Language Pathologists, and it helps employees better themselves by getting a professional degree. Employees receive full-time pay and benefits, while only completing 10-patient visits per week. In addition, they attend school full-time, finishing their master's degree in two years.

To be selected, applicants have to be employed either full-time or part-time for one or more years, or PRN for two or more years. They have to be in good standing, with a performance review of at least a 3 or higher. Applicants have to submit an essay and a letter of recommendation from their supervisor. 

In January 2007, Maryam became the first person selected for this program.

"I wanted to enroll in a master's program," Maryam said "but was worried about how I was going to make ends meet. I found out about the opportunity [to use Career Track], and it seemed like the perfect solution."

Maryam chose an online school based in Florida, called Nova Southeastern University.

"The reason I chose an online program is because I'm a single mom," Maryam said.

Not having to drive back and forth to school allows her to raise her six-year-old daughter, Tobi. Maryam said she was amazed that she was selected. "I want to stress how honored I am that they chose me," she said. "I can't imagine another employer doing anything like it."

Though this is a new program, Terry said they will accept two people each year, and applications will open again this October, for 2008.