We’re looking forward to introducing you to Susan Berkowitz. Check out our conversation below.
Susan, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Days are so different once you retire! It takes a while to become accustomed to the fact that you are not working, not having to get up early and get ready to go out into the day. Some days I don’t even get out of my pajamas – which is why so many of them a splattered with paint.
I tend to start the day slowly. I still wake up earlier than I’d like many days – thank you insomnia. But after a small breakfast and my cup of decaf, I sit in bed with one of my cats and watch art tutorial videos and read after tackling the email.
Afternoons I try to devote to my art studio. I’ve really enjoyed being able to get into my art. Finally! And it looks totally different to what I had imagined for years. I’ve not been beading much; it’s too hard to see the little holes, my hands shake too much, and I’ve given up trying to thread a needle.
Instead I’ve been making mixed media collages and paintings. I make my own collage papers; using paint, eco-dying, mono printing, natural dying, and more. I still try to keep my hand in with metalsmithing, as well.
I love creating. And learning more and more about creating good art.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For 45 years I was a speech-language pathologist specializing in working with Alternative-Augmentative Communication, particularly with children, teens, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It was an amazing journey as I traveled around Southern California evaluating individuals for alternative speech solutions and consulting with families and school districts for the last 20+ years.
It’s so amazingly rewarding when an individual who could previously only communicate through body language and behavior, single signs or single picture symbols can actually string symbols together and communicate for more than just simple requests for an item. I have always felt a special thrill when someone I’ve worked with can communicate freely. I once had a young man with Cerebral Palsy, who was very bright but very physically impacted, and who was sat in the back of classrooms for years. When he learned how to control a computer-based device, he typed out “Thank you so much. Now I can speak like everyone else.” True goosebump moment.
I retired several years ago, but continue to sell materials I’ve made to other SLPs and special education teachers. Families, too. For so many years there were absolutely no materials designed and sold for non-speaking people. From the beginning of my career, I had to make my own materials. Finally, more and more SLPs are becoming interested in AAC and more is available out there.
I will probably continue selling what I’ve produced for a few years yet, although I’m no longer making new resources.
Instead I’m focusing on my art, and I absolutely love being able to grow this side of me. I’ve joined a few local art groups, and been enjoying meeting with fellow artists. I’ve begun exhibiting my work in local galleries and venues, and have even won some awards
(which really surprised me!). Currently I’m working on developing my skills in abstract painting.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The professional side of me is in the past. The most recent product of my SLP self was the development of a Windows-based software that guides nonspeaking individuals past the single-word utterance stage and into 2-3 word phrases. It’s called Early Language Development for AAC Users (ELD-AAC).
It was a slow and difficult transition to let that part of me go. Having done that for 45 years, I felt a little bit lost without my work life. I kept my hand in for a while with continuing to create resources, but slowly me-time took over.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Don’t be in such a hurry!” When I was younger I was in such a hurry to get through school and get out into life. All through school I was 2-3 years younger than my peers, having skipped grades. That made me the “baby” of the class, which some students never let me forget.
Then I went through college in 2 1/2 years. Basically, I was bored. School was always too easy. Once I graduated and decided to put off grad school, I had a difficult time finding a job. Possible employers thought I was too young. So, well, I gave up and went back to school, and ended up with my MS in speech-language-hearing. I continued taking classes through to another Master’s degree (Education Administration) plus a boat-load of special education classes.
Looking back, I think I should have slowed down and enjoyed more, experienced more.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I’m much more introverted and shy than most people who know me would guess. Once I’m comfortable with people I can be very outgoing, sociable, talkative. But with strangers or less-known others I rarely speak, hang about in the corners or fringes.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What pain do you resist facing directly?
I didn’t have a terribly happy childhood. My parents loved me, but were both distant in different ways. Which made me insecure. Which led me eventually into an abusive marriage. I don’t think about any of that if I can help it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://susanberkowitz.net
- Instagram: @suzeberkowitz_art and https://www.instagram.com/susan.berkowitz.slp/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-berkowitz-785619a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/QuestionItApp (inactive)
- Facebook: susan berkowitz
- Youtube: language learning apps, LLC by susan berkowitz
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Suzeberkowitz?ref=seller-platform-mcnav (art) or https://www.etsy.com/shop/Suzeberkowitzhttps://www.etsy.com/shop/susanberkowitzslp (slp resources)
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Susan-Berkowitz (slp resources)http://kidzlearnlanguage.blogspot.com
https://www.amazon.com/Make-Connection-Practical-Practitioners-Communicate/dp/1945533013/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1543117586&sr=8-2&linkCode=sl1&tag=susanberkowit-20&linkId=6bd511bfe9660f1d7103cb155842d826&language=en_US (my book)
Image Credits
susan berkowitz
sasha berkowitz
kelly@speaking of images
