From Discovery to Impact: Allison Root’s Journey with REACH and Early Intervention

Allison Root’s journey into speech-language pathology was anything but typical. In high school, a career test suggested she become a fish farmer—something she quickly dismissed. Seeking guidance from her counselor, she explored her true interests in working with children, healthcare, and languages, leading her to speech-language pathology, which proved a perfect fit. 

At UMass Amherst, Allison’s graduate experiences further shaped her path. During a clinical placement with REACH staff member Ariella Schwell, she witnessed the close-knit teamwork and compassionate care that define the REACH program. “The team’s support and warmth left a lasting impression on me,” she recalls. “And they embraced me as a colleague.” After trying early intervention elsewhere, Allison knew REACH was where she truly belonged. 

When asked what makes REACH a great place to work, Allison highlights the sense of community. “REACH isn’t just about providing clinical services; it’s about building connections. The relationships between colleagues and with the families we support make it a unique environment. If you want to make a real impact on a family’s life and see how early intervention can transform a child’s development, this is the place to be.” 

Her ability to connect with families is further broadened by Allison’s bilingual skills, developed through years of studying and practicing Spanish, and allow her to deeply engage with Spanish-speaking families in the community. 

Allison’s passion for early intervention and commitment to supporting families shine through in all her work. From quick chats with colleagues to helping families thrive, she finds purpose in every aspect of her role. “It’s the combination of working with these little ones and seeing parents gain confidence in communicating with their child—that’s the magic of REACH.”