VISTV: Q&A with Kathryn Tarner

1. Where do you call home?

My home is now in Manhasset again where I grew up.

2. What's your job?

My job is working as a speech language pathologist to help facilitate speech, language, voice, fluency and swallowing skills for the birth to 5 population at daycares, a special needs preschool and at home or in the community.

3. What are the three most important things you do to take care of yourself on the job?

I try and do things that I enjoy to decompress such as go for walks, listen to music or cook. Over the years I’ve also tried to remain more in tune to my mental health to make guided decisions about my professional life. It’s also important for me to protect my emotions when working with more complex or involved patients by compartmentalization my responsibilities.

4. What advice do you have for the CEOs on employee safety and well-being?

We are all human at the end of the day. Things come up and we go through tough times. Investing in the health and well being of your employees help retain good talent and reduce high turn over. People need to feel supported and heard to do a good job.

5. Any fun facts about your work or your industry that viewers might be interested to know?

A lot of people don’t realize that speech therapists are qualified to work on feeding and swallowing skills, but it’s one of my favorite aspects of clinical treatment.