Community Highlights: Meet Jaymie Huffman of The Thrive Hive

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaymie Huffman.

Hi Jaymie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I wanted to work as a Speech-Language Pathologist in schools for thirty years and then retire. Boy, did life have other plans for me! I gave birth to my son on the first day of school, my second year working. The following year, I signed a contract knowing that I was pregnant again but not knowing that I was carrying twins. Having three kids in diapers and needing daycare, I had to be creative. I cut back to part-time, piecing together childcare between my mom, a high schooler on an early release schedule, a neighbor, and even my grandma pitched in. It was chaotic, but we made it work. I have fond memories and gratitude for my village during that time.

I wanted to add some hours as my children entered school, but I loved my part-time job. I decided to do a contract for a small charter school. Later, two contractors argued about who got to use my services. One bowed out and called me to ask if I would make my own company so she could escape this awkward situation. So that’s how I became a business owner, luckily, almost by accident. I’ve grown this business for ten years, adding more schools, Speech-Language Pathologists, and some Occupational and Physical Therapists. In my last pay period, I had ten subcontractors. I never thought I’d be comfortable being someone’s boss, but it seems like a natural extension of caring for my students. I can support them in supporting students so our ripple becomes wider.

In May 2022, I started working with my first private client. She’s an adult with autism. Being in her home three days a week opened my eyes to gaps between school services and functional everyday life. I love being a school-based speech-language pathologist; we do amazing work in the schools. I’m proud of my team every day. I just yearned for more. More time to support the whole family. More time for self-care strategies, More time out in the community. More communication environments. More varied communication partners. So I just made it happen!

I was looking for a small office and reception space to do my work. I ended up finding a space with five rooms. That night I dreamt of the things we could do there. We have an adult treatment room, a pediatric treatment room, and a larger room that will be used for yoga and parent meetings. We’ll make one room into a mock apartment to practice vocational and independent living skills.

I’m ready for clients in speech-language pathology. I have contracts with occupational therapy ready to go. We’re running a pilot program for the job skills program this summer. We’ll have yoga and meditation classes for anyone to attend. My coworker, Chrissy, is an Autism mom herself. We’re really pumped about making a community for parents whose children have extra needs. We believe that all humans are both teachers and learners. We can all learn from each other and share the lessons that we have learned.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ha! Life is always bumpy. Difficult meetings, tricky emotions, differences of options- I breathe and problem-solve. I strive to approach everything and everyone with curiosity instead of judgment. There have been a few situations where I just had to bow out. I won’t treat individuals as “one size fits all,” as this is the opposite of what needs to be done. I discontinued contracts when I felt unethical things were happening. As far as The Thrive Hive specifically? The universe has my back on this one. Doors are opening; the right people have been in my path. We are going to serve our community well. Will it always be easy? Of course not. This work is important and worth it.

We’ve been impressed with The Thrive Hive, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
I want to treat humans and their families, not just focus on disabilities. Being neurodiversity-affirming is important to us. I want to build my clients’ strengths and confidence. I want them to be completely themselves when they are with us. Our family support is going to be woven in along the way. Our social, job training and independent living skills offerings will be designed by and hands-on led by licensed professionals. Our passion, heart, and enthusiasm make our team so special.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have so many to choose from. I always have this reel of mantras going through my mind. Here are a few:

• I believe that individuals on the autism spectrum are some of the most beautiful humans in the world. They rarely lie or judge. The rest of the world could learn a lot from them. There has been so much focus on getting people with disabilities to fit into places not designed for them. I’m grateful to be alive when we learn to create a more inclusive world instead of asking people to be what they are not.
• Jobs for young people are like dating before you get married. It’s as much about learning what you don’t like as it is about learning what you like. Every ‘no’ gets you closer to the ‘yes,’ life is short, and we all deserve a career that fulfills us.
• Pausing, breathing, and responding instead of reacting are life-changing skills. I want to teach these strategies to clients, parents, and anyone willing to learn.
• This, too, shall pass. I grew up thinking that my grandmother coined these wise words. They weren’t hers originally, but every single phase of life does end. Treasure the good while we have it and know that our problems will eventually disappear.
• Just keep going! I have a tattoo on my foot that says “Continue.” This reminds me daily to put one foot in front of the other and move forward no matter how brave I must be for the step.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thrivehivetherapies.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivehivetherapies/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091352096356#158627317192337

Image Credits
Jami Miller Photography