Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Silveira.
Hi Rachael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist working in acute care at a Level 1 Trauma and Transplant Hospital. While many people associate speech therapy with articulation or pediatrics, my work takes place almost entirely in intensive care units and hospital settings—often with patients who are critically ill.
I specialize in swallowing disorders, communication, and tracheostomy care for medically complex patients. Early in my career, I was drawn to the moments where breathing, swallowing, and communication intersect—because when any one of those systems fails, a person’s independence and safety are immediately affected. What began as clinical curiosity quickly became a passion for advocacy and systems-level change.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced has been advocating for the role of Speech-Language Pathologists in spaces where our expertise is often misunderstood or underutilized. In fast-paced medical environments, it can be difficult to slow down, collaborate, and implement evidence-based practices when long-standing habits already exist.
Building multidisciplinary trust took persistence, data, and consistency. There were moments of burnout, self-doubt, and the pressure of balancing clinical excellence with leadership responsibilities. More recently, navigating professional growth alongside new motherhood required redefining boundaries, prioritizing sustainability, and learning that ambition and presence can coexist.
I am proud of all the works has been done for advocating for our field and our role however there is much more to be done
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work centers on acute care communication and dysphagia (swallowing-return to eating oral diets) management for tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent patients, as well as various diagnosis including neurogenic disorders, head and neck cancer and cardiac conditions. Beyond direct patient care, I had led and continue and develop multidisciplinary tracheostomy teams, create education initiatives for staff and caregivers, and contribute to research focused on improving outcomes and reducing hospital length of stay.
I am particularly passionate about early SLP involvement in tracheostomy care empowering patients to communicate, safely return to oral intake when appropriate, and regain autonomy during some of the most critical moments of their lives.
What sets me apart is my systems-level approach to patient care. I don’t just ask, “What does this patient need today?”—I ask, “How can we improve this process so every patient benefits?”
I bridge clinical practice, education, and leadership. Whether I’m developing standardized training programs, mentoring students and clinicians, or presenting at national and international conferences, my goal is to elevate the role of SLPs while keeping patient dignity at the center of every initiative. I believe meaningful change happens when evidence meets collaboration and when clinicians are empowered to lead.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I found mentorship not through a single individual, but through a network of colleagues, interdisciplinary leaders, and professional communities that valued curiosity and growth. I sought guidance by asking questions, volunteering for opportunities, and learning from both supportive mentors and challenging experiences.
Over time, mentorship evolved into mutual collaboration. Today, I am deeply committed to mentoring others: particularly clinicians entering acute care and because I believe shared knowledge and encouragement are essential for advancing our field.
Pricing:
- I provide 1:1 SLP tracheostomy education consultation as well as Tracheostomy Team building consultations. Pricing varies
Contact Info:
- Instagram: rachythespeechie
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-silveira-ma-ccc-slp-bcs-s-1a4920157
- Other: https://rachythespeechie.etsy.com/
Image Credits
Gaby Orta Photography
