# Authenticity Isn’t Unprofessional: Building Community as a Clinician & Advocate

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/rooted-in-connection-where-relationship-moves-us-forward-7616071/authenticity-isn-t-unprofessional-building-community-as-a-clinician-advocate
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/rooted-in-connection-where-relationship-moves-us-forward-7616071/authenticity-isn-t-unprofessional-building-community-as-a-clinician-advocate.md
Podcast: [Rooted in Connection: Where Relationship Moves us Forward](https://stenobird.com/podcast/rooted-in-connection-where-relationship-moves-us-forward-7616071)
Published: 2026-03-24T16:40:30+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rooted-in-connection/episodes/Authenticity-Isnt-Unprofessional-Building-Community-as-a-Clinician--Advocate-e3gtmem
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/10bc869f8/podcast/play/117413782/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-2-24%2F420681079-44100-2-f2366cfcce709.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/rooted-in-connection-where-relationship-moves-us-forward-7616071/episodes/authenticity-isn-t-unprofessional-building-community-as-a-clinician-advocate
Duration seconds: 4290

## Resource

In this episode of Rooted in Connection , Erin Forward sits down with her friend and colleague, speech-language pathologist and advocate Colleen Ashford for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to show up as both a clinician and a human. Together, they explore the tension between professionalism and authenticity, and how social media, storytelling, and lived experience can become powerful tools for connection, advocacy, and change, and truly what it means to be a neighbor. This conversation dives into the complexity of holding boundaries while still being relational, the role of intersectionality in clinical practice, and the courage it takes to challenge systems that were never designed with everyone in mind. Erin and Colleen also speak candidly about navigating IEP systems, building a private practice, and learning to trust your voice, even before you feel fully “ready.” At its core, this episode is a reminder: you don’t have to be perfect to be impactful. Growth, humility, and connection are the work. In this episode, we explore: How social media can foster safe spaces and meaningful community The balance between authenticity, vulnerability, and professional boundaries Why storytelling deepens trust with clients and families The impact of intersectionality on clinical decision-making and advocacy Challenging traditional ideas of “professionalism” in healthcare spaces Navigating systemic barriers within IEP and therapy systems Starting a private practice with intention (and embracing mistakes along the way) Building your clinical identity through lived experience, reflection, and growth The importance of joy, regulation, and celebrating small moments Colleen's Bio: Colleen Ashford is a bilingual speech-language pathologist and non-attorney special-…

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