MIGUEL GARCIA-SALAS
About Me.
My name is Miguel. I am a doctoral candidate working in Dr. Carla Wood's Language and Literacy Lab at Florida State University and am a FIREFLIES fellow through the Florida Center for Reading Research. When I am not in the office, you can catch me chasing after my boys or watching whatever big game is on TV that evening (most likely both). My wife and I love to travel, play sports and board games, and sit around and stare at our boys.
However, if you really want to know me, you must first learn about my sister. My sister was the reason I was initially interested in speech-language pathology, and she continues to motivate me as I pursue a career as a researcher. Born with hydrocephalus and severe spina bifida, she has endured many tough days but embraces all challenges with limitless courage and unending love. Throughout her education, amazing speech-language pathologists helped her become the skillful communicator she is today.
I found my passion for working with families during my time as an SLPA. The skills I targeted in the classroom and clinic were often not generalizing to use outside of the therapy room. Generalization improved as I learned to include parents and educators in my intervention plans. Providing parents and educators with the necessary knowledge, tools, and structure to promote their children's language and literacy skills had huge effects for both the children and the parents.
However, all families and educators have different needs, contexts, and strengths. My work aims to collaborate and partner with educators and families to promote their children's language and early literacy skills through the use of culturally appropriate, accessible, and effective interventions and resources. Whether you want to chat about research or about last night's game, please do not hesitate to email me or connect on social media!
Education
2013-2018
Bachelor of Science
Communication Science and Disorders
California Baptist University
2019-2021
Master of Science
Speech-Language Pathology
Texas Christian University
2021-Present
Doctor of Philosophy
Communication Science and Disorders
Florida State University
My Teaching Philosophy
I believe that all students have unique strengths and perspectives that can contribute to a classroom environment that allows them to build content knowledge while developing academically, emotionally, and socially. My role is to serve as a guide and facilitate a desire for life-long learning and cultural humility through the use of cooperative learning, thoughtful discussions, and mentorship. I aim to learn alongside students every day with a positive attitude, an open mind, and a commitment to helping every student reach their full potential. My classes provide choices so that students’ curiosity can drive their learning, flexibility to learn in ways that match their strengths, opportunities to practice skills in a safe environment, and experiences to develop problem-solving skills while cultivating client-focused perspectives.