Values Ambassador Spotlight: Taylor Lipford

Value: Service     |     Nominated by: Dr. Holli Matzen

When Taylor Lipford joined Heartspring just over a year ago, she brought a passion for communication, a background in special education, and an eagerness to learn. But as she’s grown into her role as a speech language pathologist, she has become known for something else as well: her willingness to jump in wherever she’s needed.

Taylor regularly volunteers to help others and looks for ways to reduce stress on her teammates. Her support helps the Speech and Language Department function more efficiently and allows staff to focus their energy on helping students grow.

Since joining the team, Taylor has helped blend the latest speech and communication education and techniques with the expertise and experience of her teammates, creating new opportunities for students to succeed.

If something doesn’t work, then you just go back to the drawing board and try again.

– Taylor Lipford

When a student’s communication system was no longer meeting his needs, Taylor was hesitant to move him away from his device, but conversations with her team helped her consider a different approach. Together, they decided to transition him to a no-tech communication book and pair that support with motivating activities and favorite items.

The change required patience, creativity, and trust in the process, but it paid off, and the student’s language has taken off exponentially.

The student began using language more intentionally, his verbal communication improved, he started using words and phrases more effectively, and he learned to independently navigate his communication book to request preferred items. What initially felt like a difficult decision became one of her most meaningful success stories.

That willingness to experiment, adapt, and learn is central to both Taylor’s work and the value of Service. Supporting students with complex communication needs often requires trying multiple approaches, seeking input from others, and remaining flexible when circumstances change. Taylor embraces that challenge by listening to different perspectives, meeting students where they are, and remaining focused on what will best support their growth.

Whenever she notices a need within the department, she takes initiative and helps before anyone has to ask.

– Dr. Holli Matzen

That collaborative mindset is rooted in Taylor’s own experiences before becoming an SLP. Throughout college, she worked in special education settings as both a paraprofessional and a direct support professional. Those experiences gave her a broader understanding of the many moving pieces involved in supporting students successfully.

“I really like getting into the environments, getting to know the staff, and getting to know the students,” Taylor said. Rather than viewing communication goals in isolation, she works closely with teachers, residential staff, and therapists to understand the full picture and identify strategies that fit into students’ daily lives.

Ultimately, Taylor’s impact extends beyond the students on her caseload. Her willingness to support coworkers, share ideas, and step into unfamiliar situations strengthens the entire team. Taylor’s story is a reminder that exemplary service is built on consistency and curiosity.

At Heartspring, we value excellence, celebration, leadership, service, possibility, and integrity.

Our Values Ambassadors put Heartspring’s mission into action — going above and beyond to empower children to realize their full potential, support families, and help young people build skills for life beyond our campus.