Her husband, James, accepted the position as the director of Institutional Research at ENMU which led her to look for a job in this area. While learning about ENMU she discovered they had a communicative disorders program with an open position.
“I’ve been interested in teaching at the college/university level and thought this was a perfect time to try my luck,” said Mrs. Atkinson. She is enjoying ENMU and loves teaching here.
She first became familiar with speech language pathology through her daughter, Charley. Her daughter had multiple ear surgeries and illnesses when she was young and utilized the services of a speech language pathologist.
“I learned firsthand what an impact SLPs make on not just the lives of their patients, but the lives of their families as well,” said Mrs. Atkinson.
She hopes to be able to shape her students into good clinicians that she would want to send her own grandchildren to. “I was a non-traditional student, starting my college career as a single mother of two teenage daughters. I believe in the power of higher education. Everyone has a story to tell and I enjoy being a part of helping their dreams come true,” explained Mrs. Atkinson.
Her husband has always believed in her and her abilities to succeed while being a mother to two teenagers, juggling their busy schedules of sports, visitations, friends, their homework needs, all while working part-time and going to school full-time.
“There were days I wanted to give up and he encouraged me, always keeping me focused on the end results. I’m grateful,” she said.
Mrs. Atkinson overcome breast cancer. “While it wasn’t always easy explaining my bald head and weakness to my three- and four-year-old patients, the love and respect shown to me by my co-workers and patient families was immeasurable in my fight,” she explained.
She rides a tandem bicycle with her husband. “I suspect my daughters fear we will become partners in crime and sneak away from the nursing home someday in search of some pedals and wheels,” said Mrs. Atkinson.
She also has been sewing since she was a little girl. “My dad got me my first machine when I was nine. I used to have my own custom sewing business and, now, I get to really enjoy my talent just for fun. This past summer, James bought me an embroidery machine and I am having a blast making things for our granddaughters,” said Mrs. Atkinson.
She also enjoys spending time with their three dogs, scrapbooking, riding a motorcycle and reading.
She grew up in Mountain View, Missouri. “It’s a little town in south-central Missouri where everyone knew everyone. Both sets of grandparents and most of my aunts and uncles lived there, so I couldn’t get away with any mischief,” explained Dr. Atkinson.
