Volunteer With First Expressions

Make an Impact. Build Your Experience. Leave an Impression.

At First Expressions we believe that meaningful learning happens through hands-on experience, mentorship, and service. Our Volunteer Program is designed for students and aspiring professionals interested in pursuing careers as Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLP/A), Occupational Therapy Assistants (OT/A), or Physical Therapy Assistants (PT/A).

Volunteering with First Expressions offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world exposure in a pediatric therapy setting while making a positive impact on the children and families we serve.

Why Volunteer With First Expressions?

Volunteers are a vital part of our clinical community. By joining our team, you will:

  • Gain firsthand exposure to pediatric speech, occupational, and physical therapy services

  • Observe licensed clinicians and assistants in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment

  • Strengthen your graduate school or assistant program applications

  • Develop professional skills including communication, teamwork, and time management

  • Receive mentorship and insight into the day-to-day realities of therapy careers

  • Contribute meaningfully to programs that support children with developmental needs

Our volunteers consistently report that their experience at First Expressions helps them confirm their career path and feel more confident as they move forward in their academic and professional journeys.

Who Should Apply?

Our Volunteer Program is ideal for:

  • Undergraduate students exploring careers in SLP, OT, or PT

  • Students preparing to apply to SLP/A, OT/A, or PT/A programs

  • Career-changers seeking exposure to pediatric healthcare settings

  • Individuals passionate about working with children and families

No prior clinical experience is required—just a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a genuine desire to learn and help others.

How Volunteers Help Around the Clinic

Volunteers support our clinical and administrative teams in a variety of meaningful ways, including:

Clinic Support

  • Assisting with clinic organization and preparation

  • Preparing therapy materials and activities

  • Sanitizing toys and treatment spaces to maintain a safe environment

  • Supporting therapists between sessions

Program & Department Support

  • Assisting with special programs and seasonal initiatives

  • Supporting group activities or community-based programs when available

  • Helping with AAC-related preparation and organization

  • Assisting with feeding, sensory, or motor-based program materials (non-clinical)

Administrative & Operational Exposure

  • Observing clinic workflow and scheduling processes

  • Assisting with non-confidential administrative tasks

  • Learning about documentation systems, compliance, and clinic operations

All volunteer activities are carefully structured to remain non-clinical, while still providing valuable exposure and learning opportunities.

What You’ll Gain

By volunteering at First Expressions, you will leave with:

  • A deeper understanding of pediatric therapy settings

  • Exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration

  • Professional references (when applicable and earned)

  • Increased confidence entering assistant or graduate-level programs

  • A sense of fulfillment knowing you contributed to meaningful care

Most importantly, you will gain perspective on how therapy services change lives—and how you can be part of that impact.

Our Commitment to You

At First Expressions, our mission is not only to serve our clients, but also to invest in the next generation of therapy professionals. Volunteers are treated as valued members of our team and are supported through clear expectations, mentorship, and a welcoming environment.

Our guiding principle, “Leave an Impression”, applies to both the families we serve and the future clinicians we help shape.

Interested in Volunteering?

We would love to learn more about you and your professional goals.

To apply, please complete the following form here or if you have any questions about volunteering opportunities, please contact us at Talk2Me@FirstExpressionsInc.com. Please note that availability may vary by clinic location and program needs.

Join us in making a difference – one child, one family, and one future clinician at a time.