Payton Siemens

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian because I loved helping animals. Over time, that passion evolved into a career focused on helping people.

Today, I’m a speech therapist, literacy intervention specialist and reading specialist at No Stone Unturned in Manhattan, Kansas. I enjoy working with my students, improving their reading comprehension, and teaching them how to read, write and spell.

Manhattan is a great place to live and work. The atmosphere is great, the people are super nice and Kansas State games are always fun! It’s the perfect size — big enough that you don’t know everyone, but with plenty of opportunities to connect through shared networks.

My interest in speech therapy began when I saw its positive impact on my mother. She struggled with a weak voice and airway obstruction, which made breathing difficult. After speech therapy, her symptoms improved significantly, sparking my curiosity about how effective this field could be.

Before my career, I obtained a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University and a master’s degree from the University of Central Missouri. I also trained in Alphabetic Phonics at the Fundamental Learning Center in Wichita, Kansas, to become a literacy intervention specialist.

As someone diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, I faced many challenges in public school. I needed explicit, hands-on instruction to succeed. These experiences drive my commitment to helping children overcome their own reading and spelling struggles.

For anyone considering their career path, I recommend pursuing whatever truly interests you. Don’t let others pressure you into a job that doesn’t align with your passions.