A Journey of Learning

Rishika’s journey into speech therapy began long before her formal education. Her mother, a special educational needs teacher, played a pivotal role in shaping her future. Inspired by her mother, a special educational needs teacher, Rishika was exposed early on to the idea of creating inclusive environments.

"My mother founded a school that brought both groups together, but there was a lot of resistance from parents of typically developing kids. They were worried their children might imitate behaviours from kids with special needs," Rishika recalls. "To show her commitment, she enrolled me and my sister in the school. I made a lifelong friend there, who had Down syndrome. She communicated through sounds and gestures, and that’s when I first became curious about how I could help people like her."

Building Trust and Collaborative Care

In her role today, Rishika predominantly works with adults, which presents its own unique set of challenges. “With children, they often adapt to their circumstances because that’s all they know. But with adults, you’re dealing with someone whose life has potentially changed overnight. They were fine one day, and now they’re here—needing our help.”

Establishing rapport with patients, especially adults who have been through life-altering events, can be difficult. "You have to be patient," she says. "Sometimes it’s not just about therapy. It’s about understanding what they enjoyed before the injury or illness, engaging their family in the process, and finding creative ways to build trust."

Rishika often works closely with other healthcare professionals, including neurologists, ENT surgeons, oncologists, respiratory doctors, and dietitians. This collaborative approach ensures her patients receive comprehensive care. For example, if a patient with swallowing difficulties also suffers from lung infections, Rishika works with doctors and nurses to find solutions that minimise risks and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Bringing a Voice to the Voiceless

For Rishika, the most rewarding part of her job is giving her patients the ability to express themselves—whether through speech, gestures, or writing. “Sometimes it’s not about the words; it’s about helping someone feel heard, to help them communicate what they want or need in any way possible.”

Helping patients rediscover the joy of eating and drinking is another significant aspect of her role. Many of her patients, particularly those recovering from severe illnesses, have been unable to enjoy food for months. "Seeing the look on their faces when they can finally eat something they've been craving, like a piece of cake or a simple bowl of porridge, is truly rewarding."

Finding Joy in the Little Things

Rishika recently started a book club, which she looks forward to every month. "We meet to discuss a selected book, and our gatherings include fun activities like poetry painting, picnics, and book swaps," she shares. "It’s a wonderful way to connect with others and enjoy literary discussions,” she shares

Matcha is a beloved part of Rishika’s daily routine. "I make a matcha latte each morning as a ritual to start my day," she explains. "The process of preparing matcha, from whisking to enjoying the drink, helps me feel centred and sets a positive tone for the day." When she's not working or enjoying matcha, she relaxes by binge-watching Netflix series. "It's a perfect way to unwind after a busy week," she notes.