CHAPIN, SC, September 21, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Shelly Wood recognized for her longstanding contributions to the field of Speech-Language Pathology.

Mrs. Wood's most recent professional pursuits reflect a dynamic blend of creativity and advocacy. As a singer, songwriter and author, she has spent the past year and a half writing music and performing with her husband in their band, Wood's Smokin' Strings, using music and storytelling as vehicles for connection and inspiration. The group has performed at a festival, several parties and a few bars, including open mic nights, sharing both covers and an original composition and hopes to spread their music and their message to as many as possible. They hope that others can learn from their struggles and have a better life.

In this creative partnership, Mrs. Wood is the primary lyricist and melody writer, while her husband contributes guitar and mandolin arrangements. Their performances are often accompanied by messages of kindness, peace and encouragement, particularly aimed at individuals with autism or those facing similar challenges.

In addition to her musical endeavors, Ms. Wood is an accomplished author. She wrote "The Pickled Movie," a fantasy film inspired by real-life events involving her daughter and their cat. The project is being developed into a Claymation short film. She is also working on a book titled "The Origins of Wood's Smokin' Strings Songs," which chronicles the stories behind the songs she has written with her husband. Additionally, Mrs. Wood is also developing a play suitable for major theatrical venues.

Prior to focusing on music and writing, Mrs. Wood spent 11 years as the owner of TotTalk Speech Pathology Services, a private practice she founded after gaining experience in another practice in Aiken, South Carolina. Her practice specialized in preschool and children's Speech-Language Pathology, with particular expertise in supporting children on the autism spectrum.

Mrs. Wood intentionally kept her practice small to ensure personalized attention for each client. She is recognized for promoting self-awareness about autism and for her commitment to empowering parents with strategies to support their children's communication development at home.

Before establishing her private practice, Mrs. Wood taught in Lexington County School District One, where she also lived. She was encouraged by a mentor to pursue graduate studies while raising four children and working full-time — an experience that shaped her resilience and dedication to the field. During this period, she completed her final internship while adopting her youngest daughter.

Earlier in her career, Mrs. Wood served as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Edgefield County, where she implemented an inclusion program that brought language instruction directly into classrooms rather than removing students for separate sessions. This innovative approach allowed her to reach entire groups of children through creative lessons designed to make learning enjoyable and accessible.

Mrs. Wood began her professional journey in Saluda, South Carolina, working with underprivileged minority students in schools that lacked adequate resources. Motivated by concern for children facing significant challenges, she devoted herself to helping every student succeed despite systemic limitations. In Saluda, she headed the Student Intervention Team and led efforts to provide interventions for students struggling with both communication, behavior and academic skills. This role required collaboration with psychologists, physical therapists and occupational therapists to develop comprehensive support plans.

Throughout her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, Mrs. Wood has been recognized for her ability to coach parents on integrating therapeutic strategies into daily routines, an approach that has enabled many children once thought unable to communicate effectively to thrive alongside their peers. She is most proud of the feedback she has received from families whose children have flourished under her guidance. Reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional excellence, Mrs. Wood remains an active member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the South Carolina Speech and Language Association.

Mrs. Wood's academic achievements include earning a master's degree plus 30 hours in Communication Disorders from the University of South Carolina in Columbia in 2010, graduating with honors. She previously completed a bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Columbia College in Columbia, also graduating with honors. Mrs. Wood holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, as well as state licensure in South Carolina.

Influenced by her own experience with anxiety-driven silence during childhood — she did not speak at school until fifth grade, despite consistently strong academic performance — Mrs. Wood was drawn to Speech-Language Pathology out of empathy for others facing communication barriers. Her autism provides unique strengths such as intense focus and perseverance with repetitive tasks, which have contributed significantly to her mastery of complex skills throughout her career.

Mrs. Wood credits much of her success to the unwavering support of her father, who also has autism and has been her greatest advocate across her educational, professional and creative pursuits. Having overcome numerous personal challenges — including anxiety, depression and failed relationships — she is proud to have sustained a professional career of over 30 years throughout. These experiences continue to inspire her music and writing, through which she hopes to share her story of living with autism and encourage others on the spectrum to reach their fullest potential.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Mrs. Wood spent part of her early childhood in Tennessee before returning to Columbia and later moving to Lexington for most of her schooling. She left high school after her junior year after excelling on standardized tests and enrolled at Columbia College, where she explored several majors before focusing on Speech-Language Pathology.

Outside of work, Mrs. Wood enjoys playing music — including piano since age 6, violin since age 10 and ukulele more recently — gardening, attending open mic nights and spending time at family events. She shares life with her husband; together they have a blended family of seven children from previous relationships and adoption.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Wood aims to share her music widely while supporting individuals on the autism spectrum through public speaking engagements and advocacy efforts. She intends to return to work as a Speech Therapist when able, so she can continue making a difference for children and families in need of expert guidance and compassionate care.

# # #