Mackenzie Shiba

Mackenzie Shiba, a speech-language pathologist in private practice, sat down with HERLIFE Magazine recently to share her dedication to family and community.

HLM: How long have you lived here? What do you love most?
MS: I grew up in Linden, moved to San Jose for college, then lived in Lodi with my husband. We just moved back to Linden in 2021 and I am reminded of how supportive everyone is of one another, especially small businesses.

HLM: How is your heart inspired to serve the community?
MS: I am motivated to help everyone have access to communication. I really want to educate families that there is a different way to approach speech and language therapy.

HLM: What impact does your career have on the community?
MS: As a speech-language pathologist, I have the ability to educate and empower families and to help as many individuals as possible gain access to a voice.

HLM: What sparks joy for you?
MS: My husband and my kids. They are my greatest joy!

HLM: Top three bucket list goals?
MS: Travel to Italy; travel to Patagonia; visit as many national parks as possible with my family.

HLM: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
MS: Making the jump to go full time in my private practice before I turned 30!

HLM: Can you describe a key event that had an impact on your life?
MS: My grandfather had a stroke when I was five and he lived for 24 years after the event. He had significant communication difficulties and received speech and language support that helped him communicate functionally. I am motivated to help others in the same way.

HLM: Do you have a favorite quote?
MS: “Every flower blooms at a different pace.” -Suzy Kassem

HLM: What are you currently reading?
MS: Speech Sound Disorders in Early Intervention by Suzanne Aldrich, the workbook for a continuing education course I’m taking.

HLM: Favorite food or dessert?
MS: Pan fried potatoes and homemade chocolate chip cookies.