Renee Charlifue- Smith, MA, SLPSenior Instructor Speech-Language Pathology,
Discipline Director,
Multicultural Director,
JFK Partners, Colorado's University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCED) and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine
Throughout my career, I have been very fortunate to have had wonderful informal and formal mentors. Each mentor facilitated my skills and provided support to challenge me in new areas of professional development. I have extensive experience mentoring individuals from various disciplines in my work for over 25 years. Mentoring is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job. I am passionate about supporting individuals in gaining the necessary knowledge and skills to grow and be successful in their work.
The relationship between the mentor and mentee is the core of the process and is based on the individual goals of the mentee. Mentoring involves encouragement, guidance and reflection which includes thoughtful questioning and active listening by both parties. Each person's personal and professional experiences and interests enrich the relationship which is a two-way experience with both mentor and mentee benefitting from the process.
