SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST Caroline McCullough has dedicated her career to restoring communication and confidence in the lives of others. Through years of service in both educational and medical settings, she has helped countless patients navigate recovery with compassion, expertise, and professionalism.
Her journey into the field began with uncertainty, but soon evolved into a purposeful and fulfilling career.
“I was very undecided when I first started college,” Caroline recalled. “I knew I wanted to work in the medical field, but I also loved working with children. Initially, I planned to major in special education. One of my required courses, Speech and Language Development, completely changed my path. My professor, Dr. Richards, was so inspiring that I switched my major that same semester — and I’ve never looked back.”
Beyond academics, McCullough’s decision was deeply personal. Her father had swallowing difficulties due to a birth defect, and those experiences left a lasting impression. “Looking back, I’m grateful that I now get to help others facing similar challenges,” she said. That sense of purpose has since defined her career, one marked by empathy, perseverance, and a sincere desire to make a difference.
Over the years, McCullough has developed a holistic understanding of communication and its power to transform lives. In the school setting, she witnessed children form their first words, pronounce sounds correctly, and gain the confidence to express themselves freely. “Seeing parents’ joy when their child began communicating was such a powerful reminder of the impact we can have,” she reflected. “You’re not just helping a child — you’re changing an entire family’s world.”
Today, McCullough’s work is centered in the medical field, where she supports individuals recovering from strokes and other neurological conditions that affect speech, language, and swallowing. “Often, I’m one of the first people they meet after receiving their diagnosis,” she explained. “In inpatient rehab, I help establish baselines and set goals. In home health, I continue that process as patients return to familiar environments by helping them rebuild confidence and communicate effectively with their loved ones.”
For McCullough, every patient represents a story of resilience. “Communication isn’t only about speaking,” she said. “It’s about connection, and helping people find their voice again after loss is an incredible privilege.”
When asked if there was a defining moment that confirmed her career path, she smiled. “There have been several,” she said. “I can still picture children who said their first true words during therapy and then began talking with their peers. Those moments are priceless.”
She fondly recalled one particular story. “One of my first patients had been on a pureed diet for a long time. After many therapy sessions, I surprised him with biscuits and sausage gravy from Sunrise in Winchester. Seeing his face light up reminded me exactly why I do this work.”
Beyond the breakthroughs, McCullough finds meaning in the quieter moments like helping a patient recall their spouse’s name, greet their child, or whisper “I love you.” “Those are the moments that stay with me,” she said.
This year, McCullough received the Mercy Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify compassion, service, and a commitment to others. “I was completely shocked and deeply humbled,” she shared. “It means so much to me personally, but also to the field of speech-language pathology. Many people don’t fully understand the scope of what we do, so to have that recognized is truly special. It reminds me that I’m right where I’m meant to be.”
The essence of mercy is simple for McCullough: treating others the way you want to be treated. “That’s what I strive for every day,” she said.
She is candid about the emotional demands of her profession. “This work can be heavy,” she admitted. “But I have a mantra I use with my patients — and myself — called, ‘Find the glitter.’ When you’re facing hard days, you have to look for the small victories. Perhaps a patient said a new word or swallowed a little more easily than the day before. That’s the glitter. That’s what keeps us going.”
McCullough’s impact extends far beyond her clinical work. She spent seven years in education across Sevier County, Grundy County, and Manchester City Schools, where she cultivated a passion for advocacy. “I loved my time in the schools,” she said. “That’s where I learned to speak up for students, teachers, and families.”
Now, she channels that same passion as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University. “It’s an honor to pour back into the program that shaped me,” McCullough said. “I love helping students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.” Her message to future clinicians is clear: Be passionate. Be curious. Be an advocate.
At Highpoint Health-Winchester, McCullough continues to advance her clinical expertise and lead with innovation. As a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing-certified clinician, she can assess swallowing safety at the bedside, offering the same advanced care often found in larger medical centers. “I’m grateful to work in a place that values continued learning,” she said. “Even as a smaller, rural hospital, we provide high-quality care, and that means a lot to our patients.”
Looking ahead, McCullough hopes her patients and students carry forward one lasting message: “Keep moving forward and find the glitter. Even the smallest progress is worth celebrating.” GN
