Ascend recently acquired ACTS and we are excited to share more by bringing you a
Q&A with Dr. Marilyn J. Buzolich, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Founder of Augmentative/Alternative Communication & Technology Services (ACTS)
Dr. Marilyn Buzolich has worked with this young lady since she was 18 months old and said: “She is almost 23 years old now, and I do believe she has more expressive language than any other individual with Rett Syndrome.”
Question: Can you tell us about ACTS?
Dr. Marilyn: I started this AAC Specialty Practice in 1980 and have dedicated 44 years providing clinical services, mentoring AAC/SLPs, developing programs and services, and establishing the practice and brand. I have worked on creating processes to guide what we do and how we do it. We unquestionably have a reputation as being the best and the brightest that AAC has to offer, not only in California but nationally as well. As the need for our services changed we adapted and found a way to make a difference for a lot more children who need AAC rather than serving fewer with the most complex needs.
Question: How did the acquisition of ACTS come about?
Dr. Marilyn: About 5 years ago I started to take an honest look forward with planning for some kind of transition in the future that would make it possible for ACTS to continue to grow. I wanted the very best for the dedicated AAC/AT specialists in ACTS, offering them even greater support, resources and opportunities. Most importantly, I wanted to make sure that our clients’ needs could continue to be served now and in the future. Walking away when I was ready to retire simply was not an option. It became pretty clear that I had to face the reality of finding a successor and new leadership for ACTS – someone who I could pass the torch to.
I am excited that I found a super competent leadership team at Ascend. I first met them in 2020 and did a webinar for their staff in August 2020. I was very impressed with their leadership style, the value they place on their employees, their passion to serve, and the culture of their company. In the last year we have worked together to come up with a plan and I have no doubt that they are committed to supporting and helping ACTS grow and continue to succeed.
Question: Why did you choose Ascend?
Dr. Marilyn: The founders of Ascend are a wonderful fit for ACTS because they share our passion to provide exemplary services: Swati Shah, an OT of 26 years and Rakesh Shah a Health care executive of 25 years who are CEO and COO, respectively. They care about their clients, families and community. They value their employees who work for them including Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Early Intervention, SpED teachers and Para Professionals. They provide services in homes, schools, offer early intervention and community-based inclusion programs that are exceptional! I felt an instant connection the second I met them and was impressed with their business and marketing acumen, their dedication to this community, and their passion for team culture and personal development. I am really excited for their infusion of inspiration and organizational know-how.
Dr. Marilyn Buzolich with some of the ACTS staff.
Question: What will your role be moving forward and what does the future look like?
Dr. Marilyn: The future is definitely very bright! There will be greater opportunities and support for our staff. The clients we serve continue to be top priority. Very little will change in the day-to-day work life except there will be new ownership and more opportunities ahead. I will continue to be here in a long term partnership with Ascend and will continue to support our staff in the way that I have all these years. The only difference is that I will not have to do the tedious administrative tasks that have taken my time and attention away from our clients.
As is quite obvious, I am getting older and one day I might not have the energy and passion to do the work I’ve loved for the past 44 years. When that time comes for me to transition out of AAC I will be at peace knowing that ACTS is in great hands and the legacy of what we do can continue on long after I’m gone.
