Exploring Life & Business with Jasmine Sanders of Exceptional Student Services of Arizona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Sanders.

Hi Jasmine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Where do I start!?! It has been a journey of perseverance and simply just not taking “no” for an answer. As a first-generation Mexican-American woman, I always dreamt of entrepreneurship. The idea of creating a product or service and making it unique was inspiring for me. 

Growing up, I saw my father build a landscaping business from the ground up. His schedule was flexible, and had autonomy in his day. It inspired me to be able to do this for myself; I pursued my degree in speech pathology, and this was the beginning of my journey. As I completed my undergraduate work, I realized the growing passion I had to serve individuals with disabilities. I found myself surrounded with friends and colleagues that were passionate about the same things. 

I realized quickly that if I wanted to pursue my own lane in the world of speech therapy, I would have to pursue my graduate degree, which is what landed me in grand ole’ Phoenix, AZ! After applying to several graduate programs, I was heartbroken to have been denied 3 consecutive years. I felt that doors were closing on me and I couldn’t understand why. That is until I met an academic advisor who encouraged me to pursue a degree related to speech pathology to show these programs that I mean business. 

In my head, it made sense to pursue special education. It was a field that felt right. I had this feeling that there was a greater purpose for this because I was going to use this degree in teaching to hopefully use as a “stepping stool” to pursue my graduate program. I excitedly expedited my program and wrapped it up with a 4.0 GPA in a matter for 1.2 years. I confidently turned in my application and waited patiently for 2 months to received my letter. Well, all hopes were lost when I received that huge “DENIED” letter. 

So, I had a choice: to accept this door as closed and give up my dreams of opening up my own clinic, OR now I am a bachelor’s level speech pathologist WITH a graduate degree in special education. I went home and realized that schools were hurting for speech therapists AND special education teachers that were bilingual. I asked myself, “Am I a one-stop shop?”, “Could I do both?”. It was clear that this was the path I was going to take along with my amazing mentors (who at the time were my bosses). 

Fast forward a few years and after teaching and providing speech services in several districts, small private schools, and a small charter school, I took my grand “leap of faith”. I joined forces with my mentors SamWright and Lindsay Perez, to create Exceptional Student Services of Arizona. 

Our team at E.S.S.A. has one purpose – doing what’s best for kids. We work closely with districts, charters, parents, advocates, and teachers in order to ensure we meet the unique needs of each of our students. We take pride in providing a positive outlook, and we approach any concerns with a productive and student-centered approach. 

Our organizational values guide our daily work and are represented by the I.E.P.: Through integrity in all we do, our team provides specialized services with excellence and professionalism. We love the work we do, and we surround ourselves with team members who align with these values. 

Growing a small business with people who took a chance to hire me and inspire me is nothing short of humbling. It’s not every day that someone can say that they had the experience I had, and in hindsight, I have been able to connect with my students because of my experience. I look back and recognize that my hardships were all a part of my story, and I would not have it any other way. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, not at all. It has been far from smooth. It has been a road of detours and dead ends along with having to make U-turns here and there. Sitting at red lights (metaphorically) for a little bit longer than I had planned, however, it wasn’t my time in those moments. Prior to taking the leap of faith, I was given the opportunity to start my partnership with the business earlier, but I had to take time to be a mom. Simultaneously around this time, I had just had my daughter, and I knew that committing to entrepreneurship came with its endless hours of “off the clock” work. It wasn’t my time to shine, but once I did, it was without a doubt the best thing I can do. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Exceptional Student Services of Arizona?
Our business specializes in bringing in a team of diverse and knowledgeable professionals that provide Exceptional Student Services across schools in Arizona. Our team works with schools and programs across the valley, K-12 to small charter, public schools, detention facilities, credit recovery programs, and schools that specialize in career readiness. 

I would say that in contrary to educational consulting agencies and staffing companies, ESSA works as a team. Our team members are consistently supported and valued, which allows them to thrive professionally. We pride ourselves in Integrity, Excellence, and Professionalism to ensure that our students’ individualized needs are met with fidelity. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love to see the diversity grow in the Phoenix. I have been here since 2012, and I have seen small businesses thrive! It amazes me because I was raised in Las Vegas, and it was rare to see “mom-and-pop shops” become successful. I’ve seen small side hustles become full-on work; food truck vendors become restaurant owners. People have taken big risks, and it has paid off and I am here for it! 

I remember that when I booked all of my vendors for my wedding, it was a dream to book small-scale family businesses. It was such a win-win for me to see my friends charge for their service and to have a special connection to our family. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://spedconsults.com/