Improving communication skills.
Speech therapists (SLPs) and speech therapy assistants (SLPAs) provide specialized interventions that help individuals improve expressive/receptive language (using and understanding language), augmentative alternative communication (AAC device), social language, voice quality, fluency (e.g. stuttering), and articulation. Sessions support socialization, engagement with peers, and total communication.
Our therapists embrace a transdisciplinary approach and communicate with other members of a treatment team to support the whole individual and best outcomes. Families are always welcome and encouraged to attend therapy sessions, are provided a home program to assist with skill acquisition across environments, and are provided quarterly reports from the therapist to keep them informed of progress.
Speech Therapy Team
Role:
As a Mentor Therapist, in addition to my caseload, I help manage my discipline’s team. I assist the Director of Therapy Services with onboarding new therapists, overseeing assistants, maintaining documentation and session quality, leading discipline-specific meetings, and advocating for my team.
Education:
- BA in Dance from New Mexico State University, 2006
- MS in Communication Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University, 2012
Career History:
I began my “adult job” career in 2006 when I graduated with a degree in Dance and worked at New Mexico State University working in their dance department. I taught dance to young children and created literacy programs that were integrated into the Las Cruces public schools in Las Cruces, NM. Additionally, I oversaw a grant funded after school dance program. As well as working at NMSU, I also was a lead teacher at a preschool creating and integrating lesson plans for toddlers.
In 2010 I was accepted into graduate school and completed the program in 2012. I completed my clinical fellowship year in a skilled nursing facility working with adults. I transitioned to AZ’s early intervention program working with birth to age three children and coaching their families. In 2017 I began working for a private clinic that specialized in working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals. In May of 2022 the universe brought me to LIFE!
Personal Treatment Philosophy:
I am committed to providing neurodivergent affirmative therapy that focuses on strength-based objectives. I enjoy working with individuals from the Autistic community and supporting them in reaching their personal goals.
Personal:
I live in Chandler with my husband, son, two Italian mastiffs and one outrageously naughty Siamese cat. I am a self-proclaimed desert rat, taco lover and movie buff. I am from New Mexico and put green chile on everything. Some of my special interests include cats, outdoor activities, various art mediums, and exercise. Adventurous at heart, I also love to explore and travel.
Education:
- M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, Northern Arizona University, with Distinction, 2016
- B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science, Arizona State University, Summa Cum Laude, 2013
- A.A. in General Studies, Mesa Community College, with Highest Distinction, 2010
Specific Treatment Strategies, Equipment, or Expertise Utilized:
I received training on the SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) feeding approach by Kay Toomey and Associates as well as received hands on experience with feeding therapy at an outpatient children’s hospital setting. I use various speech/language tools such as shared storybook reading, Expanding Expressions Tool (EET), articulation therapy, Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), and Social Thinking.
Career History:
I began working at L.I.F.E. in January 2019. I previously worked in home health, outpatient, and school settings. I have enjoyed working with children in all settings.
Personal Treatment Philosophy:
I believe it is important to create a fun therapy environment that is welcoming and follows the lead of the child.
Personal:
I currently live with my husband and adorable, fluffy, beautiful cat named Mr. Turdington. I enjoy watching and discussing movies, baking, cooking, traveling, and creating artwork in various forms such as ceramics and sewing. I am one of five kids and I love to spend time with my family.
Education:
- B.S. Speech and Hearing Sciences- University of New Mexico, 1998; Minor in American Sign Language (ASL);
- M.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of New Mexico 2001
Special Certifications:
- SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding
- Beckman Oral-Motor
- Hippotherapy – Level 1
Specific Treatment Strategies, Equipment, or Expertise Utilized:
- Expanding Expression Tool (EET)
- Story Grammar Marker (SGM)
- Visualizing and Verbalizing (VV) program
- Social Thinking
- Verbal Behavior
Career History:
I began my professional career working in a clinic here in Arizona where I mainly did hippotherapy for 2 years. In 2007, I started working at L.I.F.E. where I gained the majority of my clinical experience working with autistic individuals and other children with special needs. At that time, I had young school-aged children of my own and felt the need to transition to the school setting to spend the summer months with them. In 2011, I began working in the Mesa Public School District where I gained a clear understanding of the educational process and the specific academic needs of my students. After 9 years, I realized that I missed the love and support that has always been offered by L.I.F.E. and knew I needed to go back home. I started back at L.I.F.E. in July 2020.
Personal Treatment Philosophy:
I believe it’s important to treat the whole child at their level with functional activities that are motivating for them. I enjoy being animated and silly when necessary to maintain their attention to task and enjoy reading books to improve literacy skills and to support the classroom curriculum.
Personal:
I was raised in New Mexico where I received my formal education and I have 2 adult children. I enjoy learning new things, hiking, exercising, watching movies, and playing games. I am most passionate about encouraging and serving others in whatever capacity they need to feel unconditionally loved.
Education:
- B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science, Arizona State University, August 2016
Specific Treatment Strategies, Equipment, or Expertise Utilized:
- Expanding Expression Tool (EET)
- Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
- Social Thinking/ elementary to young adult
- Aquatic therapy
- PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral and Muscular Phonemic Targets)
- Articulation therapy
- Fluency techniques
- Speech and language for functional activities of daily living
Career History:
I started working at L.I.F.E. in October 2017. Previously, I worked at a private pediatric clinic and in home-health. I have worked with kids with disabilities ages 3-18 years as well as with adults with disabilities.
Personal Treatment Philosophy:
I aspire to be a therapist who treats the whole child, while using client and family-centered care. I also love to use my resources at L.I.F.E. to gain transdisciplinary experience and give our clients the tools they need for their individual and unique future.
Personal:
In my free time I enjoy working out, trying new restaurants, watching movies, and spending time with my husband and my dog Boomer.
Role:
- As a Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) at L.I.F.E., I work with a variety of individuals in one-on-one therapy sessions. Providing quality speech interventions and therapeutic strategies to children with developmental disabilities.
Education and Trainings:
- Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA), Northern Arizona University, 2019
- Music Together Teacher Training and Internship, 2016
- Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT): Basis for Assessment and Treatment, 2011
- Drum Facilitation Training, Arizona State University, 2010
- Feeding Therapy Conference, Dawn Winkelmann, M.S., SLP-CCC, 2009
- Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), M.H. Thaut, Ph.D., Colorado State University, 2006
- B.M. in Music Therapy, Radford University, 2001
Career History:
As a SLPA, I most recently worked in the school setting with children on the autism spectrum. I have provided services to children with developmental disabilities for over a decade as a music therapist. I’ve had the opportunity to use both my skill sets to motivate children toward reaching their highest potential. During my career, I have worked in medical settings, day treatment clinics, and home-based therapy. Back in 2007, I worked as a music therapist at L.I.F.E., I’m glad to be back and looking forward to applying my speech skill set.
Personal Treatment Philosophy:
My philosophy on therapy is a comprehensive holistic approach. Taking all things into consideration and knowing that they are all interconnected. Developing a strategic plan that encourages meaningful human connections while providing the support for practicing therapy goals.
Personal:
Besides my passion for making music, seeing live music, and generally all things musical, I enjoy cooking and the outdoors. Running and hiking are frequent activities, as well as overlanding and camping with my husband, two kids, and dog.
Contact Us for More Information About L.I.F.E.
call us at 480-621-8361 EXT 136 or complete this form