About Me:  I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 17 years and have been with the Jefferson City Public Schools for the past 15 years. This will be my fourth year at Lawson Elementary; previously I was with Southwest Early Childhood Center. I am excited and ready to start the new year here at Lawson with many familiar faces!!    

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2005 from the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU), a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2007 from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a Master’s degree in Autism in 2011 also from the University of Missouri-Columbia.  I also work with children ages birth-3 through Missouri First Steps. 

I was born and raised on a farm on the south side of Columbia, MO (Hickman alum), but currently live in Hartsburg, MO with my husband Jason and two boys Owen (11) and Blake (8).  We have a 6 month old cat named Ruth and a 3-year-old dog named Lucy.  I am stubborn, funny, creative, and work really hard to give all kids a functional communication system.  In my free time I like to read, go camping, fishing, hiking, and biking with my family.  

What I Do:  

Speech Therapy:  correctly pronouncing sounds in words

Language Therapy:  vocabulary, grammar, use of these skills to communicate with others

Augementative-Alternative Communication System:  the use of static boards or technology devices to assist with communication

What To Expect:  The type of therapy that I provide is what I would want and expect from a person that was working with my children. This means that I will fight for what is best for your child and their communication needs.  The more we work together, the more communication gains your child will make!  My door is always open for questions, comments, and/or concerns!

While every communication journey is different, I've worn both the hat of the provider and the parent seeking services from the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).  I recognized at 9 months of age that my oldest son would need speech (articulation) therapy and he received services from ages 2-2.5.  I recognized at 13 months that my youngest son needed both speech and language therapy when he lost all of his words.  He received services from 18 months-3 years, 10 months.  Sometimes you can know what to do, how to do it, when to do it, even provide those services to your own children, and still need more services.  Again, my door is always open for questions, comments, and/or concerns.  The more we work together, the more communication gains your child will make!

You can expect monthly speech-language homework, sometimes weekly, depending on your child's goals.  Please plan to work with your child 10-15 minutes several times each week on this homework.  If your child refuses to practice, please talk to me about ways to make this homework fun and rewarding.  Working with your child at home will increase the practice time they get on the tasks that are hard for them and will increase their ability to carry over what they are doing from school to home!