SLPTalk with Desiree

I am an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist with over 21 years experience. My goal through TpT is to help enhance your current therapy techniques, revive your current “bag of tricks” and leave rejuvenated, just as many of you have done for me! I love the sharing forum that TpT facilitates with the energy created as we all work together to maintain the flow of our creative juices and optimize how we serve our students. I believe that as a profession, we are continually challenged to think “outside of the box,” adapting practical ideas that keep the interest of the children that we serve while targeting individual speech-language goals and educational content standards. Hands-on activities that can be used within and/or outside the therapy room will be included. Activities are geared primarily towards the preschool and elementary population, although many are transferable to the secondary level.

I take a multisensory, hands-on approach to learning. I love the challenge of unlocking the door to individually meet each child where they are and help them grow to become the best version of themselves.

Some of my awards/honors include: 2015-2016 Educator of the Year for my elementary school building, Participant in ASHA Power of the CCC's Campaign, and the ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE). However, my greatest professional honors are those I share with my students. Some that come to mind are... The day I found out that one of my cherished students from the past was entering the same college I attended to study to be a speech-language pathologist. I did have to pause to question, "how did I get so old?"... time really flies when you are changing lives! Another moment came from one of my first graders that joined me during her lunch period every Friday and usually watched a speech session from my desk as she ate. She would then assist my speech group when she was finished eating. When she arrived one particular Friday though, I informed her that I would have to have a short lunch with her as I packed up my belongings for a departmental meeting in another building. She confidently replied, "I think I can handle your Kindergarten group. Just tell me what I need to do and I'll do it". It provided a powerful reminder that we affect more than just the speech-language goals that we target. My heart is still smiling just thinking about it.

Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro - Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from The Richard Stockton College of NJ

Orton Gillingham trained