Hi everyone,

Communication is the name of my game!! I am one of two speech/language pathologists at the Regional School. Most of the kids and teachers just call me the "speech teacher". I work with visually and hearing impaired students who have different kinds of communication needs.

During the third and fourth quarters Kristen Gunnels, a USA graduate student, is doing her external practicum experience with me. She is enjoying working with all the students and is doing a great job.

Past experience. Ever since I was in high school, I have known I wanted to work with children and/or adults with communication problems. I graduated from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. I attended the University of Pittsburgh for a short time and then received my masters degree from Northern Illinois University. I enjoyed working with adults at a rehabilitation hospital for three and a half years. Since that time I have worked with language delayed, mentally retarded and autistic children in different programs in Illinois and Indiana. In 1980 our family moved to the sunny south. I like winter, but I don't like to shovel it!!

I began working at the Regional School when it first opened. I have seen many students come and go. They have taught me so much. Thank you kids!!!

Have you done your homework?? Most of my students have a speech and language notebook with lots and lots of practice sheets to use at home. Learning speech and language is a challenge to each student. We need to be a team: parent, teacher, me and student. Together we can help your child learn new sounds, words and improve communication skills. I need your help, parents! Call me if you have any questions or concerns. 633-0241