DePaul Speech Language Pathology Program

Grove Communication Therapy and Evola Pediatric Therapy share a building. Clinicians across speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, mental health, social work, and educational therapy regularly collaborate and communicate on shared clients. Families can move between appointments all in one place, making it a truly integrated, whole-child care experience.
 
Meet our Tricia, who’s on her second SLP externship placement and Lidia, who’s on her Level II Fieldwork A placement.
 
Tricia, Grove Communication Therapy, SLP
I’ve fallen in love with DIR/Floortime: a neurodiversity-affirming approach that considers each child’s developmental level and individual differences to build communication through genuine relationships. In practice, this means following a child’s lead, building on their natural motivations, and letting connection drive progress toward communication goals. Collaborating with OT and other disciplines on shared cases has deepened my understanding of how sensory and regulatory needs are the foundation for communication.
 
Lidia, Evola Pediatric Therapy, OT
So grateful for my time at Evola Pediatric Therapy. The welcoming team has made this such an incredible learning experience. I’ve loved seeing how neuroscience and sensory integration build the foundation of this occupational therapy practice, while learning the importance of co-regulation and helping children learn to feel safe, connected, and confident in their bodies. Supporting neurodiverse children through such individualized care has been so meaningful. From speech to social work to psychology, the collaboration across this team is truly something special.
 

If you or somebody you know has aphasia, please contact us for New Client Intake forms to join us on Tuesday mornings this summer for our aphasia conversation group. You can call our clinic at (773) 326-7040 or email Kate McShane M.A., CCC-SLP at [email protected].

This conversation group is supported by the Margo Fowler Family Foundation which is dedicated to assisting people with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and other rare neurodegenerative disorders by providing education and support services for individuals and families affected by these diseases; funding research for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and cures; and raising awareness through advocacy and promotional efforts.

EXTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT!

Meet Chaya, a second-year graduate student clinician who was placed at both Advocate Health Lutheran General Hospital and By Your Side Autism Therapy Service for her externship placements. Here is what she learned: “I've learned How to keep up with the fast pace and demands of being a floater slp working in inpatient acute care. I’ve also learned the importance of Remaining fluid and flexible when meeting the needs of autistic children and when transitioning between sessions.”

Chaya shared a photo of her at her externship!

✨EXTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT✨

Meet Maegan, a second-year graduate student clinician who was recently placed at OSF Saint Anthony's Medical Center for her medical externship placement. Here is what she learned: “One of the most interesting things I learned about was tracheostomy tubes. I gained experience working closely with patients to coach breathing/swallowing coordination, phonation, and how to use Passy Muir valves. Additionally, I learned how tracheostomy tubes and stomas impact swallow functioning during video fluoroscopic swallow studies.”

Meagan shared a photo with us of her wearing lead protection prior to a fluoroscopic swallow study!