Speech and Language Therapy

Speech-language pathologists, or SLPs, work with children and adults who have concerns or problems with talking, understanding, thinking, and swallowing. For children, concerns typically arise related to delayed development or an accident/illness.  With adults, concerns usually arise with aging, an accident or a medical condition that impairs their ability to do what they used to be able to. A referral is needed from a medical provider prior to beginning speech and language therapy services so often a visit to your doctor is the first step in starting therapy.

Services and Descriptions

Alternative communication device assessment and training

• Cognitive therapy for changes or declines

• Dementia therapy and training for caregivers
• Language use and understanding difficulty
• Parkinson’s therapy for voice loudness, speech clarity and swallowing
• Pediatric therapy for speech clarity, language use and developmental delays and disorders
• Speech clarity
• Swallowing difficulty
• Voice hoarseness, reduced loudness or lack of voice related to voice disorders or aging.

Why should I choose Stewart Memorial for my speech and language therapy needs?

The speech-language pathologists (SLPs) at SMCH are committed to providing specialized care that is tailored to your individual needs.  Our speech-language pathologists continuously build on their professional skills to ensure they can meet patient needs for the highest level of care.  Our SMCH speech- language pathologists have received advanced training and certifications in:

• Aging cognition management
  
• Aging voice therapy
  
• Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Swallowing (DPNS) treatment
  
• McNeil Dysphagia (swallowing) treatment
  
• Parkinson’s voice therapy

What should I expect at my appointment?

The first appointment you have, we request that you arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled therapy appointment time to allow for intake paperwork completion. Most therapy appointments are scheduled to give you 40 minutes of 1:1 time with your therapist so it is important to arrive on time.  At times, the length of a session may fluctuate based on your individual situation.

At your initial appointment, you will complete intake information about your concerns, daily activities affected by it and medical history.  After your intake is complete, your therapist will perform a personalized evaluation assessing your abilities with consideration for the daily aspects and important activities of an individual’s life.  An individualized therapy plan is then developed to work towards your individual goals.

Meet our speech-language pathologists

Rachel Judisch, MA, CCC-SLP Rehabilitation Services Director 1301 W. Main Street, Lake City, IA 51449 Phone: (712) 464-4275 Email: rjudisch@stewartmemorial.org Education: • Clinical Fellowship, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 2003 • Master of Arts, Speech-Language Pathology, The University of Iowa, 2002     o   Traineeship, Iowa Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (ILEND), 2001 • Bachelor of Arts, Communicative Disorders, University of Northern Iowa, 2000 Professional Interests & Specialized Training: • Adult Intellectual Disorders • Alternative Communication Devices • Cognitive Intervention and Caregiver Training for Dementia • Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation (DPNS) Dysphagia Treatment • Geriatrics • Parkinson’s Voice Therapy • Swallowing Difficulty • Voice Dysfunction, including the Aging Voice Personal Information and Interests: • Running, hiking, skiing, design and reading • Spending time with family and supporting their endeavors, i.e. taxi driver and Sherpa • South Central Calhoun Community School (SCC) Assistant Track Coach Community Involvement: • Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association Member • American Speech-Language-Hearing l Therapy Association Member • OT & PT Licensure Board Member, State of Iowa, since 2014 • Titan Youth Basketball and Volleyball coach • SMCH Western Days Kid’s Dash Organizing Committee Member

Courtney Schreck, MA, CCC-SLP  1301 W. Main Street, Lake City, IA 51449 Phone: (712) 464-4244 Education: • Master of Arts, Speech-Language Pathology, University of Northern Iowa, 2016 • Bachelor of Science, Communicative Disorders, University of Northern Iowa, 2014 Professional Interests & Specialized Training: • Cognitive Intervention • Degenerative Diseases • McNeil Dysphagia Treatment Certified Therapist • Parkinson’s Voice Therapy • Pediatrics • Swallowing Difficulty Personal Information and Interests: • Kayaking, Biking and Walking her dog, Ryder • Boating on Black Hawk Lake • Spending time with friends and family Community Involvement: • Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association Member • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Member • SMCH Relay for Life Committee Member • SMCH Rewards & Recognition Committee Member