Skip to Content
Article

Clinician Spotlight: Cheryl M.

Before joining PresenceLearning, Cheryl M., CCC-SLP, practiced as a speech-language pathologist for 19 years in K-5 in public schools. She’s been working with PresenceLearning since 2016.

How has the PL online platform enabled you to help your students and the schools you serve in new ways?

I have been able to collaborate with the assigned primary support person (PSP) located onsite for new ways to help children communicate. They let me know about school culture/materials and I bring my speech and language background. It has made for a dynamic team!

Can you tell us a little about how you collaborate with teachers and other school staff members?

I email teachers at the start of the year to introduce myself and then I make it a goal to continue to connect three times per year, at IEP time, and any other time there is a need. Teachers can reach out to me at any time. For example, one teacher was concerned about how a boy’s vocalic-r was impacting his spelling. I sent his PSP a set of picture card p-5 bg-lightest mb-3s for him to practice with, she laminated and cut them, and the teacher spent a few minutes after reading group having him practice the words.

How do you build trust and rapport with parents?

I spend time listening to their concerns. I explain that I got into the field of speech therapy because my own daughter had a speech delay, and I let them know that the first IEPs I ever attended were on “the parent side of the table.” I get it! I also emphasize to parents that we are a team, working together to help their child communicate, and I let them know that they have valuable input to give.

What advice would you give districts considering online therapy?

Do it! What I love about online therapy is that districts have a great number of therapists available to help their students with communication issues. When I was an onsite therapist, I felt like I could never be completely up-to-speed on fluency, social communication, articulation, language skills, voice therapy, etc. As SLPs we cover a lot! As a teletherapist, I am so supported. I can tap into experts in various areas, or, if something is beyond my scope, I can easily refer a client to someone who has more background in that area.

Click here to request a consultation with one of our School Partnership team members.

Articles You Might Like

Stay Connected for More Insights

Stay Connected for More Insights


Don't miss out on valuable insights. Stay connected with us for ongoing support and knowledge.

Expand your career. Work from anywhere.

Expand your career. Work from anywhere.

Are you a clinician who is passionate about your practice, but wants more control and flexibility in your life?
Learn More