Partnerships between educational institutions and community services are transforming the lives of children with speech and language difficulties. The Bookhardt Family Speech-Language Clinic, operated by graduate students from Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver), is providing invaluable support to children, enabling them to find their voices.
A recent success story at the clinic is four-year-old Monty Manley. Linda Baker, Monty’s mother, shared how he has evolved dramatically since starting therapy. "When we first started with the clinic, he was barely speaking at all. Now, he speaks in full sentences, his pronunciation is wonderful, and communication — and the reduction of frustration at home — has improved so much," she said. Abby Marroon, the graduate student who worked with Monty, noted, "When I started with him, some frustrations were still there, and he was talking, but his intelligibility was lower. Now, you can understand him." This transformation not only enhances Monty's ability to communicate but also enriches family interactions.
The partnership between the Bookhardt clinic and the Auraria Early Learning Center, which began in January 2023, allows students to provide much-needed services on campus. "We started right away with kids, and that's one of the things this program here at MSU Denver does. I was literally in class trying to learn everything, thinking, ‘All right, let’s figure out what to do with Monty!’" Marroon explained. The clinic offers services for children aged 12 months to five years, making therapy accessible to parents during work hours.
This hands-on training not only benefits the children receiving therapy but also equips the students with the real-world experience they need. Baker applauded this aspect, stating, "From my perspective, you get a double eye on everything with people who are invested in doing things right because they are learning. It has been great on our end." This mentorship fosters confidence and encourages innovative techniques among the graduate students.
Recognizing excellence in the field of education is equally important. Anna Willkom, the speech language pathologist at Roosevelt Elementary School, recently received the prestigious Golden Apple award for her committed service. "The kids are like the easiest reason to get you to work every day," Willkom remarked. Both her dedication to her students and her effective approach to therapy make her stand out among her peers. Ben Dallman, principal at Roosevelt Elementary, highlighted her impactful work by stating, "She is our kids' biggest cheerleader; it’s amazing to see how many kids are dismissed from speech because she works her way out of a job, because she is so good at what she does."
Willkom expressed her surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award, acknowledging the numerous deserving colleagues. "Never in a million years did I think my name would be called because there are a lot of great people at this school," she stated.
Meanwhile, the Heuser Hearing and Language Academy is set to launch new resources for children hard of hearing, thanks to generous funding from the PNC Foundation. Principal Debbie Woods shared exciting plans for the introduction of a pediatric audiology suite and the Carla Sue Broecker Loaner Library. "If it malfunctions during the day, we can immediately switch it out for a new one, and they can continue learning and hearing. So basically, PNC has brought sound to children," she explained. This initiative aims to streamline the process of providing children with alternative devices, ensuring they do not miss out on learning opportunities due to equipment failures.
The new library will offer various aids and resources to support hard-of-hearing children, including cochlear implant repair supplies and spare hearing aids. This will be life-changing for many students, allowing their families to have immediate access to tools necessary for learning.
Together, these initiatives reveal the growing focus on speech and language development, not just through individual therapy but by fostering supportive communities around children. These dedicated professionals — from graduate students to award-winning educators — are making significant strides to empower children, ensuring they have the tools needed to communicate effectively.