Speech Pathology Department

Speech Language Pathologist working with student in the classroom 

 
   
Speech Language Pathologists
 
Lisa Belding, M.A., CCC-SLP - Paul C Bunn, Itinerant Preschoolers
lisa.belding@youngstown.k12.oh.us

Kirsten Cook, M.A., CCC-SLP - Martin Luther King
kirsten.cook@youngstown.k12.oh.us

Susan Crawford, M.A., CCC-SLP - Kirkmere
susan.crawford@youngstown.k12.oh.us
 
Jed Douglass, M.A., CCC-SLP - East, Chaney, Rayen Early College (REC)
james.douglass@youngstown.k12.oh.us 
 
Noelle Hannon, Harding
noelle.hannon@youngstown.k12.oh.us

Janine Lawler, Taft, Choffin
janine.lawler@youngstown.k12.oh.us

Meredith McKay, M.A., CCC-SLP - Volney, McGuffey Preschool
meredith.mckay@youngstown.k12.oh.us
 
Amiee Morelli-Neddy, M.A., CCC-SLP - McGuffey
aimee.neddy@youngstown.k12.oh.us

Brenna.Penwell, K-8 Kindergarten Language Concept Program
brenna.penwell
 
Christine Sliman, M.A., CCC-SLP - Williamson, Wilson
christine.sliman@youngstown.k12.oh.us
 
Gary Ustik, M.S., CCC-SP - Non-Public
gary.ustik@youngstown.k12.oh.us
 
  
What is speech and language therapy?  
A Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) works with the educational Team to provide direct speech therapy to students with a variety of speech /language disorders and delays.  Services to students with speech-language disorders may be provided individually or in small groups, within the classroom or in a consultative model with teachers and parents. The SLP integrates the students' speech-language goals with academic outcomes and functional performance.
 
 
   

What types of speech and language disorders affect school-age children?

  • Speech sound disorders - difficulty pronouncing sounds (articulation)
  • Language disorders– difficulty understanding what they hear (receptive language) as well as verbally expressing themselves with words (expressive language)
  • Stuttering (fluency) disorders– interruption of the flow of speech that may include hesitations, repetitions, prolongations of sounds or words
  • Voice disorders– quality of voice that may include hoarseness, nasality, volume (too loud or  too soft)
  • Pragmatics - the use of social language skills, critical thinking skills and verbal problem solving skills
  • Augmentative Communication -  various alternative methods of communication that can help students who are not verbal to communicate with others
 
How does a student qualify for Speech services?
The process for determining Speech services begins with a referral for an evaluation based on concerns related to the child’s speech and/or language skills. Next, the Speech Pathologist performs an evaluation which assesses the student's speech sound production and/or receptive and expressive language skills.  The need for speech therapy must be educationally relevant and therefore directly related to helping the child access the educational curriculum.  An intellectual disability or speech sound error does not automatically qualify a child for speech therapy. The Speech Pathologist consults with members of the child’s educational Team to determine whether a child receives speech therapy in school.
 

Two young girls receiving Speech Therapy at school

 

  • Preschool