Program Coordinator
Dena Lee, M.Ed., CCC-SLP (LFK Pre-school)

Speech-Language Pathologists
Jason A. Gilkerson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP (HJB)
Darlene Suder, MS, CCC-SLP (RJE)
Carrie Coughenour, BA, SLP (LFK)
Lu Ann Patrick, MS, CCC-SLP (Secondary)
Julie Haines, MS, CF-SLP (LFK)
Lynn Barnard, MS, CCC-SLP (ASR & RJE)
Gene Brashear, BS, SLP (EWM)

Speech -Language Pathologists are professionals who are trained to assess speech and language development and to treat language and speech disorders. We are sometimes informally referred to as speech therapists. Speech-language pathologists can also help people with swallowing disorders.

The role of the school based speech-language pathologist is to diagnose and treat communication disorders that affect a student’s academic performance and school functioning. We also provide guidance and educate other school personnel about communication disorders and their effect on student performance.

Some of these disorders include the following:

Articulation Disorder: Inaccurate production of speech sounds that interferes with a listener’s understanding of speech. Types of articulation errors include: substitutions of one sound for another, omission of sounds in words, sound distortions, and inappropriate addition of sounds.

Fluency Disorder (Stuttering): Disruptions in the normal flow of verbal expression that occur frequently, or are markedly noticeable, and are not readily controllable by a speaker. These disruptions may include repetitions, hesitations, prolongations, interjections, and associated secondary behaviors (e.g. eye blinks, facial muscle tenseness). Interruptions in the production of connected speech can cause adverse reactions in the speaker and/or listener.

Voice Disorder: Chronic or persistent abnormality in pitch, loudness, or quality resulting from pathological conditions or abnormal use of the vocal mechanism that interferes with communication. Medical referral (ENT report) is necessary to rule out upper respiratory infection or allergies or to determine the contribution of vocal pathology to the voice symptoms.

Oral Language Disorder: Impaired ability in verbal learning with resultant in the acquisition, production, and/or comprehension of oral language.