We understand that there are a number of providers you could choose to work with. Choosing the person who will help you or your loved one with their communication is an important choice. So what makes us stand out? With over 23 years of experience, , owner and speech therapist Cheryl Sinner Stewart M.Ed., CCC-SLP, understands the importance of a team approach to improving communication skills, including collaborating with families, and other professionals to help her clients. She believes everyone deserves a voice, and a chance to communicate with others; that our communication ability is such an integral part of what makes us not only human, but truly alive. Through her years as not only a a speech therapist, but also as an Assistive Technology Specialist she has acquired the training and background to not only provide direct services, but to train her client’s families and other providers on how to help them in their natural environment. By working with her, you can be confident that not only will her clients receive help improving their communication, the people they spend the most time will also understand how to help the client. We would love the opportunity to be a part of your journey toward achieving the functional communication skills that help you be your best self.
What sets the speech therapy services Hope Rising provides apart?
Unlike many therapy service providers, we do not stack our clients into our work day like a pack of sardines. Our aim is not to provide the maximum quantity of services to a lot of different clients, but to provide the maximum quality of service to a small number of clients. We tailor our services specifically to each individual client, spending significant time outside the therapy setting preparing to best help each client, at no additional cost to the family. We take the time to reach out to other professionals (educators, therapists, healthcare providers …) whenever possible to ensure that a team environment is created for each client that optimizes their success. We strive to work not only with the client, but also to help train and educate family members and loved ones on how to best help them as well. We come to the client rather than asking the client to come to us, because we believe the functional setting of the home provides the best opportunity for communication success.
But why would you seek out the services of an SLP in a private practice environment if school services are free? This is a very good question, and there are varied reasons families make this choice. Here are some of the reasons they do:
- They want their child to get additional services outside of the school environment to maximize their potential for success.
- Their child was evaluated by the school system, but was not eligible for speech and language services. Simply having a speech and/or language disorder does not always mean that a child will qualify for services. There are many reasons they may not, and it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t need help. Sometimes, there is a need, but the school district isn’t able to meet that need because of state eligibility criteria.
- Their child was eligible for services in the schools, but is embarrassed to be pulled out of class and the family prefers the private afterschool environment private therapy can provide.
- Their child was eligible for services in the schools, but the family does not want them to miss any academic classes so they choose afterschool private therapy.
- The family has chosen to homeschool, and as such, is not eligible for services in the schools. (Note: this is state specific. Some states do offer speech therapy services to children who are homeschooled and some do not. Texas WILL offer speech therapy to children who qualify who are homeschooled, however it is almost always offered at the local school building).
- It is summertime, and families want their child to continue to receive the benefits of speech therapy over school break.
- They want their child to receive the expert services of a private therapist who has dedicated their career to focusing in on specific types of speech and language disorders, and as such, can provide more specialized speech therapy for their child.