Current clients helped celebrate 50th Anniversary

Irina Kochergin, speech pathologist, had this update to share about the 50th Anniversary celebration, held at BRSHF on September 12:

"As we've been preparing for the 50th Anniversary party, a lot of the focus has been on the history of the Foundation - getting former clients, staff, and friends to come back & celebrate the work of this outstanding organization over 5 decades. But the celebration was just as much for them as it was for our current clients and patients, who are a part of the amazing work we're doing here and now! This was proven by one young child, a current speech client, who was so excited to come to the clinic's birthday party, that he and his mother baked and decorated a birthday cupcake. He brought it with him to the party and shared it with his friends, along with the other food and treats available. It's moments like this that prove we are making an impact in these kids' lives, and I'm proud to be associated with BRSHF at such an exciting time!"

Lisa shares a story of Halloween progress

Lisa Sloan-Limmer, speech therapist, conducted groups around the theme of halloween, carving pumpkins and making pictures of trick-or-treat candy, as many of our therapists have this week! One student exhibited major progress through these activities:

"We had a major Halloween break-through in class today.  One student has had a difficult time with the theme of halloween - everything is scary!  Mom reports even shopping in stores right now is hard.  We have been working on aleviating those fears in class with stories, touching, making halloween sounds, etc.  Today we carved a pumpkin.  This student was able to touch the bumpy outside, put her hands in the pumpkin and pull out "slimely seeds," and even poke her fingers through the eye holes.  She did start to tear-up at one point, but it wasn't because she was afraid of the jack-o-lantern anymore.  She was sad because Mrs. Lisa might hurt the pumpkin when I cut it!"

Another tale of promise from Tricia

Tricia Henderson, Director of Speech Services, as well as other speech therapists,  often conduct speech evaluations to diagnose a child's specific speech needs, and to determine placement in our programs. She shares another recent story of encouragement:

"The young child came in with his grandmother and case manager since he was a ward of the state, having been removed from his home. Both adults discussed the deprivation and chaos in the home. He was now residing with the grandmother and would stay with her for at least the next 11 months. Both the social worker for the state and the grandmother reported that he did not use any words, could not imitate words and had not really been exposed to books.

As the evaluation began, he played very quietly on the floor with several truck making no sounds at all. As the interview continued, the evaluator asked him to sit in a chair by her and he eagerly climbed up. When a book was opened, he was THRILLED to point to objects named. When a flashlight was used as a bribe (every child's delight), he eagerly imitated most consonant sounds and even repeated words. He smiled and laughed, eager to do his work, in exchange for a turn with the blocks, truck or FLASHLIGHT! As they left, the grandmother said, 'He never did that before. I didn't know he knew so much or that he would imitate you!' We discussed that he showed great promise and we would try to place him immediately in a language group. The young boy smiled and repeated "Bye bye" when the evaluator told him goodbye. He then turned and ran back to hug her around the legs with a big laugh.

How thrilling to know this one child's future will be very bright because of what we can and will do for him in the next 11 months!"

Tricia tells how our history lends credibility

Tricia Henderson is Director of Speech Services, and has been employed at BRSHF for 27 years. As part of her job, she (along with the other speech therapists) conducts speech evaluations to diagnose a child's specific speech needs, and to determine placement in our programs. She has this recent story to share:

"The child came in with three people, the father, the mother, and the stepmother. They were quite serious about the evaluation of their small son and as we walked down the hall, the father, a policeman, asked quite seriously: "So how long has this clinic been here?" I happily replied: "Oh, we just had a birthday party celebrating our 50th year!" He looked totally surprised and said, "Well, then, I guess you know what you are doing!" I laughed and said, "Yes, we've been at it longer than anyone else in Baton Rouge. We were the very first speech and hearing clinic in town. We know very well what we are doing. You came to the right place!"

As I said this, I felt very proud of our history.....50 years.....loud and clear!"

Ms. Meg tells about a surprise visit!

On Friday, Ms. Meg, one of our Speech Therapists, submitted this story about a surprise learning experience:

"The blaring sound of the fire alarm pierced the air, so we gathered up the kiddos and hurried outside to the back of the playground. It happens sometimes – one of the kids reaches up and pulls the alarm, setting off an impromptu fire drill. It’s not easy to keep the children seated and calm on any day, but it was a particularly hot mid-day, and we had to wait longer than usual since it wasn’t immediately clear who or what had set off the alarm.

The fire truck arrived and gave the “all clear.” But Melissa, never one to pass on a learning opportunity, persuaded the firemen to stay and let the children see the truck.

What a great reward for sitting so patiently! The kids were very excited to climb inside the fire truck, try on the hats, and see the equipment. Those who were a bit too scared to climb in still touched the truck, examined the huge wheels and waved to the firemen. The firemen left us with stickers and coloring books, along with promises to return again. It was an exciting way to finish off a Friday language session!"

       

Audiology Patient Gives Back

We had a very successful 50th Anniversary celebration last week, thanks to the participation of many individuals and community organizations! One such individual is a client of Dr. Menge's, who was so grateful for BRSHF's services in the area of reduced-cost hearing aids, that he wanted to donate some of his time back to the clinic. This is his story, as told by Natalee:

"One of my patients came in a few weeks ago for a hearing aid follow-up appointment and mentioned that he had seen a sign in the clinic about people volunteering.  He asked, 'What do your volunteers do?'  I mentioned that we have a group of LSU student  workers who help out in the group therapy classrooms or filing charts - both of which I figured he would not be interested in, being a middle-aged man.  He asked about helping with yard work and if I thought it would be a good idea.  I told him that we don't usually turn down free labor and that I would talk with our director, Melissa Juneau, about him coming to help out with the front flowerbeds.  Thanks to this gentleman's hard work, our front hedges and lawn have been trimmed and tidied up just in time for the 50th Anniversary! While that was certainly not necessary of him, it's nice to know we touch people's lives in a way that moves them to such kind action." 

Introducing Irina!

Last week, we sadly bid farewell to Mrs. Trenae' Webb, a Speech Therapist who is near and dear to many hearts here at BRSHF. Though Trenae can never be replaced, we're excited to announce the arrival of a new speech therapist, Irina Kochergin, who'll be taking over Trenae's spot. Here is a little introduction to BRSHF's newest addition:

"Hello, I’m Irina and I’ll have the pleasure of working with the amazing toddlers and preschoolers at BRSHF this fall! I am thrilled and excited to begin the adventures of learning with these little ones. I am a graduate of LSU's Masters program in Speech Pathology, and although I am newly aboard to the staff here, I am not a stranger to the Foundation. I worked here two years ago alongside the wonderful therapists and have gained a wealth of experience in this program. I love working with children and love the many opportunities I have in their learning development in my field of speech pathology. I look forward to becoming well-acquainted with everyone here!"

Two fun facts about Irina are that she was born in Russia, and she has worked at Disney World! Welcome aboard, Irina!

Birthdays All-Around!

This week, as we're gearing up for BRSHF's 50th Anniversary celebration, we had a staff birthday of our own to celebrate! Trenae' Webb, Speech Pathologist Extraordinaire, gives this update:

"At BRSHF we celebrate the little things, we celebrate the big things, we celebrate our clients, we celebrate us! If you see one of our language clients spontaneously requesting "water" as they pass the water fountain or pausing from taking a step as they are cued to "wait!" with a shout by a therapist, our faces light up with excitement. When we're blessed with new therapy supplies or funding for necessary equipment around the clinic, happy energy shared between us all yields the ambiance of pay day!

This week, the fun continued as we took a pause out to celebrate our boss, Mrs. Melissa Juneau's 50th birthday! Decorated by our wonderful office administrators, Mrs. Bonita and Mrs. Jenna, streamers, birthday banners, and balloons nicely adorned her door and office and were awaiting her entrance to her surprise. It didn’t stop there! The staff gathered around the intercom to serenade her in singing happy birthday as she cut into her birthday cake!

It’s wonderful to have a great boss! And it’s not quite above suspicious that as she celebrates her 50th year of life, the Foundation shares in its 50th celebration of operation! What can I say? Some things just “fit” so well! Happy Birthday Mrs. Melissa!"  

BRSHF common site of reunions

Not only is BRSHF gearing up for our 50th Anniversary reunion & celebration on September 12. Dr. Natalee Menge, staff audiologist, observed this chance meeting of two hearing impaired clients as a result of her clinic schedule!

"I saw 2 hearing impaired teenagers back-to-back last week, both have been long-time patients at the clinic. I didn't think anything of it, but I knew in the back of my mind that they had attended the same elementary school. When the second child and mother arrived for their appointment, they recognized the mom in the waiting room. They were so excited to see each other again, it had been a few years since they had seen one another. The moms were able to visit and catch up, I was unaware of this since I was in the sound suite with the other child working on their hearing aids. I had a knock on my door and when I opened it, they were all standing there, both moms and 2 children, waiting to see the child I had been working with. She was surprised to say the least. It was great to see two children re-connect after being apart for a few years, especially when  no one anticipated it. Reunions like this occur frequently at BRSHF, whether it be between childhood friends, parents, or grandparents, and each time it happens it makes my day a little brighter."

Lisa says therapists not responsible for future behavior

Lisa Sloan-Limmer, a speech therapist, reported this update:

"Today I had a phone call from a parent that makes all of the challenges in being a pediatric speech pathologist so WORTH IT! The parent called to tell me how pleased they were with their child's progress in my group and how much more their child is speaking. The family has reached a huge milestone: The child has begun to be able to communicate his/her wants and needs and the stress and frustration of trying to 'figure things out' several times a day has greatly decreased! Of course, as I personally experienced from my 17 year old being in speech therapy when he was 2; when my student reaches the wonderous 'preteen' age, they might not feel quite so grateful to me! I feel I must add this disclaimer: I am not responsible for future 'sassiness or backtalk.' Ha ha!"