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Clinician Spotlight: Karen M

Karen M., CCC-SLP, is a lead clinician with PresenceLearning. Karen started working as an SLP in 1980. She was ripe for change and started researching teletherapy. After trying it out, she made the switch. Karen joined the PL Care Network in 2011 and in 2014, added the lead clinician role to her therapy work.

How has the PL online platform enabled you to help your students and the schools you serve in new ways?

The PL online platform has allowed me to group virtual school students working on social skills/pragmatics goals with students with similar goals who live in different parts of the state. I can group according to skill level instead of location. The same can be done for brick and mortar schools. Two students at different schools (in the same district) with similar goals can be grouped together. Additionally, I can meet the unique interests of a student immediately. A student who was seldom excited about any topic came to his session one day excited about snow crabs after a visit to an aquarium. On the PL online platform I can immediately pull up materials on ANY chosen topic, even snow crabs. He was thrilled.

Can you tell us a little about how you collaborate with teachers and other school staff members?

Teachers can log on to our PL online platform to video conference. I can show them materials I’m working on in speech, and I can upload the teacher’s ideas and materials for future work with the student. I adapt to the teachers preferred collaboration modality whether it is video conferencing, phone calls, emails, and even snail mail (if they prefer).

How do you build trust and rapport with parents?

PL Care Network providers build trust with parents through regular communication. I provide home activities for parents who want to participate in skill growth. Whenever it is possible, I send fun activities home.

What advice would you give districts considering online therapy?

Please do not rule out online therapy without trying or reading the research. Students love technology and are engaged during a telepractice session. You might be surprised.

Are you interested in learning more?

Click here to request a consultation with one of our School Partnership team members.

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