The month of May brings so many things–signs of summer, graduations, weddings, and so much more.
May is also Better Hearing and Speech Month. Part of that is Speech Language Therapist (SLP) Appreciation day on May 18. SLPs are VERY important to us here at the Orange Effect Foundation. One example of this is that every application is required to involve a therapist who is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
We are so fortunate to have three amazing SLPs on our board of directors so we are giving a huge shout out to them today. We are grateful for their insight, expertise, and generosity.
Jacqueline Columbro
Jacquie has experience providing speech therapy in various settings, including summer day camp for children who have special learning needs, Head Start, school-based therapy in high school and elementary school, and adult home health care. She currently works in multiple skilled nursing facilities and a rehabilitation hospital.
We asked Jacquie’s family to help us out and surprise her by answering a few questions.
Why did Jacquie enter the speech therapy field?
Jackie grew up with a family member who struggled with speaking and we were raised with a belief that we should help others.
What are three words you would use to describe Jacquie?
Fiercely loyal
Driven to excellence
Kind
When she was little, what did Jacquie want to be when she grew up?
Jacquie has always loved animals and we honestly thought she was going to be a vet.
Dr. Monica Gordon Pershey
Dr. Gordon Pershey is an Associate Professor in the Speech and Hearing Program, Department of Health Sciences, at Cleveland State University where she serves as the Speech and Hearing Program Director.
We asked Monica’s friends to help us out and surprise her by answering a few questions.
Why did Monica enter the speech therapy field?
Monica always excelled in reading and writing and always wanted to help people. So going into speech therapy was such a natural fit for her.
What are three words you would use to describe Monica?
Hard working
Compassionate
Intelligent
When she was little what did Monica want to be when she grew up?
We always knew she would be some kind of educator. She loved everything about school and was such a leader to so many. We are so proud she is teaching the next generation of speech therapists.
Melissa Meehan
Melissa Meehan is a Speech-Language Pathologist licensed by the State of Ohio. She holds a Clinical Certificate of Competence-CCC from the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Melissa has over 30 years of experience working in hospitals, schools, community clinics, and private practice and is currently working with school-age students in a Lakewood elementary and high school.
We asked Melissa’s family to help us out and surprise her by answering a few questions.
Why did Melissa enter the speech therapy field?
Mom always knew she was going to pursue speech therapy as a career. She was introduced to it by watching one of her younger cousins go through therapy and she was fascinated. I believe she was in early high school at this point. I think she may have even spoken with the cousin’s therapist and asked questions about the profession. Obviously, that therapist was duly impressed.
What are three words you would use to describe Melissa?
Crusader
Funny
Compassionate
When she was little, what did Melissa want to be when she grew up?
For a period of time when Mom was in her very early teens, I think she actually entertained the idea of being a nun. Religion was a big part of her youth. Having an aunt who was a nun was also an influencing factor.
Thank you to Jacquie, Monica, and Melissa for all they do to contribute to the mission of the Orange Effect Foundation. They make our world a better place!
