Speech and Language

Elementary

North, Chace, and South

What is school-based Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders. It is performed by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), which are often referred to as speech therapists. Speech therapy techniques are used to improve communication. Source

In school settings, speech-language pathology services must conform to federal regulations created to implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a law designed to ensure that all students receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

Determination of eligibility for services in schools is a multi-step process that includes screening, evaluation, observations from teachers, information from parents, and review of the student's work samples. The school-based individualized education program (IEP) team considers all of this information to answer these questions:

Is there a disability?
If so, is there an adverse effect on educational performance resulting from the disability?
If so, are specially designed instruction and/or related services and supports needed to help the student make progress in the general education curriculum?

In some cases, parents may want services beyond what is determined appropriate in the school setting. Parents may obtain services from an SLP in private practice at their own discretion and cost. Read more about eligibility criteria for speech-language services in the schools here .

(Source)

Erin O'Regan, M.S., CCC-SLP

Hello, Miss Erin here! I currently service Preschool, Kindergarten and the Insights program at North Elementary. I went to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst for my undergraduate degree and Northeastern University to receive my Master’s degree. I am so fortunate to have your kiddos on my caseload! I LOVE what I do. I love hiking, eating, and enjoying other people's company. Oh, I can’t forget my cat, Bubbies, I love him too. Bye for now!

Sally McKinnon, M.S., CCC-SLP

Hi!

I’m Mrs. McKinnon, better known as Miss Sally. A graduate of Somerset High School, I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Boston University and my Master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach. I have spent a majority of my career working with children, preschool to grade 5. Since 2003, I have been the Speech Language Pathologist at Chace Street School.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with so many children over the years and seeing them achieve and grow.

I love softball, gardening, cooking as well as spending time with family, friends and my furbabies!

Emily Lacasse, M.S., CCC-SLP

Hello, I’m Emily Lacasse! I went to the University of New Hampshire for undergrad and graduated from Towson University with my Master’s degree in 2018. I currently service students at South and North Elementary School as a school-based speech therapist. Working with kids has always been my passion and I love building their speech and language skills along with their confidence and self-esteem! I love spending time outside especially at the beach during the summer months.

Rachelle Almeida, B.S., SLP-A

Hello! I’m Rachelle, and I go by Mrs. Almeida at school! I currently work at North Elementary servicing students in Preschool and Kindergarten. I graduated from Bridgewater State University in May 2017 and I began my career at a day-habilitation center working with adults with disabilities. Since the fall of 2017, I have been working in the schools as an SLPA. I love spending time with each child and getting to know them individually while working on their speech and language skills - this truly is the best job out there. I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, and playing with our puggle, Mila!

Krystal Carey, B.S., SLP-A

Hi everyone, I’m Krystal! I graduated from Worcester State University in 2015. I have been working as a school-based SLPA ever since. I work at North and Chace Elementary servicing students from 3rd to 5th grade. Seeing the progress in the students I work with is my biggest motivation. I love getting to know each and everyone of your kiddos and building a good relationship. I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and yoga.

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