As 2024 comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work with so many incredible individuals and organizations through my speech therapy practice. This year has been one of meaningful growth and connection, new initiatives, and continued dedication to supporting communication and wellness in Maine. I’d love to share some highlights and give you a glimpse of what’s ahead in 2025.
2024 Highlights
This year, I’ve been fortunate to serve a diverse group of clients and collaborate on impactful projects. Here are some key accomplishments:
Individual Speech-Language Pathology Services
Individual therapy for adults has continued to be the cornerstone of my practice in 2024. This year I’ve supported people diagnosed with:
- Stroke
- Aphasia
- Concussion
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Brain tumor
- Huntington’s Disease
- Essential Tremor
- ADHD
I have also supported folks without a medical diagnosis who wanted to improve their communication and/or cognitive skills. This has included students, working professionals, and retirees. I’ve been referring to this elective speech therapy service as communication coaching or consulting, and it’s been a wonderful, growing component of my practice.
Each and every one of my client’s progress has been a testament to their resilience and hard work; I am so honored to know and work with you all!
Growing my Parkinson’s Program
I’ve continued to grow my speech therapy program for people with Parkinson’s disease. I re-launched the weekly virtual voice practice group in April during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and it’s been going strong ever since! This group has been a source of connection and empowerment for participants working on their vocal strength and clarity. The weekly sessions have become a highlight of the week, fostering both improvement and camaraderie. This year I also completed a 10.5-hour SPEAK OUT! training to provide evidence-based care.
Community Outreach in Maine
In 2024 I presented at:
- The Maine Brain Tumor Support Group
- Rock Steady Boxing in South Portland
- Two local Parkinson’s support groups
These presentations were impactful as they provided valuable education about an SLPs scope of practice and how speech therapy can help, and shared communication strategies and wellness tools to help attendees and their loved ones better manage and feel hopeful about their communication goals.
Contracted School-Based Therapy Services
Over the summer, I partnered with a local school district to provide speech therapy for students. It was rewarding to support these young learners in achieving their communication goals, and I hope to do this again in 2025! (If you recall, I spent about five years working in the schools when my son was little. It’s nice to have the opportunity to still work with kids even though Lotus Speech & Wellness specializes in serving adults.)
Virtual Program Coordination with the National Aphasia Association
In my role as Virtual Program Coordinator with the NAA, I have the privilege of working on initiatives that raise awareness and provide resources and support for individuals with aphasia and their families. This work has been incredibly meaningful and fulfilling. I am so lucky to collaborate with such a passionate, mission-driven team (especially as a solo private practice owner who otherwise works mostly on my own!)
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we step into the new year, I am excited about the possibilities for growth and innovation in how I support my clients and the community.
Expanding Beyond “Medically Necessary” Speech Therapy
While medically necessary speech therapy remains a cornerstone of what we do, I’m passionate about offering services that go beyond traditional healthcare coverage and the limitations imposed by health insurance and our current medical system. In fact, as I write this post, Congress still hasn’t even approved the continuation of Medicare coverage for telehealth past the end of this month (they are expected to make a decision on December 20th… way to wait until the last minute!). Remember, health insurance is NOT the same thing as health care. Wellness-focused services, including individual communication coaching and consulting, and group programs, will play a larger role in my offerings in 2025. These services may include:
- Communication coaching
- Executive function coaching
- Consulting
- ADHD Coaching
- Accent Modification
- Additional group offerings
- Yoga and mindfulness offerings
Continuing Exceptional Care Based on the Needs of the Community
Providing top-notch, personalized care will always be my priority. In 2025, I’ll continue to refine my approaches, look for any “gaps” in offerings that I might be able to fill, and stay at the forefront of research and best practices in speech-language pathology. Whether through workshops, partnerships, or simply being a resource, my goal is to make communication and wellness accessible to all who need it.
Possible Expansion Into Additional States
The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) is currently in development to allow SLPs to FINALLY practice in other states that are also part of the compact. Maine has already signed on as a member state! This means I’d be able to support people living in the other member states through telepractice. (Currently 34 states have enacted ASLP-IC legislation to be part of the compact, see map below). According to their website, privileges should be available sometime in 2025, so stay tuned!
How Can I Support You?
As we look ahead, I’d love to hear from you. How can I help address your communication or wellness needs? Are there resources, programs, or services that would benefit you or your loved ones? Please don’t hesitate to reach out. My mission is to be a trusted partner on your journey to better communication and a fuller life.
Thank you for being part of this incredible year. Here’s to continued progress and connection in 2025!
Katherine