Journal and News

Executive Function Journal and Research:
I had signed up to go see Phyllis speak with Treffert in Fond du Lac, WI at the end of the month, but I emailed Phyllis and she said she felt I am probably more advanced already regarding Hyperlexia than most of the folks at the event. Since I have allocated those funds for training, I do feel that I would like to use them to build my Executive Function specialty further. I researched the internet and found some consistent names of speech pathologists who specialize in EF, and I would like to build a repertoire of certificates from their professional developments. One team I have found over and over is Sarah Ward and Kristen Jacobsen in Massachusetts. They have a day long training  on April 7th that I would love to attend, but I would have to get a flight and likely a rental car to get there, and come back that night to work the next day. I would also have to cancel therapy sessions with clients that morning. I think developing my professional skills is vital to providing for my clients, so I will be weighing my options today.

www.efpractice.com
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Stay tuned and I will summarize and provide tips from what I learn!

Insurance Updates: Still Waiting...
Quick update for prospective and waiting client requests
Unfortunately, I am still waiting on something from BCBSIL. I can't figure out what is wrong, or if they are even working on my application, but I have heard that changes in their systems occurred this November and there are others in various locations around Illinois that are struggling to have their applications reviewed as well.

​At least it isn't just ITx- but stay tuned and hang in there with me while I get it all settled. Gosh, I hope it can't be much longer now- I already am an approved provider for other locations, so I am sure it won't be a problem! Thank you for your interest and your patience!

​Business Updates:
I have been working a lot this year- 2018 is full of nearly too much work, which is a great problem! I have made some wonderful connections with clients who I am VERY excited to continue working with this Spring. I have been crammed busy with the following (not including many boring things, not interesting enough to write about!):

1. I am now certified in MBS-Imp (Modified Barium Swallow- Impairment) which is a standardized assessment and reporting protocol developed by Bonnie Martin Harris. The idea is to streamline a numeric system and eliminate some of the subjectivity of reporting with x-ray swallow evaluations. The personal calibration and training was grueling but I do feel I learned a lot about the way everyone looks at these video-swallows. 

2. I had jury duty! Nothing happened and I wasn't even called into a courtroom, but I managed that event as a business owner. 

3. Imagination Therapy LLC (aka, me!) is covering a maternity leave in a south-west district outside of Chicago. I am currently reflecting on different school experiences I have had, and how much I like working to help kids understand learning. I would love to be able to take one job like this (maternity coverage) a year to maintain my involvement in schools, I think.

4. I am still working with Lakeview Speech and Language Clinic and Solutions for Student Success as well as for Northwestern Medicine.

5. I have been working on my logo! I am getting some help from my good friend's sister- but I will need something a little better than the one I have been using to participate in the Health and Wellness Fair in Oak Park! Come visit me April 29th at the YMCA in Oak Park!

6. I am going to take a break April 11-24th, and I may be out of touch for that time. I will be back and busy starting at the end of April, though! Thanks for your support in taking vacation time! Self care is vital to quality business practices!