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Jodi Walker, M.S., CCC/SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world". -Ludwig Wittgenstein

Contact Information

Email: jodi.walker@wylieisd.net

Voicemail: (972) 429-3000, ext. 7043

Groves Elementary, Draper Intermediate, Cooper Jr. High

ABOUT ME

I have been an ASHA certified (CCC), Texas licensed Speech Language Pathologist since 1992. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Baylor University in 1990, graduating magna cum laude. I went on to receive my Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology from Baylor University in 1991. Currently, I am pursuing my certificate in educational administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

I have worked in the public school setting my entire career. I devoted 14 years to children in Plano ISD and 1 year to children in McKinney ISD before coming to Wylie in 2006. In 1992, I was honored to be named Beginning Teacher of the Year at Memorial Elementary in Plano. I have worked with kids ages 3-14 years, but the majority of my experience has been with students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.

I was born in Connecticut and lived there until 5th grade when my family moved to Richardson, TX. I graduated 12th in my class from Berkner High School in Richardson and was a proud member of the Bandolera drill team. In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, traveling, listening to live music, going to the movies, collecting mouse figurines, doing genealogy research, and interior decorating.

My husband, Steve, and I have lived in Wylie for 6 years. I have a daughter, Mikayla, who's in 3rd grade and a step-daughter, Nicolette, who's in 8th grade.

ABOUT SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPY

The speech program is designed for students age 3 to 21 years old that need help with:

Speech sounds (articulation), Listening comprehension, Oral expression (ex. vocabulary or grammatical difficulties), Social communication (pragmatics), Fluency (stuttering), or Voice problems (ex. chronic hoarseness).

Some students have unique challenges and learn alternative ways to communicate using pictures, signs, or assistive technology devices. Often, small groups meet in the speech room to develop new skills using games, literature, and curriculum-based materials. Other times, intervention is provided in the regular classroom setting. The goal of speech-language therapy is to help the student become a more effective communicator to enhance his or her academic success.

Because speech-language therapy is a special education service, there are many steps that must be taken before a student can receive it. One of the steps is having a licensed speech pathologist conduct a formal assessment. For a school age child, the campus RESULTS committee first determines whether or not such an evaluation is warranted. Once an FIE (Full Individual Evaluation) is completed, the speech pathologist will make recommendations to an ARD (Admission Review Dismissal) committee comprised of the parent(s), a campus administrator, and the student's general education teacher. The recommendations may or may not include providing speech services. If the student meets district and state eligibility requirements as having a Speech Impairment (SI) and a classroom need exists, the ARD committee will develop an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for the student which addresses goals, amount of time, and location for therapy.

For a pre-school age child (3-5 years old), the process is very similar. The main difference is that a concerned parent will first schedule a screening at an elementary campus in Wylie ISD designated for pre-K assessments. The contact person is Jackie Meadows and she can be reached at (972) 429-2364.

HELPFUL LINKS

Speech and Language Development in Children

http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/language_development.shtml

http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/speechandlanguage.asp

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/default.htm

Disorders and Conditions Affecting Communication Skills in Children

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/ChildSandL.htm

http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/disorders/children_with_communication_disorders.shtml

Articulation Disorders in Children

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/SpeechSoundDisorders.htm

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/ChildhoodApraxia.htm

Stuttering in Children