Speech Therapy Department

 

The Speech Language Therapy Department at The Learning Express consists of an enthusiastic, highly trained and caring team of professionals.  We are committed to continued improvement of our students and ourselves.  We value continuous learning from our field, related disciplines, each other, and our students!  Collaboration with parents, teachers and classroom staff help us to create and maintain a positive, supportive and fun environment for ourselves and our students!

The speech language pathologists for the 2007-08 school year are Shelby Lenhart, Lynne Ruggles, Amy Foor, Maureen Butterbaugh, Kim Riccio and Trisha Hagge.  Together these therapists have a strong knowledge base of working with children of a variety of ability levels including children with autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and developmental speech/language disorders.

Many of the speech language pathologists at the Learning Express are being trained through the Pennsylvania Verbal Behavior Project.  These trainings are held though the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network.  These trainings are ensuring our speech language pathologists are continuing to be skilled at the most cutting edge of treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Our speech language pathologists are available for screening, evaluation and treatment at the Learning Express, Ebner Elementary, Wright Elementary, Juniata Elementary as well as most of the area daycares and preschools.  Please feel free to contact them if you have any questions regarding your childÕs speech and language skills at (814) 946-8465 ext 203.

 

Speech and Language Development Links:

www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/speechsounddisorders/htm

www.asha.org/public/speech/development

 

Applied Behavior Analysis Links:

www.bacb.com

 

Pictures and Activity Idea Links:

www.do2learn.com

www.speakingofspeech.com

 

Maureen Butterbaugh, MS, CCC-SLP

Teacher Background

IÕm a certified and licensed speech language pathologist with 4 years experience in the field.  I received my bachelor of science degree from Penn State University and master of science degree from Clarion University.  I previously worked for Easter Seals of Central PA, Home Nursing Agency-Early Intervention and Advantage Care, a long term nursing facility. This is my second year at the Learning Express, although I completed an 8 week internship in 2004, with Shelby Lenhart as my supervisor.  

Job Description

As a speech language pathologist, I work on evaluations and individual and group therapy sessions.  I work at the Learning Express and am an internal coach in the verbal behavior classrooms at Juniata Elementary.  I also complete therapy in studentÕs homes as well as treating children who come into school for speech therapy only. 

Amy Foor

Teacher Background

California University of PA, B.S. in Communication Disorders

Penn State University, M.S. in Communication Disorders

Previous positions:

Penns Valley Area School District, K-12 speech therapist

The Guidance Center, early intervention (birth to three) speech therapist

I have worked for the Learning Express Preschool for two years.

Job Description

Speech therapist for the following classrooms:

Preschool classrooms at Curtin

Transitional Kindergarten at Ebner

Verbal Behavior classroom at Ebner

Shelby Lenhart, M.S.,CCC-SLP, BCBA

Teacher Background

A certified and licensed speech-language pathologist with 10 years of experience in the field.   Attended Penn State University for both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Communication Disorders.  Completed continuing education at Penn State University to obtain the PA Dept of Ed. Certificate of Competence in Autism and Penn StateÕs certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis.   Completed the requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in August 2006. I began working at The Learning Express in December 2000. 

Job Description

As a speech/language pathologist, I complete multidisciplinary evaluations, screens, therapy and staff consultation.  As an internal coach in the PA Verbal Behavior Project, I consult with teachers and classroom staff using teaching techniques based on the principles of applied behavior analysis.

Kim Riccio

Teacher Background

I went to undergraduate and graduate school at IUP. Since then, IÕve worked in public schools with kids preK through age 21, early intervention/rehab centers and nursing homes.

IÕve been working at the Learning Express since the 2006-007 school year.

Job Description

I provide therapy and screenings to students in the classrooms at both the Curtin and Wright classrooms, Head Start classrooms, daycares and private preschools. I also do home visits, when needed

Lynne Ruggles

Teacher Background

I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  I started working for IU08 as a longterm sub, then a day to day substitute.  I was hired by Altoona Area School District in August, 1991.  I have been here ever since.This is my 17th year working for The Learning Express.  I started out two mornings and three afternoons a week.

Job Description

I provide speech therapy to 3 Head Start Centers, center-based individual, and any private daycare/preschool that there is an Altoona child who needs speech therapy.  This year these centers include:  Walgroves, Begin With Us, Child Zone, Penn Mont, and Frankstown Children Center.