language pathologist), and Shannon Harper (speechlanguage pathologist), as well as, the retention of veteran staff member, Mika Doucet (occupational therapist), who has been with the company since its opening in 2008. Each therapist brings enthusiasm, skill, experience and education, which are vital in producing optimal outcomes for patients. Investing in Experienced and Enthusiastic Staff Physical therapist Emery DeSonier, a native of Lake Charles, has fostered a passion for working with the disabled all of her life. Living with a disabled sister and a physician father allowed for a large amount of exposure to the medical field. She channeled her passions into the field of physical therapy. With a wide variety of experience (including pediatrics, wheelchair clinics, and neurological and vestibular training for adults), DeSonier has proved to be an excellent addition to the staff. Physical therapist Kristin Mathis provides therapy for pediatrics. “My mission is to provide children of all ages an opportunity to improve developmental skills, increase performance quality and achieve independence,” she said. This is evident in her work at Hope. She feels strongly about empowering parents by involving them in the treatment planning and process. Kelly Abate, also from Lake Charles, was an easy fit to the clinic. As a speech-language pathologist, she offers specialized programs for pediatrics and adults. Abate, who received her master’s degree in communication disorders from LSU in 2010, is thrilled that she’s able to follow her passion of working with children on a daily basis. “Seeing a child communicate their wants and needs, whether it’s verbal communication, augmentative communication, or something as simple as a gesture or eye-gaze, would have to be the most rewarding,” she said. Shannon Harper is a speech therapist with 14 years of experience. She relishes the opporPAGE 22
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tunities she has to help patients become more independent after they have had a stroke, an accident, or some other type of event in their life that has affected their speech.
Above: The Pediatric Gym with its castle and stairs is used as an interactive environment for the physical, occupational, and speech therapists to assist children to gain greater developmental skills in order to reach milestones. Mika Doucet, occupational therapist, on the bolster swing helping Sarah Carboni gain better trunk control.
Investing in Treatment Space As for the space at this clinic, you have to see it for yourself. Owners Brooks and Anderson have added a larger, specialized pediatric gym with individualized treatment rooms and a bigger open area, along with a new neuro-vestibular gym for balance training. New Pediatric Gym The pediatric gym was specifically designed to allow all disciplines (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy) to work with patients in a private setting, yet it also allows the opportunity for patients to interact with other children in the open gym area. “The pediatric gym has been an incredible addition,” Abate said. “It gives us so much flexibility! We have four private therapy rooms for individualized treatment sessions and an open gym area that allows time for interaction with other children who may be attending therapy.” The interaction aspect is important for children who are developing social skills and confidence in their communication ability. The main gym also has specialized equipment for each discipline that is charmingly housed in a “castle.” “All of the kids love the castle!” she said. “They all want to see the dragon that lives inside! Many times, the kids end up having so much fun in the gym that they forget we’re actually working.” New Neurological-Vestibular Gym For DeSonier, who specializes in balance and fall prevention, the space in the neuro-vestibular gym is an exciting addition. Volume 3 • Issue 9