Speech-Language Pathology

Three Rockstars

Inside the Speech-Language Pathology Department

Describe an educator, and you will find yourself using endearing adjectives to explain the impact they have on a student. “Rockstar” is the most appropriate term for a Speech Language Pathologist, especially the three at Swift School.

Missy Baccaala, a 28-year veteran of the field, serves as Swift's Learning Support Coordinator, and mentors Brianna Avant and Heather King, SLPs who are new to Swift School.

Asked to describe what an SLP does, the trio used the term “broad,” to explain the scope of their duties, but it was Ms. Baccala who expanded and provided a wonderful description of the focus of SpeechLanguage Pathology at Swift. “Speech-Language Pathologists are communication specialists,” she said. “We serve everyone from birth to end of life. At Swift, we focus on the expressivereceptive piece [of language] and how it ties in with reading and writing. If students have difficulties receiving information and expressing it, they will struggle with reading and writing.”

Step inside Swift School, and on any given day you will find the three rockstars pushing into classes to provide support or pulling out small groups of students in the first through fifth grades.

Ms. King previously worked at a private practice and had clients who fit the profile of a Swift School student. She became passionate about helping learners with dyslexia and related language-based learning differences, saying, “I had to become a better clinician and figure out the best way to provide remediation for them. That’s where my passion for serving students with dyslexia comes from. I decided I wanted to come to Swift School after working with those students.”

Ms. Avant completed an externship at The Howard School in Atlanta where the focus was on the student and acquisition of skills rather than only on improving standardized test scores. When Swift School had a job opening, she jumped at the opportunity.

“Everyone was welcoming, and I couldn’t get over that feeling. It felt like a family,” Ms. Avant stated. Each SLP expressed how much they love Swift School

(L-R) Brianna Avant, Missy Baccala, and Heather King

and working with students who need extra help. This year, the program expanded to not just providing language support, but also working with students who need additional support on tests, an alternate testing location, or even classroom modifications.

Progress, flexibility, and freedom were three of the key words that the trio used when they explained their passion and love for Swift School and its mission of helping students with dyslexia and related languagebased learning differences be successful in life.

Ms. King summed it up for the group, saying, “Being an SLP, I can make a difference in students’ lives. Communication is essential to our lives, and I constantly see progress [in Swift School’s students]. I love that I play a small part in helping them better communicate.” The terrific trio of Speech-Language Pathologists play a vital part in the education of Swift School's students. Ask your child about the latest exciting lesson and game during speech and you will hear just how inspiring Ms. Avant, Ms. Baccala, and Ms. King make learning at Swift School.