HATS OFF TO JORDAN!!!

All of us at CDSLP are sending a BIG congratulations to our newest CCC-SLP, Jordan Fernekees! Jordan has been a part of our team since June 2020, and has just completed her Clinical Fellowship Year, while we all mentored her! She has done a fabulous job these past 9 months, navigating teletherapy, two different office locations, learning the ropes, and just figuring it all out! We have seen her grow into a confident and excellent clinician!

CCC-SLP is the awarded by the American Speech Language Hearing Association, stating, “Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) is a nationally recognized professional credential that represents a level of excellence in the field of Speech-Language Pathology(CCC-SLP). Those who have achieved the CCC—ASHA certification—have voluntarily met rigorous academic and professional standards, typically going beyond the minimum requirements for state licensure. They have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide high quality clinical services, and they actively engage in ongoing professional development to keep their certification current.”

As a clinical fellow Jordan has already begun to establish her reputation for excellence in the community. CDSLP has received compliments from teachers and parents alike for the work Jordan has accomplished and her dedication to her students. We look forward to seeing her continued success.

Jordan’s undergraduate degree is from the University of Delaware, and her Masters in Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders is from Montclair State University in New Jersey. She is now providing therapy for our kiddos in both the school settings and our clinic in Lewes, and loving it!

We are SO proud of Jordan’s growth, and so happy she is part of our family here at CDSLP! Congratulations Jordan!!

Celebrating Krista!!!

CDSLP would like to invite you to Celebrate our office manager, Krista Garafolo with us today!

Krista first joined CDSLP as an office assistant. She quickly dove in to all things CDSLP and assumed more and more responsibilities. She readily interacts wtih all our children and parents who give her rave reviews. Krista was promoted to Office Manager in June of 2019. In just less than two years as office manager she has facilitated the switch to a new EMR software and supported us in transitioning to and from telehealth and in maintaining safe office practices during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Krista greets each new day with a smile and is always willing to tackle any challenge.

This past December Krista graduated from University of Wilmington with her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology.

In January 2021 she began an on-line Master of Social Work program at Widener University with a scholarship! Widener's MSW program ranks in the top 20 in the nation. The program follows a trauma-informed clinical model, which is particularly beneficial when working with people with intellectual disabilities, medical social work, school social work and children and youth services. It is also guided by a client-first philosophy, providing the skills to intervene effectively with clients and advocate for universal human rights.

We are proud of all of Krista’s accomplishments and continue to support Krista in her professional and personal growth! We know Krista will do great things with her degree!!

Happy First Day of School!

Happy first day of school to many children across the state! No doubt, the first day of school looks different than it has previously. Remote learning is an adjustment, not only for the children but for parents and teachers too. We would like to share some helpful tips!

1. Create a daily plan. A daily plan will provide a visual of what the daily schedule will look like and what is expected from the parent and child (i.e. to-do lists).

2. Begin the day with yoga. At least 20 minutes a day of yoga provides mental and physical relaxation. Incorporating yoga into your child's schedule helps teach them to be calm, gain body awareness, self control, breathing techniques and discipline. It also helps build concentration, confidence, improving posture (important when sitting at a computer!), managing stress, and encouraging positive behaviors. This is great for parents too!

3. Encourage growth! Your child may struggle with the quickly changing learning techniques that come with virtual school. Its important to empower your child to see learning as something they have control of and to embrace their curiosity. Emphasize critical thinking and learning literacy skills!

4. Help them find motivation. Help your child "want" to learn! Visual markers to display progress are a wonderful technique for your child to stay motivated to reach their goals. If you are unsure on how to keep your child motivated, utilize your resources! Teachers and support staff can provide additional tips to support remote instruction.