Ryan Scheri

Education: 

     I work as a speech-language pathologist in an elementary school, at an outpatient clinic, and in inpatient rehab! I earned my Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Purdue University, and my Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northern Illinois University.

Clinical Interests: 

    During my graduate education, I had an emphasis on gender-affirming voice therapy (voice and communication feminization/masculinization) and instrumental evaluations of swallowing. In school-age populations, I am passionate about AAC (Alternative Augmentative Communication), literacy-based interventions, and interventions with technology. 

Therapeutic Beliefs

• Speech therapy should be a positive experience for all students. 

• Students should know what they are working on and have a say in their therapy goals. 

• Respect student's body autonomy

• I am continually striving to see autistic communication as a cultural difference that should be understood and respected

  • Social communication should never be forced

  • Students should not be required to mask their autistic traits

  • Students are not required to maintain eye contact

  • Sensory needs should be respected.

  • Stimming is accepted

Fun Facts:

• I received speech therapy in the DeKalb School District when I was a student! I worked on my r-sounds in therapy, and this inspired me to become a Speech-Language Pathologist.

• Outside of speech pathology, I do woodworking, take care of plants, and play with my cat. 

• I lectured for the course Language Development at Purdue University as a teaching assistant for two years.

• I was a recreation-therapy program leader at the Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association at Hopkins park for two years.

• I have a twin sister and two older sisters!

• I am trained in Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies, a test that uses X-rays to film and assess swallowing as well as FEES - Flexible endoscopy to examine swallowing.