The Munroe-Meyer Institute has been part of my life for longer than my career. Looking back, those early experiences shaped my future in a profound way.
As a child, I received speech-language services through the RiteCare Clinic at MMI. It was a place where people helped me find my words, build confidence and grow, even though I did not fully understand the impact of that at the time.
One of the people who made a lasting impact on me was Paul Laikko, my first speech-language pathologist. Years later, I had the privilege of working alongside him as a colleague, which made my connection to MMI even more meaningful.
My connection to MMI continued over the years. After being a patient, I later returned to MMI to work part-time as a recreation technician in recreational therapy, supporting programs including Camp Munroe. In that role, I got to see MMI from a different perspective and gained an even stronger appreciation for what makes this place so special. MMI is more than the services it provides. It is a community that cares deeply for children, families, and individuals, and its impact reaches far beyond the institute’s walls into the lives of many people in our community.
Through RiteCare of Nebraska, that impact is felt in especially meaningful ways. Speech-language therapy services help children develop the speech and language skills they need to express their wants, needs and ideas more effectively at home, in school, and in everyday life. Just as importantly, speech-language pathologists work closely with families by offering support, education, and encouragement throughout the process.
Now I have the privilege of working as a speech-language pathologist at MMI, providing RiteCare speech therapy services in the same place I once received them myself. I am both proud and grateful to be part of providing that care to children and families in the place that helped shape me.