Karley Sykora, Speech Therapist
Karley Sykora, speech therapist, has recently joined the rehabilitation staff at Riverwood Healthcare Center.
“Karley is very excited to begin building professional relationships and expanding the speech and language services here at Riverwood,” says Jean Chouanard, rehabilitation manager. “She is passionate about helping individuals improve their speech, cognitive and communication skills, including guidance for swallowing and eating safely. We are excited to have Karley join our rehab team.”
Speech therapy services help to improve communication for adults and children, including voice, receptive and expressive language; oral feeding and swallowing disorders; post-surgical conditions, speech deficits caused by neurological or traumatic issues; and cognitive-linguistic treatment for memory, organization, or attention following neurological changes such as brain injury or stroke.
Sykora has a B.S. degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and a M.S. degree in Speech Pathology, both degrees earned at Minnesota State University, Moorhead. She is certified in the Lee Silverman Voice Therapy LOUD program and as a Dementia Capable Care Instructor.
Sykora comments: “I have a passion for neurological disorders and cognitive-linguistic communication disorders, including working with Parkinson’s Disease patients. My favorite moments on the job are when patients realize that they can achieve their goals. I enjoy working together with family members and care partners to help each of my patients reach their highest level of functioning. I take pride in making each session special for the patient according to his or her needs.”
Speech therapy services are available by physician referral and offered Monday and Wednesday mornings at Riverwood’s rehabilitation center in Aitkin.