Michelle Lewald

I am Michelle and I'm licensed as a certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)  by the state of Michigan and hold my Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) by the nationally recognized American Speech Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). I obtained my Bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM and my Master's degree from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM as I am originally from Farmington, New Mexico. I also received my masters of science degree in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis is Speech Pathology in December of 2016.

 

I began my career working at Skilled Nursing Facilities in the Michigan area after completing my clinical experience in a range of settings in both MI and NM. In 2021, I made a career leap most therapists don't attempt by transferring to an educational setting after working solely with adults and geriatric patients in the medical setting. I started working for NHA Schools to broaden my skills and work with a new population including grades K-8 and High School students in both Grand Rapids and Muskegon area. Although I really enjoyed working in the schools, another shift in my career came when looking for a position closer to home. Now I am part of a wonderful team at Rockford Speech Therapy, a place where I enjoy working with other therapists and with a variety of clients ranging from young kids to adults and am able to use my expertise in multiple facets (i.e. Speech, Language, Cognition, Fluency, Voice, and Swallowing). I have gained confidence through the years that has led me to serve as a supervisor to student clinicians and share the knowledge that has been useful in practicing in a variety of settings. I have also worked at summer camps in Colorado to gain experience in working with kids and adults with autism and really felt at home there as I am an outdoor enthusiast!

 

Fun fact: I enjoy attending continuing education conferences and classes to maintain credits as required by the state to broaden my expertise in the field. One conference I especially enjoy attending is the MSHA conference put on by the MSHA members every year where we hear from several Speech and Language experts in our field to learn about the most recent research and findings. I am so proud to be in this field of study and care deeply about the individuals we work with!

 

Hope to get the opportunity to meet you all!