The following screenings will be offered:
Speech (K-5th grade): A certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) will be available to provide speech/language screenings. A speech/language screening is a great opportunity to connect with a professional about your child’s communication. Parents will complete a brief form regarding speech concerns and your child will participate in a 10-15 minute screening with the speech pathologist. The SLP will provide resources and a recommendation for further steps if necessary.
Providing the Speech Screenings: Alyssa Gerrity, M.S. CCC-SLP is a dedicated professional with over 13 years of experience serving children as an ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) certified speech-language pathologist. Throughout her career, she has worked in various settings including public schools, early intervention, private practice, and teletherapy, offering her expertise to help students reach their communication potential. Her clinical competencies include assessing and treating articulation and language disorders, with a specific interest in strengthening articulation as a foundation of early literacy skills. Alyssa and her husband live in Olathe, KS and homeschool their eight-year-old son. She is passionate about connecting homeschool families with resources and helping them navigate the therapy process. Currently, Alyssa provides in-person speech therapy out of her home office and teletherapy services for students in Kansas, Missouri, and California. She welcomes inquiries from families and can be contacted directly via email at olathespeech@gmail.com.
Sensory-Motor (ages 3-6 years old): An occupational therapist practitioner will provide screenings for foundational gross motor skills and fine motor skills including grasp patterns for drawing, writing, coloring and use of scissors. Sensory processing will also be screened and will include observations of self-regulation, motor planning, eye hand coordination and balance. Parents will complete a brief form and the child will participate in a 10-15 minute screening. The occupational therapy practitioner will provide resources and recommendations for further steps if necessary.
Providing the Sensory-Motor Screenings: Jean Wetherilt, OTR/L, has been a pediatric occupational therapist for 25+ years and is the founder and owner of PossAbilities, Inc., a private practice occupational therapy clinic. For the majority of her practice, Jean has shown a passion for the primary role of the parent or “theraparent,” a term she coined to describe this vital role. She has helped families navigate the challenges of raising children with special needs through conferences, workshops, and consultations. Jean is married and has two children (homeschool and college graduates). Jean serves as the Unique Learners Track coordinator on the MPE Conference Committee.
Reading (ages K-5th grade): Areas of assessment such as phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge, decoding skills, oral reading fluency, accuracy, and comprehension will be presented, based on the student’s current grade level. A Special Education/Orton Gillingham Trained Interventionist will conduct the reading screening. Students will participate in their grade specific reading screening. Parents will complete a brief survey. Upon completion of the screening, lasting approximately 10-15 minutes, parents will receive an overview of the screening along with resources to support reading. If it is determined that the student would benefit from additional support, recommendations may be shared.
Providing the Reading Screenings: Suzanne Wandling, CEO and Co-founder of Homeschoolers.com supports families through coaching, training, and individualized instruction. Suzanne partners with families to help them to confidently homeschool and experience joy in the process. Growing up a Southerner, she attended the University of New Orleans, earning degrees in Elementary and Special Education. Suzanne moved to Kansas to attend the University of Kansas and completed a master’s degree in Special Education. As a trained ICF Coach and Orton Gillingham trained educator, Suzanne is passionate about equipping and encouraging families. Suzanne lives in Kansas with her husband Warren, two daughters, and rescue dog.
