Laurie is a speech-language pathologist trained and certified in multiple Parkinson's disease voice therapies and device interventions.
Laurie will work with you to improve your voice and communication through these effective programs.
LSVT LOUD & eLOUD Therapy:
This program trains people with PD to use their voice at a more normal loudness level while speaking at home, work, or in the community. Key to the treatment is helping people "recalibrate" their perceptions so they know how loud or soft they sound to other people and can feel comfortable using a stronger voice at a normal loudness level.
SPEAK OUT! Therapy:
This program helps people with Parkinson’s and related neurological disorders regain and retain their speech and swallowing. This highly effective, evidence-based treatment combines education, individual and group speech therapy, daily home practice, and continuous follow-ups.
Laurie is also a qualified provider of:
SpeechVive is a wearable speech device allowing you to speak louder and more clearly, every time you talk.
Link to SpeechVive's Website
EMST150 is a Calibrated Expiratory Muscle Strength Trainer is clinically proven to strengthen muscles to improve breathing, cough, swallowing, and speech.
Appointment Options
-In-home therapy sessions are conducted one-on-one in the comfort of your home. Sessions are currently available from Missoula, MT, to Polson, MT.
-In-person, one-on-one, therapy sessions at my office in downtown Missoula, MT.
-Telehealth therapy sessions are offered anywhere in Montana for people who prefer receiving training at their convenience and in their chosen space.
Laurie Childs
Speech-Language Pathologist
Laurie completed her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Montana and previously received a B.S. in Environmental Science at Western Washington University. She started her speech-language journey in 2019 at the University of Montana, knowing she wanted to work with Parkinson’s voice and communication patients. Her therapy approach fosters a collaborative and supportive environment with functional skills/exercises that can be implemented outside the therapy room.
She provides specialized and individualized Parkinson's disease or Parkinson's-like disorder communication services. She is a passionate communication advocate, helping people live their best lives where they are heard and understood.
She stays busy in her free time as a photographer, hiking and volunteering for her community in Arlee, MT.
Laurie’s mother and maternal grandmother were both diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), motivating her to pursue a degree in Speech-Language Pathology and specialize in supporting successful communication for people with PD.
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Photo of Laurie’s mother warming up at a Rock Steady Boxing class, these classes are geared for people with PD.
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