Featured Speech Buddies Provider: An Interview with Suzy Hites
Suzy Hites, MA, CCC-SLP
We met Suzy Hites, speech-language pathologist, a few months ago and were impressed at the positive attitude she brings to her practice in Livermore, California. “I love helping my students become better communicators! It is music to my ears when a student tells me, ‘People can understand me now!'”
Suzy works with preschoolers to high-schoolers and sees students with articulation, phonological, language, fluency and voice disorders as well as individuals with developmental delays and has specialized training in orofacial myofunctional therapy.
We recently sat down with Suzy Hites and asked her a few questions about her practice which is conveniently located in an office just a few steps from her home.
Speech Buddies: How long have you been in practice, where do you practice?
Suzy Hites: I have been practicing speech-language pathology for 13 years. After working in the public schools for 6 years, I began my own practice based in Livermore, California.
What kind of speech therapy do you specialize or focus on in your practice?
I work with preschoolers to high-schoolers and see students with articulation, phonological, language, fluency and voice disorders as well as individuals with developmental delays and cognitive impairments. I am passionate about working with children and adolescents with social communication impairments. I also have specialized training in orofacial myofunctional therapy.
When do you generally recommend kids begin therapy?
Early intervention is the most effective. I base my therapy recommendations on developmental norms, standardized test results, overall communication abilities, parental concerns, and client motivation.
How do you incorporate Speech Buddies into your practice?
I reach for my Speech Buddies as soon as I begin working with a student on articulation goals. I’ve seen great results!
What are your favorite recommendations for parents getting ready for back to school therapy?
Stay positive! Catch your child using his/her best speech and praise them for it!
What are the best ways for parents to support the speech therapy process?
Always complete home assignments and be an active participant in the therapy process. Let your child know that you hear them improving.
What’s your favorite thing about being a Speech Language Pathologist?
I love helping my students become better communicators! It is music to my ears when a student tells me, ‘People can understand me now!’
