Willamette Valley Medical Center Speech Therapy Services
August 13, 2024
Speech therapy at WVMC supports patients throughout their lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Under the guidance and direction of a trained therapist, speech therapy can significantly impact a patient's development and rehabilitation of speech, language, voice, cognitive, and swallowing skills.
Dirks, a McMinnville High School graduate, obtained her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Pacific University, and returns to McMinnville after working at several medical facilities in the Northwest. She is an adjunct professor of dysphagia in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Pacific University and is a published author.
“I am thrilled to be back in McMinnville, my hometown, providing care to all patient populations and resuming pediatric services at WVMC.” Dirks said.
At WVMC, patients will continue to benefit from a personalized care plan to address issues and disorders resulting from stroke, Parkinson’s disease, post-concussion syndrome, autism, developmental disorders, head and neck cancer, and voice and swallow disorders.
Connie Rolfe, WVMC Director of therapy services, added, “Kyla was a former intern at WVMC while in graduate school, she trained under Melinda Grady M.A., CCC-SLP, and we are delighted to have her join our therapy team full-time.”
A physician referral is required for speech therapy services. To determine if you would be a good candidate for speech therapy or would like to request a referral, follow up with your primary care provider.
For more information about speech therapy services, visit WillametteValleyMedical.com or call 503.435.6550.
Publications:
- "Motherhood in the Academy: A Qualitative Study of Experiences in Communication Sciences and Disorders" (2021) Motherhood in the Academy: A Qualitative Study of Experiences in Communication Sciences and Disorders | Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups
- "Training Future Speech– Language Pathologists for Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care" (2020) TLD-D-19-00047 (lww.com)