An interview with Kristin Winter from SpeechRx, Speech and Swallowing Therapy: Let’s speak, laugh and eat your favorite foods again! On April 13, 2024.
Biography
For over 20 years, I have been treating speech and swallowing disorders. I attained a master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and bachelor’s degree in speech pathology from the University of Florida. Go Gators! I am certified with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association(ASHA), a member of the Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists (FLASHA), and received ACE awards the past 4 years from ASHA for exceeding the requirement for continuing education hours earning 70+ CEU hours per period. Kristin will present at FLASHA’s annual conference in Daytona Beach in the summer of 2024.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
I am the owner and practicing clinician at SpeechRx, Speech and Swallowing Therapy with 2 additional speech-language pathologists. My mission is to provide exemplary, evidence-based speech therapy for adults with swallowing impairments (dysphagia), head and neck cancer, Parkinson’s disease, chronic cough, COPD, GERD, stroke, vocal cord dysfunction, and other neurological impairments.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I have worked with people with Parkinson’s for over 25 years. As a graduate student, I volunteered at the local YMCA Surf and Turf Parkinson’s program providing voicing exercises. I then worked at a hospital in Broward County for their Parkinson’s support group providing speech exercises.
Of recent, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and presents as someone with Parkinson’s disease with a shuffling gate and tremors. My role as caretaker has given me the kind of insight that can’t be taught in a university.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
They would like for their spouses to be able to hear them more clearly without having to repeat themselves. Going out with friends and socializing without drooling or coughing while eating would make outings more enjoyable for them and their families.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
My colleagues and I are credentialed with the ParkinsonVoice Project SPEAK OUT Therapy Program. I am also certified in the LSVT LOUD program. The SPEAK OUT Therapy Program requires 12 sessions of speech therapy, daily home practice and participation with a group SPEAK OUT program wither virtually or in-person.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
The SPEAK OUT Therapy Program helps people to regain and retain their speech and communication while minimizing swallowing issues. It helps people to learn to convert speech from an automatic function to an intentional act.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
SpeechRx would like to be able to provide therapy services to anyone with Parkinson’s either in-person or virtually in the state of Florida.
What events do you participate in?
SpeechRx runs a weekly SPEAK OUT group program for free every Friday. We also run a swallowing disorder support group, Dysphagia Digest of Florida and a Communication Support Group.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers are welcome to join or take the hour off and take time for themselves.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Call 772-781-3740 or check out www.SpeechRx.org
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Join a local Parkinson Support group run by the APDA, join a Rock Steady group or check out ParkinsonVoiceProject.org for free SPEAK OUT Home practice.
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Being a voice for those without one.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
Collaborate with Parkinson’s advocacy groups and medical institutions can amplify our reach and credibility. Highlight personal stories and the impact of potential breakthroughs in treatment can inspire donors to contribute generously.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
Diaphragmatic breathing ex’s, Box breathing and meditating.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
To learn self-care is important for everyone.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
Yes
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
Every Breath You Take – The Police
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Let’s speak, laugh and eat our favorite foods again!