Parents. Grandparents. Guardians. Teachers. No child can live and learn without the core members of their village. Some kids just happen to need help from one extra, more specialized villager if they’re to attain independence and happiness.
Urban Speech & Occupational Therapy (USOT) plays a vital role in those children’s journeys. The team of seven speech-language pathologists (SLPs), three occupational therapists, and two office managers – plus one fluffy canine – all strive toward one goal: building pathways to communication and daily life skills.
“USOT has grown by leaps and bounds over an incredibly short span of time. It seems every month we find ourselves blessed to help even more children than we did the month before,” said Julie Urban, owner and SLP.
“Our team has more than doubled in size since I founded Urban Speech Therapy three years ago. We began offering occupational therapy, which teaches children the balance, coordination and motor planning they need to confidently navigate the world, just last year. We recently added our sensory gym as well, and are currently talking about another possible expansion.
“One of our latest and most exciting developments is our Apraxia Adventure Camp. The weekly summer program is designed to help children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS; a neurological speech sound disorder in which children have difficulty planning and programming the motor movements needed for speech) meet others just like them via fun, hour-long group learning sessions focused on literacy, social, and gross motor skills. We were delighted to welcome 14 children to the camp’s first eight-week run, and can’t wait to see them all again plus new faces next year.
“When USOT was first starting out, I always told myself it must stay smaller than ten people. I didn’t want to jeopardize the intimate atmosphere which I believe learning thrives best in.
“I’m happy to say I turned out to be wrong. The recent additions of SLP Maris Miller and occupational therapist Maddie Sweeney have proven that passion only intensifies when more are around to share it. And we’re still a close-knit group. We even eat lunch together!
“I don’t think I’ll hurt anyone’s feelings if I declare which USOT team member is cutest: Luka, who is SLP Kristina Theodosopoulos’ trained therapy dog. Luka currently joins us on Wednesdays and Thursdays, though demand for her services has grown so great that she may become the full-time USOT pup before long.
“I can’t overstate Luka’s abilities. Her calm, benevolent demeanor helps children regulate their emotions. That can be a game changer for a child who stutters, which often improves when they’re feeling relaxed and confident. Luka encourages children to use their communication skills, either by giving her commands or just by telling her that they love her (Luka loves love). She is also a willing model for all kinds of positive behaviors. Children with sensory processing differences are often emboldened to try new things when Luka volunteers to try them first. Finger paint becomes a lot more intriguing once a pretty golden paw has proven it’s safe!”
“Luka connects with someone new at USOT everyday,” said Kristina. “It comes naturally for her: not from training, but from instinct. She just knows whether someone needs a gentle presence or an energy boost!
“Children sense they can trust Luka the instant they meet her. People often ask me what she does for them as a therapy dog. My answer always changes, because her opportunities to improve a child’s day are nearly infinite.”
“Some things will never change at USOT,” continued Julie. “For example, we’ll always remain huge supporters of the Twin Cities Walk for Apraxia, which is set to take place at Rosalind Park in Edina on October 11th this year. Thanks to everyone who helps us raise money for such a great cause, and awareness for children who are fighting so bravely to find their voice!”
Urban Speech & Occupational Therapy welcomes children of all ages and abilities to their clinic at 6409 City West Parkway, Suite 206 in Eden Prairie. Please visit UrbanSpeechMN.com to learn more, or call (952) 500-8871 to schedule an initial consultation for your child.
Building pathways to communication and daily life skills