Contributors
Jennifer Wetter, MS, CCC-SLP
Director of Speech and Language Therapy
Release Communication Intervention
Jennifer joined Release Communication Intervention in January 2005 as the Director of Speech and Language Therapy.
Jenny has over nine years of speech-language experience with numerous populations including Autism Spectrum Disorders, specialising in Asperger Syndrome.
Jenny graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, where she had three years work as an Applied Behaviour Analysis trainer. She also holds a MS in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas.
She received her CCC-SLP in 2000 and was admitted to the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists in 2004.
Jenny has appeared on RTE’s “Baby on Board” Series and has been interviewed by Pat Kenny on “Today with Pat Kenny”. She also submitted a Call for Papers on Asperger Syndrome at 2004 Texas Speech-Language Hearing Association Annual Convention.
We’re excited to announce, Jenny has met a lovely Northern Irishman, Rob, to whom she will marry in August of 2008!
Debbie Brassell, PhD, JD, EJD, MS, CCC-SLP, Diploma in Hippotherapy
Director of Research
Release Communication Intervention
Debbie joined Release Communication Intervention in September 2007, and to say Release is delighted to have her on the team is the understatement of the century! Debbie is Release’s Director of Research, who is tasked with researching the quantitative results of the program, and present the results at the 2009 ASHA Convention.
Debbie has over 30 years experience in Speech and Language therapy–and while a speech and language therapist, obtained a PhD, Juris Doctor, and Executive Juris Doctor and a Diploma in Hippotherapy.
Her knowledge and personal approach is second to none!
Debbie has presented call for papers in numerous national and state ASHA Conventions
Tara Cunningham
Managing Director
Release Communication Intervention
Tara was working as a Fundraiser for Down Syndrome Ireland when she was confronted with the fact most children with disabilities in Ireland do not get the critical speech and language therapy they need in order to integrate within society.
Tara spoke to parents all over the country to hear what they needed to help their children. She also reviewed the Bacon report which clearly explained the 72% vacancy rate of speech and language therapists in Ireland. With ASHA (American Speech Language and Hearing Association) and a number of top US Universities supporting the initiative, Release set out to provide group speech and language therapy inclusive of caregivers, where they would learn the skills they need to help their children themselves.
Release opened its doors in January 2005 and has provided help to hundreds of families across Ireland.
Tara was awarded an Ashoka Fellowship in September 2007 and was aSocial Entrepreneur Ireland Level 2 Awardee in 2005. Tara has recently been appointed to the Social Entrepreneur Ireland Board of Directors.
Hammie
Mom
Hammie is a mother of two kids with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, A boy and girl. “Both gorgeous, both a very big handful.”
Release came across Hammie in our travels over the years.
We do not know who Hammie is, but what we do know is she is an extraordinary mother, and a constant source of inspiration to the Release team and the wider Autistic population.
Her practical tips are tried and tested—some may help you and your child on your journey together.
Hammie kindly said she would participate in our blog to answer any questions you may have. You can also see Hammie’s extensive work on her blog http://hammie-hammiesays.blogspot.com/ which we urge you to view and participate in!
Caroline Carswell
Founder
www.irishdeafkids.ie
Caroline Carswell was born profoundly deaf in Dublin, Ireland, but has led a normal life due to having strong speech and lip-reading skills. Her good quality of life is entirely due to her parents working with a speech therapist to maximise oral language acquisition from an early age. This home-based work meant that Caroline could be integrated into mainstream schools and the local community.
Two deaf children are born per week in Ireland, but information is not freely available for parents to make informed choices about their childrens’ education and language acquisition. As a result, Caroline is setting up a resource website, www.irishdeafkids.ie to promote inclusive education for deaf children and enable parents to help their child realise their full potential in Irish society.
IrishDeafKids.ie can be emailed at irishdeafkids at gmail dot com if wished.
