I am quite excited!  Today, I get to introduce you to someone quite extraordinary — a woman you cannot help but connect with, regardless of your circumstances.  Today, I get to say, “Welcome!” to Mrs. Mimi D’Armond McClain, SeaShine Online Magazine’s Children’s Contributor.  Not only is Mimi an insightful, wise, stylish and sassy-fun woman, but she’s also a remarkable mother of two sweet boys and a  highly experienced, highly sought after Speech Pathologist in the Houston area.  Meet now, Mimi D’Armond McClain, M.S., CCC-SLP.  Be sure to click over and read Mimi’s first article as well, Living with Food Allergies.

SS: Mimi, share a little about yourself with us.  What are your interests, your favorite activities, etc.?

MDM: I love being the mother of my sons, Mark and Jack, and I thoroughly enjoy my job as a speech pathologist.  My biggest passion is riding horses, although I haven’t ridden since the boys were born.  I enjoy reading, watching movies, and being with family and friends. My husband, Brooks, and I like to watch sports together.

SS: How did you know that speech pathology was for you?

MDM: When I was a Senior in High School, I heard about what a speech pathologist does. I thought it would be perfect for me because I love children, and I thought the idea of helping them communicate was interesting.

SS: Do you specialize in a specific field of speech pathology?

MDM: I work with children in a clinical setting.  My favorite area is Early Childhood Language, but I also enjoy working on articulation, phonology, language processing and apraxia.

SS: Tell us about your professional and educational experience, along with any credentials you have obtained.

MDM: I went to Baylor University for undergrad and grad school and received a B.A. of Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders.  I am state and nationally licensed (ASHA) and have my CCCs (Certificate of Clinical Competence).

SS: What is your approach to improving a child’s speech processing?  Do you have a specific exercise you encourage parents with children suffering communication hardships try?  If so, can you share?

MDM: It really just depends on the child. Each child has specific skill sets and responds differently to certain approaches.  I tailor the strategy or technique to the child. We send some kind of “homework,” and it is important for the child to practice the skills learned in therapy at home.

SS: What will you be sharing with us throughout your articles?

MDM: I’d like to share ideas that encourage language development in children, to share developmental milestones, and issues of concern regarding parenting a child with speech and language difficulties.

Because my son, Mark, has multiple, severe food allergies, I’d like to bring more awareness to living with food allergies.

SS: Tell us more about The Speech & Language Connection, Inc. in Houston, Texas.  How did this company come about, and how many speech pathologists does your team now have?

MDM: Caroline Serrett, M.S., CCC-SLP is the owner and director.  She is a good friend of mine, and when she bought the practice several years ago, I joined her.  We have four therapists currently.

SS: What services does The Speech & Language Connection, Inc. offer?  Are your services limited to the Houston area, or are you able to assist clients nationally with specific needs or referrals (outside of SeaShine Online Magazine)?

MDM: We offer consultations, evaluations, and therapy. We also run some social language groups as well and travel to a handful of private schools in the area.  Our clients are seen face to face when providing therapy, so we do not provide services outside of the Houston area.

SS: Mimi, are there any additional websites you might suggest for those seeking help or for those looking to secure a good speech pathologist in their area?

MDM: The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is an excellent resource.

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