Speech-Language Clinical Supervisor Spotlights
Clinical supervisors are an important part of the education of our Speech-Language students. We are able to serve our community because of these remarkable professionals who help mentor our future Speech-Language Pathologists. If you are interested in becoming a supervisor, contact Ashley Purdum at 316-978-3295 or ashley.purdum@wichita.edu.
Debi Laforge
Tell us about your background.
I was an “army brat” and lived many places in the U.S. and abroad, but 45 years ago
I moved to El Dorado, KS where I still live and now consider myself a Kansan! I started
to take classes at Butler Community College (BCC) when I was 25, and found that I
loved it. At 27, I became a single mother of two young girls and decided without some
sort of career, we were doomed to live in poverty. With the encouragement of my wonderful
and supportive friends and professors, I jumped into a full-time schedule. I graduated
with my AA in 1979, BA from WSU in 1981 and MA from WSU in 1982, at the age of 30.
I did not take a summer off and actually took more classes than recommended during
the summer semesters because I was determined to “get it over with” before I gave
up-which I very much wanted to do from time-to-time!
How long have you been working at your company?
My first job was at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado. This was in 1982
and in some capacity, I have been here ever since. I was an employee of the hospital
for two years then went into private practice for 15 years, still providing therapy
services for them for inpatients, outpatients and home health care. In February 1999,
I was tired! The hospital offered me a full-time position so I closed my business
and started again, as an employee. I have never looked back! Owning my own business
was wonderful, but it was a lot more work than I wanted to do at that time. I am in
my 22nd year back, and still love working here.
What is your favorite part about your job?
There are many things I love about my job, but the one thing that still makes me want
to do my job is the difference I make for my patients. It’s a cliché, but it is the
truth. Every time I discharge a patient and in some way have provided an increase
in their quality of life, it inspires me to do it again and again. I’ve been lucky
in so many ways working in this small community. I have such a variety of diagnoses
and settings. I have worked with ages from birth to 102-year-olds, with articulation
disorders to head and neck cancer, in acute care, skilled and home health settings.
This has allowed me to follow the same patient for months and watch their progress.
My facility also contracts my services to other small hospitals so my schedule is
never boring and can change at the drop of a hat. It keeps me engaged and motivated.
What inspired you to pursue Speech-Language Pathology?
I originally thought I wanted to be a teacher. But after shadowing teachers in elementary
and high school, I realized it wasn’t a good fit. My biology professor at BCC had
a brochure from WSU and mentioned that with my communication skills that communication
disorders and sciences might interest me. He arranged a meeting with the dean of the
department at WSU and after talking with him about the program, I was sold. I also
learned that I had the option of working with adults in this field, so that was certainly
a plus.
What is your favorite part of supervising students?
One of the best things about supervising students is that with every single one of
them, I learn something new; and this is after 38 years in this field. I love their
passion and enthusiasm and desire to soak up the experience. The other thing I love
about supervising students is they are fun! I have built some wonderful friendships
and keep in touch after many years, watching them marry, have children and flourish
in their careers.
What stands out to you about Wichita State Speech-Language Pathology students?
I have been supervising students for over 25 years and have always been impressed
with students from WSU. The students are always very bright and motivated and know
their material. They are also courageous, passionate and usually know what they want
to do in their career by the time I get them. I have never had a student from WSU
who was unprepared or unwilling to try new things. Over the years, the program has
evolved and added more classes and experience for the students with adult clients.
That has been really beneficial when they come into my setting.
Melanie McClain
Tell us about your background.
I am originally from Newton, Kansas. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Kansas
State University and my master’s from Wichita State University. I briefly worked
in Newton Public School before coming to Wichita Public Schools.
How long have you been working at your company?
This is my 29th year with Wichita Public Schools. I have worked in elementary, middle, and high
schools. My current position is in an elementary school serving Pre-K through 5th grade. I am also a Speech and Language division facilitator, which allows me to
mentor and support other SLPs in the district.
What is your favorite part about your job?
There is not much I don’t like about my job. 3 and 4-year olds are hilarious, 5th graders are wise, my peers are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I love to learn
new things and this job has allowed me the opportunity to do so on a daily basis;
from those I serve, work with, and supervise. Supervision has been one of the most
gratifying parts of my job.
What inspired you to pursue Speech-Language Pathology?
When I was in the 4th grade, I was seated at the “Special Ed” table at lunch as a punishment. As opposed
to disputing the form of discipline, my mother told me to go have a good time, and
I did. I knew from then that I wanted to work with marginalized populations but had
no idea what that would look like. At K-State, I began as a theater major and took
a Theater for Special Populations class, which led me to an introduction to communication
disorders class, which led me to Speech Pathology.
What is your favorite part of supervising students?
There is So. Much. To. Learn! I learn more than I teach with each supervisory experience.
Not only do the students come with the most recent information out of university,
they ask great questions. Each question has the possibility of taking us down a rabbit
hole of new information. Watching each student’s confidence grow throughout the course
of the supervision is incredibly rewarding.
What stands out to you about Wichita State Speech-Language Pathology students?
I have been very impressed with the WSU Speech-Language Pathology students. They
are mature, well spoken, and eager to learn. They ask great questions, want to improve,
and work very hard.
Interested in becoming a clinical supervisor? Contact Ashley Purdum at 316-978-3295 or ashley.purdum@wichita.edu.