Speech Pathologist
Liz has been providing speech and language therapy services for nearly 30 years, specializing in autism, language processing, learning disabilities, cognitive recall issues, processing issues with organizational difficulties, executive functioning difficulties, augmentative alternatives and phonological disorders. Creating a functional communication system for a child to be successful with family, peers, and friends within the school environment has been the main focus of her therapy. “Every child has the ability to communicate when we increase their weakness and utilize their strengths to give them the tools to be successful,” Ryan says. Liz has provided direct therapy services within the school setting, clinic setting and medical setting. She prides herself in her ability to think outside the box, to pull information from other fields, and to consult with professionals to create learning strategies or set of communication goals that will work for each and every child. Liz is currently working full-time with the Pekin School District. She is excited to join the Shine Therapy staff on a part-time basis, to provide much-needed after-school therapy services! A four-year starter on the softball team at Western Illinois University, Liz earned her Master of Science in speech and language pathology from the school in 1986 and continues to mentor the young SLPs as they complete their degrees. Liz is also certified as a Reading Recovery Specialist and she and her husband of 29 years, Bo, have been blessed with four wonderful daughters and recently a healthy grandson. When she is not working or watching her children participate in sports or the arts, you will find her reading her newest favorite book. Liz is also an early bird at the gym and enjoys staying as healthy as she can.