HOISINGTON – Clara Barton Medical Center recently added two full-time speech therapists, Betsy Snell, MA, CCC – SLP, and Halle Knigge, MS, CF – SLP, and a full-time occupational therapist, Benton Hrabe, OTD OTR/L, CLT .
Betsy Snell is originally from Ellinwood. She attended the University of Kansas and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology and Hearing Science and a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. She is also certified in LSVT LOUD (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment), an effective voice treatment approach specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease, and the McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program – a systematic exercise-based approach to swallowing therapy. Snell specializes in pediatric and adult neurorehabilitation (stroke patients, traumatic brain injury).
Halle Knigge grew up in Fairbury, Neb., and attended Kansas State University for her Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Human Services. She continued her education at Fort Hays State University where she earned a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and was honored as the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Most Outstanding Graduate Student in 2021. Knigge is also certified in LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Processing). Ultimately, her goal is to further specialize in swallowing and swallowing disorders to better serve her patients.
Speech-language pathologists work with people in a variety of ways to improve their speech, language, social, and cognitive skills. A person’s communication skills are essential at every stage of life: for young children, as a solid foundation for language and literacy; for children of school age, as a condition of academic and social success; and for adults, as a crucial part of their careers and personal relationships.
Unbeknownst to many, speech therapists also play a role in helping people swallow and eat safely. Again, problems in these areas can occur at any age, but at any time, safe swallowing and eating are essential to a person’s health and quality of life.
“We are thrilled with the addition of two full-time speech-language pathologists,” said Natalie Bieberle, Director of Therapy Services. “It is of tremendous benefit to our patients and our community for the many services offered by speech language pathology, and I am delighted to see the program growing in several areas. Betsy and Halle both bring great knowledge and passion for their patients. and their profession.
In addition to the new speech therapists, Clara Barton is also delighted to welcome occupational therapist Benton Hrabe to her team of qualified therapy professionals. Hrabe is originally from Kensington. He attended Kansas State University, where he earned a dual bachelor’s degree in human development and family science and gerontology. Continuing his education, he later earned his doctorate in occupational therapy from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
“Benton is another great addition to Clara Barton and joins our team with certifications in several areas that bring diversity to our occupational therapy services,” said Bieberle. “He is an advocate for his patients and his profession, and I am thrilled that he is sharing his depth of knowledge with our patients and our community.”
In addition to Occupational Therapy, Hrabe is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist with a focus on Breast Cancer/Radiation-Related Lymphedema and has received the “Stepping On Leader/Facilitator Certification” – a community based falls reduction course for old people.
Occupational therapy is needed for a variety of reasons and can help those who have had an injury, illness, disability or pain that makes it difficult to work, go to school, take care of themselves, doing household chores, getting around or taking part in activities. This form of treatment teaches patients of all ages, from premature babies to young children, middle-aged adults and the elderly, how to adapt and use tools to perform any type of task at school, work or home. the House. The goals set are designed for an individual’s needs, disability or limitations. Then they can work on adapting movements, improving motor skills or hand-eye coordination, or performing tasks in new ways.
“Betsy, Halle and Benton join an experienced and passionate therapy services team and I am excited to help cultivate the advancement of treatments and services offered at Clara Barton Medical Center,” said Bieberle. All therapy services are available 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Clara Barton Medical Center.
To benefit from these services through insurance, a referral is required. For more information or a free 15-minute speech therapy consultation from Snell or Knigge, call 620-653-5065.
