Language Group Meets 1st Monday Each Month

My name is Anne Fessler. I am a speech-language pathologist at McKee Early Childhood Center in the Des Moines Public Schools district. I am hoping to establish a language group at Gigi’s Playhouse. As a therapist, I enjoy seeing my students begin their education and watching them grow throughout the school year, socially, emotionally and academically. I am proud that I am able to provide them another resource in reaching their full potential. I believe each child’s potential is limitless, despite need or disability, and I hope I am one of the people in their educational career who allows them to recognize that fact.
I grew up in Clear Lake, Iowa, in a large family of 8 children. My uncle and oldest sister have Down syndrome and, four years ago, my parents adopted two 5 year old boys who also have Down syndrome. I love spending time with all my siblings but those three, Sara, Logan, and Cody, definitely bring unexpected excitement to any activity, no matter how mundane. My time and experience with my family members led me to Des Moines as a speech-language pathologist ready to work with other individuals with special needs.
As I mentioned, I am hoping to establish a language group at Gigi’s Playhouse. Currently the language group is scheduled for the first Monday of every month at 4:30 pm-5:30 pm. I am hoping to gather some feedback from families on this time (e.g., too early, different day of the week, etc.). I want this group to become another resource for parents with questions regarding their child’s speech/language development. For the children participating, I want this group to be a time to interact with peers in a language rich environment so they may build and strengthen those speech, language and social skills. If you have any comments/concerns on further developing this group and making it more accessible to families, please contact me at anne.fessler@dmps.k12.ia.us. I hope to meet you and your children soon!