St. Marcus School is the education ministry of St. Marcus Ministries. It serves approximately 1,180 students across three Milwaukee campuses.
I am one of three Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) at St. Marcus Lutheran School in Milwaukee. As an SLP I provide access to communication for all students. St. Marcus serves students ages K3-8th grade. I work with students to support their speech sound production, their language abilities, speech fluency, and provide access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). As an SLP, I work inside the classroom and take kids outside of the classroom. One of the things I am most proud of is helping support the K3 program at St. Marcus. My colleagues and I are developing a K3 whole-class curriculum to enrich student’s language abilities. Building connections with all the students is important to me. I strive to be someone that the students can look up to!
Concordia education
Concordia has been my “home” since I began my educational journey in 2018. I was fortunate enough to complete my undergraduate (BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders) and graduate education (MS in Speech-Language Pathology) at CUW. The Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology (and Audiology) faculty have supported me throughout my entire vocational path. They have provided me with the education necessary to carry out my vocation and provided us with community resources. The faculty continue to be resourceful as I navigate obtaining my full licensure (Certificate of Clinical Competence) as an SLP. I know that if I have any questions or concerns, I can rely on someone to help! CUW deepened my love of speech-language pathology through my time in the SLP program.
Early on the program, we were able to make connections with SLPs through our clinical practicum experiences. Being part of various communities (schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, etc.) had well prepared me for interviewing for jobs. I was able to share about my real-life experiences as I determined the right place for me after graduation.
CUW also helped me shape my interprofessional skills and abilities through the Interprofessional Education certification program. I was able to connect with OTs, PTs, social work students, and other developing professionals to increase my ability to work with others. Our program ensured we had time to practice necessary skills such as interviewing and polishing our resumes. The individuals at CUW care about your education as well as where you are going post-graduation. Our SLP professors shared with us job opportunities in the community from clinical instructors and other friends/colleagues.
Why CUW?
I chose Concordia because of its location, class size, and values. I was able to stay on a beautiful campus which was fortunately close enough to my hometown (Sheboygan Falls!). My family has been some of my biggest supporters throughout my life, so it was important to be able to visit. Being at CUW, we had small class sizes which provided ample opportunities for hands on learning experiences. We were able to have open discussions about relevant topics and develop close relationships with the faculty members. Lastly, learning at a Christian university became something that I was drawn to. Concordia helped me strengthen my faith as a young adult. I was able to attend chapel often and pray and worship alongside other young Christians. As a Christian, I believe that I was called to CUW for a greater purpose, that is, to live out my vocation.
A focus on Christ
Concordia supported my faith life tremendously. With prayer, religion, and faith being talked about so openly at CUW, I was able to engage in self-reflection. This self-reflection helped me see where I can be a better Christian. I believe that if I did not strengthen my faith through my time at CUW, I would not have ended up at St. Marcus, a Lutheran school. It is a powerful thing knowing that I am supporting my students in their skills and abilities. By giving them a voice, I hope that they will use their voice to share the Word of God and Christ’s Love with others. Through Christ, all things are possible. I sincerely believe I have one of the best jobs in the world and I owe it all to God and the people God placed in my life at CUW. The people I met at CUW have done nothing but encourage and uplift me in my education and in my growing faith.
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Concordia’s mission is fulfilled when our graduates live out their vocations—in other words, when they go into the Church and world and serve boldly in the name of Christ. Our alumni and current students are continually doing this with excellence! Explore more by clicking below.