29 Apr In Memory of Dr. Kathy Helfrich-Miller
It is with profound sadness that I talk about the unexpected passing, at the young age of 70, of an esteemed colleague in our field of Speech-Language Pathology, Dr. Kathy Helfrich-Miller. Many of you may never have met Kathy nor heard her name. Some of you know her best from her application of Melodic Intonation Therapy Approach, adapted from the adult version, to treat children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
Kathy was a significant contributor to our field, to our literature pool, to local and state organizations, and most importantly to many children and adults who were fortunate to have been under her expert care. While paying respects at the funeral home, I first met Kathy’s brother, and learned that he is a published MD, but beyond that as a proud brother, he marveled proudly that Kathy contributed more publications than he had across his own career.
Kathy founded Rehabilitation Specialists, a private practice in the Bellevue section of Pittsburgh, PA along the Ohio River. Not surprisingly, her practice successfully grew over time, until later sold to an employee. I am certain that Kathy was well loved and respected by her staff and the SLPs under her employ.
Kathy also touched the lives of many adult students throughout her career. I share and know of that personally because Kathy was one of my own supervisors early on in my graduate training program at the University of Pittsburgh. It’s funny that you think of a “clinical placement supervisor” as being at least a few years older than you as a graduate student. But in this case with Kathy, when I learned her age upon death, I realize that she was only one year older than I am. I share this because Kathy was, from-the-start, a seemingly “seasoned” SLP – a bright, resourceful, lifelong learner. Kathy truly cared about her students’ grasp of the professional intricacies along the journey toward becoming an outstanding therapist. She facilitated those teaching goals with feedback that was not only direct but also supportive.
Most recently I also went to a funeral home to pay my respects to the family of a very young colleague from Children’s Hospital, Rachel Potts. Rachel died at the age of 36 from colon cancer. It reminded me upon Kathy’s passing, on April 22nd only weeks later, that Rachel did not get to experience the lengthy career that was afforded to Kathy. However, it also reminded me that no matter how much time we have in our field, we can make an impact and touch lives in ways that are life-changing and forever rewarding.
Kathy leaves behind a legacy of life-changed children, adult clients, students, family, and friends because of her purposeful time on earth. The ripple effect of her compassion and commitment to our field will be felt for many years to come.
–Dave Hammer, SLP
It is with profound sadness that I talk about the unexpected passing, at the young age of 70, of an esteemed colleague in our field of Speech-Language Pathology, Dr. Kathy Helfrich-Miller. Many of you may never have met Kathy nor heard her name. Some of you know her best from her application of Melodic Intonation Therapy Approach, adapted from the adult version, to treat children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
Kathy was a significant contributor to our field, to our literature pool, to local and state organizations, and most importantly to many children and adults who were fortunate to have been under her expert care. While paying respects at the funeral home, I first met Kathy’s brother, and learned that he is a published MD, but beyond that as a proud brother, he marveled proudly that Kathy contributed more publications than he had across his own career.
Kathy founded Rehabilitation Specialists, a private practice in the Bellevue section of Pittsburgh, PA along the Ohio River. Not surprisingly, her practice successfully grew over time, until later sold to an employee. I am certain that Kathy was well loved and respected by her staff and the SLPs under her employ.
Kathy also touched the lives of many adult students throughout her career. I share and know of that personally because Kathy was one of my own supervisors early on in my graduate training program at the University of Pittsburgh. It’s funny that you think of a “clinical placement supervisor” as being at least a few years older than you as a graduate student. But in this case with Kathy, when I learned her age upon death, I realize that she was only one year older than I am. I share this because Kathy was, from-the-start, a seemingly “seasoned” SLP – a bright, resourceful, lifelong learner. Kathy truly cared about her students’ grasp of the professional intricacies along the journey toward becoming an outstanding therapist. She facilitated those teaching goals with feedback that was not only direct but also supportive.
Most recently I also went to a funeral home to pay my respects to the family of a very young colleague from Children’s Hospital, Rachel Potts. Rachel died at the age of 36 from colon cancer. It reminded me upon Kathy’s passing, on April 22nd only weeks later, that Rachel did not get to experience the lengthy career that was afforded to Kathy. However, it also reminded me that no matter how much time we have in our field, we can make an impact and touch lives in ways that are life-changing and forever rewarding.
Kathy leaves behind a legacy of life-changed children, adult clients, students, family, and friends because of her purposeful time on earth. The ripple effect of her compassion and commitment to our field will be felt for many years to come.
–Dave Hammer, SLP
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