Ms. Bates

I am a certified speech and language pathologist holding a state license in Missouri and California. I am trained to treat language -based learning difficulties: dyslexia, reading comprehension, reading fluency, auditory processing, language processing; receptive, expressive and/or pragmatics i.e. social language; oral and written expression; and articulation difficulties; developmental apraxia, speech and stuttering. I am also trained in facilitating the use of executive function skills.

I am the sole proprietor of Word of Mouth Speech and Language Services where I partner with parents. It is paramount that I put forth my best effort when working with each family. It is a team effort as it takes a village to raise a child. I believe "the team" makes this intervention a success which is passed on to other families through word of mouth. 

Our work continues between our meetings at home, school and in daily life as I treat the whole child. Parents communicate frequently through email, texting or phone when needs arise. We work together and share life experiences including events i.e. dance recitals, soccer games and graduations as well as partnering at teacher meetings.

As we all know, word travels fast. It is important to me that I work effectively and efficiently using best practices. As a result, this intervention is valued and recognized as providing genuine changes which benefits the entire family.

Misty "Momma" joined Word of Mouth in 2015. She enjoys greeting each family when they come for therapy. She does expect a belly rub or two at times. She also can be found snoozing on her cot after a hard minute or two of greeting a family. She provides support and comfort to new friends. With an extra lick or wet nose "touch", she helps a child working on a new skill or a new parent uncertain about the expectation. Misty seems to know when she is needed. She is known to howl when left alone for too long or when a family friend must go home, so another family can receive her attention.

License

• State of Missouri
• Speech and Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board of California

Certification

• Clinical Certificate of Competence, 1985-86
• American Speech and Hearing Association

Membership

• American Speech and Hearing Association, 1986-current
• Missouri Speech and Hearing Association, 1987-current
• Learning Disabilities Association, 2009-current
• International Dyslexia Association, 2016-present

Awards

• Continuing Education Award, 1995-2011

Training

• Bachelor of Science, Loyola College, 1972
• Master of Science, University of Arkansas, 1985
• Lindamood-Bell Auditory Discrimination in Depth, 1995
• Compton's Accent Reduction Program, 1996
• Fast Forward Internet-based computer program, 1997-2007
• Spire Reading Program, 1999
• The Listening Program, 2003
• The Listening Program Certification, 2009-current