The Family Capacity Building Model and Our Birth to 3 Clients (0.25 CA PDH)
The literature shows that caregiver-provided interactions give young children with disabilities or delays considerably more opportunities to learn than traditional weekly therapy. It is estimated that while once-a-week 30-minute speech therapy over the course of the year would account for 7,500 learning opportunities, caregiver-child interactions one hour a day seven days a week would account for 220,000 learning opportunities (Mahoney and MacDonald, 2007, McWilliam 2000). Promoting language acquisition during daily caregiver and child routines is key to making progress in our program. This is an overview of our approach!
Your Instructor
Dr. Givona Sandiford, CCC-SLP, is a licensed and nationally certified speech-language pathologist with nearly 20 years of experience across a variety of settings, including private practices, schools, hospitals, telepractice, outpatient clinics, home health, and skilled nursing facilities. Holding a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences with an emphasis in child language development, Dr. Sandiford specializes in working with individuals with unique communication needs, including those with diverse neurological profiles, across a wide age range.
With a deep commitment to inclusive care, Dr. Sandiford approaches speech therapy by tailoring methods to each individual’s strengths, emphasizing their potential and unique ways of engaging with the world. She has served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching both undergraduate and graduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
As the founder of Melospeech, Inc., Dr. Sandiford has developed innovative, adaptable speech therapy options that leverage technology to enhance care delivery. Her focus is on creating an environment where all individuals can thrive, ensuring therapy options meet the diverse needs of those she serves.
Through her courses, Dr. Sandiford empowers future professionals with evidence-based practices, clinical insights, and a compassionate approach to meeting the needs of individuals with a broad range of communication styles.