Celebrating Our Speech-Language Pathologists: The Voices Behind the Voices

At Richfield Public Schools, we are proud to celebrate the incredible Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who help students find their voices—sometimes literally. Whether it’s supporting a preschooler with their first words, helping a student navigate complex social conversations or guiding families through developmental milestones, our SLPs are the unsung heroes behind so much student growth.

These dedicated professionals support communication development across all ages and abilities, tailoring their work to the unique needs of each learner. Their role goes far beyond articulation practice. They address language comprehension, expression, social communication, fluency and even alternative communication methods for students who are nonverbal. And they do it all with compassion, patience and a deep commitment to student success.

Let’s meet a few of the exceptional SLPs making a difference every day in Richfield:

Jessica Hoffman – Early Intervention Specialist

Jessica thrives on the personal connections she builds with families during home visits. As part of the early intervention team, she meets children under age three in their homes, working alongside caregivers to support speech and developmental milestones.

“I enjoy traveling around the Richfield community meeting new families concerned about their child’s communication. It’s humbling and powerful work. Once, during a visit with an Afghan family, I stayed for lunch after the interpreter left. We couldn't really communicate with words, but their gratitude spoke volumes.”

Jessica credits her success to a strong team—including her colleagues on the Early Intervention team and support from outreach staff and interpreters. Her favorite part of the job? Helping families feel empowered at the very beginning of their educational journey.

Dana Hayes – Elementary SLP 

With 14 years in the district, Dana brings deep experience and insight into her role. Her days are dynamic, filled with therapy sessions, collaboration, evaluations, and paperwork.

“Many think it's just about correcting the /r/ sound, but we work on so much more—language development, social communication, executive functioning, fluency, voice, and alternative augmentative communication. “We're helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.”

Dana is proud of how Richfield supports SLPs through professional development and contract recognition, and she values the incredible team she works alongside.

Angela Fish – Preschool Communication Champion

Angela finds joy in the little victories—like when a preschooler beams with pride after learning a new word.

“They grow so much and light up when they discover how amazing they are. It’s the best feeling.”

Her role spans one-on-one sessions, classroom therapy, consultations with childcares and evaluations. Angela loves the diversity of her days and the meaningful relationships she’s built over her 11 years in the district.

Amanda Markle – Itinerant SLP and Team Cheerleader

Amanda has dedicated 18 years to Richfield Public Schools. She enjoys the flexibility of working across buildings, bringing consistency to students and collaboration to staff.

“It's fun to see students progress and to hear from parents that their child’s communication is improving. I love following their lead and incorporating their interests to make learning fun.”

Amanda sees up to 20 student groups a day, addressing speech sounds, language development, fluency and more. She’s quick to shout out the entire SLP team—and the staff who support them—with heartfelt gratitude.

A Team with Heart

What all our SLPs share is a deep love for their work and the students they serve. They are educators, cheerleaders, coaches, counselors and advocates—all in one. They help children find the words to ask for help, share their stories, connect with peers and shine in school and life.

This National Speech Pathologist Day, we thank our amazing SLPs for being the voices behind the voices—for supporting growth, confidence and connection in every corner of Richfield.

Happy Speech Pathologist Day!