Everyone deserves to communicate confidently and live life to the fullest. Many think of speech therapy as helping kids pronounce words, while that’s part of it, the truth is far more expansive and impactful.

To shed some light on what speech therapy entails, we sat down with Maci Pfeffer, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist at PTS. She works with clients of all ages across our region, and her insights show how this field truly transforms lives, from infants to seniors.

So, what exactly is speech-language pathology?

It’s not just about speech. SLP is a specialized healthcare field that helps assess, diagnose, and treat a variety of communication, swallowing, voice, and cognitive challenges. Maci puts it simply:

“People don’t realize that speech therapy covers so much more than just talking. We help with swallowing issues, voice problems, memory, problem-solving, reading, writing, use of speech devices—you name it.”

In short, SLP supports how you communicate and function on a daily basis. Whether it’s carrying on conversations, managing medications, or reconnecting with loved ones, the work of an SLP has a profound impact on everyday life.

Who can benefit from SLP services?

Almost everyone. Maci shares that she works with people from birth to over 100 years old. Some of the common reasons include strokes, traumatic brain injuries, dementia, voice problems, Parkinson’s disease, swallowing difficulties, speech disorders, and age-related memory decline.

The beauty of SLP is its flexibility—you can find help at any stage of life. Babies struggling with feeding, kids with developmental delays, adults recovering from neurological issues, or seniors facing cognitive changes—all can benefit.

The vital role of memory and cognition

You might not think of SLP as a cognitive powerhouse, but supporting memory and thinking skills is crucial. Maci explains:

“Memory impacts everyday life—remembering recipes, managing your schedule, taking medications, talking with loved ones, even staying safe in your community.”

With personalized exercises and activities, such as memory games and problem-solving tasks, SLPs help strengthen these vital brain functions.

How do SLPs create personalized plans?

Every journey begins with an evaluation. Maci explains:

 “I start by talking with the patient about their struggles, then do standardized testing to find the main areas to work on. From there, I craft a personalized plan designed to meet their unique needs.”

This tailored approach ensures therapy is meaningful, practical, and goal-focused—whether it’s helping someone speak clearly after a stroke or manage symptoms of dementia.

Modern tools

Today’s SLPs utilize a combination of high-tech tools and traditional games to help prevent or treat cognitive decline in a way that is both effective and practical. Maci shared some of her favorites:

“Games like Boggle, Guess Who, and Scrabble are fantastic. Puzzles, word searches, and brain-training apps like Lumosity or Elevate also make therapy both enjoyable and productive.”

By using these tools, we make the journey toward better communication less intimidating and more motivating.

Why Maci loves her work

Maci’s passion was sparked by her brother’s journey with speech therapy as a child. She recalls:

“Seeing him go from frustration to being able to express himself was life-changing. That moment inspired me to become an SLP—so I could help others experience that same transformation.”

Her story reminds us that speech therapy isn’t just about words—it’s about restoring confidence and reconnecting lives.

Breaking the stigma about invisible struggles

Maci hopes more people understand that speech and language disorders are often “invisible.” Unlike broken limbs, these challenges aren’t always obvious but can be just as disruptive. Early intervention and the right therapy can make all the difference.

Ready to start your journey?

At PTS, we’re here for you—whether it’s a child needing help with language development, an adult recovering from a stroke, or a senior dealing with memory issues. Our team employs proven, compassionate approaches to help you achieve your goals within a reasonable timeframe.

Take the first step today: Request an appointment and discover how speech therapy can change your life.