About Childworks Therapy Clinic
Abbie built Childworks Therapy Clinic on the belief that therapy should be a safe, welcoming and fun place for children to develop critical skills they need to improve basic functions in their daily life. As a mom of two boys, she understands how important it is to create an environment that empowers the entire family to aid in the child’s progress while also highlighting the strengths of the child having difficulties. It's her mission to positively change the lives of children all over Siouxland with quality therapy you can trust.
Childworks Therapy Clinic takes a different approach by treating the "whole child". They work to incorporate every member of the child’s team into our therapy goals (i.e. family, caregivers, other medical professionals, etc.), and facilitate progress by targeting their strengths and weaknesses in a family centered environment. Children look forward to coming to their sessions. Parents can expect to be heard when it comes to their concerns and goals for their child and receive quantitative and descriptive reports throughout the duration of their child's therapy.
Meet the Team
Ashley Matejcak, M.S. CCC-SLP
SPEECH LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGIST
Ashley is a speech language pathologist with extensive experience in treating swallowing, feeding, voice, speech and language disorders across the lifespan.
With mentorship and extensive training in infant/toddler and adolescent feeding disorders, Ashley found a passion in the world of pediatric swallowing/feeding.
She works collaboratively with families to support their feeding journey whether it be breastfeeding, bottle feeding, advancement to solids or tube weaning. Ashley enjoys supporting families in safely feeding their child.
Other areas of interest include voice disorders, speech and language disorders in children and motor speech disorders.
Ashley has completed specialized training in the SOS Approach to Feeding, TOTS and breathwork to support the holistic approach to treating swallowing/feeding, voice, speech and language disorders from geriatrics to newborn babies.
Ashley comes to Childworks Therapy Clinic with her Masters of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Ashley's experience, passion for her work and high energy have been an exciting addition to our Childworks team.
When she is not working in the clinic, Ashley enjoys time with her family, working out and embarking on new adventures in Siouxland.
Sydney Kunzweiler,
M.A. CCC-SLP
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Sydney is a speech-language pathologist with specialized experience working with children and adults with a variety of communication and swallowing disorders.
Sydney’s areas of interest include children with speech sound disorders, fluency disorders, and expressive/receptive language disorders.
Sydney has a Bachelor's Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Northern Iowa. She also has training and experience working with children with sensory motor feeding disorders.
Originally from Northwest Iowa, Sydney is currently residing in Le Mars, Iowa with her husband, Jesse, and daughter, Everleigh.
She enjoys helping parents navigate strategies to improve communication at an early age.
Devyn Sponder,
M.A. CCC-SLP
SPEECH LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGIST
Devyn is a speech language pathologist with specialized experience working with children of all ages. She has years of experience treating articulation concerns, language concerns, and assisting children with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) needs.
She worked in the school system for years prior to joining Childworks Therapy Clinic, so she has knowledge of individualized education plans (IEPs) and has collaborated with numerous IEP team members. Devyn's treatment strategies often focus on establishing a child's communication method and then expanding upon these communication skills. She strives to build open and supportive relationships with her patients and families.
Devyn earned her master's in speech language pathology from the University of South Dakota. She grew up in Sioux City and started her professional career here as well. When she isn't working, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Melissa Cruz Saldana,
M.A. CF-SLP
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Melissa Cruz Saldana is a speech language pathologist who recently graduated from the University of South Dakota with her Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology. She comes to Childworks Therapy Clinic eager and excited to start her career.
Melissa has experience working with toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents with a variety ffeof speech, language, and cognitive delays and children with feeding difficulties.
Melissa is fluent in Spanish and has experience treating our families with bilingual needs. She is looking forward to providing speech services to the community of Siouxland.
Abbie Gacke, M.A. CCC-SLP, IBCLC
OWNER, SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST, BOARD CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULANT
Abbie has specialized experience in treating children, adolescents and adults with complex medical diagnoses heavily impacted by feeding & swallowing disorders, speech and language disorders, and orofacial myofunctional disorders. Her professional experience began in the Chicago area at an outpatient private pediatric clinic.
Since beginning her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, Abbie has taken many hours of continuing education in the areas of pediatric/feeding and swallowing, orofacial myofunctional therapy, and motor speech disorders.
Abbie has a Bachelor's Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Northern Iowa. Abbie is also a Certified Lactation Counselor.
When moving back to the Siouxland area 4 years ago, she was excited to share her passion of empowering families to help their child eat and communicate.
Why Choose Us
Who We Serve
Childworks Therapy Clinic Speech Language Pathologists serve children and adults who are experiencing speech, language, cognitive, fluency, feeding/swallowing, and/or orofacial myofunctional deficits.
Accreditations
Providing Quality Care You and Your Child Deserves
Insurance Policy
Nearly all major insurance plans accepted
Not sure if your insurance covers our services? Call our office, and we will verify your benefits with your provider. Childworks Therapy Clinic is not held liable for insurance denials and cannot guarantee reimbursement of services from insurance.
Childworks Therapy Clinic is in network with many insurance plans and also accepts private pay. We can also submit claims for out-of-network insurance plans.
