As we stride through the colorful leaves, and bundle up to stay warm from the winds that Autumn brings, we delight in old comforts like soup, sweaters, and everything pumpkin spice. Fall also serves as a beginning of sorts: new teachers, new clothes for ‘back-to-school-cool’, and new schedules. What a time to be alive, and take stock of the beauty that exists in both the old and the new.
In continuation of our Q & A series with clinic staff (read Jenny’s here and mine here), we decided to interview the newest additions to the clinic team: Marjorie, Kathy, and Rachel. Each of them bestow unique experiences and a breadth of knowledge to share among our network of clinicians and the families we collaborate with in the name of putting kids first.
Rachel Stankey
First up, we wish to welcome Rachel, a cultured and advanced occupational therapist, with experience most recently from OHSU. We are honored to have her at the clinic, and as a valuable, insightful resource. Rachel has experience in both schools and hospital environments, an impressive amount of continuing education, and is well-traveled to boot. If you are interested in getting your child into occupational therapy, Rachel is at the clinic on Monday and Thursday afternoons.
1. What do you enjoy most about being an occupational therapist?
I love being creative in helping children and families gain skills in areas that are meaningful to them, despite disability or delays. Children learn the best through play, so I get to play, too!
2. What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to spend time outdoors – hiking, biking, paddling, gardening – and am a big traveler as well. I also love to read, cook (and eat!), and see live music.
3. Where did you grow up?
I was born in Montana and grew up there and in Australia. I lived in Oregon for my last year of high school, and just returned two years ago.
Marjorie Maffett
Next, we’d like to introduce Marjorie. Having prior experience in the David Douglas School District, Marjorie is an ingenious speech and language pathologist that brings her innovative approach to the clinic two afternoons per week, Monday and Tuesday. Marjorie boldly tackles every task with sophistication. We’re grateful that she’s helped alleviate our ever-growing wait list for after-school times, and for the compassionate presence she imbues.
1. What do you enjoy most about being a speech therapist?
I enjoy working with and getting to know families.
2. What do you like to do in your free time?
Hiking, biking, yoga, walking dogs, hanging out with my family. When I have time to myself, I like to do projects, work on the house, and make things.
4. Cats, dogs, hamsters, or fish?
Well, dogs… but cats, too (and goats… and alpacas……)
Kathy Ware
Last but not least, we are thrilled to welcome Kathy, a seasoned veteran of speech and language pathology with over 30 years of experience under her belt, in both schools and hospitals. Kathy retired from the Portland Public Schools in 2014, but found that she couldn’t give up her passion for working with children. Kathy is our ace in the hole. She enthusiastically joined our team as a substitute, which we’ll elaborate on more in depth in a subsequent blog post. Coupled with the wisdom she brings, she steps in to help other clinicians practice work-life balance, when they fall sick or take a vacation with their families. Kathy is a tremendous asset to the clinic for the flexibility and new perspective she provides.
1. What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to sing with my a cappella group, Dame Nation, and the Klickitat Basement Band. I also enjoy going out and hearing/dancing to live music.
2. Where did you grow up?
Shreveport, Louisiana
3. Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I am a charter member of the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus, a Portland-based Mardi Gras Krewe, that hosts a Mardi Gras Ball & Parade every year. We have appeared at the Starlight Parade, Waterfront Blues Festival, Orange line Max/Tillikum Crossing opening, and other community events. I was the second Queen of Nimbus!
During your next visit at The Hello Clinic, see if you can identify the new clinicians on our wall of pictures. Please introduce yourself and say, “Hello!” if you get a chance to meet them. I promise you won’t regret it.
In conclusion, I leave you with some fun Fall facts. Two out of the following three statements are true. Your job is to spot the error. Tell me the answer next time you see me at the clinic!
The orange and yellow colors always exist in the leaves on trees. Throughout the year, leaves usually appear green, as they are overpowered with an abundance of chlorophyll. In Fall, the amount of chlorophyll starts to decrease, and the leaves change color as the sunshine weakens and the days grow shorter.
or
“Equinox” comes from the Latin words “equi” meaning “equal” and “nox” meaning “night.” Once a year, during the Autumnal equinox, a hairy woozle sneaks into the clinic and eats all of our snacks!
or
Before artificial lighting, farmers took advantage of the full moon’s light to harvest their crops. This is why the full moon that occurs in Autumn is named the ‘harvest moon’.
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