Speech Therapy services have officially arrived at Cook Hospital!
Erin Kennedy, CCC-SLP, has joined the team at Cook Hospital as a Speech Therapist. Kennedy brings extensive experience in adult speech therapy and a passion for helping patients from all walks of life.
A longtime Cook resident of 14 years, Kennedy earned her Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her professional journey began at a stroke and traumatic brain injury hospital in Memphis before joining Big Stone Therapies in Hibbing and Chisholm, where she has worked with diverse patient populations.
Specialized Expertise in Adult Care
While many speech therapists focus on pediatric care, Kennedy specializes in adult acquired disorders—an area with high demand but fewer practitioners, especially here in northeastern Minnesota. Her expertise encompasses treating patients with conditions including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, traumatic brain injury, ALS, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
“I’m looking forward to being able to offer these services within the Cook community,” Kennedy shares. “There’s such a need for speech therapy when it comes to preserving and increasing the quality and duration of your life, especially when affected by a stroke, for example, which can affect everything from verbal communication to swallowing. When you can’t communicate effectively, you become isolated. If you have trouble swallowing, it can be challenging to go out with friends.”
Comprehensive Treatment Beyond Speech
The term “speech therapy” doesn’t fully capture the breadth of services provided by a Speech Therapist. Kennedy’s treatment encompasses communication skills, language formulation, swallowing function, cognition, and vocal cord health. She works with patients experiencing muscle weakness, nerve damage, cognitive troubles, and respiratory-swallow coordination issues.
What does this look like in everyday life?
For a stroke patient, for example, experiencing sensation changes in their mouth, food or liquid might enter the throat unexpectedly. Treatment will often focuses on coordination, safety strategies, and developing cough strength to prevent choking and pneumonia.
Her ultimate goal? To support each patient in returning to the activities that matter most to them — whether that’s sharing a meal, holding a conversation, or simply feeling confident in daily life.
When to Seek Speech Therapy
Speech therapy covers more than clear enunciation and can be used to help treat a variety of symptoms and health challenges, such as:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing when drinking liquids
- Running out of breath while talking
- Losing focus during conversations
- Trouble with clear enunciation
Patients typically receive a referral for speech therapy from their primary care physician or a specialist (neurologist, ENT specialist, etc).
Flexible Care Options
Starting June 16, Kennedy will be seeing patients Monday through Thursday at Cook Hospital. She offers both in-person and telehealth services, with treatment plans that are completely tailored to individual needs and goals.
In addition to accepting outpatient referrals, Kennedy will also work with patients staying at the hospital and residents at the Cook Care Center.
The addition of Kennedy’s specialized adult speech therapy services represents a significant enhancement to Cook Hospital’s rehabilitation offerings, ensuring community members have local access to expert care for speech therapy needs.
Join us in welcoming Erin Kennedy to the Cook Hospital team.