Meet Vickie Vandament, MA, CCC-SLP

Vickie grew up in Osborne and earned her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Fort Hays State University in 1981. She began her career in the Smith County schools, helping children build the speech and language skills they needed in the classroom. Many families here have known her for years.

Today, Vickie brings advanced training to patients facing some of the most complex communication and swallowing challenges:

• LSVT LOUD® for Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s often makes a voice softer and harder to understand, sometimes so gradually the person doesn’t notice. LSVT LOUD is an intensive, research-based program that retrains the voice to be stronger and clearer. Vickie specializes in this treatment.
• Swallow studies. Vickie works alongside our radiologist to perform swallow studies, which use X-ray imaging to see exactly what happens when you swallow. The results guide a treatment plan built for you.
• Chronic cough management. For a cough that lingers long after other causes have been treated, Vickie has advanced training in therapy techniques that can help bring it under control.
• Myofascial Release (MFR). A gentle, hands-on technique that eases tension in the muscles of the face, jaw and neck, which can affect voice and swallowing.

Our Services

Swallowing

• Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty). Coughing or choking during meals, food that feels “stuck,” or trouble with pills can all be signs. Treatment improves safety and helps make mealtimes enjoyable again.
• Coordination of respiration, swallowing and phonation. Breathing, swallowing and voice all share the same pathway. We help these systems work together smoothly and safely.

Voice

• Voice disorders. Hoarseness, vocal strain, a weak or breathy voice, or losing your voice by the end of the day.
• LSVT LOUD® for Parkinson’s disease

Brain Injury and Neurological Rehabilitation

• Aphasia. Trouble finding words, understanding others, reading or writing, often after a stroke.
• Apraxia. Knowing what you want to say but having difficulty getting your mouth to form the words.
• Traumatic brain injury rehab. Rebuilding communication and thinking skills after a fall, accident or other injury.
• Cognitive-linguistic therapy. Strengthening memory, attention, problem-solving and organization, the thinking skills behind clear communication.
• Dementia. Strategies that help people living with dementia stay connected and independent longer, along with support and guidance for their families.

Speech and Language for Children and Adults

• Articulation disorders. Difficulty producing certain sounds clearly.
• Developmental language delays. For children who are behind in understanding or using words. Early help makes a real difference.