Lauren Brenaman

MS CCC-SLP

Certified endoscopist, Ampcare certified, Beckman oral motor protocol certified

Area of Specialty

Adult dysphagia, pediatric feeding/swallowing, patient advocacy, mentoring graduate students and clinical fellows, pulmonary function as it relates to dysphagia and intelligibility of speech, speech and swallowing impairments related to Parkinson’s disease and other neurological impairments, speech and swallowing impairments related to head and neck cancer, myofunctional therapy, FEES/Endoscopy.

Favorite part of your job?

It’s truly spectacular to witness an individual reach their final feeding/swallowing goals. Whether it’s an adult who is able to eat by mouth again after they required a feeding tube or an infant successfully taking a bottle for the first time, it is always such a miraculous experience. I feel like these individuals impact my life in such a positive way by trusting my knowledge and allowing me to be a part of such a life changing experience.

Why did you become a therapist?

I became a speech language pathologist because a friend of mine worked in the field and always had such great things to say about the profession. She worked with children in the public schools and especially loved how the schedule was conducive to raising kids of her own. It wasn’t until graduate school that I realized I loved the medical field and I absolutely fell in love with neuro anatomy. I highly considered returning to school to become a neurologist, but decided to focus my career as a speech language pathologist on becoming highly specialized in areas of the field related to neurology and cranial nerve function.

Hobbies outside of work?

Traveling, water sports, scuba diving, Razorback baseball and artistic hobbies.

What’s the one thing you wish your patients or physicians knew about your role in their care?

I am committed to the highest quality of care that follows evidence based practice from evaluation to discharge. Working with a therapist dedicated to continuing their education and following evidence based practice can absolutely make the difference in the quality and accuracy of your care.

Anything else you’d like to add?

The medical field has been impacted by continued insurance and healthcare cost cuts for several years. It is important for me to keep in the forefront of my mind that the people I serve are individuals that deserve quality care no matter what their insurance coverage looks like. I just want to help people and truly be an advocate for them!