Kaillie Wark

Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Lactation Counselor, Feeding Specialist, Work-Life Specialist, Peer Mentor

M.S., CCC-SLP, CLC

Biography

Kaillie Wark, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC is an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist, Feeding Specialist, and Certified Lactation Counselor at M Street Pediatric Therapy. In addition to her clinical role, Kaille is a Peer Mentor and supports the ongoing development of staff through clinical mentorship and offers guidance within the work-life balance program. Kaillie also has experience supporting graduate students and Clinical Fellows.

Prior to M Street, Kaillie has worked as a member of Speech-Language and Resonance Specialty Teams at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital. She collaborated with multidisciplinary teams as part of the Cleft Palate Speech & Resonance Program.

Kaillie believes that therapy with young children begins with building trust within fun and positive therapeutic experiences. She partners with parents to implement strategies based on a child’s unique strengths and interests to support improved communication skills within daily routines and developmentally appropriate activities. Kaillie supports parents in responding to their child’s cues and skills to facilitate the development of safe and functional feeding skills and positive mealtime routines.

Licensure and Certifications

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Illinois
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, New York
ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology
Illinois Early Intervention Credential - Speech Language Pathology
Illinois Early Intervention Evaluator Credential - Speech Language Pathology

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Education

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, Marquette University, 2017
Bachelor of Music, Music Therapy, Nazareth College, 2013

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Organizations

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP)

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Awards and Acknowledgements

Presentations:

Oral Presentation: 2022 in-service with Lurie Children’s Hospital Speech Team: “Lactation Support in Early Intervention” by Elaine Tierney, SLPD, CCC-SLP, CLC, Anna Little, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, Kaillie Wark, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, Lindsay Hoffer, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, Meg Gruber, MS, OTR/L, CLC.

Speaker, Nazareth College Alumni Panel 2020
Guest on Not Your Average Music Therapist podcast, 2021

Publications and Presentations

Expertise

Bottle Feeding

Cleft & Craniofacial Disorders

Craniofacial & Velopharyngeal Disorders

Dysphagia

Feeding Tubes

Infants

Lactation

Mealtime Routine Support

Medically Complex

Oral-Motor Related Challenges

Post-NICU

Receptive/Expressive Language Delays/Disorders

Self-Feeding Skill Support

Trache/Vent

Tracheostomy Support/Speaking Valves

Transition to Eating and Drinking by Mouth

Transitioning to Solid Foods (Not Tube-Feeding Related)

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Specialties

Speech Language Pathology

Support communication by helping children process and understand information, produce words and combine them into phrases and sentences. Treat oral motor concerns such as chewing and swallowing, as well as articulation, auditory processing and social skills.

Feeding & Swallowing

We use a family and child-centered multi-disciplinary approach with a Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and Nutritionist to help families and children eat and enjoy mealtime. We assist children in transitioning to the next developmental stage of feeding.

Lactation Support Services

Certified Lactation Counselors provide education and support for lactation and breast/chestfeeding. Our multidisciplinary lactation team will work with you to support your family’s individual needs to help you and your baby thrive.

Sub-Specialties

Articulation

Articulation clarity is key for effective communication. Our SLPs partner with caregivers to create customized plans, improving speech precision and confidence in children.

Communication

Our SLPs partner with families for effective, tailored interventions. We empower children with personalized communication strategies to support their unique needs and growth.

Emergent Literacy

Emergent literacy builds essential reading and writing skills. Our SLPs create tailored activities to foster phonological awareness, letter recognition, and print understanding, ensuring confident, joyful literacy development.

Fluency

Fluency ensures smooth, confident communication. Our SLPs assess and tailor interventions for effective speech development.

Language

Language skills are essential for effective communication. Our Speech-Language Pathologists create personalized plans to build vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension, supporting children’s linguistic growth.

Social Interaction Skills

Our SLPs partner with caregivers to create customized plans that develop essential social interaction skills, that enhance social confidence and engagement in children.

Speech

Effective speech is essential for communication. Our Speech-Language Pathologists work with you to improve your child's clarity and confidence in speaking.

Breast/Chestfeeding Support and Guidance

Expert Breast/Chestfeeding support helps you and your baby thrive with personalized guidance and solutions.

Choking, Gagging, or Coughing During or After Eating

Choking, gagging, or coughing during meals can be distressing. Our Feeding Therapists provide expert, personalized strategies for safer, more enjoyable mealtimes.

Difficulties Transitioning to Solids

Transitioning to solid foods can be challenging. Our Feeding Therapists provide tailored support for successful transitions.

Poor Weight Gain, Weight Loss, or Growth Faltering

Understanding the causes of poor weight gain, weight loss, or growth faltering is vital for healthy development. Our Feeding Therapists assess and create customized plans to support your child's growth and well-being.

Selective Eaters

We support caregivers through personalized, child-centered strategies for selective eaters, fostering positive mealtimes.

Tube Transitions

Our Feeding Therapists create personalized plans for confident, successful transition from tube feeding to eating by mouth.

Breast, Chest, and Nipple Differences

Breast, chest, and nipple differences can affect feeding. Our Certified Lactation Counselors offer personalized solutions and support for a smoother feeding experience.

Breast/Chest and Bottle Refusal

Feeding challenges like refusal can be stressful. Our Certified Lactation Counselors offer tailored support to resolve issues and enhance mealtime experiences.

Latching Difficulty

A successful latch is vital for nurturing and feeding. Our Certified Lactation Counselors offer personalized support to overcome latching difficulties and foster a strong parent-child bond.

Milk Supply

Our Certified Lactation Counselors provide personalized guidance to support your feeding journey.

Pumping

We partner with families to support child development and offer expert pumping guidance. Our Certified Lactation Counselors provide personalized, in-home support.

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