Several years ago, Charles V. Sederstrom, Jr., 33°, Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Nebraska, began working to improve the unity between Nebraska's RiteCare clinics. He noticed that the clinics in Hastings, Lincoln, Omaha, and the newest clinic in Kearney were operating semi-independently of one another. The clinicians bring significant education and experience as Speech-Language Pathologists and could better collaborate with one another to better benefit the children they serve.
In 2015, Nebraska hosted the first statewide meeting of the RiteCare Clinicians, giving them an opportunity to meet one another, meet the Scottish Rite Masons who fund nearly $650,000 in services each year, and talk about what is happening at each location of the RiteCare Clinic. Afterward, Dr. Amy Nordness, Director of Nebraska's RiteCare program, arranged for continuing education for the clinicians.
This year, the meeting was held on April 29 at the Lincoln Scottish Rite Masonic Center. Dr. Nordness welcomed:
- Carrie Kenny, M.S. (UNL Barkley Memorial Center)
- Kris Althouse, M.S. (Hastings Masonic Center RiteCare Clinic)
- Emily Johnson, M.S. (Hastings Masonic Center RiteCare Clinic)
- Paul Laikko, M.A. (UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute)
- Korey Stading, M.S. (UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute)
- Beth Hughes, M.S. (UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute)
- Leslie Van Winkle, M.A. (UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute)
- Laura Moody, M.S. (University of Nebraska at Kearney)
Nebraska's RiteCare clinicians have all earned their Certificate of Clinical Competence (C.C.C.-designation), passing a national exam and participating in a clinical fellowship year with proper accreditation from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association.
At the statewide meeting, the clinicians and Scottish Rite Masons also hear from Micah Evans, Orient Development Director, who spoke about his activities for the past year and plans for the coming year. He spoke about the upcoming Walks for RiteCare, RiteCare Classic Golf Benefit, and Friends of Scottish Rite Dinner and Auction, as well as plans to meet with members about charitable gift annuities and planned gifts.
After an excellent lunch, the clinicians continued meeting for continuing education while the Nebraska Foundation advisory council met to review goals for the coming year. Learn more about RiteCare Speech and Language Clinic services by e-mailing Micah Evans at micah@SRNE.org or calling him at (402) 342-1300.