Therapist Feature: Kim Koch, SLP
Our featured therapist for this month is one of our wonderful speech-language pathologists, Kim Koch! Kim has been working in this industry or a similar position for the past 27 years. Originally, she was drawn to the profession through a friend. Kim’s best friend’s sister was an SLP and she used to tell her about the kids and adults she had the opportunity to treat. After hearing these stories, Kim thought the occupation sounded interesting.
Kim received her Master’s Degree from Easter Illinois University and has worked with Tilton’s Therapy for about three years in November 2020. In the past, Kim has also worked in a variety of other settings including private practice, with the school district, long-term care, acute care, rehabilitation, early intervention, home health, and outpatient settings. In addition to her experience in different settings, Kim is also certified to provide pediatric and adult Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (Vital Stimulation) for swallowing disorders. She loves working with children dealing with childhood apraxia.
Vital Stimulation Therapy: VitalStim Therapy is an FDA cleared method to promote swallowing through the application of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) to the swallowing muscles with goals to strengthen and reeducate the muscles and improve motor control of the swallowing mechanism. NMES is the use of electrical stimulation for activation of muscles through stimulation of the intact peripheral motor nerves.
The aspect Kim most enjoys about her profession is the diversity of clientele and settings in which you can work. Kim says, “I love to see clients progress in their ability to speak/communicate and swallow safely again.” Mobile therapy allows Kim to be out and about all day. She enjoys the flexibility of the schedule and the ability to work with the families as well as the children or adults that she sees. Although traffic can present its own challenges outside of the work, Kim feels that it goes well overall.
Originally from Morton, Illinois, Kim has lived in Las Vegas for 27 years. She most enjoys the weather in Las Vegas, with lots of sunshine and overall mild temperatures throughout most of the year. Kim does admit to missing the seasonal changes she grew up with in Illinois, however she does not miss driving in and dealing with the snow!
Throughout her career, Kim has given back to her profession through her students. She has supervised several students as they completed their internships. In addition to her supervision, Kim has instructed continuing education classes in various settings for her fellow speech-language pathologists.
Occupational balance is important, and in her spare time Kim likes to go to the movies, read books, swim or sunbathe, attend her son’s basketball games, walk her dogs, or go out to eat. Kim is passionate about her Christian faith and attends church regularly. She also holds passion for our country and is very patriotic. Another one of Kim’s passion is the holidays! She says she loves to decorate for the holidays — all of them!
Thank you Kim for the care and dedication you bring to your clients and the team! We are thankful for your skill and look forward to many more years with you serving the communities of Las Vegas.
