Samantha Helfer is one of two extremely talented Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) who work at The Calais School. Thanks to Ms. Helfer, Calais students are becoming more effective communicators, stronger life-long learners, and developing key communication and comprehension skills leading towards greater independence. 

As an SLP, Ms. Helfer provides individual and group therapy sessions with students facing speech, language, and communication challenges. Her role also includes conducting evaluations, developing tailored treatment plans, recommending strategies for the classroom and at home, and then collaborating with teachers, counselors, therapists and parents to execute those strategies.

Ms. Helfer helps students reach their speech and communication goals with a variety of intervention techniques. For example, she works closely with Calais therapy dogs and therapy dog handlers to develop unique and fun activities that help keep students engaged during speech sessions. Ms. Helfer also incorporates learning through play, the use of real-life scenarios to apply skills, and the use of assistive technology when needed and more. 

Calais students appreciate Ms. Helfer’s positive impact daily—from helping them organize thoughts to speaking more confidently.

Mia C. expressed her gratitude, saying, “She helped me learn my lines for Matilda. Thank you, Ms. Helfer!” Yadira A. added, “She is very smart and helps me with the News Team.”

While Ms. Helfer loves working with students and helping them build confidence through speech, she acknowledges the hurdles that also come with her work, even  beyond speech skills,

“The most challenging part of my job is helping to repair communication breakdowns between students. By helping students use active listening skills and empathy we can all understand each other better.”

Her colleagues agree that Ms. Helfer always goes the extra mile for her students. We’re incredibly grateful for her dedication and the empowerment she brings to our students, helping them find their voices. When asked to describe her experience at Calais in a word, she said “HOPE”. We wholeheartedly agree.

Ms. Helfer holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University and a Masters in Communication Disorders from Emerson University.