McKenzie Nothdurft, MA CCC-SLP

Began at Teachwell:

 2026

Why did you choose this field?

I was drawn to speech-language pathology because every day is different. I enjoy working with people across the lifespan in a variety of settings and helping them build communication skills that make a meaningful difference in their everyday lives.

What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

When I was younger, I thought I'd either become a hairdresser or a chef.

What or who most inspires you?

I'm inspired by people who lead with kindness, positivity, and a willingness to help others. Those are qualities I strive to bring into both my personal life and my work.

Why Teachwell?

I chose Teachwell because it allows me to continue making a difference in the lives of students while providing the flexibility to work remotely. It's the perfect balance of meaningful work and flexibility for my family.

What are you proudest of?

Professionally, I'm most proud of the diverse experience I've gained working in nearly every setting where speech-language pathologists practice. Those experiences have helped me grow as a clinician, but what I'm most grateful for are the lasting relationships I've built with patients, families, and colleagues that have continued even after transitioning to new roles. Personally, I'm most proud of the recent birth of my son and of building the life my husband and I have always dreamed of together.

How do you hope to make a difference?

I hope to make a difference by supporting students, collaborating with families and educators, and creating meaningful opportunities for every child to communicate and thrive.

What lessons has your work life taught you?

One of the biggest lessons my career has taught me is that the relationships you build matter just as much as the work you do. The connections I've made with students, families, and colleagues have been some of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

What is your background? Experience, degrees, skills, etc.?

I earned my Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Dakota. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including pediatric private practice, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and schools. My strengths include building meaningful relationships, effective communication, organization, flexibility, and collaborating with families and interdisciplinary teams to support positive outcomes.

People would be surprised to know that I . . .