Melissa Braun, MA CCC-SLP

Began at Teachwell:

 2021

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

I thought I would be a veterinarian as I love animals, but after touring SDSU and learning about the program, I quickly discovered it was not a social field. I needed more interactions and connections with people. I decided having pets was as close to being a veterinarian I would get.

What or who most inspires you?

I LOVE making the connection with a family and seeing that relationship grow into a beautiful success story.  I find my passion in helping the families I serve. I want their next day to be easier and more successful than the day before. It is their success that inspires me.

Why Teachwell?

Teachwell is everything I could dream of in a career. Teachwell finds each person's unique niche and runs with it. I feel Teachwell uses their resources in an expert manner to utilize their employees in the areas that fit their skill sets the best. I am excited to use my expertise to better serve South Dakota's therapy needs. The professionalism and their care for providing the very best is everything I could ask for, plus, of course, a window in my workspace! :)

What are you proudest of?

The children and families I have served. It makes me tear up just thinking about the hard work they have put in and the gains they have made because of their efforts. I am nothing without them.

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

I graduated from Augustana College with my Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I completed my masters at the University of South Dakota. Since graduating with my Masters in Speech-language Pathology, I have worked closely with the early childhood population as well as with clients with feeding therapy needs. I have completed many trainings including: The SOS Approach to Feeding, TalkTools courses (Level 2 training complete!), PECS Level 1, and many other coursework related to autism, language, and feeding therapy.