Speech-Language Pathology

Optimal

At Optimal, we bring a unique kind of speech-language pathology to Casper – one that is personalized and evidence-based. Speech-language pathology services are most effective when they are individualized and combine your strengths with what you need to be at your highest level of functioning. Cookie-cutter therapy does not work. A one-size fits all therapy approach has been shown to be the least effective type of therapy. Your therapy plan will be guided by a professional who has been in the field for over 20 years, yet maintains relevancy by regularly attending continuing education classes, certification courses, teaching at hospitals and universities, and guest speaking at brain injury support groups. Our speech-language pathologist offers cutting-edge therapies not offered elsewhere in the state of Wyoming including being a certified brain injury specialist and providing myofascial release therapy. You are a partner in the therapy plan.

Elyse Johnson: M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIS

Elyse is a nationally certified and state licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). In addition, she is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS). A native New Yorker (Go Yankees!), Elyse was thrilled to be able to return to Wyoming with her family after completing her “tour” as an Army wife.

Elyse graduated with her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the State University of New York at Albany with a double major in archaeology & anthropology & worked across the country as an archaeologist which originally brought her to the great state of Wyoming. After 10 years of playing Indiana Jones, she returned to college and graduated with her Master of Science degree in communication disorders from the University of Wyoming (Go Cowboys!).

Following her husband’s Army career allowed Elyse to work in a variety of settings and with a variety of populations from pediatric through geriatric which provided her with a wealth of experience and diverse training. As a speech-language pathologist, I see children and adults with a variety of communication disorders, including those with cognitive-linguistic, aphasia, motor speech (dysarthria, apraxia), dysphagia (swallowing), voice, articulation and phonology disorders (speech sound problems), delayed or disordered language development, alternative-augmentative communication (AAC), and stuttering. Elyse has worked with a variety of populations including TBI, concussion, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, dementia, congenital conditions including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol syndrome, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, and cleft lip/palate, among others.

Elyse has a passion for working with those individuals with traumatic brain injury and is the only SLP/CBIS in the state of Wyoming. In addition, to working as an SLP, she has lectured at universities and taught courses on TBI rehabilitation at hospitals across the country with a focus on cognitive rehabilitation. She prides herself on designing patient-specific plans of care with proven results and evidence-based therapies.

Services

The speech-language pathology department at Optimal Physical Therapy will complete a thorough and individualized evaluation focusing on both standardized and informal assessment procedures. All domains related to your area of need will be factored into your care. You will never experience a formulaic approach to your therapy.

Therapy Services