A Sparta speech pathologist honored for his work in advocating for his patients and supporting families.
Life Care Center Speech Pathologist Travis Duvier said the Erin Knoepfel Education Award is open to therapy and rehab clinics. Award winners are nominated by their colleagues.
“I really didn’t think I was going to get anything,” Duvier said. “And so, you know, I’m greatly honored to do that. I’ve only been doing this a handful of years. Really happy that that they thought of me.”
Duvier said his interest in speech pathology came after his aunt battled a stroke and cancer. Duvier said he observed the therapies she was doing, and the therapists he talked to recommended he get into speech therapy.
“They said it was a growing field,” Duvier said, “The work was interesting. I job shadowed some people at Cookeville Regional, and I really enjoyed it. So I ended up going and getting my masters in speech and language pathology at UT-Knoxville.”
Duvier said part of his role is working with the Life Care Center’s multidisciplinary care team. He said the partnership helps patients identify their goals, be it living independently or transitioning to assisted living. From there, the team helps patients learn the skills they need to achieve those goals through speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
Duvier said it is important to ensure that each patient he encounters is treated with a personalized approach. For instance, someone going to assisted living may work on enjoying new hobbies.
“For someone that’s going home, I need to make sure they’ve got good safety awareness,” Duvier said. “That they’re capable of functioning and getting their needs met. Or, what their caregivers need to meet for them.”
Duvier said seeing patients go home and return to their normal lives is the most rewarding part of his job. He said he hopes to see patients transition with minimal supervision, and get back to doing things they would normally do.
The Knoepfel award recognizes speech therapists who show expertise in cognitive rehabilitation care, professional development, and a commitment to patient advocacy. Award winners must also have certain educational credentials to be considered.
