We’re celebrating 7 million teletherapy sessions since 2009 by highlighting the inspiring leaders and innovators at Presence who are dedicated to building solutions for schools and students with diverse needs.
Deena Seifert, M.S., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist with over 30 years of experience, is passionate about empowering students with innovative tools. Before joining Presence, Deena co-founded two edtech programs—InferCabulary and WordQuations—and co-authored the Test of Semantic Reasoning (TOSR). A respected expert in her field, she’s also presented at national and international conferences, including ASHA, NASP, and the International Dyslexia Association.
What’s your role at Presence?
I’m the content curator for our teletherapy Platform’s Library, which means I work with educational publishers to bring in new activities and materials. My goal is to make our Library the go-to resource for everything a clinician needs to engage and support students remotely. We strive to keep our Library up-to-date with activities and content that grab students’ attention.
I also serve as a clinical expert within the product and tech team, working closely with them to implement user feedback to inform improvements and develop new features. It’s a real team effort to create a great experience for everyone.
What motivates you to continuously develop our Platform and digital Library?
First and foremost, I’m motivated by a deep commitment to ensure students and families receive the highest level of care. After almost 35 years as an SLP, I’ve experienced how challenging and rewarding this work can be, and that’s why I wanted to create something to help SLPs, OTs, and school counselors do their best. It’s all about making their jobs easier, improving the teletherapy experience, providing content that is engaging and ultimately helping students reach their goals. Anytime I can empower clinicians and students through technology, that’s the heart of what gives me joy.
What are 7 trends you’re seeing in digital therapy resources?
1. Multilingual resources that expand student access
With an increase in English language learners in U.S. schools, we’ve been focused on providing more multilingual resources. So, teaming up with partners like Therapy Materials Vault (TMV), Speech Corner, and Habla Cadabra SLP has been key to bringing more activities to our Platform that can serve multilingual students.
2. Tailored content to engage older learners
Older students are often focused on academic work, but it’s equally important to engage them with content that’s different from their everyday schoolwork. Thanks to partners like Speech Corner, we now offer more content specifically for middle and high schoolers. These resources address a super huge range of areas like auditory skills, inferences, and social language.
3. Increased use of interactive whiteboards in teletherapy
There’s been a big increase in whiteboard usage on our Platform. Clinicians use it for everything from games and card play to creating interactive stories. I’ve even seen them adapt in-person activities on a virtual whiteboard, like a game where objects are hidden under shapes—it’s so inspiring to see how they’re making it their own! We’re actually enhancing the whiteboard soon with features like image saving and sharing, so that’s something exciting to look forward to.
4. Specialized activities that empower clinicians
We’ve seen a need for resources that address specific areas, such as lesser-known fluency disorders like stuttering and cluttering. So, we’re thrilled to be working with Stephen Groner, aka SLP Stephen, a leading expert in that area. We’re adding his specialized activities and rating scales to our Library, which is just one of the ways we’re trying to make sure we have resources to meet everyone’s needs.
5. Expert-led resources to support students’ social skill building
Understanding feelings, taking turns, and seeing other perspectives are important skills for kids. We’re expanding partnerships and content to meet this fundamental need. Our partnership with Move This World brings a ton of new preventative and proactive mental health resources to our Platform. Having these resources for repeated practice is so important for kids working on essential social skills. Sometimes we’re the only people they’re working with on this, so we’re often the first to notice if they need extra help.
“Having these resources for repeated practice is so important for kids working on essential social skills. Sometimes we’re the only clinician they’re working with on this, so we’re often the first to notice if they need extra help.”
6. AI-powered content that expands resources and efficiencies
With AI, the potential seems limitless. We’re exploring how AI can help clinicians create customized worksheets, images, game boards, and more. The ability to create and share resources within our clinical network can have a huge impact on both clinicians and students. It’s a win-win!
7. Virtual technology to address unique needs and unique spaces
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the potential of VR and other tech-enhancing apps. Imagine a student using a phone in an affordable VR headset to see themselves in a virtual school environment—it’s pretty incredible! And the best part is, we’re seeing clinicians take the lead and develop apps that address the unique needs they see in their practice.
“Teletherapy can break down barriers and reach students who might otherwise miss out. It’s about the connections made, the relationships built, and the lives changed.”
What does 7 million teletherapy sessions mean to you?
Seven million sessions is a huge number! It’s especially meaningful because I have a child with dyslexia. So, I understand firsthand how crucial it is for kids to get the support they need, and to get it quickly.
This milestone proves how teletherapy can break down barriers and reach students who might otherwise miss out. It also shows how dedicated our clinicians are to providing great care through teletherapy. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the connections made, the relationships built, and the lives changed.
What’s your hope for the future of teletherapy?
I envision a future where teletherapy is accessible to all, regardless of location, socioeconomic status, or disability. This means breaking down barriers and ensuring equitable access, especially for underserved populations. I also believe technology, particularly advancements in AI and automation, can play a crucial role in making teletherapy more efficient and effective. However, it’s essential these tools are used to support and enhance, not replace, the human connection at the heart of therapy.
As teletherapy becomes more integrated into mainstream healthcare and education, I hope it continues to evolve as a powerful tool that empowers clinicians and transforms the lives of students and families for the better.
See how teletherapy is making a real difference in special education. Discover the milestones we’ve reached on our way to 7 million sessions.
Stay tuned as we continue to get to know the dedicated team at Presence, committed to diverse learners and the future of education through teletherapy.
