Laura Straka, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

CERTIFICATIONS: Certificate of Clinical Competency/Speech-Language Pathology
SCHOOL PHONE: 865-425-9501 
FAX: 865-425-9432 
 
email:  llstraka@ortn.edu

About Me...
I am originally from Wisconsin, and have been living in TN for the past 18 years. I received my Bachelor's degree in English and Public Relations from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, and Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of TN-Knoxville.  I have been part of the Woodland staff since Fall 2009, and have eleven years experience as a speech-language pathologist.  Currently, I am pursuing an Ed.S. (Educational Specialist) degree in Reading Education at the University of TN.

I live in Knoxville with my dog Wrigley, and enjoy gardening, camping/hiking, photography, church, and just about any type of travel.

Speech At Woodland...
Woodland Elementary is home to approximately 480 students. About 50 students receive speech services from me, the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) on staff.  Students can receive therapy in one or more of the following areas:

Articulation - difficulty producing speech sounds, are not understood by others.

Language - difficulty in language content (vocabulary), form (grammar and syntax), or use
(pragmatic or social language).

Fluency - (stuttering or cluttering) an interruption in the flow of speech. May include "um," or
repetitions of sounds, words or phrases, extremely fast "jumbled-up" speech, or tense blocks.

Voice - differences in voice quality (hoarse, harsh, strained, breathy,) resonance (nasal, denasal), pitch (too high or too low).

Please click on the links at the top for more detailed information about these areas of disability.

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