I can’t even tell you how wonderful the Scottish Rite Clinic and Mischelle have been for us!  Riley has made huge strides with all the help we receive here.  Mischelle is so attentive and perceptive to Riley and his needs.  They bonded right away and he just loves coming.  He went from completely non-verbal to now making lots of sounds and even some words!  I think with Mischelle’s insight and perseverance, she has really tapped into Riley’s speech.  We are seeing amazing things with him from words to attention span to imaginative play, all of which have emerged since we started coming here.  We are so grateful for all you do for us!  I know Riley would not be where he is now without Mischelle and the Scottish Rite Clinic!  Thank you! 

Nancy – Mom to Riley, 2½ years old
 

      The RiteCare Language Clinic has been a blessing to my little boy’s progress in speech.  Parker will soon be five years old, and despite his outgoing personality, he has always been difficult to understand when he speaks.  He has received special education services through our school district for two and a half years.  The effect receiving service at the RiteCare Clinic has been synergistic.  We could hear almost immediate improvement in Parker’s ability to communicate.  The piece of feedback that we get most often is from friends or family who do not regularly communicate with Parker.  Just recently, my uncle from Nebraska who only speaks to Parker occasionally on the telephone, said that for the first time ever, he understood all of the messages that Parker was trying to communicate.  I credit the RiteCare Clinic for the progress that he has made in such a short period of time. 

      I believe that the most important resource in learning is the dedication of the parent and of the teacher to provide the time and tools required for success.  Mischelle Blenkush, the director of the clinic and Parker’s speech therapist, is committed to Parker’s improvement and mastery of skills.  She not only knows how to get the improvement, but how to motivate Parker and make it fun.  She has also been a valuable resource to me in answering my questions about language development and helping me make decisions regarding Parker’s future education. 

      The tools for success are obvious upon entering the RiteCare facility in Elk River.  The building itself is new, light, airy, and kids-oriented with murals.  The technology provided in the brand-new clinic is great too.  The toys that are provided make working on language fun. 

      Thank you to the Scottish Rite, affiliated organizations, and the individuals who donated the money, time and energy to build this top-notch clinic!   

Scott & Kristine Erickson
 

      Our son Tye has had some type of speech therapy since the age of two.  At three years old, Tye communicated using only sign language and gestures he created for things.  He would get very frustrated when we would try to get him to say a word, or if we could not understand a sign or gesture.

      Tye started attending the RiteCare Clinic in January of this year.  The facility is warm, inviting and child friendly.  The staff is kind and encouraging.

      Thanks to Tye’s speech therapist at our school and Kristie, his speech therapist at RiteCare, Tye has made great strides.  He now has the confidence to attempt verbal communication, and not only single words but also full sentences.

      Tye really enjoys going to the RiteCare Clinic and it really shows in the progress he is making.  More importantly, he is less frustrated and much happier.

Sheila Timmerman - Mom of Tye, 3 ½  years old
 

      Kristy has really connected with my daughter and has gone above and beyond in meeting with other professionals involved with her.  She is innovative and enthusiastic.  Also, she has been very flexible with scheduling as Jovana has many other therapy appointments.  In addition, your clinic is beautiful and the staff is friendly.  I have been more impressed with the therapy you have provided Jovana than with any other agency we have used. 

 Sharon – Mom to Jovana, 8 years old
 

     
      I would like to thank you for developing, opening and supporting the RiteCare Language Center in Elk River.  Breanna, my daughter, has been a client ever since it opened two years ago.   The changes in her have been very dramatic. RiteCare has not only positively affected her ability to communicate, but her improved communication skills have also improved all other aspects of her life.  She went from a frustrated, tantrum-throwing child to a loving, chatty, outgoing little girl.  It's very obvious to her entire family that her inability to communicate caused most of her behavioral and emotional problems.  Thanks to your staff, and Mischelle in particular, Breanna has blossomed into a popular little girl.
       Breanna still has a long way to go to have "perfect" speech but considering where we started (little if any intelligibility in her speech), she has made awesome progress.  Mischelle has told us that Breanna is getting close to "graduating".  This is a bittersweet thought for us.  We're happy that she has made such wonderful progress, on the other hand is the worry that she won't continue to improve at the same pace without the wonderful staff and guidance at Rite Care.
      If you have ever wondered if your work makes a difference, it does.  Our family is living proof of the power of giving.  Thank you for reaching deep into your hearts and making Rite Care not only a possibility but a reality.

 The Peterson Family