Virtually ConnectEd
Virtually ConnectEd Founders
Sarah Wollheim OT/R
Birgit Suess MS, CCC-SLP
Sarah is an Occupational Therapist and Birgit is a Speech Therapist. They each have over 20 years of experience working with children in both home and school settings. They have over 13 years of experience implementing virtual programs, providing direct therapy to students and their families, offering educational expertise and providing special education support to schools around the world.
How Virtually ConnectEd Started
In 2008, Birgit was working in rural Oregon, USA, providing Speech Therapy to 3 main K-12 schools and 2 one-room school houses located in remote areas. During the icy winter months, she started meeting with students virtually and was amazed that it worked! An idea was born! In 2009 she moved to Arizona and started working on the Navajo Nation, commuting several hours each way on adobe roads which would wash out in the rain or snow. She collaborated with the school to try out a hybrid model of virtual and onsite Speech Therapy and it worked so well that she founded an online clinic.
Only The Best Teachers and Therapists
Together Birgit and Sarah have created an amazing team of professionals. They hire each professional personally, making sure they have the highest qualifications as well as a passion for teaching and supporting children. Virtually ConnectEd professionals have experience working with children and schools in urban, rural and remote areas across the world. They work closely with schools and families to provide Special Education services to children of all cultures and backgrounds.
The Virtual Experience
Birgit and Sarah have spent years collecting and creating online activities to ensure engaging and productive sessions. Since 2009, technology has drastically improved, making virtual services even more accessible and interactive. Together with our passionate teachers, we have created a truly exceptional virtual learning environment.
Studies Show That Virtual Services Work
Virtual services have been used to evaluate, teach and treat people of all ages. Researchers have found few differences between virtual learning and in-person learning. Most students who receive services virtually say that they are very satisfied.
The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) support services provided virtually because it provides more people access to Speech and OT services.