Dr. Laura J. Sambrookes-McQuade

SLPD, CCC-SLP, (she/her)

 

Dr. Sambrookes graduated with her Doctor of Speech Language Pathology degree from Northwestern University in March 2021. Her doctoral work’s long-term vision focuses on informing how Speech Language Pathologists are taught to share “bad news” with an emphasis on supporting the development of long-term, positive, compassionate, empathetic relationships with caregivers and their support network through research and curriculum development.

Dr. Sambrookes specializes in speech language and feeding for children aged birth to five. Her interest areas include: pediatric speech language disorders, late talkers, apraxia, early intervention, autism (treatment and diagnosis), sensory motor feeding disorders as well as swallowing and feeding disorders in infancy. Her practice approach is hallmarked by the utilization of patient counseling and mindfulness practices strategies to provide speech language therapy through the lens of all factors intrinsic and extrinsic to the child, contributing to their success.

Contributing back to the professional community of speech language pathology and allied health at large is an overarching value held dearly by Dr. Sambrookes. She holds the position of committee chair for the Public Information, Membership and Marketing Committee for the Illinois Speech Language Hearing Association (ISHA), serves on the Marketing and Evidence Based Practice Committees. Dr Sambrookes served as a mentor through the ISHA mentoring program from 2021-2022. She has been published in The Leader, a publication of the American Speech Language Association (ASHA) and The Voice, a publication of the Illinois Speech Language Hearing Association.

Personally, Dr. Sambrookes enjoys long distance running, yoga, reading, journaling, philanthropy, and enjoying time outside with her husband, four children, and  two dogs. 

Dr. Sambrookes says ”As a clinician I believe in the assessment and treatment of children with speech and language disorders from a holistic perspective. I understand that communication occurs within the context of a caregiving system and my goal is to help you and your child foster connection with one another and the community through language.” 

As a lifelong student within the field of speech language pathology Dr. Sambrookes has completed diverse continuing education coursework to support my work with children and families. These courses include but are not limited to:

  • P.R.O.M.P.T (PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets)

  • 5 Days of NDT in the Mouth

  • 5 days of NDT

  • If You Can’t Breathe You Can’t Function

  • Feeding Therapy a Sensory Motor Approach

  • Prevention of Feeding, Speech and Mouth Development Problems

  • Northwestern University: The Autism Spectrum: Clinical, Biological and Cultural Perspectives

  • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2) Modules 1-4 Clinical Workshop

  • Mindful Educator Essentials Certificate

  • Mindfulness Fundamentals Certificate