Lauren Armstrong, OT cares for children of all ages, specializing in feeding and sensory issues. Most of her patients are young (from infants to early elementary age) and include picky eaters and patients with sensory challenges involving touch, texture, and/or smell. She frequently works with patients who have autism or ADHD. 

Lauren loves empowering kids and their families, and helping them build confidence through routines and behaviors that reinforce the child's physical, emotional and social development. 

Beyond direct patient care, Lauren is working on improving developmental evaluation for younger patients (ages 1-3) to assist in therapy planning. She is also passionate about educating parents on typical/atypical development to help manage expectations and effectively identify areas of concern.

Lauren earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Sonoma State University and a master's degree in occupational therapy from Dominican University. Originally from California, Lauren enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking, and traveling in her free time.

Stephanie Balais, MS, CCC-SLP works with children who have cleft lip and palates, velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), and resonance issues. She also has interests in early intervention, fluency issues, Down syndrome, autism, and ADHD assessment and treatment for children with executive function deficits. 

Stephanie earned her master's degree from Idaho State University. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, camping, cooking, baking, and spending time with her family.

Favorite Book: School Bugs by David Carter.

Jennifer Hietala, MS, CCC-SLP is a pediatric speech-language pathologist specializing in feeding, lactation, and swallowing disorders. Her certifications include VitalStim®, Beckman Oral Motor, and the SOS Approach to Feeding. Jennifer uses a holistic and multidisciplinary approach in working with each patient and family. She prioritizes keeping feeding safe and positive as patients and families move through therapies.  

Jennifer earned a bachelor's degree in health science studies from Boise State University where she was also a member of the Broncos' NCAA Division I women’s golf team. She earned a master's degree in speech-language pathology from Idaho State University.

Jennifer holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She was a significant contributor in developing St. Luke’s Children’s outpatient feeding program.   

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two daughters. 

Anne Kuhlmeier, MA, CCC/SLP, ATP is an expert in augmentative alternative communication (AAC) and works closely with pediatric and adult patients and their families to develop the best communication system for their unique needs. She serves as the assistive technology program coordinator for St. Luke's and has extensive experience with both low- and high-tech AAC systems.

Anne's patients are complex communicators (often non-speakers) with a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, syndromes, and genetic disorders. They may also have experienced a stroke or other trauma. Anne's goals are to improve her patients' quality of life and communication skills, and support them in becoming more independent.

Anne is passionate about assistive technology and educating colleagues, often serving as a mentor for other speech-language pathologists throughout Idaho. She also offers continuing education on assistive technology through the Idaho Training Clearinghouse, an initiative of the University of Idaho's Center on Disabilities and Human Development.

Anne earned her master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado; obtained her clinical competency certification in speech/language pathology, assistive technology professional certification from RESNA; and completed specialized training from CASANA on childhood apraxia of speech.

In her free time, Anne enjoys skiing, hiking, sewing, and cooking.

Cortney Slette, MA, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in treating children and young adults with feeding difficulties, including dysphagia, poor feeding, poor weight gain, picky eating, difficulty transitioning to solids, poor chewing, and support with supplemental feeding tubes. She holds a special certification in the Beckman Oral Motor Feeding Protocol. Additionally, Cortney enjoys treating children with language delays.

Cortney believes in a play-based approach to therapy, as children are more likely to learn when they’re engaged and having fun. She uses a holistic approach in order to foster a positive learning environment and develop a meaningful relationship with children and their families.  

Cortney earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa, and her master’s degree from the University of Memphis. In her free time, Cortney enjoys visiting locally owned restaurants, spending time with friends and family, exploring the outdoors, and playing with her golden retriever.

Kelsey Walters, PT, DPT enjoys working with children of all ages and with a wide variety of diagnoses, including children with orthopedic, neurologic, motor, developmental, genetic, cognitive, and behavioral needs.

Kelsey earned her bachelors degree in kinesiology with a minor in classics at the University of Southern California. She continued her education at USC, earning her doctorate of physical therapy. In her free time she loves going on walks with her dog and spending time with friends and family.

Favorite Therapy Toy: Piggy bank and coins.