ABOUT THE OWNER

Terry Kennedy, MS, CCC-SLP
(Speech Pathologist)

I am a Hawaii state licensed speech language pathologist and hold a national certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. I have a master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and specialize in adult and geriatric dysphagia (swallowing impairments) with advanced training in Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). I have been a practicing speech pathologist for 17 years. For the past 14 years, I have been a resident of Hawaii and worked locally in hospitals, skilled/long term care nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. 

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Dysphagia (swallowing impairments) has always been a passion of mine! Most all of life's social and family moments revolve around food. Just imagine a potluck or family gathering and not being able to eat or drink safely. It is not only a basic need but a huge part of the Hawaiian culture. When this fundamental function becomes impaired, it becomes not only a physical impairment that can affect our safety but a social and emotional impairment that can affect our quality of life!

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, a true comprehensive swallow assessment should include an instrumental swallow study (i.e.; FEES/Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) otherwise we are just guessing at bedside. As much training as speech pathologists have, we still don't have x-ray vision! How can you fix something, if you don't know what is wrong? FEES takes the guesswork out of it! However, I know getting to the hospital for an instrumental swallow study (i.e.; FEES) is difficult for patients and now with COVID, has become even more of an issue!

For this reason, I started Mobile Diagnostic Swallowing Services (aka: Mobile DSS), so that I could make sure you get the assessment you need without ever having to leave the comfort and safety of your natural environment. I come right to you! My goal is to help provide you, your loved one, or your patient with the most accurate and timely dysphagia assessment and plan of care right at his/her doorsteps; so that you start the road to recovery on the right track!