- Welcome to SPPA: Message from the Chair
- Mission Statement
- Research Labs
- Undergraduate Program
- Graduate Program
- Faculty & Staff
- Speech & Hearing Clinic
- Current Students
- Equity and Inclusion Resources
- Contact
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Harriet Barker Cramer Hall, 230F
MilwaukeeWI53201United States of America(414) 288-1409heidi.ruedinger@marquette.eduAfter earning her Master of Science in Specially Designed Physical Education at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, Heidi worked as an adaptive physical education teacher for the School District of Waukesha for five years where her interactions with the speech therapists sparked her interest in pursuing a degree in Speech Pathology. Heidi chose to attend Marquette University where she went on to earn her Master of Sceince in Speech and Language Pathology in 2000. Prior to her employment at Marquette University, Heidi practiced as a speech pathologist in various acute care, acute rehabilitation, subacute rehabilitation and skilled nursing faculity settings. Heidi has extensive experience in various medical settings with a strong focus in dysphagia and adult neurogenic communication disorders including aphasia, cognitive deficits, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson's disease.
Heidi became part of the adjunct faculty at Marquette University Speech Pathology and Audiology Department in 2013 and became a full-time Clinical Assistant Professor in 2015. She currently teaches Swallowing Disorders, and provides instruction and supervision to undergraduate and graduate students in the Marquette University Speech and Hearing Clinic. She also is the School Practicum Clinical Coordinator responsible for the placement and supervision of graduate students in their school practicum. She has developed and implemented a Cognitive Wellness Group at Marquette University Speech and Hearing Clinic which focuses on addressing deficits related to Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and other adult neurogenic disorders. In the Marquette Neuro Recovery Clinic, Heidi provides diagnostic evaluation and treatment in collaboration with the physical therapists and occupational therapists. Heidi's major interests include dysphagia, cognitive rehabilitaiton in adults with strokes, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, mild cognitive impairment, expressive/receptive aphasia, and dysarthria. Heidi continues to work as a pool Speech Language Pathologist at Ascension Columbia-St. Mary's Hospital, Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Institute, and Lake Geneva Manor servicing patients in the acute care, acute and subacute rehabilitation, and skilled nursing settings.