Laura Biegner '85

Laura Biegner received her MA in speech pathology in 1985 from CU. Earlier she obtained a B.A. from CU in 1982 after transferring from Bowling Green State University, Ohio. Upon graduation with her master's degree, she was a part time faculty member at CU and worked with Peter Ramig and Mary Wallace implementing a statewide speech, language, and hearing screening program. Laura recalled that, “For four years we enjoyed servicing and touring rural Colorado through a grant from U.S. West. It was a fun experience and a great opportunity to see our beautiful state.” During her graduate studies Laura was initially interested in adult and childhood language disorders and unsure of which population she preferred. “While working on the grant I obtained experience in a clinic, treating children who stutter. I also acquired a feel for the medical setting, working on-call at Mapleton Rehab Center with adult neurogenetics, for one summer. I came to the realization that I had a strong preference for working with children, and I connected easily with them. After working in two private practice settings for several years, I opened a pediatric clinic in Arvada, Colorado in 1993, Laura Biegner M.A.CCC and Associates. I am Board Recognized in Fluency disorders and also have expertise treating children with disorders in language, articulation and apraxia. I feel very blessed to work in a field I enjoy so much. I still like going to work everyday!" Laura especially values the interdisciplinary aspect of speech language pathology, “One of the reasons I enjoy this field so much is because we are required to have a general knowledge of related disciplines. There are so many opportunities for professional growth and many opportunities to awaken new interests. Over the years I've teamed several summers with an O.T. to learn about motor development and sensory integration issues. I have been working for more than a decade, once weekly at Jefferson Academy Charter School in Broomfield, and it has deepened my interests in reading and dyslexia, and facilitated my skills for identifying and treating a child's reading problems before they fail. Most recently, I have been intrigued by executive dysfunction and the frontal lobe's role in planning, organizing and sustaining focus, skills which have a substantial impact on the academic performance of children, and are weak in children with ADD/ADHD symptoms.” Many satisfying CU memories are with Laura, “We had a very close class; we easily shared notes, had many study sessions and "played" well together on weekends. The faculty was outstanding and went out of their way to help us succeed. We enjoyed socializing with Becky Sweetman and Amy Weiss. I remember the parties at Lori Ramig's house. They were at the holidays and my husband Rob and I had a great time, especially when some of the revelers would take turns singing. It added so much to an already festive occasion! Laura shared one story about her clinical experience with a special client, “I remember my first aphasic client in the CU clinic wanted to learn the "Our Father" prayer and I was fascinated by the severity of her impairment and her tenacity in learning to verbally say this prayer. The memory of her stayed with me for a long time.” Laura plans to continue working in the same capacity but acknowledges a desire to work at a global level, “I would secretly like to aid a community state-side or overseas (in an effort to satisfy my wanderlust??), applying my knowledge and passion for speech language therapy for those less fortunate.”

Alexandra (Alex) & Matthew (Matt) Biegner

Laura enjoys several outdoor activities including hiking, gardening, cross country skiing, and downhill skiing. “I am re-energized and renewed by nature, and like to get outside as much as my schedule permits. I am also an avid reader. We have two gifted athletes and their sports activities keep us busy too! I am married with two children; Matthew (Matt) and Alexandra (Alex). Matt is a freshman at CU-Boulder and is a student of the Leeds Business School and recently made the Dean's List. He is also a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams and made the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll his first semester. He loves college life at CU! Alex is a senior at Broomfield High School. While Alex is a very good student, she has been able to surpass her classroom accomplishments by being a member of the Broomfield High School State Championship soccer team (her freshman year). Recently Alex's team took the Colorado Girl's 4A basketball playoffs giving her a total of 4 championships! My husband Rob enjoys teaching in special education at the secondary level in Boulder County. He is also a certified massage therapist, practicing in a limited capacity due to the demands of teaching and coaching track and field. And yes, I am fortunate to receive regular massage!!” Laura can be reached at her practice phone number (303)420-2322 Many thanks to Laura for this update on her professional and personal accomplishments, we applaud your success in both arenas!