World Pediatrics’ Speech and Language Therapy
team returned to continue their impactful work supporting our children with developmental and communication needs..
Head of the team on this trip was speech therapist, Jill Hodge, accompanied by fellow speech therapists:
Wendi McMillan, Brendan Rooney, Sarah Stone-Cunningham, and occupational therapist, Patricia Zola. They were also joined by Kimberley Cambridge, local speech therapist based at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (“MCMH”). Over a three-day period between July 13th
15th 2025, the multidisciplinary team assessed and worked with 120 Vincentian children presenting with a range of developmental concerns. These included speech and language disorders, behavioral challenges, autism spectrum disorders, and genetic conditions such as cerebral palsy and downs syndrome.
When speaking to team leader, Jill Hodge, she highlighted two children, both with unique conditions, who have made significant progress in their individual journeys. This progress was commended not only because of the team’s impact but also because of the devoted involvement of the parents. By continuously practicing techniques
shared by the team, parents have played a crucial role in reinforcing the therapy during the team’s absence.
Following shortly after the Speech-Language team, World Pediatrics’ Physical Therapy team returned to SVG and conducted a two-day clinic on July 21st and 22nd, focused on assessing children with a range of conditions, including hemiplegia, brachial plexus, post-surgery rehabilitation, as well as genetic and neurological disorders affecting daily living, mobility and gait. The team comprised of Lisa Bebko, physical therapist, and Lauren Mione, occupational therapist who both expressed feelings of gratitude to be able to support these families and share expertise with local physiotherapists. They described the experience as “motivating” and “exhilarating”. They closely collaborated with local physiotherapist at MCMH, Janelle Ballah. By the end of the two-day clinic, they had assessed and provided follow-up care for 26 Vincentian children.
Both teams were graciously sponsored by the Mustique Charitable Foundation. World Pediatrics, volunteers and families extend our fervent gratitude for the continuous support of our work.
For individuals interested in following and supporting the work of World Pediatrics, visit our website at www.worldpediatrics.org or call our local office at 1-(784)-451-2989. World Pediatrics remains dedicated to prioritizing the medical needs of our children and enhancing the lives of their families, ensuring no child is left behind.