01/09/2026
When communication becomes a barrier; small moments can become major challenges. For siblings, Daisy and Daniel, Speech Therapy at ChildServe opened doors to more connections as they work to overcome speech delays that impact their daily life.
As a young child, Daisy experienced slow vocabulary growth, limited verbal output and had difficulty making requests and expressing herself. Daniel was nearly nonverbal, as he struggled to express his wants and needs, or play with others. These delays affected both siblings’ progress in speech development, their ability to build relationships, and how they explored the world around them.
At age three, with about five words in her vocabulary, Daisy started receiving speech therapy from ChildServe Speech Language-Pathologist Kelli Ubben. At the same time, 17-month-old Daniel started with ChildServe Speech Language-Pathologist Abby TeKippe looking to grow from his starting point of just one word.
Kelli and Abby quickly learned Daniel and Daisy’s likes and dislikes – catering therapy sessions to what they love to do. That’s when Kelli and Abby decided to think outside of the box. For both kids, playing in the water was something they loved. Kelli and Abby used this to their advantage and set up aquatic speech therapy sessions with the family, so they could provide therapy in ChildServe’s heated therapeutic pool.
“The pool was an awesome motivator for both kids,” said Abby. “They thrive off new and exciting opportunities. Engaging in therapy while splashing around in the pool fostered an environment that was playful but also helped each kid work toward goals like repeating words, requesting items to play with and expressing what they want.”
“Kelli and Abby have been phenomenal. At first, it started with little goals: saying 10 words, then 15 words and working our way up from there,” said Lisa, Daniel and Daisy’s mom. “Kelli and Abby have helped both kids by truly getting to know them and tailoring their approach to each child’s personality. Their teaching style is engaging, effective and something the kids genuinely enjoy. They consistently prioritize meaningful learning goals, set realistic milestones during progress checks, and encourage new vocabulary through play.
“Thanks to Abby and Kelli’s dedication, the kids continue to meet their goals and work toward small and big victories each day. Kelli and Abby put so much love and care into everything they do, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support and commitment to helping our children succeed.”
Daisy’s Victories:
💜 Saying, “I love you,” for the first time – a moment her family will never forget.
💜 Learning her full alphabet and colors.
💜 Engaging with others in pretend play.
💜 Excelling in school and interacting with teachers and peers.
💜 Saying short phrases instead of single words.
💜 Using her device to ask for a “car ride” or a “trip to the zoo!”
Daniel’s Victories:
💜 Learning to say and sign “eat” and “drink,” making mealtime easier and more meaningful.
💜 Choosing intentional communication to describe what he needs.
💜 Learning to say “ready, set, go” while playing with cars.
💜 Loves to verbally say “dinosaur” and “shark.”
💜 Tolerating doctor visits.
💜 Increased interest in playing with others at the park!
“Daisy and Daniel are both fantastic problem solvers and are always determined,” said Lisa. "Kelli and Abby have had a big impact on their success. Looking back on where they started and seeing how they have blossomed with the help of the ChildServe team has been nothing short of incredible.”
We can’t wait to celebrate even more victories alongside Daisy and Daniel! Keep up the great work! ✨
Parents/guardians, members of the child’s care team, or the child’s case manager may make a referral or request more information. Call 515-331-4518 to speak with a Medical Social Worker or visit https://www.childserve.org/outpatient-rehabilitation/speech-language-pathology/ to learn more.
Images: Daniel and Daisy during speech therapy sessions with Abby and Kelli at ChildServe.
