Tracy Gunderson M.S., CCC-SLP/L
Speech-Language Pathologist
Tracy started Prairie Wind Speech, Inc. in 2014 with Cheryl Yepez. Tracy is currently the owner of Prairie Wind Speech Therapy, Inc. Tracy received her Masters from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She practiced at the Munroe-Meyer Institute of the University of Nebraska Omaha and at the Waisman Center of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, before moving to Champaign, IL. Her practice has included parent collaboration and therapy with young children through young adults. She specializes in autism, apraxia of speech, motor speech, and receptive/expressive language. Tracy is Hanen certified (More Than Words®) and has received extensive continuing education in social cognitive models from Social Thinking (Michelle Garcia Winner) and attended in-depth workshops in autism, apraxia of speech and feeding.
Tracy’s style of therapy draws from the Hanen approach and other social pragmatic frameworks. She uses a multimodal therapy format that includes visual supports, picture-based communication systems and sensory integration techniques (tactile, oral and vestibular) in a play-based format. Tracy deeply values partnering with the parent or care provider to make the intervention functional for the child.
Tracy enjoys spending time with friends and family. She and her husband, Jon, like taking walks and being outdoors. She has two grown children, Palmer and Kathryn.
Barb Hoffmann, M.S. SLP/ L
Speech Language Pathologist
Barb Hoffman, M.S.,/L is a licensed speech-language pathologist with over 30 years of experience. Barb earned her Masters at the University of WI, Stevens Point.
Barb has provided early intervention and pediatric (3 years and up) speech therapy in Champaign-Urbana since 2007. She has expertise in the area of pediatric feeding and apraxia of speech. In addition, Barb is an evaluator and practicing clinician for IL Early Intervention, working closely with care providers and the early intervention team to provide therapy and recommendations for the very young child. Barb has also been a school-based speech pathologist for over 15 years. Barb understands communication and feeding development in the child from infancy through the elementary school year.
Barb is well known for her caring approach towards children and their families, as well as her dedication to the process of the child’s success.
Barb enjoys hiking, outdoors and travel.
Katie Kleiss, M.A., CCC-SLP/L
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kathryn “Katie” Kleiss, M.A., CCC-SLP is a licensed speech-language pathologist with 18 years of experience. Katie earned her Masters from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Katie has provided therapy in various settings, including schools, private practice, and hospital/ outpatient clinics. Katie has served on the Carle Developmental Pediatrics team for many years. She is experienced in the diagnostics and treatment of children ages 12 months through adolescence with speech and language needs. Katie is a caring and dedicated clinician who is passionate about working with children and their families to provide personalized therapy that leads to improving a child’s communication development.
Katie has extensive experience working with receptive/expressive language, speech sound development, motor speech and communication associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Katie knew she wanted to work with children and speech therapy was the perfect fit. Katie and her husband, Kris, have 4 children who keep them very busy. When Katie is not working, you will find her cheering on her children in all of their activities, supporting her husband who is a farmer, or taking walks.
Cathy Warnes, M.S., CCC-SLP/L
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cathy Warnes, M.S., CCC-SLP is a licensed speech-language pathologist with over 28 years of experience. Cathy earned her Masters from Illinois State University.
Cathy has provided speech/language therapy in a variety of settings including family homes through Early Intervention, outpatient clinic, the school setting and private practice. In addition, Cathy is a certified health and life coach for women. Cathy has been a clinical instructor and course instructor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, through the Dept. of Speech and Hearing Science. She is an Academic Advisor for undergraduate students in the Dept. of Speech and Hearing Science.
Cathy has extensive experience therapy with receptive/expressive language, speech sound development, motor speech and communication associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Cathy is passionate about working with children and their caregivers. She enjoys coaching caregivers so that they can carry over the techniques that will make changes in their children. Cathy enjoys her work, health and life coaching, reading and writing.