In the heart of our Nebo School District, you’ll find Lorie Reese, a woman whose work speaks volumes—not just through her role, but in the lives she’s touched. Lorie isn't just any specialist; she's been transforming the world of speech-language pathology for nearly a decade as the District-Level Specialist of Speech-Language Pathology Services.
Lorie's journey started with her love for language, which led her to earn a BS in linguistics and an MS in communication disorders from BYU. The experiences and mentors she encountered there fueled her passion for the power of words to change minds and hearts. It's a passion that has guided her career and inspired everyone around her.
For nine years, Lorie has been the backbone of a remarkable team of 85 clinicians, providing invaluable speech-language services to about 4,000 students aged 3 to 22. Imagine the stories and breakthroughs she’s witnessed! Before stepping into her district-wide role, she directly impacted lives, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of communication.
Her impact doesn’t stop there. Lorie has been a guiding light to around 120 new speech-language pathologists, many of whom hail from BYU and a slew of other universities. Her mentorship is a testament to her dedication to nurturing the next generation of SLPs.
In 2019, her incredible contributions were recognized when the Utah Speech-Language Hearing Association named her the Utah School Speech-Language Pathologist of the Year. But accolades aside, it's her love for people and her unwavering commitment to her field that truly sets her apart.
Lorie’s roots are as diverse as her talents. She grew up in California, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico, and later lived in Oregon and Tennessee. For the past twenty years, Springville, Utah has been home to her and her family. Whether she's enjoying the great outdoors, sharing a laugh, or simply spending time with her family, Lorie finds joy in the everyday moments and the blessings of work that don’t feel like work.
Her greatest joy? Her family. Lorie treasures every moment with her "nearly-perfect" children and "completely perfect" grandchildren.
And let's not forget, Lorie’s wisdom and experiences have also been shared through speaking engagements, where she continues to inspire others with her journey and insights.
In honoring Lorie Reese, we celebrate not just her professional achievements, but her spirit, her dedication, and most importantly, her heart. Thank you, Lorie, for enriching our community with your passion and kindness.