WP Speech & Language and Physical Therapy Teams continue intervention with children in SVG

Back to back teams from World Paediatrics (WP) provided critical services to more than 100 children in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) over a five day period this month.

Brendan Rooney – Speech Therapist; Sarah Stone-Cunningham – Speech Therapist; Patricia Zola – Occupational Therapist; Atyna Harry – WP Programme Assistant; Jill Hodge – Speech Therapist/Team Lead; Kimberley Cambridge – Speech Therapist (MCMH); Wendi McMillan – Speech Therapist AAC

After an earlier visit in January this year, a WP Speech and Language Therapy team returned to continue their impactful work from July 13-15, 2025, supporting children with developmental and communication needs. This was followed by a Physical Therapy team that provided services on July 21 and 22, 2025. World Paediatrics said in a release that the speech and language team was headed by speech therapist, Jill Hodge, who was accompanied by fellow speech therapists Wendi McMillan, Brendan Rooney, Sarah Stone-Cunningham; and occupational therapist, Patricia Zola. They were also joined by Kimberley Cambridge, a speech therapist who is based at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (“MCMH”).

Over the three-day period, July 13-15, 2025, the multidisciplinary team assessed and worked with 120 Vincentian children who presented with a range of developmental concerns. These included speech and language disorders, behavioural 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, WP said parents have played a crucial role in reinforcing the therapy during the team’s absence.

Shortly after the intervention by the Speech-Language team, a WP Physical Therapy team returned to SVG and conducted a two-day clinic on July 21 and 22.

This team 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 Lisa Bebko, physical therapist, and Lauren Mione, occupational therapist who both expressed feelings of gratitude to be able to support the families of these children 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 Paediatrics, volunteers and families have extended gratitude for the continuous support that has been given to their work.