We are thrilled to be profiling emeritus Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty members in October and November!
Today we are highlighting Jamie Murray-Branch, Clinical Faculty Emeritus. To our current clinical students, Jamie says, “Over the years, I have become even more appreciative of our field and all it has to offer to others within our local and global communities. Communication is an integral part of being human. The knowledge and skills you are gaining through your clinical studies will have a great impact on all those with whom you interact. Stay curious. Hang in there during these difficult times. And, never doubt the value of your clinical services.”
Jamie gives this update on her life: “Following my retirement from UW, I started a small private practice focusing on adults with severe and complex communication impairments in and around Dane County. I have enjoyed a team-based approach that supports consumers’ gainful employment addresses common questions and issues teams face as they strive to help individuals with severe impairments maximize their social, vocational and communicative potential. In addition to my private practice, I have volunteered for the Red Arrow Head Start program. The mission of the Head Start program is near and dear to my heart. For the past six years, I have volunteered in a 4-5 year old classroom and it has been great fun to see our former graduate students providing itinerant support to his population. With more flexibility in my schedule, I have been able to travel and volunteer for service projects associated with my husband’s economic development projects all over the world Highlights for me have been trips to Ukraine, Kenya (Busia Compassionate Care Orphanage) and Belfast, Ireland. I continue my Master Gardener volunteer activities and serve on the UW Extension’s Teaching Garden Team. Currently, I am working with Governor Evers and Representative Myers in important updates and revisions to DPI curricula in the area of American history as it relates to Black Studies and a reframed American History curriculum.”
Jamie shares this fond memory: “Walking down the hallway in the clinic and hearing waves of laughter coming from one of our observation rooms. The people laughing were parents of young children with complex communication impairments and AAC needs. They were celebrating the growth and development of their children. They instantly bonded and celebrated each child and his/her communication development. I hated to do it but I had to ask them to keep it down a little. They smiled at me politely and went back to celebrating this small but vey powerful moment in their children’s lives that we were facilitating in our training clinic. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
Finally, Jamie says, “I always say with pride, wherever I am, that I am an emeritus faculty member from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Continue the good work and please know that your efforts are appreciated.”