OGDENSBURG -- The atmosphere is a happy one, bright colors on the walls, plenty of sunlight and friendly faces. Giggling and mock sizzling sounds are coming from the room down the hall. You turn the corner to find a child grinning, flipping make believe eggs and bacon in a plastic frying pan while standing in front of the play kitchen set. The “customer,” speech and language pathologist Andrew Hockenbery, asks for a second helping and integrates the day’s language goals into the scenario. The play and therapy continues; smiles all around.

Traditional speech and language therapy sessions can mirror a classroom setting or a visit to the doctor’s office. There are not a lot of desks and chairs at Stepping Stones Children’s Therapy Services and treatment rooms sport a mini trampoline, ball pit and other toys and equipment that encourage a child’s participation.

“I like to meet people where they are,” Hockenbery explained. “When I am working with a child, I find it much more successful to adapt therapy to what interests the child at the time, rather than expect them to sit still at a desk, give me their undivided attention and complete a worksheet. There are a lot of times when a child’s life needs to be structured, but this isn’t one of them. I’ve found that I can adapt my therapy technique to whatever activity the child wishes to do and still get results. It’s a win-win and less stressful and frustrating for everyone. Later today, I’ll be making a sand castle and working on articulation and language skills.”

Hockenbery recently joined the United Helpers Therapy Team, providing speech and language services for RiverLedge (Ogdensburg) and Maplewood Campus (Canton) and children’s therapy services at Stepping Stones Children’s Therapy Services, 310 Hamilton St.

“Whether I am working with adults or children, I tailor therapy to the needs and the comfort level of my patient,” Hockenbery added. “There are no cookie cutter solutions in therapy. An approach that works well for some, may not work well for others. I like to choose the approach that makes the customer most comfortable, that way you open the door for the greatest outcomes.”

Hockenbery earned his master of science in special education from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2010. He continued studies with Longwood University in Virginia and earned a master of science in communication sciences and disorders in May of 2012.

“We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the team,” says Terry Micelli, Director of Rehabilitative Services for United Helpers. “Increasing our speech therapy services helps to assure that we are truly able achieve our goal of meeting the growing speech, physical and occupational therapy needs of our consumers.”

United Helpers offers a full array of therapy services, including speech, occupational and physical therapy. Outpatient therapy is available at RiverLedge Campus in Ogdensburg and Maplewood Campus in Canton. Children’s Therapy Services are available at Stepping Stones Children’s Therapy Services, also located in Ogdensburg. To learn more about or to schedule an appointment, call RiverLedge Campus at 393-0730, Maplewood Campus at 386-4541, or Stepping Stones at 393-3072. RiverLedge, Maplewood and Stepping Stones are all members of the United Helpers family of services.