Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee. This week, in honor of “Better Speech and Hearing Month,” we learn more about Carol Gaebler, interim director of speech pathology at Munroe-Meyer Institute.
- Name: Carol Gaebler
- Hometown: Omaha
- No. of years at UNMC: 24
Tell us a bit about what you do here at UNMC.
As interim director, I manage the clinical services provision, educational outreach and research activities of the speech pathology department at Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI). We have a staff of 14 speech language pathologists, three of whom provide services at Rite Care clinics in Lincoln and Hastings. In addition to my administrative duties, I continue to provide clinical speech pathology services to inpatients at The Nebraska Medical Center and outpatients at MMI.
“Being a trusted resource” is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed a person or group “being a trusted resource” at UNMC.
I witness my coworkers functioning as “trusted resources” for patients, families and staff on a daily basis. The MMI speech department demonstrates their expertise and compassion on campus and in the community for individuals across the lifespan. They are positively impacting new parents in the NICU, who may need information on swallow development for their infant; Rite Care preschoolers, who are learning and using new vocabulary; and inpatients at The Nebraska Medical Center, who need assistance compensating for acquired deficits in speech, language, cognition and/or swallowing.
What is your favorite spring activity?
Celebrating the end of tax season (my husband is a CPA) with a fun getaway.
List three things people may not know about you.
- My husband and I are native Omahans and lived on the same block while at UNL, but did not meet until after we both graduated and returned to Omaha.
- I worked as a hand model during undergrad and graduate school and was once sent away from a shoot in shame for having a “horrible cuticle.”
- I am an avid reader, but am cursed with being unable to abandon a book, even when I dislike it. So I have read many amazing, and a few very mediocre, books.
Wonderful to see you and know that I have the same book curse. Thanks for highlighting the speech department. Departments follow leadership, they are blessed with yours.
Carol: so hey do you also also go to bad movies knowing they are awful? I do. In any case, way to go. You make all of us at MMI so proud!
Gabriella C.
My father-in-law suffered a stroke in 2002 and lost much of his speech. He was assigned to Carol for speech rehabilitation. Lucky for him. Carol is a true professional and as nice a person as you will ever meet.