April Alldredge
c/o Scottish Rite Foundation for Childhood Language Disorders
1507 SW Morrison Street, Suite A, Portland, Oregon 97205-1814

In August 2000, I met Stephanie Marz, a therapist at the Scottish Rite Clinic in Bend, Oregon. Ever since then, my life and my son Sam's life have been easier. Samuel (pictured at right with Stephanie Marz) was four years old and had been talking for about seven months. He had a very hard time expressing himself to others, and because of that, he had an obvious behavioral problem. He is also a very strong-willed little boy who knows what he wants, right then and there. Not being able to communicate made that strong will very hard to curb.

Stephanie sees Sam twice a week. She has been able to deal with his lack of patience and overbearing behavior. She is the one person in his life who knows how to help him-and me, too. Sam loves seeing her. She is firm, but she listens and helps him express himself. Unlike the persons in other programs I have turned to for help, Stephanie has taught me how to help my son. I was frustrated and feeling alone before I met Stephanie. The worst feeling for a mother is to know her child is bright and has a sweet heart, but is unable to tell you how he feels or what he needs. Stephanie has taught me how to help my son speak correctly, which makes me feel as if I am a part of his therapy.

Since Stephanie has started seeing Samuel, he has become a very happy child. We could never thank her enough for what she has done. Now Sam has friends and children that want to play with him. My husband and I can take him into public places and not be scared of the next temper tantrum. We now have a chance to be a normal family sharing what any normal four-year-old boy and his parents should enjoy together.

Stephanie and the Scottish Rite Clinic in Bend have made it so I can sleep at night and no longer worry about what will happen to my son when he reaches school. Sam has done so well and has come so far that he is going to be fine. He will be able to make friends and run and play like all the other little boys. Stephanie has been the one person that has made a huge difference in our lives. I do not know if she realizes that she touches every aspect of our lives by just helping us deal with one part. I thank her with all my heart, and I could never do as much for her as she has done for Sam and me. Stephanie and the Scottish Rite, thank you for everything!