As the needs of students and schools continue to evolve, the demand for innovative, flexible, and effective special education solutions is more pressing than ever. At eLuma, we’re dedicated to surpassing the expectations of the schools and districts we serve by delivering top-tier teletherapy services that make a real difference in the lives of students, educators, and the broader educational community.
When eLuma brought together a group of educational leaders for a customer panel, the emerging stories were powerful reminders of the challenges that districts across the country face in special education. Their stories highlight the value that eLuma brings to special education, emphasizing the positive impact our services have on students, staff, and the entire educational system.
This panel consisted of DeAnna Owens, Director of Educational Opportunity, Jamie Wothe, Director of Special Education, Megan Beaver, M.S., CCC- SLP, and Mike Leddy, Director of Student Services.
The Crisis: Staffing Shortages and Overextended Resources
For many districts, the crisis began with staffing. Finding qualified therapists to meet the needs of students with special needs was already difficult before the pandemic, but COVID-19 exacerbated the situation. Districts were left scrambling to fill critical roles, with overextended staff struggling to provide the necessary services.
Jamie Wothe shared how partnering with eLuma has enabled her district to overcome significant staffing and service delivery challenges. This partnership hasn’t just filled essential gaps—it’s also enhanced job satisfaction among her staff:
“The value that it allows our other staff members to free up capacity for them… from a cultural standpoint it’s providing a little more job satisfaction for our other people on staff.”
Mike Leddy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the exceptional quality of therapy provided by eLuma’s therapists. He highlighted the deep, meaningful relationships our therapists have fostered with students, families, and school staff, relationships that go beyond mere service provision:
“The quality of therapy that’s being provided is high level. We’ve been very fortunate to have two therapists working with our district that are second to none, not just with what they do in terms of delivery instruction but building relationships with our staff in the building through virtual connection and even more importantly building relationships with the students and their families.”
Overcoming Skepticism: The Shift Toward Teletherapy
As the pandemic forced schools to shift to virtual learning, the challenges only grew. Districts that had never considered teletherapy were suddenly thrust into a new world, with little time to prepare. Many educators and parents were skeptical—could virtual therapy really be as effective as in-person services?
Jamie Wothe recounted how her district initially faced hurdles as they adapted to this new mode of service delivery. However, with eLuma’s support, they have successfully navigated this shift, and the quality of the services provided has helped to win over even the most skeptical members of the community:
“Talking about the value of eLuma again, they have the high-quality technicians that are able to help support the staff within our district… eLuma is very good with their customer service.”
Mike Leddy also highlighted the importance of guidance and support from eLuma, particularly in helping districts implement effective processes. He emphasized the need for eLuma to continue offering its expertise confidently, noting that our recommendations are not just welcomed but crucial to the success of their programs:
“Keep doing that. You do this for a living. Don’t be afraid just because somebody on the other line is a client or a potential customer. I would encourage you to give your advice to offer those solutions that you see working well in other districts because for me, I’ve learned a lot.”
The district’s relationship with eLuma was critical to the program’s success. By building trust between eLuma and the district, even the most skeptical community members could see that virtual therapy can be more than just a temporary fix—it could be a sustainable, effective solution for the future.
The Path Forward: A Partnership Built on Trust
As the panelists reflected on their experiences, it was clear that eLuma had become more than just a service provider—it had become a trusted partner in their districts’ efforts to provide high-quality special education services. These districts’ challenges were significant, but with eLuma’s support, they could meet them and plan for a more resilient future.
For eLuma, the stories shared by these educational leaders underscore the importance of partnership, innovation, and trust. We remain committed to being more than just a service provider—we are here to deliver exceptional care, build meaningful relationships, and empower educators to build brighter futures for their students.
Interested in learning more about how eLuma can support your school or district? Contact us today to discover how our teletherapy solutions can help you achieve your special education goals.