Sherry (Ferguson) Baum '85

Sherry (Ferguson) Baum '85  
Sherry (Ferguson) Baum '85

Sherry (Ferguson) Baum received her Masters of Arts in Communication Disorders and Speech Science from CU in May of 1985. Currently Sherry is at the Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette, Colorado. Sherry commented on what she was most passionate about during her graduate studies, “I really loved the adult client in grad school...aphasia, head injury. A bit of 'trivia', I was and AM a person that stutters (Patty [Walton] tells me that is the politically correct way to say, "I am a stutterer"!!). I went through stuttering therapy as a child and then under Peter Ramig and fellow clinicians in the then called CDSS clinic. I obviously had an interest in this area in graduate school for both children and adults from a personal perspective. In looking back, I am fortunate to say I got to be the "patient" and learn from that experience.” Currently, Sherry is most intrigued by adult Dysphagia/Neurogenics in the medical setting. “I did next to NO dysphagia in graduate school because it really wasn’t invented, if you will, in the 80's.” That didn’t stop Sherry from finding her expertise in this field as an SLP. She is specifically interested in specific areas of dysphagia such as oral hygiene and care in the prevention of pneumonia and the use of the upper airway in preparation for swallow, working closely with respiratory therapists and pulmonologists on tracheostomy care and use of speaking valves for speech and swallowing, modified diet work with dietitians including creation and manipulation of textures and liquid consistencies, video fluoroscopic swallow studies and close work with the Medical Imaging Department (Radiology techs, Radiologists). As the Patient Services Coordinator for 5 years for the ALS Association Sherry has acquired valuable expertise with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) from more than just a speech and swallow perspective. She has extended her knowledge and capabilities to include Hospice care, caregiver challenges, equipment needs, and support groups. Sherry strongly believes in ongoing teamwork stating that her work with a medical team is "such a thrill and challenge. Everyday I go to work I learn something new.” Sherry plans to stay in the medical field. “I love the current hospital setting at Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette, CO. Working with students and mentoring others is a joy for me. I love to educate others and extend the passion for what I do to them. Family and team education in a functional medical setting is what I do everyday. I want to keep doing it and do it better and better. Future plans for my hospital work include specific education in the ICU and medical floors on oral care, aggressive and prompt attention to new tracheostomy care, and use of speaking valves.” In thinking back on her academic and social experience in grad school at CU, Sherry’s pride in her class is apparent. “I have to say that I think our class was very close!! [Socially] I think we may have had the BEST class, and I am not just saying that. We got to know and love each other and still do! Sherry remembers being very close with Becky Sweetman during and after grad school. “Our study groups were needed and I am glad we shared each others brains during comps, exams. I don’t think I will ever forget the 'Top Down Bottom up Theory' from Natalie Hedburg! I remember that our last Final was on Dec. 14th …it was Laura Biegner's birthday. That was when she was 25, back in Dec. 1984. We just celebrated her 50th this past December. Time flies. Julie (Artigliere) Cavalier and I would ride our bikes to school. I remember she had a better bike than me, and still does. (Be sure to see our story on Sherry and her fellow alumni mini-reunions in our central story section, home page. http://www.speechlanguagepractice.org/?q=node/114) I have memories of doing Aphasia therapy with "Bob" and he was a geologist (like my husband was at the time). We made the therapy session functional by going out to the dike at Valmont and 63rd street and had him use his best speech to describe the geological features of the dam. When asked about hobbies or favorite activities, Sherry related that she “loves being outdoors vs. inside, so whenever I can, I get out. I need a beach fix at least once a year (originally from Virginia and the beach area). I am an avid telemark skier and try to do that whenever possible. I picked up Mountain biking a few years ago and am trying to do that. Gardening, kids' activities and sporting events and hiking round out 'me’.”

Sherry (Ferguson) Baum's Family  
Lindsay, Geoff, Sherry & Amy Baum

Regarding her family Sherry tells us that she has “been married for 23 years to the same man, Geoff! We have built and enjoyed a cabin in the mountains west of Boulder, just east of Estes Park (it is off the grid so alternative power and water sources only). We have 2 great girls, Lindsay (17) and Amy (14). They are both at Monarch High School in Louisville. Amy is a great gymnast and can do some unbelievable things on the balance beam. Lindsay can snowboard through steep and deep including bumps, now faster than Geoff and I. Lindsay goes to college this fall, we just don’t know where yet.” We celebrate your success Sherry, the very best to you! Sherry can be reached at her work email: baums@exempla.org or at Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Lafayette CO 80026 (303) 689-6400. Exempla Website: www.exempla.org