Kramer, Abigail, Marie

About Maggie Speech-Language Pathology was a career change for Maggie, who became fascinated by the process of reading development while working as a Montessori early childhood educator. “My interest in early literacy skills and language disorders led me back to school to become a speech-language pathologist,” she explains. She was also strongly inspired by her mother, who has been a physical therapist for 45 years.“ I grew up knowing my mother deeply enjoyed her work in rehabilitation.” As a speech-language pathologist, Maggie evaluates and treats voice and swallowing disorders.“ I have the privilege of providing care for adults with swallowing and communication disorders secondary to head and neck cancer, including disorders of articulation, voice and resonance.” Maggie also provides evaluation and treatment of voice disorders in adults and adolescents, and particularly enjoys helping patients overcome symptoms of irritable larynx syndrome, including chronic cough, chronic throat clearing, vocal cord dysfunction, laryngospasm and painful swallowing. Maggie chose to practice at Beacon because she is driven to work with a top multidisciplinary team to improve speech pathology treatment protocols and advance patients’ functional outcomes following head and neck cancer treatment.“ I am thrilled to partner with Beacon’s exceptional ENT & Audiology care team in providing outstanding patient care.” Maggie’s philosophy of patient care is rooted in sensitivity to her patients’ unique personal and social factors.“ Each of us navigates aspects of our lives that can help or hinder our ability to achieve our goals,” she says.“ I strive to deliver personalized care that leverages patient strengths and support systems to help patients achieve their therapeutic goals.” In her own words… What was your first job growing up? What do you remember most about it? I was a lifeguard and swim instructor at my hometown’s community pool. I remember the feeling of delight when a child would pop up through the water’s surface after jumping off the diving board for the first time. It was incredible to share in a child’s pure excitement and pride in those moments. What is your favorite food? I have never had a dish with noodles and cheese that I didn’t enjoy. What are your hobbies, interests? I relish time spent outdoors with my family. I enjoy digging in the dirt and nurturing growth in our vegetable and perennial flower gardens. I particularly enjoy bringing blooms and branches in from the yard or the South Bend Farmer’s Market. Flower arranging is a favorite creative outlet of mine. Do you have pets? I am a frequent flier on the local animal shelter websites — I’ll be ready for our next family dog by the time my children begin making a case for a four-legged friend.

About Frank Pennoni With his immediate family all in the medical field, it was no question for Frank Pennoni, PA-C, that he would do something in the field. “My father has been the director of a laboratory for 25 years, and both my mom and sister are nurses,” he says. While a senior at Indiana University, Bloomington, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, he learned about the PA profession. After doing some research, he loved the idea of being a PA and started the process of gaining patient care experience so he could apply for graduate school. He earned his Master of Science in Biology from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Indiana State University, Terre Haute. He enjoys the field for the variety of ENT cases he sees in a day -- a mixture of acute and chronic, or rare and common conditions in kids and adults. “From the most urgent condition-airway emergency to nosebleeds, headaches, dizziness, thyroid problems, cancers, etc. – I will get to see it all,” he says. Frank is often asked what a PA does. He explains it is a licensed advanced practice provider who delivers direct patient care to all ages in most specialties. A PA performs physical exams, orders and interprets lab tests and imaging, develops and manages treatment plans, prescribes medications, and provides preventative care to patients, all while working under the supervision of their collaborating physician, he explains. While clinical schedules can get hectic, Frank says he treats each patient as if they were his mother or father. “I would want my family to receive the best possible care, so that is the goal I have with each patient,” he says. “Treat every patient as your family or friend. Treat them with the same dedication and commitment you would your loved ones.” In his own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My parents. They taught me the value of hard work, determination and resilience. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was Burger King. I remember it taught me how to have good people skills, and a sense of responsibility. What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite food: Vietnamese food Favorite movie: The Green Mile What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subjects were math and sciences. My worst subject was art. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Albert Einstein. He was a brilliant scientist and mathematician who changed our understanding of the universe. I would find it interesting to learn his perspective on the current state of science and technology. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? My family. I have three nephews and one niece. What are your hobbies, interests? My hobbies include golfing, playing basketball, exercising, watching sports and playing video games. Do you have pets? Yes, I have two cats – Luna and Aurora. What is something most people don’t know about you? I grew up on a farm. Also, I was on the chess team in middle school and we got seventh in the state.