July 16, 2025
As a speech-language pathologist, Kennedi Keyes, BHS ’19, MHS ’21, enjoys helping patients of all ages improve their communication abilities.
But shortly after entering the workforce, she discovered a special passion for working with children.
“You really get to build relationships with the kids,” says Keyes, who works for Wentzville Public Schools. “And through those relationships, you help them build their language, communication and social skills.”
Keyes tries to create a safe space where students feel comfortable enough to tell her about their days, lives and interests — even if they don’t quite know how to express themselves. Keyes says once, a student even sang her Christmas wish list to her instead of speaking.
“Building that trust makes it so much easier to find things they want to talk about,” she says. “From there, I can support their needs.”