Sandy Bennett, speech-language pathologist with Unity Point-Select Medical Physical Therapy, is retiring from providing therapy services to children on Tuesday. She has been in the profession for 50 years.

Bennett chose speech-language pathology as a career because she attended speech therapy sessions in first grade to correct her ‘Dutch’ speech. After graduating from Wichita State University in 1969 and 1970 with her BA and MA degrees, she secured her first professional position in a Fort Dodge school in August 1970.

Bennett moved to Marshalltown in 1985. In 2009, she joined the Rehab Center staff which is now Unity Point-Select Medical Physical Therapy.

Bennett has enjoyed the 50 years of her professional life. She has been a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Bennett holds life membership in both organizations. She served a two-year term as president of ISHA and on various committees for ASHA.

Retirement is rather bittersweet for Bennett. She knew she had to set a date for it or she would continue working because of her love for the clients and caregivers.

Bennett has touched many lives in her 50-year career. She looks forward to visiting family and friends, traveling and reading.