Assist. PhD Rita Kantanavičiūtė-Petružė

Email: 

ORCID: https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0002-6638-5164

Research Area:

Speech and language therapy (field of education)

Scientific Interests:

Early language and communication development.
Identification, assessment, and intervention aspects of fluency disorders.
Identification and developmental aspects of speech motor disorders.
Evidence-based interdisciplinary collaboration and speech-language therapy practice.

Present Position:

Assistance in the Institute of Education Siauliai Academy, Vilnius  University.

Member of the Master’s Program Committee in Special Education.

Education:

PhD in Social Sciences (Education Science) - Siauliai University (2018). Dissertation topic: “Interprofessional support for a young child who stutters and their family through a multidimensional intervention.” MSc in Special Education and Speech and Language Therapist - Siauliai University (2012). MSc in Management and Business Administration - Vilnius University (2009). BSc in Special Education and Speech and Language Therapist - Siauliai University (2005). PhD in Social Sciences (Education Science) - Siauliai University (2018).

Experience (Past Positions):

Assistant at the Institute of Education, Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy, (2022 – present).
Lecturer at the Institute of Education, Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy, (2021-2022).
Lecturer at the Institute of Education, Šiauliai University (2019 – 2021).
Assistant at the Department of Special Education, Šiauliai University (2014 – 2019).

Practical work experience:
Private speech-language pathologist practice (2012 – 2025).
Clinical speech-language pathologist at the cardiology clinic “Testas” (Public Institution), Department of Early Rehabilitation – Early rehabilitation for children with developmental disorders (2017 – 2018).
Speech-language pathologist at Slengiai School – Multifunctional Center, Klaipėda District (2017 – 2019).

Publications:

Study subjects:

Lecture moduls: Introduction to Speech and Language Therapy; Fluency Disorders; Speech Motor Disorders; Special Educator’s and Speech-Language Therapist’s Practice in Preschool Education Institutions; Early Language Development;
Collaboration in Interdisciplinary Teams; Practice in Speech, Language, and Communication Assessment and Counseling.

• From 2021 until now, as an expert, head of the research group, she participates in the project "Optimization of the network of higher education institutions and improvement of the quality of studies by connecting Šiauliai University to Vilnius University", project code no. 09.3.1-ESFA-V-738-03-0001.
• Project “2.4.5. Development of Digital Content for Special Education and Speech Therapy Study Programs.”
  Within this project, the course“Speech Motor Disorders”in the Speech and Language Therapy study program was updated.
  The curriculum was enriched with digital learning tasks (2021–2023).
• Erasmus+ project Kranevo, „We can too“, Bulgaria. “We can too”, training course for speech and language therapists (2016.07.28/08.7).

• Science Festival “Spaceship Earth 2021.”
  Event with students and pupils. Participated in the European Union Structural Funds Investment Programme, Priority 9“Public Education and Human Resource Development”, within the project“Development and Implementation of the National Science Popularization System.”
  Presented the event program of Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy at the “Spaceship Earth” Science Festival.
  https://www.vu.lt/mokslas/moksline-veikla/mokslo-renginiai/2021
• Seminar “Multidimensional Assessment and Management of Stuttering.”
  Delivered to special educators and speech-language pathologists of Jonava District.
  Certificate issued by Jonava District Educational Support Service (2022-02-25, No. IP-479).
• Continuous Training Program “Speech and Language Disorders in Early Childhood: Theory and Practice.”
  Developed program content and training materials; conducted continuing education sessions for speech-language pathologists from educational support institutions.
  Certificate of conducted training (2019-09-11, No. TNSIS-162).
• Training Program “Multidimensional Assessment and Management of Stuttering.” Developed and conducted training sessions for members of the Lithuanian Speech and Language Therapy Association (2016–2018).

1. National Scientific-Methodological Conference “Evidence-Based Practice of Speech-Language Therapists.” Presentation “Innovations in Speech-Language Therapy Studies.” April 24, 2025 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
2. National Scientific-Methodological Conference “Evidence-Based Practice of Speech-Language Therapists.” Presentation “Evidence-Based Vocabulary Development Strategies.” April 24, 2025 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
3. The 9th Congress of Baltic States SLTs “Understanding Each Other.” Presentation “Levels of Language Acquisition in Preschool Children.” April 12–13, 2024 // Lithuania.
4. International Scientific-Practical Conference “Innovations in Inclusive Education and Meeting Special Educational Needs.” Presentation “Special Educational Support for Sustainable Education in the Context of Personalized Learning.” April 25, 2024 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
5. International Methodological-Practical Conference “Priorities of Speech-Language Therapist’s Work in the Context of Inclusive Education: Challenges and Opportunities.” Presentation “Strategies for Overcoming Speech, Language, and Communication Disorders within the Concept of Sustainable Education.” October 30, 2023 // VUŠA, Šiauliai.
6. Scientific Conference “Social Welfare from an Interdisciplinary Perspective.” Presentation “Speech-Language Therapists’ Opinions on the Application of Telepractice for Children with Speech Disorders.” November 24, 2023 // VUŠA, Šiauliai.
7. Scientific Conference “Social Welfare from an Interdisciplinary Perspective.” Presentation “Differential Characteristics of Delayed Speech Development and Speech Disorders in Preschool Children.” November 24, 2023 // VUŠA, Šiauliai.
8. Scientific Conference “Social Welfare from an Interdisciplinary Perspective.” Presentation “Levels of Language Acquisition and Educational Strategies in Preschool Children.” November 24, 2023 // VUŠA, Šiauliai.
9. National Scientific-Practical Conference “Education and Support for Diversity in an Open School: Theoretical Perspectives and Practical Strategies.” Presentation “Peculiarities of Differentiating Delayed and Typical Speech Development.” December 21, 2023 // VUŠA, Šiauliai.
10. National Scientific-Practical Conference “Education and Support for Diversity in an Open School: Theoretical Perspectives and Practical Strategies.” Presentation “The Impact of Digital Screens on Children’s Language Development.” December 21, 2023 // VUŠA, Šiauliai.
11. National Scientific-Practical Conference “Education and Support for Diversity in an Open School: Theoretical Perspectives and Practical Strategies.” Presentation “Speech-Language Therapy Approaches for Preschool Children with Speech Disorders through Telepractice.” December 21, 2023 // VUŠA, Šiauliai.
12. Republican Scientific-Practical Conference “Lesson Without Walls.” Presentation “Models of Language Learning in Early Childhood.” December 19, 2022 // VUŠA, Šiauliai.
13. National Scientific-Methodological Conference in Memory of Professor Stasys Šalkauskis “Harmony of Life and Educational Ideas.” Presentation “Vocabulary Development Strategies for Young Children.” May 20–21, 2022 // VUŠA, Šiauliai.
14. International Scientific-Methodological Conference “Diversity of Learning Needs and Experiences in Inclusive Education Communities: From Theoretical Paradigms to Best Practices.” Presentation “The Effectiveness of Telepractice for Children with Speech and Language Disorders.” June 23, 2022 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
15. 10th International Scientific-Practical Conference “Social Welfare from an Interdisciplinary Perspective: Empowerment, Equality, Inclusion.” Presentation “Telepractice in Speech-Language Therapy.” November 25, 2021 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
16. Scientific-Practical Round Table Discussion “Assessment of Language Development in Children Aged One to Three.”Presentation “Methods and Tools Used to Assess the Language Development of Children Aged One to Three.”October 28, 2021 // VUŠA, Šiauliai City PPT, Kindergarten “Žilvitis,” Šiauliai.
17. Event “Student for a Day.” Lecture “Variety of Stuttering Intervention Methods.” November 18, 2021 // VUŠA, Šiauliai.
18. Conference “Teacher Education in the 21st Century: Changes and Perspectives.” Presentation “The Importance of Interprofessional Support for Children with Special Educational Needs.” November 27, 2020 // Šiauliai University, Šiauliai.
19. The 7th Speech-Language Therapists’ Congress of the Baltic States “Fluency in Speech and Reading.” Presentation “Interprofessional Support to a Stuttering Child and Their Family: Experiences of Parents.” February 6–7, 2020 // Riga, Latvia.
20. The 3rd Conference of the Lithuanian Educational Research Association (LETA) “Ideas for the Future of Education and Schooling.” Presentation “Collaboration-Based Support Models for Children with Special Educational Needs in Lithuania.” October 12, 2019 // Kaunas, Lithuania.
21. ECER 2019 Hamburg – The European Conference on Educational Research. Presentation “Collaboration-Based Support Provision Models for Children with Special Educational Needs in Lithuania.” September 3–6, 2019 // Hamburg, Germany.
22. International Scientific-Practical Conference “Support for the Child and Family: Opportunities, Challenges, Perspectives.” Presentation “Support Models for Young Children Who Stutter and Their Families: Professionals’ Experiences.” April 25, 2019 // Šiauliai University, Šiauliai.
23. Scientific-Practical Conference “Coherence of Theory and Practice in the Work of a Speech-Language Therapist / Logotherapist.” Presentation “Multidimensional Assessment and Management of Stuttering Using Elements of the KELMS Instrument.” March 7, 2019 // Lithuanian Speech and Language Therapists’ Association, Šiauliai.
24. The 2nd Conference of the Lithuanian Educational Research Association (LETA) and the 2nd Doctoral Conference in Education. Presentation “Assessment and Management of Stuttering Using Elements of the KELMS Instrument.”October 12, 2018 // Klaipėda University, Klaipėda.
25. The 5th Congress of Baltic States SLTs “Alternative and Augmentative Communication: More than Words…”Presentation “Using Thematic Intervention in Fluency Therapy for Young Children Who Stutter.” April 26–27, 2018 // Šiauliai University, Lithuania.
26. Methodological Day “Organization of Speech Therapy Support and Assistance to Children Who Stutter.” Training for special educators and speech-language therapists in Klaipėda District educational institutions. February 20, 2018 // Gargždai, Klaipėda District.
27. The 1st International Doctoral and 6th Doctoral Consortium Conference in Education. Presentation “Interprofessional Support for Young Children and Their Families through a Multidimensional Intervention.” October 14, 2017 // Klaipėda University, Klaipėda.
28. The 4th Congress of Baltic Countries Speech and Language Therapists “Eat Safe, Speak Brave!” Presentation “Multidimensional Assessment Approach for Children Who Stutter.” February 24–25, 2017 // Riga, Latvia.
29. Project “We Can Too.” Presentation “Social Communication (Pragmatic) Disorders: Good Practices and Challenges in the Work of Speech-Language Therapists.” July 29 – August 7, 2016 // Kranevo, Bulgaria.
30. The 2nd Congress of Baltic Speech and Language Therapists “Neurological Speech and Language Disorders: Towards Evidence-Based Practice.” Presentation “Interprofessional Support to Stuttering Children at an Early Age.” April 17, 2015 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
31. International Scientific Conference “Towards Evidence-Based Education.” Presentation “Family-Oriented Strategies for Stuttering Intervention.” October 15, 2015 // Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences, Vilnius.

Memberships: • Member of the Board of the Lithuanian Speech and Language Therapists’ Association(www.logopeduasociacija.lt) • Member of the Lithuanian Educational Research Association (https://edukaciniaityrimai.wordpress.com/) • Member of the Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy Institute of Education Research Group on Inclusive Education and Innovations for Meeting Special Educational Needs (10 researchers, 2020 – present) (https://www.sa.vu.lt/apie/edukologijos-instituto-studentams/mokslas-ei)

1. National Scientific-Methodological Conference “Evidence-Based Practice of Speech and Language Therapists.”April 24, 2025 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
2. The 9th Congress of Baltic States SLTs “Understanding Each Other.” April 12–13, 2024 // Lithuania. https://sltbaltic.eu/about-9th-congress/
3. International Scientific-Practical Conference “Innovations in Inclusive Education and Meeting Special Educational Needs.” April 25, 2024 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
4. National Scientific-Practical Conference “Education and Support for Diversity in an Open School: Theoretical Perspectives and Practical Strategies.” December 21, 2023 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
5. Republican Scientific-Practical Conference “Lesson Without Walls.” December 19, 2022 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
6. National Scientific-Methodological Conference in Memory of Professor Stasys Šalkauskis “Harmony of Life and Educational Ideas.” May 20–21, 2022 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
7. International Scientific-Methodological Conference “Diversity of Learning Needs and Experiences in Inclusive Educational Communities: From Theoretical Paradigms to Best Practices.” June 23, 2022 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
8. 10th International Scientific-Practical Conference “Social Welfare from an Interdisciplinary Perspective: Empowerment, Equality, Inclusion.” November 25, 2021 // Šiauliai, Lithuania.
9. Scientific-Practical Round Table Discussion “Assessment of Language Development in Children Aged One to Three.” October 28, 2021 // Lithuania.
10. Completed the Third-Level Training Program “Child Development Assessment Scales (DISC).” 2021 // Vilnius, Lithuania.
11. Third International Conference “Augmentative and Alternative Communication.” aac2020.assistfoundation.eu, November 20–22, 2020.
12. The 7th Congress of Baltic States SLTs “Fluency in Speech and Reading.” February 6–7, 2020 // Riga, Latvia.
13. 16th International Scientific Conference “Language Acquisition: Problems and Perspectives.” May 17, 2019 // Liepāja University, Latvia.
14. Scientific-Practical Conference “Innovations for Participation,” organized by the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences and the Lithuanian Academy of Childhood Disability. November 29, 2019 // Kaunas, Lithuania.
15. 2nd Conference of the Lithuanian Educational Research Association (LETA) and 2nd Doctoral Conference in Education. October 12, 2018 // Klaipėda University, Lithuania.
16. The 5th Congress of Baltic States SLTs “Alternative and Augmentative Communication: More than Words…”April 26–27, 2018 // Šiauliai University, Lithuania.
17. Conference “Current Issues in Educational Research.” October 13, 2017 // Klaipėda University, Lithuania.
18. 1st International Doctoral Conference in Education and 6th Consortium Doctoral Conference (VMU, MRU, KU, ŠU). October 14, 2017 // Klaipėda, Lithuania.
19. The 4th Congress of Baltic States SLTs “Eat Safe, Speak Brave!” Presentation: “The Evaluation and Treatment of Swallowing Disorders: Causes, Evaluation, Diagnostics, Exercises, Adaptive Eating Aids, Rescue Procedures, Case Study.” February 24–25, 2017 // Riga, Latvia.
20. Training “All Types of Notes in Qualitative Research.” January 31 – February 1, 2017 // Kaunas, Lithuania.
21. Workshop “When, How, and Why to Apply the Case Study as a Research Method?” June 27–28, 2016 // Kaunas, Lithuania.
22. Training “Interview as an Inside View: InterView. All Types of Interviews in Theory and Practice.” February 4–5, 2016 // Druskininkai, Lithuania.
23. The 4th Congress of Baltic States SLTs “Eat Safe, Speak Brave!” Presentation: “Researching Feeding Difficulties in Infants and Young Children.” February 24–25, 2017 // Riga, Latvia.