Co-Founder and Speech Language Pathologist

• Aug 2021 - Present

Communication Beginnings, LLC is a private speech therapy practice dedicated to providing high quality speech and language services while incorporating the principles of applied behavior analysis. We seek to be the beginning of lifelong communication skills. We work with our clients and their families to identify the skills that are most important through thorough assessment, develop evidence-based and effective treatment to meet those goals, and embed our therapy into meaningful activities and routines to support individuals in meeting their communicative potential. Show less

Speech Language Pathologist

• Aug 2021 - Present

Speech-Language Pathologist

• Jan 2017 - Aug 2021

• Developed and implemented speech and language therapy using applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles for students (ages 10 to 21) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and additional comorbid syndromes and disorders (e.g. Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, Fragile X, Deaf and Hard of Hearing) • Utilized research skills to establish evidence-based assessment and functional communication therapy for students in a school setting and within the community • Established communication modalities for individuals with limited expressive language through the use of a variety of augmentative and alternative communication modalities: modified sign language, gestural communication, tangible communication boards, Picture Exchange Communication System, speech-generating devices • Participated in weekly collaborative meetings with Behavior Consultants, Occupational Therapists, teachers, and employment and career specialists to provide team-based therapy • Developed and led trainings on principles of ABA, interprofessional collaboration, reinforcement, data collection, mand training, and motivating operations to fellow SLP’s, as well as initiated a journal club to increase evidence-based practice within the speech-language pathology department Show less

Speech-Language Pathologist, M.A., CF-SLP

• Sep 2016 - Dec 2016

• Sole provider of SLP services for 100-bed skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, and outpatient services • Conducted speech/language, cognitive, and bedside swallow evaluations and developed/implemented treatment for the following adult populations: Dysphagia, GERD, receptive and expressive aphasia, Parkinson’s Disease, cognitive-linguistic communication disorders secondary to aging and dementia, and TBI • Provided communication between patient, rehabilitation team, dietician, physician, family, and nursing staff regarding patient care and therapy plans Show less

Graduate Student Intern

• May 2016 - Jul 2016

• Provided speech, language, cognitive, and bedside swallowing evaluations and treatment to geriatric adults, adults, pediatrics, and infants with various medical diagnoses in an acute care and outpatient setting • Performed and assessed Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies and developed diet and swallow recommendations for inpatients and outpatients with dysphagia • Evaluated and treated tracheostomy/ventilator patients; conducted speaking valve evaluations and therapy • Educated and provided relevant information to patients, caregivers, and healthcare team members to enhance effective patient care Show less

Graduate Student Intern

• Jan 2016 - Apr 2016

• Developed and implemented speech/language treatment within an applied behavior analysis structure for children (ages 5 to 21) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and additional medical and behavioral issues • Conducted evaluations and developed goals using the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised, Test of Language Development-Primary:4, Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test, and Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test • Utilized research skills to establish a visual requesting protocol for a child with cortical blindness based on evidence based practice • Facilitated therapy utilizing AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) modalities: low-tech, picture based communication systems and ProLoQuo2Go • Participated in IEP meetings and parent AAC training meetings Show less

Graduate Student Clinician

• Jan 2015 - Jul 2015

• Implemented speech-language therapy plans utilizing a discrete trial protocol for an adolescent with ASD• Through parent education, initiated the use of an AAC device with an adolescent with ASD• Evaluated and treated two clients with voice disorders; Parkinson’s disease and vocal fold atrophy• Led and facilitated a memory support group for clients and their families facing Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease, and TBI

Graduate Assistant

• Aug 2014 - May 2015

• Drafted two IRB-approved research proposals and conducted the research studies to investigate the aerodynamic and vocal measures in individuals with Parkinson’s disease and to study the recording integrity of microphones in smartphones for acoustic voice measures• Created an easily understood instructional manual for the Phonatory Aerodynamic System by KayPENTAX as a reference for future clinicians • Completed an extensive literature review of voice disorders in teachers • Teaching Assistant to three class sections of Speech and Hearing Science Show less