Speechy SpEducator

I am a school-based speech therapist with over 10 years of experience. I work with students of all ages and grades! My speciality is working in Special Education with students who have a range of abilities. I currently work in a Middle School. My hope is to create materials that are meaningful and easily accessible for all students to complete with increased independence.

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist by trade, and love the flexibility that comes with the ability to target communication through a number of facets! I love exposing my Middle School students to current events, holiday traditions, and information that is meaningful to them. I often create lessons around these topics to promote communication and acquisition of language skills. I find it challenging to locate materials that align with the curriculum, but are also created at a level that supports my students' needs. I focus on creating resources that align to a Middle School curriculum, but are ready to use without any additional differentiation for learners at all levels. All students deserve learning materials that are engaging, appropriate, and that allow them to access the same instructional topics that are presented to their peers!

I have been granted the ASHA Award for Continuing Education

I have a undergraduate Bachelor's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorder supported by a Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology. I also possess my Certificate of Clinical Competence and Certificate of Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities. I am a New York State and ASHA Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I recently acquired by Master's in School Building Leadership.

My top two areas of interest at the moment are Assistive Technology and Executive Functioning Skills. I am working to actively increase my knowledge and skill set in both areas. I hope to learn more specifically about Assistive Technology that improves communication skills and access to educational material. I find a lot of the products geared toward AAC are limited to Core Vocabulary. The materials I find are often structured around Trademarked Communication Symbols. I like thinking outside the box and pushing my students to get beyond labeling using Core Vocabulary. Hoping I can share that thinking with others with my products marketed as AAC!