ABOUT ME
I am a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of experience serving children and families on their journey to connection and communication. I have a passion for supporting communicators with the most complex needs and in meeting families where they are. Over the past 10 years. I have expanded my skills beyond clinical work to include curriculum development and teaching for higher education and professional learning organizations My most recent professional projects stem from my core values, aiming to reduce the barriers to communication access for individuals who rely on the support of technology to effectively participate in their lives. Being a person living with a disability myself, I understand first hand the life-changing impact afforded by appropriate and accessible technology and support services. Through service, innovation, and collaboration, I aim to make a lasting positive impact for children, individuals, and families living and thriving with disability.
EXPERIENCE
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, MARSICO INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
November 2024- Present
I work with an incredible research team to improve inclusive early education for children of all abilities.
AAC-FOCUSED SLP, DYNAMIC THERAPY ASSOCIATES
August 2023 - May 2024
As a part of the DTA Schools team, I provide virtual, therapy services to students with complex communication needs who use AAC. I also coach paraprofessionals and educators in this role.
AT CONSULTANT, EI COLORADO
February 2023 - April 2024
As an assistive technology consultant for Early Intervention Colorado, I support EI teams, children, and families by providing assessment and coaching around assistive technology and augmentative communication. I provide services in-home and virtually.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT & PARENT COACH, SUMMIT AAC
September, 2015 - present
Owner and sole consultant for the social enterprise, Summit AAC & Autism Support (formerly Seattle AAC), offering online consultations, coaching, and tutoring related to child development, early childhood education, academic success, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
June 2022 - March 2024
In my graduate level instructor role for the speech and hearing sciences department, I have created the curriculum for the pediatric sections of the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) course taken by all first year students in the program each summer. This course is taught online through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous lecture and learning activities.
NONPROFIT DIRECTOR, AACCESSIBLE FOUNDATION
September, 2020 - present
Founding director of AACcessiible Foundation, a nonprofit with the mission to bring quality professional education on AAC to professionals and to reduce technology and service barriers for children and families. I drive foundation mission, manage day-to-day and project development, and produce learning and marketing content.
DOMAIN SPECIALIST FOR PRODUCT DESIGN,
GOALLY
January 2022 - January 2023
At this progressive assistive tech startup, my main roles include UX design collaboration, content creation, domain expertise consulting, product development planning and execution, and marketing assistance. I contributed to products aimed to support neurodiverse individuals and their families, including educational apps designed to teach language, self-care, and social skills.
ASSISTANT TEACHING PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
September 2018 - December 2021
Clinical instructor for pediatric assessment and intervention practicum coursework in the Speech and Hearing Sciences Department at the University of Washington. NSSHLA co-chair, Admissions committee member.
CONTINUING EDUCATION SPECIALIST, SLP, UW AUTISM CENTER
July 2017 - September 2018
Speech-language pathologist on a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and behavior professionals supporting children at the University of Washington Autism Center. Provided assessment and treatment services, consulted with local school districts, offered professional and caregiver trainings related to supporting communication skills development through the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). I supervised SLP interns and clinical fellows, mentored junior clinicians.
AAC CONSULTANT & EI SLP, NW ABA DEVELOPMENT CENTER
September 2015 - July 2017
Speech, language, and augmentative communication consultant for a team of behavior professionals at Northwest ABA Development Center, supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in an intensive academic and therapy classroom.
EARLY INTERVENTIONIST, BIRTH TO THREE DEVELOPMENT CENTER
September 2015 - July 2017
Participated in team evaluations in an early intervention setting (Birth to Three Development Center) to assess the speech, language, and related skills of young children, birth through three years. I also provided consultations for the team regarding children with augmentative communication needs.
SITE LEAD, SLP, CHILDREN'S THERAPY CENTER
January 2012 - September 2015
Managed a multidisciplinary team of therapists and administrative staff at a large, nonprofit therapy clinic (Children's Therapy Center). I also maintained a part-time caseload serving children birth through adolescence. I participated in project development and mission related work with the organization administration team. I supervised SLP interns and clinical fellows, and mentored junior clinicians.
SLP & EARLY LEARNING TEACHER, PEDIATRIC THERAPY ASSOCIATES
February 2008 - October 2011
Provided assessment and intervention for children across speech and language domains in a private practice setting (Pediatric Therapy Associates). I also provided intensive therapy services for international patients and was lead teacher of a developmental preschool classroom for children with complex communication needs. I assisted with program development and supervision of interns/clinical fellows.
SLP INTERN, BROWARD GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER
SLP INTERN, DAN MARINO AUTISM CENTER OF MIAMI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
July 2007 - October 2007
March 2007- June 2007
Intern in speech-language pathology at Broward General Medical Center, supporting children and adults across inpatient, ICU, and NICU settings under direct supervision. Performed MBS and tach/vent services. Assisted in feeding support in NICU and PICU.
2004 - 2007
2004 - 2007
MS, NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
MS, NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Assessment and treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder as an SLP intern at the Miami Children's Hospital Dan Marino Center.
Obtained a Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Specialized coursework and clinical experiences included augmentative communication with children and adults, voice and resonance evaluations and treatment, participation on a cleft-craniofacial team. Presented as a student clinician on topics related to cleft-craniofacial and AAC at local professional conferences. Other roles included NSSLHA president, student honors recipient, and a graduate assistantship in the AAC/AT lab with Dr. Carole Zangari.
Obtained a Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Specialized coursework and clinical experiences included augmentative communication with children and adults, voice and resonance evaluations and treatment, participation on a cleft-craniofacial team. Presented as a student clinician on topics related to cleft-craniofacial and AAC at local professional conferences. Other roles included NSSLHA president, student honors recipient, and a graduate assistantship in the AAC/AT lab with Dr. Carole Zangari.
EDUCATION
May 2023 - present
PHD, FIELDING GRADUATE UNIVERSITY
Currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Infant and Early Childhood Development with a focus on infant mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders. By the completion of my program in 2026, I hope to add to my clinical skills with a strong foundation in research principles that will help me to contribute to the implementation science aimed at supporting children on the autism spectrum and their families.
2023- 2024
MA, FIELDING GRADUATE UNIVERSITY
Obtained a pathway Master of Arts Degree in. Infant and Early Childhood Development with a focus on Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health and Developmental Disorders. Coursework included theory, practice, and research methodology pertaining to infant and early childhood development, social-emotional development, mental health, family systems, developmental disabilities, quantitative research design, and statistics.
2004 - 2007
MS, NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Obtained a Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Specialized coursework and clinical experiences included augmentative communication with children and adults, voice and resonance evaluations and treatment, participation on a cleft-craniofacial team. Presented as a student clinician on topics related to cleft-craniofacial and AAC at local professional conferences. Other roles included NSSLHA president, student honors recipient, and a graduate assistantship in the AAC/AT lab with Dr. Carole Zangari.
2002 - 2004
BS, NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Applied Professional Studies. Member of the Alpha Chai Honors Society.
2000 - 2002
AA, BROWARD COLLEGE
Obtained an Associate of Arts degree in Biology as a Florida Bright Future's Scholar.
LICENSURE
WA
WA State SLP License
CO
CO State SLP License
NY
NY State SLP License
GA
GA State SLP License
ASHA
ASHA CCC - SLP
CERTIFICATIONS
2023
Completed the AT Consultant Training Program at the University of Colorado Denver (Center for Inclusive Design & Engineering) through their Tech for Tykes Program.
2016
Hanen
Completed a three day Hanen Trainer workshop for Hanen's "It Takes Two to Talk" program.
2013
CVI Range
Completed a three-day training retreat on the CVI Range with Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy.
2017
TouchChat Trainer
Completed the PRC-Saltillo TouchChat Trainer certification.
2015
PODD
Completed a three day PODD workshop with Linda Burkhart.
2011
LAMP
Completed a two day training on the LAMP Approach, hosted by the Center for AAC and Autism.
MEMBERSHIPS
SKILLS
TEACHING
Curriculum design and instruction for higher education and professional development via traditional and virtual formats.
DEVELOPMENT
Curriculum and program development for education and therapeutic goals using UDL, DIR, and other evidence-based, neuroscience-rooted approaches.
COACHING
Offering reflective supervision to professionals and coaching to families supporting individuals with complex communication needs.
LEADERSHIP
Leading clinical, education, and business teams in socially-focused, sustainable, and innovative projects.
ADVOCACY
Special education navigation, family advocacy, and research, policy, and practice aimed at improving opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.
INTERESTS
AAC & AT
Direct service and consultation to optimize participation for individuals with disabilities through augmentative communication and assistive technology.
ASD
Partnering with children on the autism spectrum and their families as they navigate the joys and challenges of their journey.
EI
Contributing to research, policy, and practice to optimize the outcomes of early intervention for children with complex needs.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Contributing to research, policy, and practice to optimize the educational opportunities and outcomes for children with complex learning needs.
DIR
Integrating the bio-psycho-social wisdom of the developmental, individual-differences, relationship-based (DIR) model into my research, policy, and practice.
PRESENTATIONS
Here are a few of my most recent presentations and courses. You can find a complete list of my teaching and training experience below the gallery.
JOIN ME AT ASHA 2024!
BOOK ME
Reach out here to book me for conferences, staff or district or center training, domain expertise, and other consultation needs.
You can also inquire about my services via my social links below.
PASSION PROJECTS
I am the owner and sole consultant at Summit Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Autism Support (formerly Seattle AAC) where I offer consultation services to organizations and school districts seeking training and guidance in their support of individuals with complex communication needs. I also provide coaching and advocacy/navigation services for families supporting children as they navigate special education and strive to enhance connection and communication.
SUMMIT AAC &
AUTISM SUPPORT
PODCASTS
Learn about my work on one of these great podcasts.
