Heather Novak
Hinckley
Summary
Innovative and compassionate Speech Language Pathologist with extensive experience in Early Intervention and Preschool populations. Known for creating engaging therapy sessions and fostering collaboration among parents and multidisciplinary team members to support children with communication disorders. Ready to leverage expertise for impactful outcomes in early childhood settings.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Speech-language-pathologist
Lorain County Educational Service Center
Elyria, OH
02.2019 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive play-based speech and language assessments for preschool age children with diverse needs at the Lorain County Early Childhood Center in Lagrange.
- Trained teachers and support staff on communication techniques to foster inclusive classroom environments.
- Implemented small group therapy sessions for individuals with similar communication challenges, promoting peer support and increased motivation.
- Led whole classroom language lessons using children's' books, hands on props/activities and SmartBoard games.
- Developed Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for preschoolers to address communication disorders effectively.
- Collaborated with educators and parents to enhance student support strategies.
- Designed and implemented theme-based targeted interventions aimed at improving speech clarity and language expression.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Cleveland, OH
02.2001 - 12.2018
- Developed Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) to address communication disorders and needs in daily routines.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance family-centered care approaches.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve speech and language outcomes for young children.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify speech, language, and feeding deficits.
- Implemented the Routines Based Interview to help families prioritize needs and concerns throughout their child's day.
- Conducted home visits to empower parents with effective educational techniques for child development.
- Co-taught 6 Hanen More Than Words programs for families of children on the autism spectrum
- Supervised various graduate students in speech pathology from both CWRU and Miami U.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center
Cleveland, OH
07.1994 - 02.2001
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address communication disorders.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve speech and language outcomes for clients with receptive/expressive language, articulation/phonology impairments and apraxia of speech.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify speech, language deficits in 2-10 year old children.
- Implemented parent-toddler therapy groups utilizing Hanen It Takes Two to Talk Strategies.
- Provided speech therapy services to various contracted agencies including Head Start, and CCBDD.
- Served as a mentor for a new Speech-Language Pathologist (CFY), providing guidance on best practices while fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.
- Supervised CWRU graduate students in speech therapy clinicals
Education
Master of Arts - Speech-Language Pathology
Kent State University
Kent, Ohio, OH05-1993
Bachelor of Science - Speech And Hearing
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio, OH05-1991
Skills
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Creative and Motivating
- Effective Therapeutic techniques
- Caseload management
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Certified Hanen More Than Words program
- Compassionate and Dedicated
Timeline
Speech-language-pathologist
Lorain County Educational Service Center
02.2019 - Current
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
02.2001 - 12.2018
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center
07.1994 - 02.2001
Master of Arts - Speech-Language Pathology
Kent State University
Bachelor of Science - Speech And Hearing
Miami University