Alexa Wells, MS, CCC-SLP
Chicago,IL
Summary
Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice, swallowing, and head & neck cancer rehabilitation. Expert in transgender and professional voice care, complex dysphagia management, and alaryngeal rehabilitation. Committed to patient-centered, equitable care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing evidence-based practice through research and education.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist
Loyola University Medical Center
Maywood, Illinois
09.2024 - Current
- Delivered evaluations and treatment for voice, swallowing, tracheostomy, and cognitive-linguistic disorders across outpatient and inpatient settings.
- Collaborated with ENT, oncology, and interdisciplinary teams; participated in weekly tumor board discussions.
- Led quarterly laryngectomee support group, “The New Voice Club,” and provided lectures to ENT residents on voice and swallowing rehabilitation.
Speech-Language Pathologist
UNLV Medicine
Las Vegas, Nevada
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Managed a complex caseload of voice, swallowing, and head & neck oncology patients in collaboration with laryngologists and surgeons.
- Educated ENT residents and actively contributed to interdisciplinary research and journal clubs, supporting evidence-based practice.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Delivered acute care evaluations and treatment for dysphagia, tracheostomy, speech, and cognitive-linguistic disorders.
Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow
University Of Cincinnati Medical Center
Cincinnati, Ohio
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Completed specialized training in evaluation and treatment of voice and head/neck cancer rehabilitation at a tertiary care voice and swallowing center.
- Developed curriculum and delivered resident lectures; contributed to ongoing research on tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis outcomes.
Education
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL06-2022
Bachelor of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV05-2019
Skills
- Voice & Airway Disorders: Evaluation & treatment of benign mucosal lesions, LPRD MTD, peri-/post-op voice rehab, neurogenic voice, chronic cough, vocal fold atrophy, PVFM/ILO, transgender & professional voice care, & TEP/voice prosthesis evaluation & management,
- Swallowing & Oncology: Pre-chemoRT patient counseling, peri-/post-op counseling for head & neck surgeries like maxillectomy, glossectomy, TORS, BOT resection, total laryngectomy ± free flap, & head & neck lymphedema evaluation and management
- Instrumental & Endoscopic Skills: FEES, MBSS, videostroboscopy (flexible & rigid),
- Collaboration & Education: Interdisciplinary work in ENT/Oncology clinics, tumor boards, inpatient settings; resident/staff education and patient support group leadership
Certifications
- Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
- State licensed in IL and NV
- MBSImP Certified Clinician
- McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program Certified (MDTP)
- SPEAK OUT! and LOUD Crowd Certified
- Myofascial Release Therapy Certified
- BLS and HIPAA Certified
Selected Professional Development
- Advanced Studies in Voice Problems and Dysphagia
- HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer
- Advanced ATOS Electrolarynx and Tracheoesophageal Puncture Training
- Empathy, Compassion, and Self-Care as a Voice Pathologist
- Myofascial Release and Other Manual Techniques in Dysphagia Management
Professional Memberships
- American Speech, Language, Hearing Association (SIGS 3 & 13)
- World Professional Association for Transgender Health
- The Chicago Voice Foundation
Hobbies & Additional Job-Related Skills
- 4 years of formal piano & flute training
- 14 years of formal vocal training in opera and musical theater
- Numerous internationally ranked titles for vocal performance
- Best singer and actress finalist at the Nevada Musical Theater Awards in 2015
- Lead roles in numerous stage productions
Research
- Understanding the Practice Patterns of the Adjunct Professional in Transgender and Gender Expansive Voice Care
- Respiratory Swallow Coordination in Healthy vs. Parkinson's Disease Patients
- Healthy Swallowing in the Community-Dwelling Elderly
- Retrospective Chart Review of Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis Life Following Secondary Puncture in the OR Using Provox Puncture Kit
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist
Loyola University Medical Center
09.2024 - Current
Speech-Language Pathologist
UNLV Medicine
01.2024 - 08.2024
Speech-Language Pathologist
Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center
09.2023 - 01.2024
Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow
University Of Cincinnati Medical Center
09.2022 - 06.2023
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
University of Nevada, Reno