Alix Olesak
Northampton,PA
Summary
Accomplished PA Licensed Speech-Language Therapist with extensive experience at Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21, skilled in managing diverse caseloads, facilitating communication growth, and specializing in AAC technologies. Demonstrates exceptional case management and collaboration skills, significantly enhancing children's communication abilities. Renowned for developing innovative engaging therapy strategies and fostering meaningful progress across all environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Speech-Language Therapist
Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21
Jim Thorpe, PA
11.2017 - Current
- Manages diverse caseloads accommodating various disability needs, including multiple disabilities, functional and behavioral support, emotional support, and life skill support, from kindergarten to 12th grade.
- Designs treatment strategies for articulation, phonological processes, receptive and expressive language development, social pragmatics, and auditory processing disorder, while being engaging and effective.
- Adapts and provides direct therapy services to individuals with speech, language, and cognitive-communication impairments.
- Develops individual or group activities or programs in schools to address behavior and speech problems.
- Applies de-escalation techniques during conflicts.
- Facilitates engagement and understanding for non-verbal communicators.
- Advises teachers and other service providers about methods used to promote the generalization of skills from therapy sessions into everyday settings.
- Fosters positive relationships with families so they feel comfortable communicating their concerns about their child's progress, or lack thereof.
- Attends IEP meetings as a member of an interdisciplinary team, providing input regarding the student's communication needs.
- Conducts thorough analyses to create evaluation reports of diverse communication skills and needs.
- Conducts specialized instruction sessions for homebound students during the Extended School Year.
- Participates in professional development activities related to advances in speech-language pathology.
- Facilitates online panel discussions to emphasize professional paths for speech therapists as a Future Education Leader.
- Evaluated and showcased new materials utilized by the IU speech team.
- Mentored several newly hired speech therapists.
Rehabilitation Support Worker
The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties
Bethlehem, PA
06.2014 - 12.2020
- Guided a client living with Down syndrome to enhance their decision-making and self-management skills.
- Encouraged independence through independent living skills training.
- Provided transportation assistance to appointments when needed.
Instructional Assistant
Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21
Schnecksville, PA
01.2016 - 11.2017
Education
Master Level Credits Achieved
Speech And Language Impairment Certification
Schnecksville, PA06-2018
Bachelor of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA05-2016
High School Diploma -
Parkland High School
Allentown06-2012
Skills
- Experience in a wide variety of special education classrooms
- Strong case management skills with various populations, consisting of autism, cognitive impairments, and speech/language needs
- Expert in AAC, with proficiency in high technology, including iPads/devices, and low technology tools like core boards, icons, sentence strips, and buttons
- Experienced in communicating using American Sign Language
- Develops customized therapy to facilitate adapted strategies and materials for effective sessions, promoting growth
- Expertise in medical assistance billing
- Exhibits a strong ability to manage time effectively, with a flexible approach
- Shows dedication to fostering children's achievements and success
- Works seamlessly and collaborates alongside fellow experts, IEP team members, and teachers
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Speech-Language Therapist
Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21
11.2017 - Current
Instructional Assistant
Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21
01.2016 - 11.2017
Rehabilitation Support Worker
The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties
06.2014 - 12.2020
Master Level Credits Achieved
Speech And Language Impairment Certification
Bachelor of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
High School Diploma -
Parkland High School
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