Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Ashley K. Ritchie

Eagle River

Summary

Dedicated and versitile professional with over a decade of experience as an Ontario Certified Teacher and current licensure as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). Dual-certified with a strong background in education, communication development and student-centered support. Skilled in creating engaging learning environments, delivering targeted intervention strategies and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to meet diverse learner needs. Committed to fostering growth, confidence and success for every student and client served.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Virtual Teacher, Kindergarten

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Virtual School
09.2020 - 06.2021
  • Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to reinforce student participation and hands-on learning for a virtual Kindergarten program.
  • Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to facilitate and moderate classroom discussions and student-centered learning.
  • Developed and taught lessons on relevant children's books, poems, movies and themes to promote student interest of Children's Literature as avenue of study.
  • Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding.
  • Promoted physical, mental and social development by implementing classroom games and recreational activities.
  • Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.

Kindergarten Teacher

RCCDSB
09.2018 - 06.2022
  • Integrated outdoor education into lesson plans.
  • Created child-centered learning environment characterized by consistent application of sound mental health and educational psychology practices.
  • Collaborated in planning, organizing and implementing instructional programs to facilitate academic, intellectual and social development.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to create and use enhanced technology and smart boards.
  • Delegated tasks to teacher assistants and school volunteers.
  • Encouraged and prepared students to become independent readers through systematic, multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness and decoding skills.
  • Cultivated language skills through use of traditional poems, nursery rhymes and riddles to help students develop comprehension, vocabulary and love of language.
  • Introduced read-aloud literature to stimulate imagination and build comprehension and vocabulary.
  • Arranged parent-teacher conferences to address student progress and collaboratively set goals for areas of improvement.
  • Collaborated with other faculty and staff to promote rigorous learning opportunities, general well-being of school and collective interest of staff and student body.
  • Lead an innovative "Garden Club" to beautify the front entrance of the school and involve students in outdoor education opportunities.

Junior Division Teacher

St. Mary’s Catholic School
09.2015 - 06.2017
  • Junior Division Mathematics Lead participating in “Number Talks” training and Polya Problem Solving Models in Mathematics
  • Designed an inclusive Junior program for students of varying abilities and Special Education identifications
  • Art Club and Junior Volleyball Team Leader
  • School Council Teacher Representative assisting in playground beautification and development
  • Participated in C.O.D.E training with a focus on 21st century learning.

Summer School and Recreation Leader

St. James Catholic Elementary School
06.2015 - 07.2015
  • Developed a numeracy and literacy summer enrichment program for students from SK- Grade 6 using a variety of inquiry based projects with a focus on differentiation and integration of Catholic virtues.
  • Engaged participants in recreational activities and team-building exercises.
  • Transitioned participants between activities, rest periods and field trips.
  • Instructed participants on activities' goals, procedures and safety considerations to promote beneficial outcomes for all campers.
  • Coordinated staff volunteers to supervise events and facilitate scheduled activities.

Special Education Resource Teacher

Bishop Smith CHS
09.2013 - 03.2014
  • Facilitated a Life Skills program for a highly individualized self contained classroom based on a primary/junior division curriculum.
  • Social Justice/Pastoral Team Leader for St.Joseph’s Soup Kitchen.
  • Developed and reviewed I.E.P’s while assisting colleagues to provide accommodations/modifications for their students.
  • Assisted the Special Education Program Leader with the IPRC process and documentation.
  • Participated in several professional development opportunities including: Brigance Testing, Kurzweil and Word Q, CPI Training and I-Pads and Technology in the Special Education classroom.

Team Coach/Teacher

Bishop Smith Catholic High School
11.2011 - 06.2012
  • Musical “Glee Club” performance instructor.
  • Coached Bishop Smith girls volleyball team in regional competitions
  • Worked as developmental program coordinator for a highly individualized special needs classroom.
  • Responsible for instructing curriculum for 58 academic English students, 2/3 at graduating level.
  • Placed consistent focus on creating engaging and relevant instruction with an emphasis on technology in the classroom.
  • Achieved “Smart Goal” in an all-female grade 8 literacy class with an emphasis on inferencing in CASI testing.

Teacher

Fellows High School
09.2010 - 06.2011
  • Implemented assessments based on co-created success criteria and engaging lessons that were well received by students in all classes.
  • Instructed one high needs behavioural special education Life Skills course.
  • Worked closely with multiple Education Assistants to provide student opportunities for success.
  • Provided choreography for the school musical production of The Sound of Music.

Teacher

Bishop Smith Catholic Secondary School
02.2010 - 06.2010
  • Conducted programming at the grade 10/11 level for students with a variation of special education needs.
  • Collaborated with Student Success teams to guide at risk students through challenges.
  • Involved in the Social Justice/Pastoral Team organizing a variety of student lead initiatives.

Occasional Teacher

Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
09.2008 - 01.2015
  • Tracked attendance and facilitating lesson plans in all subject areas from grades K-12 while promoting character development and Catholic faith values in daily instruction.
  • Have developed positive rapport with administrative/support staff and teacher colleagues.
  • Consistently demonstrated strong class management techniques and a flexible attitude toward teaching in diverse and unfamiliar environments across a wide range of subject areas and grade levels.

Summer Recreation Program Leader

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
01.2008 - 01.2010
  • Designed wide variety of activities to stimulate interest, involvement and engagement of patients.
  • Transitioned participants between activities, rest periods and field trips.
  • Engaged participants in recreational activities and team-building exercises.
  • Developed positive and productive relationships with kids, parents and staff.
  • Instructed participants on activities' goals, procedures and safety considerations to promote beneficial outcomes for all campers.

Teacher

Bishop Smith Catholic High School
09.2009 - 10.2009
  • Facilitated a comprehensive Civics program for grade 10 students with curriculum focus on positive citizenship and Canadian legal and political systems.
  • Organized a guest speaker presentation with Pembroke Mayor Edward Jacyno where students learned about Municipal government structures.
  • Civics classes made a substantial Thanksgiving food contribution to St.
  • Joseph food bank as part of a “Good Citizen” Civics class project.

Teacher Librarian

General Panet High School
02.2009 - 06.2009
  • Collaborated with the Library Subject Council to successfully initiate a Library program that included weekly literacy and media instruction, research assistance, collections renewal as well as Professional Development for staff use of Library World database.
  • Piloted a successful after-school tutoring project supported by students completing community service.
  • Promoted literacy initiatives with a Character Education Themed Poetry contest and was Assistant Director for Sears Drama Festival award winning theatrical performance.
  • Trained and supervised a successful Cooperative Education student part-time through the semester.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Intern

Anchorage District School Board
01.2024 - 05.2024
  • Liaised with Speech Language Pathologist to conduct speech and language screening to assess needs for intervention and treatment.
  • Collaborated with classroom teachers and school officials to design and implement instructional strategies.
  • Performed clerical duties to prepare therapy materials and schedule exercises and activities.


Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

All For Kids Pediatric Therapy
10.2024 - Current
  • Educated families on strategies to facilitate communication development at home, enhancing overall progress in therapy sessions.
  • Supported diverse populations, including children with Autism Spectrum disorders, stuttering challenges, and phonological disorders.
  • Maintained detailed records of patient progress, allowing for better adjustments in treatment plans when needed.
  • Liaised with Speech Language Pathologist to conduct speech and language screening to assess needs for intervention and treatment.
  • Increased patient engagement by creating interactive, fun, and stimulating speech therapy activities.
  • Liaised with multi-disciplinary team to incorporate treatment plan ideas, goals, and objectives.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication throughout the therapeutic process.
  • Fostered an inclusive supportive atmosphere for clients of all backgrounds promoting individual growth and improved communication abilities.
  • Assisted in the creation of visual aids for use during therapy sessions, promoting better understanding of concepts among patients.
  • Recorded patient progress via SOAP notes and reported findings and results to supervising Speech-Language Pathologist.


Education

Associate of Applied Science - Speech And Language Pathology Assistant

University of Alaska At Anchorage
Anchorage, AK
08-2024

Primary Division, Senior English, Special Education Part 1, Special Education Part 2, Special Education Honours Specialist - Education

Queen's University
Kingston, ON
08.2014

Bachelor of Education - Junior/Intermediate Division Qualification

Brock University
St. Catherine's ON
05.2008

Bachelor of Arts - English/ History Double Major With Honours

University Of Toronto
Toronto, ON
06.2006

Skills

  • Academic
  • Oral communication
  • Documentation
  • Planning
  • Special Education Specialist
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Lesson planning
  • Early childhood development

Certification

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certification in Speech Language Pathology Assistant, 2024

C.O.D.E Training (RCCDSB, 2016)

CPI Training, Brigance Testing, Kurzweil/Word Q Assistive Technology, I-Pads in the Special Education Classroom (RCCDSB, 2013)

I.E.P Development, RCCDSB, 2013)

Technology in the Classroom, RCDSB (2013)

Student Success Criteria Fellowes High School PD (2010)

Social Issues Days: Aboriginal Education, Religions in the Classroom, Brock University Mental Health and Children with Autism, 2008

Ontario Certified Teacher, 2008-Present



Timeline

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

All For Kids Pediatric Therapy
10.2024 - Current

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Intern

Anchorage District School Board
01.2024 - 05.2024

Virtual Teacher, Kindergarten

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Virtual School
09.2020 - 06.2021

Kindergarten Teacher

RCCDSB
09.2018 - 06.2022

Junior Division Teacher

St. Mary’s Catholic School
09.2015 - 06.2017

Summer School and Recreation Leader

St. James Catholic Elementary School
06.2015 - 07.2015

Special Education Resource Teacher

Bishop Smith CHS
09.2013 - 03.2014

Team Coach/Teacher

Bishop Smith Catholic High School
11.2011 - 06.2012

Teacher

Fellows High School
09.2010 - 06.2011

Teacher

Bishop Smith Catholic Secondary School
02.2010 - 06.2010

Teacher

Bishop Smith Catholic High School
09.2009 - 10.2009

Teacher Librarian

General Panet High School
02.2009 - 06.2009

Occasional Teacher

Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
09.2008 - 01.2015

Summer Recreation Program Leader

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
01.2008 - 01.2010

Associate of Applied Science - Speech And Language Pathology Assistant

University of Alaska At Anchorage

Primary Division, Senior English, Special Education Part 1, Special Education Part 2, Special Education Honours Specialist - Education

Queen's University

Bachelor of Education - Junior/Intermediate Division Qualification

Brock University

Bachelor of Arts - English/ History Double Major With Honours

University Of Toronto
Ashley K. Ritchie