Ashtyn Saitta

Dedicated Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Clinician eager to advance AdventHealth's sacred mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ through compassionate, faith-centered, and evidence-based clinical practice. Guided by a Christian commitment to servant leadership, restoration, and honoring the inherent dignity of every patient, I bring hands-on medical externship experience in several adult diagnostic and rehabilitation areas, with a passion for dysphagia and restorative AAC implementation. Committed to delivering whole-person care, healing body, mind, and spirit by restoring safe oral intake, giving a voice to those with complex neurogenic communication barriers, and collaborating within a values-driven healthcare team. Immediately eligible for Florida provisional licensure (CFY) upon December 2026 graduation.

Graduate Clinician- Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) | August 2025-December 2025

BrightStart Pediatrics- Orlando, FL

• Delivered direct feeding and swallowing therapy to medically complex pediatric patients presenting with multiple diagnoses.
• Implemented specialized feeding equipment and therapeutic utensils to optimize bolus control and airway safety during oral intake.
• Implemented high-tech and low-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for minimally verbal and nonverbal pediatric patients.
• Programmed personalized core and fringe vocabulary sets and established accessible access methods tailored to patients' motor and visual abilities.
• Planned and executed evidence-based, play-based intervention targeting expressive/receptive language delays, joint engagement, and functional communication across structured and naturalistic peer routines.
• Provided caregiver and nursing education regarding therapeutic positioning during feeding, aspiration precautions, and functional AAC modeling across the facility.

Graduate Clinician- Private Pediatric Outpatient Clinic | January 2026-August 2026

Central Florida Therapy Solutions- Longwood, FL

• Managed an active, diverse pediatric caseload presenting with developmental language delays, autism spectrum disorder, articulation/phonological disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, and stuttering.
• Programmed and integrated robust high-tech AAC systems onto dedicated communication devices and iPads.
• Administered standardized assessment batteries including the PLS-5, DP-4, GFTA-3, REEL-4, and SSI-4 to evaluate receptive/expressive language, speech sound disorders, and fluency.
• Synthesized assessment data, parent interviews, and behavioral observations to author comprehensive diagnostic evaluation reports and establish functional, measurable SMART goals.
• Documented daily SOAP notes and formal re-evaluations in an electronic medical record (EMR) system adhering to commercial insurance and Medicaid billing guidelines.
• Co-treated and coordinated care with on-site pediatric occupational therapists and physical therapists to address sensory processing regulation and gross/fine motor integration during speech tasks.

Graduate Clinician- Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic | August 2026-December 2026

AdventHealth Sports Med & Rehab Celebration- Celebration, FL

• Administer clinical swallowing evaluations (CSEs) and participated in instrumental diagnostics (FEES) for adult patients presenting with stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), head and neck cancer, and progressive neurodegenerative diseases.
• Recommend appropriate bolus viscosities and solid food textures utilizing the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework while prioritizing patient safety, pulmonary status, and quality of life.
• Evaluate cognitive-communication deficits in adults with TBI, post-concussion syndrome, right-hemisphere damage, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using standardized tools (e.g., MoCA, ACE-III, CLVT).
• Implement evidence-based neurorehabilitation targeting executive functioning, divided attention, processing speed, and working memory using functional, patient-centered metacognitive strategy instruction.
• Treat dysarthria and apraxia of speech across neurodegenerative populations (e.g., Parkinson's disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis), applying intensive vocal loudness and respiratory support techniques (e.g., SPEAK OUT! / LSVT LOUD principles).
• Evaluate, program, and implement high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to support functional communication, medical decision-making, and social participation in adults with progressive neurological diseases and severe aphasia.
• Document daily SOAP notes, initial evaluations, and progress reports within electronic health record systems, ensuring compliance with ASHA guidelines, HIPAA privacy standards, and Medicare/commercial insurance reimbursement criteria.
• Deliver extensive patient and family education on compensatory cognitive aids, safe swallowing strategies, and home exercise program (HEP) carryover.