CARA KENNEDY
MINEOLA
Summary
Speech-Language Pathologist with extensive experience in applied behavioral analysis and special needs services, adept at creating data-driven treatment plans that significantly enhance communication skills and quality of life. Demonstrates a visionary approach in fostering inclusive environments, empowering individuals with unique needs through innovative therapy techniques. Committed to advancing therapeutic outcomes and contributing to research in evidence-based practices.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist
St. Mary's Hospital for Children
01.2026 - Current
- Evaluated and treated patients with speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in a home health setting
- Developed and implemented individualized, functional treatment plans based on patient goals and home environment
- Performed clinical swallow evaluations and recommended appropriate diet modifications and compensatory strategies
- Educated patients, families, and caregivers on carryover strategies to support communication and safe swallowing in daily routines
- Trained caregivers in feeding techniques, positioning, and aspiration precautions
- Promoted functional communication skills to improve independence in ADLs (e.g., requesting, sequencing, safety awareness)
- Collaborated with nurses, OTs, PTs, and physicians to coordinate patient-centered care
- Maintained timely and accurate documentation in compliance with home health and Medicare guidelines
Speech-Language Pathologist
Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy
06.2022 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive speech and language assessments, develop tailored treatment plans, and track patient progress using data-driven methods.
- Implemented cutting-edge myofunctional therapy techniques, addressing orofacial muscle dysfunction and improving patients' quality of life.
- Provided compassionate care and guidance to patients and families, fostering a positive therapeutic environment for optimal progress.
- Analyzed patient assessments to develop data-driven treatment plans, enhancing speech therapy outcomes and improving quality of life for individuals with orofacial muscle dysfunction.
- Completed 1350 hours as a clinical fellow while completing research regarding evidenced based practices
Speech-Language Pathologist
Sayville School District
08.2025 - 01.2026
- Provided speech and language therapy services to school-aged children with diverse communication needs
- Conducted evaluations and developed IEP-aligned treatment plans
- Collaborated with teachers, parents, and multidisciplinary teams to support student success
- Tracked and documented student progress using data-driven methods
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hampton Bays Elementary School
02.2024 - 07.2025
- Developed group speech therapy plans for students, fostering communication skills and boosting confidence in the classroom setting.
- Partnered with teachers and parents to create cohesive support systems, ensuring consistent speech development across school and home environments.
Child Care Provider
Private Clients
01.2018 - 09.2022
- Provide specialized care for children with unique needs, fostering inclusive environments and tailoring support to individual requirements.
- Implement personalized care strategies, enhancing daily living skills and promoting independence for children with special needs.
Teaching Assistant
Adults & Children with Learning Disabilities
02.2020 - 01.2022
- Cultivated a nurturing environment that promotes safety and social interaction, empowering students with learning disabilities to thrive academically and personally.
Teaching Assistant
Developmental Disabilities Institute
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Collected data to track academic progress
- Analyzed student behavior to implement targeted ABA techniques, fostering social skills development and academic progress through data-driven interventions.
- Cultivated a nurturing environment that promotes safety and social interaction, empowering students with learning disabilities to thrive academically and personally.
Special Needs Services
Sid Jacobsen Jewish Community Center
01.2017 - 03.2020
- Team Leader and Counselor in various programs in the department (Camp Kehilla, Kehilla Kids Mini Camp, Little Boosters, Tuesday Bowling)
- Guided children and adults with special needs through engaging social interactions, adapting approaches to individual requirements.
Teacher Assistant
Austria Stars Program
05.2019 - 06.2019
- Developed engaging lesson plans for English Language Learners, fostering interactive learning environments and enhancing student participation
- Implemented tailored strategies to enhance social skills and boost confidence among participants, leading to notable improvements in group dynamics.
Education
Masters of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
SUNY Stony Brook University-Southampton
NY01-2024
Bachelor of Science - Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
Long Island University-Post Campus
Brookville, NY05-2020
Skills
- Speech therapy
- Language assessment
- Myofunctional therapy
- ABA techniques
- Data analysis
- Treatment planning
- Patient care
- Special needs support
- Lesson planning
- Research
- Collaboration and teamwork
Certification
PROMPT trained
LSVT trained
Experienced in feeding therapy
Myofunctionally trained
LANGUAGES
English (Native)
Spanish (Moderaely proficient)
ASL (Novice)
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist
St. Mary's Hospital for Children
01.2026 - Current
Speech-Language Pathologist
Sayville School District
08.2025 - 01.2026
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hampton Bays Elementary School
02.2024 - 07.2025
Speech-Language Pathologist
Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy
06.2022 - Current
Teaching Assistant
Adults & Children with Learning Disabilities
02.2020 - 01.2022
Teacher Assistant
Austria Stars Program
05.2019 - 06.2019
Teaching Assistant
Developmental Disabilities Institute
01.2019 - 01.2022
Child Care Provider
Private Clients
01.2018 - 09.2022
Special Needs Services
Sid Jacobsen Jewish Community Center
01.2017 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Science - Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
Long Island University-Post Campus
Masters of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
SUNY Stony Brook University-Southampton
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- CLINICAL EXPERIENCES
- Southampton Elementary School
- Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center
- Huntington's Disease Center at Stony Brook University Hospital
- Craniofacial Clinic at Stony Brook University Hospital
- Gastrointestinal/Muscular Dystrophy Clinic at Stony Brook University Hospital
- PACE Clinic through Stony Brook University Hospital
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic through Stony Brook University Hospital
- Simulation Lab
- CONFERENCES ATTENDED
- Down Syndrome Conference at Long Island University (Nov 2019)