Catherine Schafer
Mount Prospect,IL
Summary
Experienced Speech-Language Pathologist with 16+ years in school-based settings and earlier experience in private practice. Proven ability to deliver high-impact therapy, collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, and support diverse student populations. Known for strong relationship-building, data-driven decision-making, and program development. Seeking to leverage deep clinical expertise and communication skills in a role that values leadership, coordination, and student-centered outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist
Mount Prospect School District 57
Mount Prospect, IL
01.2010 - Current
- Manage a caseload of 30+ students with diverse communication needs across public and parochial school settings
- Conduct comprehensive evaluations and develop individualized, compliant IEPs aligned with student goals
- Deliver evidence-based therapy for communication disorders
- Collaborate with teachers, psychologists, and special education teams to support student success
- Serve as case manager, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective communication with families
- Utilize data-driven approaches to track progress and adjust interventions
- Mentor new SLPs and contribute to team training and best practice sharing
- Supervise SLP graduate school interns
Education
Master of Arts - Communicative Disorders, Specialization in Speech Language Pathology
Northern Illinois University
12-1995
Bachelor of Science - Communication Sciences and Disorders
Illinois State University
12-1992
Skills
- Speech & Language Assessment
- IEP Development & Case Management
- Speech & Language Disorders
- AAC Implementation & Support
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Family Engagement
- Data Tracking & Progress Monitoring
- Compliance (IDEA, IEP regulations)
- Staff Training & Mentorship
Accomplishments
- Improved student goal attainment rates through structured progress monitoring and intervention adjustments
- Recognized for strong family engagement and communication
- Successfully managed high-volume caseloads while maintaining compliance and quality of care
- Contributed to improved team collaboration and workflow efficiencies
Certification
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation License
- Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator License
TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS
- Embrace: IEP Management System
- PowerSchool
- Google Meet
- Microsoft Office /Google Workspace
LEADERSHIP & ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Committee participation
- Special Education Steering Committee
- Crisis Safety Team
- Wellness Committee
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist
Mount Prospect School District 57
01.2010 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Communication Sciences and Disorders
Illinois State University
Master of Arts - Communicative Disorders, Specialization in Speech Language Pathology
Northern Illinois University