Chad Higgs
Birmingham,AL
Summary
Highly experienced and certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with over 25 years of professional experience. Holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed as a Speech Language Pathologist in the state of Alabama. Active member of the Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama and possesses specialized certifications including ADOS:2, SOS feeding approach, and Vital Stim.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Supervisor
Samford University
01.2023 - Current
- Provided supervision and mentorship to speech-language pathology graduate clinicians, ensuring adherence to clinical best practices, ethical guidelines, and regulatory standards
- Conducted regular clinical supervision sessions to review cases, discuss treatment plans, and provide feedback on clinical skills and professional development
- Facilitated team meetings and professional development workshops to enhance clinical competencies and promote collaboration among staff members
- Evaluated clinician performance and provided constructive feedback to support growth and improvement
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and therapists, to coordinate patient care and ensure comprehensive treatment approaches
- Maintained documentation of supervision activities and ensured compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ascension St Vincent’s St Clair
09.2021 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive assessments, diagnostics, and treatments for speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing/feeding disorders in pediatric and adult populations, including Modified Barium Swallow Studies
- Administered standardized tests, observations, and clinical interviews to evaluate communication and swallowing abilities, identifying areas of impairment and developing individualized treatment plans
- Provided evidence-based interventions and therapy techniques to address speech sound disorders, language delays, pragmatic language difficulties, cognitive-communication deficits, dysphagia, and other communication challenges
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams including physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and dietitians to coordinate patient care and ensure holistic treatment approaches
- Implemented therapy services in diverse healthcare settings such as acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics, adapting treatment plans to meet the unique needs and environments of each setting
- Documented patient progress, maintained accurate records, and prepared written reports in compliance with regulatory standards and professional guidelines.
Owner/Speech-Language Pathologist
All God’s Children Early Intervention
01.2017 - 12.2020
- Established and operated a pediatric private practice specializing in speech, language, and feeding services for children with disabilities aged 0-5 in the Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens, TN regions
- Provided comprehensive assessments and evidence-based interventions to address speech and language disorders, articulation difficulties, fluency issues, feeding/swallowing challenges, and other communication impairments
- Developed individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's specific needs, goals, and developmental milestones
- Collaborated closely with families, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care and maximize therapeutic outcomes
- Within 6 months of operation, successfully built a client base resulting in a waiting list of 20 children requiring speech-language and/or feeding therapies due to high demand for services
- Actively participated as an Annual HeadStart Community Panel member, engaging with caregivers and fellow providers to address questions and concerns related to speech-language and swallowing issues.
Adjunct Professor
Lee University
01.2013 - 05.2020
- Instructed undergraduate majors in Special Education, TESOL, and Early Childhood Development on Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (SPED381)
- Developed and delivered course content, including lectures, presentations, and hands-on activities, to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of communication disorders and their impact on individuals across the lifespan
- Collaborated with the department chair to achieve academic accreditation for a Communication Sciences and Disorders minor, enhancing the university's curriculum offerings and providing students with prerequisites for a master's degree in speech pathology
- Established partnerships with early intervention agencies within the community to facilitate practical learning experiences for students, including observation opportunities, volunteer placements, and collaborative research projects
- Mentored and advised students on academic and career-related matters, providing guidance and support to help them achieve their educational and professional goals.
Area Clinical Coordinator
The Weston Group
12.2014 - 01.2017
- Established and managed profitable on-site outpatient and home health therapeutic rehabilitation services in ten Morning Pointe Assisted Living and Lantern Memory Care communities across the Chattanooga and Knoxville regions
- Developed a comprehensive service model that integrated outpatient and home health rehabilitation services, ensuring continuity of care for residents and optimizing therapeutic outcomes
- Collaborated with Morning Pointe leadership to implement the service model in their 35-facility corporation, standardizing rehabilitation services and promoting consistency in care delivery
- Conducted assessments and analyses to determine fiscally responsible Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) staffing levels for each community, balancing operational needs with budgetary constraints
- Led recruitment efforts, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new team members to support the expansion of rehabilitation services
- Managed payroll processes, maintained accountability for budgeting and supply management, and collaborated with the interdisciplinary team to achieve productivity goals and quality standards.
Director of Rehabilitation Services
Life Care Center of Collegedale
04.2013 - 11.2014
- Led and managed a skilled nursing facility rehabilitation department, supervising both inpatient and outpatient services and overseeing a team of 30 multidisciplinary professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physical therapy assistants, and occupational therapy assistants
- Developed and implemented tailored rehabilitation programs to meet the diverse needs of residents, focusing on promoting holistic health and wellness
- Engaged independent living residents in activities designed to enhance physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being, fostering a supportive and enriching environment
- Played a key role in expanding the facility's outpatient referral network by providing high-quality rehabilitation services and establishing strong relationships with referring physicians and community partners
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and dietitians, to ensure coordinated and integrated care for residents
- Oversaw departmental operations, including budget management, staffing, scheduling, and quality assurance initiatives.
Lead Speech Pathologist
Erlanger Medical Center
12.2007 - 04.2013
- Orchestrated the organization and expansion of the Erlanger Medical Center Speech Pathology program, growing the team from one speech pathologist to seven full-time SLPs within a single year
- Developed and implemented comprehensive new hire orientation programs to onboard incoming speech pathologists, ensuring they were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles
- Created and facilitated mandatory educational training sessions on the NIH Stroke Scale for nursing staff, increasing their awareness of the roles of speech pathologists and the wide range of cognitive, communication, and swallowing disorders encountered in stroke patients
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement innovative strategies for patient care, enhancing communication and coordination among healthcare professionals
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards and best practices in speech pathology services, ensuring the highest quality of care for patients.
Education
Master of Science - Speech Language Pathology
Nova Southeastern University
North Miami Beach, FL08.2001
Bachelor of Science - Communication Sciences and Disorders
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC05.1997
Skills
- Clinical Training
- Staff Scheduling
- Team Supervision
- Clinical assessment
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 20+ rehabilitation staff members in 11 skill nursing facilities in South East Tennesse.
Certifications And Licensure
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) - American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- State License in Speech-Language Pathology - Alabama
- Member, Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama
- ADOS:2 Certified
- SOS Feeding Approach Certified
- Vital Stim Certified
Strengths Finder
- Activator
- Whoo
- Strategic
- Positive
- Includer
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Clinical Supervisor
Samford University
01.2023 - Current
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ascension St Vincent’s St Clair
09.2021 - Current
Owner/Speech-Language Pathologist
All God’s Children Early Intervention
01.2017 - 12.2020
Area Clinical Coordinator
The Weston Group
12.2014 - 01.2017
Director of Rehabilitation Services
Life Care Center of Collegedale
04.2013 - 11.2014
Adjunct Professor
Lee University
01.2013 - 05.2020
Lead Speech Pathologist
Erlanger Medical Center
12.2007 - 04.2013
Master of Science - Speech Language Pathology
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science - Communication Sciences and Disorders
Appalachian State University
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