Claudia DiFalco
Tigard
Summary
Speech-Language Pathologist with experience across skilled nursing and educational settings, specializing in comprehensive evaluation and treatment of communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. Skilled in developing individualized, evidence-based treatment plans, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and educating patients, families, and caregivers to promote functional outcomes and independence. Recognized for strong clinical reasoning, adaptability, and relationship-building skills, with a passion for patient-centered care and helping individuals maximize participation in meaningful daily activities.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist
SpringHouse Professionals
Portland
08.2025 - Current
- Evaluated communication skills in children with speech and language disorders
- Developed individualized treatment plans based on assessment results
- Collaborated with families to support children's communication goals
- Implemented evidence-based interventions for diverse speech challenges
- Trained staff on best practices in speech-language therapy techniques
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to enhance service delivery strategies
- Provided direct therapy sessions using evidence-based practices to improve the communication of patients
- Educated parents on strategies they can use at home to support their child's communication development
- Participated in IEP meetings with school districts to ensure students receive necessary services according to their needs
Speech-Language Pathologist
Care Options for Kids
07.2023 - 06.2025
- Served a diverse caseload with Lincoln County School District schools both remotely and in-person to best meet the district and students’ unique needs
- Gained expertise in conducting dynamic speech-language assessments for students of ages elementary to high school both via the telehealth model and in-person
- Developed a comprehensive set of in-person and online activities to effectively engage students in treatment of various articulation and phonology, language, and fluency disorders using both Zoom and Google Meets platforms
- Collaborated with families, teachers, and administrators to ensure students received excellent care in and out of the classroom
- Formerly The Hello Foundation, LLC
Speech-Language Pathologist
Salem-Keizer School District
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Provided individualized treatment to a caseload size of 60+ students ranging in ages from middle to high school
- Collaborated with our special and general education teams during IEP meetings to determine appropriate eligibility and individual needs of each student
- Acted as an advocate for students on my caseload by actively including them in the development and crafting of their IEPs
- Gained fluency in the administration of comprehensive and dynamic speech-language assessments for students ages middle to high school
Speech-Language Pathologist
Infinity Rehab - Willowbrook Terrace
Pendleton
07.2021 - 01.2022
- Evaluated and treated adults with complex speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing disorders resulting from stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative disease, and other neurological conditions
- Developed and implemented individualized, evidence-based treatment plans focused on maximizing functional communication, cognitive independence, safety, and quality of life
- Performed comprehensive assessments utilizing standardized and clinical measures to identify speech, language, cognitive, and dysphagia impairments and establish measurable treatment goals
- Collaborated closely with an interdisciplinary team of physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nursing staff, dietitians, and social workers to coordinate patient-centered rehabilitation plans
- Provided dysphagia assessment and intervention, including diet modification recommendations, compensatory strategy training, and caregiver education to support safe oral intake
- Trained patients, families, and caregivers in communication, cognitive, and swallowing strategies to promote carryover and improve outcomes across daily environments
- Documented patient progress, adjusted treatment plans based on clinical data, and facilitated successful transitions across levels of care
- Utilized functional, real-world therapeutic activities to support participation in activities of daily living and increase independence
Graduate Student - Externship
Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon (RIO)
Portland
02.2021 - 05.2021
- Provided services to individuals across the lifespan, from adolescence through geriatrics
- Served diverse patient diagnoses, including strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, multiple traumas, burns, and amputations
- Provided assessment, gaining experience with the following: Formal language assessments, including: WAB, BDAE, BNT, RCBA, MTDDA, COWAT; Formal cognitive assessments, including: RBANS, NCSE (Cognistat), ALFA, FAVRES, FLCI
- Administered tailored treatment modalities to effectively address unique patient needs
- Participated in interdisciplinary collaboration, including: Weekly patient care conferences which typically involve collaboration with the attending physician, PT, OT, and Neuropsychologists
- Weekly patient care conferences which typically involve collaboration with the attending physician, PT, OT, and Neuropsychologists
- Developed discharge plans and home programs, educating and training families and caregivers for successful post-discharge outcomes
- Completed daily documentation using an electronic medical record system (Epic)
Education
Masters of Science - Communication Sciences and Disorders
Pacific University
Forest Grove, OR05-2021
Skills
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Patient-centered care
- Caregiver/family education
- Patient advocacy
- Clinical problem solving
Certification
- ASHA: SLP-CCC License no. 14416900
- OSHA: SLP-CCC License no. 17209
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist
SpringHouse Professionals
08.2025 - Current
Speech-Language Pathologist
Care Options for Kids
07.2023 - 06.2025
Speech-Language Pathologist
Salem-Keizer School District
01.2022 - 07.2023
Speech-Language Pathologist
Infinity Rehab - Willowbrook Terrace
07.2021 - 01.2022
Graduate Student - Externship
Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon (RIO)
02.2021 - 05.2021
Masters of Science - Communication Sciences and Disorders
Pacific University