Danielle Effinger
Birmingham,USA
Summary
Diligent speech-language pathologist with over 19 years of experience in diagnosing and treating diverse speech, language, and communication disorders. Expertise in developing tailored treatment plans and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal client outcomes. Recognized for exceptional interpersonal skills, flexibility, and adaptability, along with a deep passion for enhancing lives through effective communication strategies. Committed to continuous professional development and staying current with the latest advancements in the field to provide the highest quality of care.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist
Glenwood Behavioral Therapy Center
Birmingham, AL
03.2024 - Current
- Utilize evidence-based practices to treat speech pathology issues on an individualized bases in pediatric patients.
- Deliver teletherapy speech-language services using a virtual platform to support patient access and continuity of care.
- Create meaningful activities that improve articulation accuracy, communication delays, and language delays for patients on caseload.
- Educate families on available resources such as assistive technology devices, community classes, preschool services, EI services, as well as home programming activities to be implemented to foster carry-over of skills taught.
- Conduct evaluations of patient's communicative abilities to determine diagnosis and plan of care.
- Utilize a variety of therapy approaches such as articulation therapy language stimulation, and fluency techniques.
- Create engaging and motivating therapy activities to promote progress and maintain client motivation.
- Implement the use of AAC (high and low-tech devices) During therapy sessions to foster communication.
- Write SOAP notes and maintain proper documentation of initial and re-evaluations treatment plans progress and discharge of clients into a electronic health record system.
- Supervised a CFY clinician, as well as a speech therapy graduate student.
- Worked with a team to provide diagnostic evaluations for ASD to children 2 to 5 years of age within low income families.
- Represented the center as a vendor at various events within the community to bring awareness of services rendered and foster relationships.
Speech Language Pathologist
Jefferson County Schools
Birmingham, AL
10.2023 - 03.2024
- Executed comprehensive assessments observations to evaluate students' speech and language abilities.
- Participated in referral eligibility and IEP meetings for student services.
- Facilitated collaboration among interdisciplinary teams to optimize student support services.
- Developed and implemented individualized IEP goals and benchmarks based on student functional levels.
- Facilitated speech and language development in children through the design of engaging activities and exercises tailored to diverse skill levels.
- Implemented AAC systems and devices to facilitate expressive language, participation, and functional communication.
- Provided speech-language therapy services to students within a self contained classroom setting.
- Prepared speech therapy progress reports and provided feedback to parents and/or caregivers.
Speech Language Pathologist
Magic City Acceptance Academy
Homewood, AL
01.2022 - 10.2023
- Provided speech and language therapy services to students in grades 6–12.
- Administered diagnostic assessments to identify speech and language needs and guide therapy intervention.
- Participated in referral, eligibility, and IEP meetings as part of the multidisciplinary team.
- Developed and implemented IEP goals and benchmarks based on students' functional and academic levels.
- Collaborated with teachers and case managers to support student success within the classroom environment.
- Served as team lead for the exceptional education department, mentoring teachers and providing training on special education processes (IEP development, referrals, eligibility, documentation, and transition planning).
- Scheduled and facilitated referral meetings and led bi-weekly/monthly team meetings for the exceptional education staff.
- Coordinated with the school's vocational rehabilitation counselor to support transition services aligned with students' IEP goals.
- Assisted in building partnerships with community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) to support post-secondary transition planning.
- Assisted with organizing and implementing student work tours and transition classes with community partners.
- Provided supervision and behavioral support for a student with significant behavioral needs across the school setting.
- Assisted with organizing and coordinating state department–led professional development for staff.
Speech Language Pathologist
PresenceLearning
Alabama & Oregon
03.2021 - 06.2021
- Provided speech-language teletherapy services to K–12 students.
- Conducted assessments and administered diagnostic materials to determine appropriate therapy interventions.
- Participated in referral, eligibility, and IEP meetings with multidisciplinary teams.
- Developed and implemented IEP goals and benchmarks based on students' functional levels.
- Facilitated speech and language development in children through the design of on-line tools activities and exercises tailored to diverse skill levels.
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, and case managers to support student success in the academic setting.
- Monitored progress and adjusted therapy strategies to improve student communication outcomes.
Speech Language Pathologist
The Stepping Stones Group
Birmingham, AL
11.2020 - 04.2021
- Conducted evaluations and administered diagnostic tools to support therapy intervention for preschool children with diverse communication disorders.
- Participated in transition, referral, eligibility, and IEP meetings with multidisciplinary teams.
- Developed IEP goals and benchmarks based on students' functional communication levels.
- Facilitated speech and language development in children through the design of engaging activities and exercises tailored to diverse skill levels.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to address students needs and support success in the preschool setting.
Speech Language Pathologist
Childs Play Therapy Center
Chelsea, AL
10.2019 - 05.2020
- Provided speech and language therapy services in a private clinic and contracted middle school setting.
- Conducted evaluations and administered diagnostic tools for preschool, elementary, and middle school students with various communication disorders.
- Implemented AAC systems and devices to facilitate expressive language, participation, and functional communication.
- Participated in transition, referral, eligibility, and IEP meetings with multidisciplinary teams.
- Developed and implemented IEP/Plan of Care goals and benchmarks based on students' functional levels.
- Collaborated with parents and teachers to support student success in both clinic and school environments.
Speech Language Pathologist
Bessemer City Schools
Bessemer, AL
08.2017 - 10.2019
- Administered diagnostic assessments to identify communication disorders in preschool and elementary-aged students.
- Participated in transition, referral, eligibility, and IEP meetings.
- Developed and implemented individualized IEP goals and benchmarks based on students' functional levels.
- Collaborated with parents and teachers to support student success in preschool and elementary settings.
- Selected and used therapy materials aligned with session objectives and targeted skill development.
- Prepared speech therapy progress reports and regularly communicated updates to parents/caregivers.
- Trained Head Start preschool instructors on the special education process and classroom support strategies.
Speech Language Pathologist
Douglas County Schools
Douglasville, GA
09.2015 - 05.2017
- Administered diagnostic assessments for preschool and elementary students with communication disorders, including speech/language delays, autism spectrum disorders, and multiple disabilities.
- Provided speech therapy services across settings, including general education classrooms, self-contained classrooms, LEAP classrooms, and community early learning centers.
- Participated in Student Support Team (SST) meetings and developed targeted goals based on individual student needs.
- Conducted Response to Intervention (RTI) services for preschool students.
- Developed and implemented IEP goals and benchmarks based on students' functional levels.
- Selected and used therapy materials aligned with session objectives and targeted skill development.
- Collected daily therapy data and prepared progress reports and LEAP community reports detailing goals addressed and student engagement.
Speech Language Pathologist
Bessemer City Schools
Bessemer, AL
01.2014 - 08.2015
- Administered diagnostic assessments for elementary and high school students with communication disorders, including speech/language delays and autism spectrum disorders.
- Provided speech therapy services in general education and self-contained classroom settings.
- Conducted speech-language and developmental evaluations.
- Assisted with implementation of the LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) program on student iPads.
- Utilized AAC devices to support communication for students with multiple disabilities.
- Developed and implemented IEP goals and benchmarks based on students' functional levels.
- Selected therapy materials aligned with session objectives and targeted skill development.
- Provided daily RTI services for students with speech and language deficits.
- Completed progress reports and regularly communicated updates to parents and caregivers.
Speech Language Pathologist
Procare Therapy
Alabaster, AL
01.2013 - 05.2013
- Administered diagnostic assessments for preschool and middle school students with communication disorders, including speech/language delays and autism spectrum disorders.
- Developed and implemented IEP goals and benchmarks based on students' functional levels.
- Selected and implemented therapy materials aligned with session objectives and targeted skill development.
- Documented daily therapy data and completed progress reports for students on caseload.
Speech Language Pathologist
Glenwood, Inc./Allan Cott School
Birmingham, AL
09.2011 - 07.2012
- Provided individualized and small-group speech therapy for students with severe autism and behavioral disorders.
- Administered diagnostic assessments for elementary, middle, and high school students.
- Developed and implemented IEP goals and benchmarks based on students' functional levels.
- Selected therapy materials aligned with session objectives and targeted skill development.
- Promoted communication through PECS and sign language for non-verbal students.
- Implemented low and high-tech AAC systems and/or devices across the school environment.
- Collaborated with ABA therapists to develop behavior plans and reinforcement systems.
- Participated in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings to review student progress, behavior, and treatment plans.
Speech Language Pathologist
Early Intervention
Birmingham, AL
05.2011 - 08.2011
- Conducted diagnostic evaluations to determine therapy needs for children ages birth to 3 with developmental delays, disabilities, and communication disorders.
- Provided individualized therapy services in home and daycare settings as an independent vendor.
- Collaborated with parents, caregivers, and teachers to support and improve children's communication skills.
- Implemented therapy activities and materials aligned with Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) goals.
- Adapted session materials and strategies to maximize each child's success as a communicator.
- Tracked and documented child progress and performance for therapy caseload.
- Delivered parent/caregiver feedback, coaching, and educational handouts to reinforce skills outside therapy sessions.
Speech Language Pathologist
Birmingham City Schools
Birmingham, AL
08.2010 - 05.2011
- Administered diagnostic assessments for preschool students with communication disorders, including speech/language delays and autism spectrum disorders.
- Provided speech therapy services in general education and self-contained classroom settings.
- Conducted speech-language and developmental evaluations.
- Developed and implemented IEP goals and benchmarks based on students' functional levels.
- Selected therapy materials aligned with session objectives and targeted skill development.
- Documented daily therapy data and completed progress reports for students on caseload.
- Communicated as scheduled with parents and caregivers regarding student progress.
Speech Language Pathologist
EBS HealthCare
Birmingham, AL
01.2006 - 05.2010
- Administered diagnostic assessments for elementary and middle school students with communication disorders.
- Provided individual and group speech therapy for students with speech, language, and fluency disorders.
- Developed and implemented IEP goals and benchmarks based on students' functional levels.
- Selected therapy materials aligned with session objectives and targeted skill development.
- Documented student performance and progress during therapy sessions.
- Communicated regularly with parents and caregivers regarding student progress.
Speech Language Pathologist
Restore Therapy Services
Birmingham, AL
01.2006 - 10.2009
- Provided speech therapy services to adult patients with communication disorders in a skilled nursing facility on an as-needed basis.
- Administered and documented therapy treatments in compliance with regulatory, licensing, and accreditation standards.
- Evaluated newly admitted patients to determine need for speech therapy services.
- Developed individualized treatment goals based on patient needs.
- Monitored patient progress and reported outcomes to patients, families, and interdisciplinary care teams.
Education
Masters of Science - Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Alabama A&M University
Huntsville, AL12-2005
Bachelor of Science - Communications
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL05-2001
Skills
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Patience and tolerance
- Team collaboration
- Caseload management
- Relationship building
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Self motivation
Certification
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)
- Alabama Board of Examiners of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) Licensed
- Attended LAMP training
- Attended PECS training
- CPR/First Aid/AFib certified
- MCS (Managing Crisis Safely) trained
- Vendor @ Annual Meeting and Fall Pediatric Update for the Alabama Chapter of American Academy of Pediatricians- 2024 & 2025
- Vendor @ InspireHER Women's Health Walk- 2025
- Vendor @ Tarrant City Resource Fair- 2025
- Conducted a presentation on autism-feeding sensitivity/picky eating for JCCDC PD- 2024
- Conducted a shared lunch and learn presentation to CSD Montevallo grad students on the topic of behavioral strategies for individuals with autism- 2024
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist
Glenwood Behavioral Therapy Center
03.2024 - Current
Speech Language Pathologist
Jefferson County Schools
10.2023 - 03.2024
Speech Language Pathologist
Magic City Acceptance Academy
01.2022 - 10.2023
Speech Language Pathologist
PresenceLearning
03.2021 - 06.2021
Speech Language Pathologist
The Stepping Stones Group
11.2020 - 04.2021
Speech Language Pathologist
Childs Play Therapy Center
10.2019 - 05.2020
Speech Language Pathologist
Bessemer City Schools
08.2017 - 10.2019
Speech Language Pathologist
Douglas County Schools
09.2015 - 05.2017
Speech Language Pathologist
Bessemer City Schools
01.2014 - 08.2015
Speech Language Pathologist
Procare Therapy
01.2013 - 05.2013
Speech Language Pathologist
Glenwood, Inc./Allan Cott School
09.2011 - 07.2012
Speech Language Pathologist
Early Intervention
05.2011 - 08.2011
Speech Language Pathologist
Birmingham City Schools
08.2010 - 05.2011
Speech Language Pathologist
EBS HealthCare
01.2006 - 05.2010
Speech Language Pathologist
Restore Therapy Services
01.2006 - 10.2009
Masters of Science - Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Alabama A&M University
Bachelor of Science - Communications
University of North Alabama