Deanna L. Allen, M.A. CCC-SLP
Denver,CO
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Hardworking employee with customer service, multitasking, and time management abilities. Devoted to giving every customer a positive and memorable experience. Committed job seeker with a history of meeting company needs with consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand. Take-charge professional delivering executive support and team leadership to business operations. Dependable and detail-oriented to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Broad experience includes office management, accounting, accounts receivable, invoicing, dispatching, database management, vendor negotiations and contract management. Recognized for exemplary customer service and team collaboration. Knowledgeable [Job Title] with over [Number] years of experience bringing planning and problem-solving abilities. Focused on maximizing resource utilization to support scalable operations and increase bottom-line profitability. Organized and systematic with natural relationship-building and leadership talents. Motivated professional offering [Degree] in [Area of study]. Adds value to any organization in need of great collaboration, interpersonal and multitasking abilities. Meets tight deadlines.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Manager of Operations & Customer Service
Sierra Peaks Animal Rehabilitiation
Centennial, CO
08.2020 - Current
- Assisted in developing operational plans and strategies to meet organizational objectives.
- Created reports outlining progress towards key objectives such as increased productivity or reduced costs.
- Analyzed data to identify areas for improvement in operational performance and costs.
- Led daily meetings with staff members to identify areas of focus, cover policy changes and facilitate positive communication.
- Provided guidance to staff on operational matters, resolving issues as they arise.
- Motivated employee performance and satisfaction through fair evaluation, process review and mentoring.
- Conducted regular reviews of existing processes and made recommendations for improvements.
- Managed budgeting activities related to operations including forecasting expenses, tracking spending, and preparing reports.
- Evaluated current business practices and identified opportunities for process improvement.
- Prepared weekly schedules to verify proper floor coverage within fiscal guidelines.
- Assessed sales reports, activity reports and financial statements to measure productivity and goal realization.
- Recruited qualified candidates to bolster department operations and increase productivity.
- Communicated clear action plans to optimize results and successfully execute operational activities.
- Assisted with interviewing and hiring of employee team members with appropriate skills.
- Developed, implemented, and updated departmental policies and procedures to meet business objectives and goals.
- Monitored new employees, evaluated training programs and reported progress to supervisors.
- Developed lucrative relationships with clients to promote future business opportunities.
- Educated operations team on best practices, company policies and service excellence standards.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
- Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
- Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
- Appraised inventory levels on frequent basis, ordering new merchandise to keep quantities well-stocked.
- Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
- Coordinated meetings with vendors and negotiated contract terms.
- Collaborated with other teams within the organization to ensure smooth functioning of day-to-day operations.
- Organized training sessions for staff members on various aspects of operations management.
- Directed workflow by assigning tasks to team members based on their skillset and availability.
- Maintained records of all operational activities including personnel information, inventory levels, customer service metrics.
- Scheduled maintenance activities for production equipment in order to minimize downtime.
- Established standard operating procedures across all departments in order to streamline workflows.
- Coordinated the implementation of new processes and systems to improve overall operations.
- Monitored daily operations, ensuring efficiency, accuracy and compliance with policies and procedures.
- Coached employees to work together to carry out daily functions and meet service objectives.
Per Diem Speech-Language Pathologist
Denver Health & Hospital Authority
Denver, CO
08.2022 - 09.2023
- Supported the clinical team with regularly scheduled, weekly coverage in the acute settings.
- Primarily providing assessment and treatment for dysphagia, upper airway dysfunction, and dynamic cognitive assessment and intervention in the critical care setting.
- Trained caregivers in methods of augmentative and alternative communication systems for each level of care (i.e., emerging consciousness, trauma/neuro/cardio-thoracic ICU, Hematology/Oncology, and general medical/surgical unit).
- Adapted materials to meet the needs of diverse populations including bilingual learners and those with physical disabilities or sensory impairments.
- Collaborated with families, educators, physicians and other professionals to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex cognitive, communication, and/or swallowing needs.
- Provided consultation to educators and medical professionals, advising on communication strategies to better accommodate individuals with hearing and cognitive-communication issues.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on new research findings related to medical speech pathology.
Per Diem Speech-Language Pathologist
UC Health
Longmont, CO
03.2021 - 11.2022
- Provided regularly scheduled coverage at least 3 days/week for the acute (UC Health Longs Peak & UC Health Highlands Ranch), acute inpatient rehab (UCHealth Broomfield) and outpatient settings.
- Primarily provided assessment and treatment for dysphagia utilizing both VFSS and FEES and dynamic cognitive assessment and intervention in the critical care setting with medically complex patients for the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.
- Provided mentorship and support to staff clinicians for onboarding and expanding clinical practice including FEES mentorship with the development of the new service line for this facility and with staff achieving competency under my supervision.
- Created detailed reports summarizing evaluation results and recommending interventions accordingly.
- Collaborated with families, educators, physicians and other professionals to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
Staff Speech-Language Pathologist
University of Chicago Medical Center
Chicago, IL
01.2017 - 08.2020
- Served on the clinical team for an inner-city (i.e., South Side, Chicago), newly designated Level 1 trauma center, JCAHO-accredited comprehensive stroke center, international program, and outpatient services with medically complex patient populations including multiple organ transplants, ALS, spinal cord injury/trauma, and head and neck cancer.
- Led the credentialing team for VFSS and FEES.
- Closely collaborated with respiratory therapy and critical care team for early intervention with trach/vent patients for dysphagia and communication including speaking valve trials.
- Served on multidisciplinary ENT Tumor Board, Trauma, MICU, and SICU Teams.
- Mentored students and clinical fellows with a focus on evidence-based treatment while maintaining a high caseload in a large healthcare system.
Staff Speech Language Pathologist
VA Boston Health Care | Veterans Affairs
West Roxbury, MA
11.2010 - 12.2016
- Provided assessment and treatment in the acute care and outpatient settings for the complex needs of our military service providers with diagnoses including traumatic brain injury, ALS, trach/vent dependent, spinal cord injury, and head/neck cancer.
- Developed interdisciplinary clinical pathways and treatment programs for dysphagia management in the chemoradiation treated head/neck cancer patients, gender-affirming voice/communication therapy program, and dysphagia outcomes tracking for TransOral Robotic Surgery for head and neck cancer.
- Used FEES, videostroboscopy, acoustic assessment software equipment to conduct evaluations and examine physical structures contributing to speech, voice, and swallowing concerns.
- Actively participated in research projects involving new technologies or therapies used within the field.
- Supervised and mentored clinical fellows (1 year program commitment) and graduate students (6 month rotations) providing experience and support with clinically diverse populations while providing direct patient care.
- Engaged in interdisciplinary activities/committees/treatment programs including rounds, ENT Tumor Board, SCI board, Interdisciplinary Transgender treatment team, Palliative Care. Additionally, providing in-services to care team for all aspects of practice including speaking valves, TEP, AAC, voice diagnostics & treatment, laryngectomy/alaryngeal communication, and motor speech disorders.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care and maximize outcomes.
Academic Program Coordinator/Student Support Advisor
AIM House, L.L.C
Boulder, CO
05.2009 - 10.2010
- Educational liaison and mentor in a residential program for young women (ages 17.5 and older) transitioning from residential treatment centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, wilderness programs, and therapeutic boarding schools
- Developing and instructing curriculum required for high school diploma or degree completion, reviewing effectiveness of current and evolving program educational practices, developing educational resources and new methodologies for the specific learning needs of this population
- Initiating several case studies of individual participant educational goals by: providing one-on-one tutoring; helping build skills in scheduling, organization and time management; and reviewing goals and completion of schoolwork, while monitoring progress in treatment and dialectical behavior therapy
Speech-Language Pathologist Intern/Graduate Student Clinician
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care | Veterans Affairs
Denver, CO
03.2010 - 08.2010
- Participated in providing interdisciplinary-focused care for Veterans at all levels of care including the ICU setting, acute rehabilitation, long-term care, and outpatient services
- Conducted both in-and outpatient evaluation of swallowing including administration and interpretation of videofluoroscopy and clinical diagnosis and management of dysphagia
- Evaluation/treatment of patients with speech, language, and voice disorders
- Evaluation/treatment of patients with cognitive, speech, and language deficits
- Administration and interpretation of standardized language and cognitive evaluations for adult populations
- Participated in Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, and Multiple Sclerosis specialty clinics
- Provided various AAC based assessments and interventions for patients with ALS and severe TBI
Residential Care Counselor
Friendship House
Boulder, CO
09.2007 - 09.2009
- Residential counselor for an assisted/transitional living facility for adults clinically diagnosed with various forms of schizophrenia (e.g. paranoid schizophrenia).
- Provided assertive community-based rehabilitation and case management services to high-risk mentally ill patients.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed for the safety of all involved parties.
- Interacted with and supported clients with completing and accomplishing daily living tasks.
- Transported clients safely from their residence to various appointments or activities as necessary within the city of Boulder.
- Developed behavior management plans to address challenging behaviors of residents.
- Educated clients about resources available in the Boulder Mental Health community that could help them reach their goals.
- Facilitated weekly educational and recreational activities for residents.
- Assisted with daily living tasks such as meal preparation, medication administration, and transportation.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations regarding residential care facilities.
- Encouraged positive social interaction between peers while providing guidance when necessary.
- Prepared meals and assisted clients with laundry and household chores.
- Enforced rules and regulations for smooth and orderly operation of residential programs.
- Responded to crisis situations quickly to maintain calm and immediately determine level of assistance needed.
- Provided appropriate feedback and information to help residents succeed in program.
- Collaborated with other counselors to develop programs that address needs of residents.
- Completed daily resident welfare checks and coordinated with facility staff to meet resident needs.
- Fostered relationships with residents and worked with new residents to optimize acclimation and ease transition to new living environment.
- Interfaced with residents to address and resolve complaints or grievances.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Connected individuals with relevant community resources and coordinated referrals.
- Prepared patients for self-management and decision-making responsibilities.
- Discussed available program services with potential participants and outlined procedures to facilitate smooth engagement in program processes.
- Helped individuals address disabilities and put together career plans.
- Made referrals to utilize community resources for resident's needs.
- Guided clients through transition to independent living within community.
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Edgewater Elementary School
Edgewater, CO
01.2008 - 05.2008
- Worked directly with elementary students with communication challenges in public school settings under the supervision of a fully qualified and nationally certified speech-language pathologist (MA-SLP, CCC).
- Learned competencies and strategies within the scope of a speech-language pathology assistant.
- Enhanced the quality of services for children and adolescents that need support for speech, communication, reading, and writing.
- Successfully completed the SLPA certification program through SLHS and ASHA SLPA national certification exam.
- Directly provided therapeutic intervention to students in kindergarten through fifth grade with IEPs/on SLP caseload and to students in the self contained ASD classroom.
- Collected and compiled data to document client performance and assess program quality.
- Assisted with administering standardized assessments to evaluate language skills, articulation, voice and fluency disorders.
- Assisted Speech-Language Pathologist in the development of individualized treatment plans for clients.
- Prepared materials for use in therapy sessions including worksheets, games and activities.
- Instructed caregivers on strategies for managing communication difficulties in home settings.
- Implemented augmentative communication systems such as picture boards or sign language when necessary.
- Assisted with hearing screenings or audiometric testing as needed.
- Detailed interventions taken and student progress in written reports.
- Supported student social thinking by mapping behaviors and creating action plans.
Audiology Assistant
Hearing Solutions
Louisville, CO
01.2007 - 02.2008
- Volunteered for the Brighton School District.
- Worked with elementary school students (kindergarten to fifth grade) and teachers.
- Assessed the functioning of equipment such as: hearing aids and FM systems that are used within the classrooms.
- Helped manage and organize the private audiological business and their clients
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal care for patients with hearing impairments.
- Ensured all necessary paperwork was completed accurately prior to submitting it to insurance companies.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, filing medical records, and processing payments.
- Assisted with the fitting of hearing aids, ear molds, and other auditory devices.
- Developed relationships with vendors to keep up-to-date on new products related to audiology.
- Observed patient behaviors to detect any signs of physical or psychological discomfort during audiology sessions.
- Managed inventory of supplies needed for audiological tests and treatments.
- Educated patients about different types of hearing loss, prevention methods, and available resources.
- Assisted Audiologists in diagnostic testing procedures.
- Monitored vital signs during audiological tests when needed.
- Prepared equipment for audiological tests including calibration and troubleshooting issues.
- Maintained a clean environment by sterilizing equipment before and after each use.
- Instructed patients on proper use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices.
- Maintained accurate records of patient visits and treatments.
- Participated in community outreach programs educating public about importance of early detection of hearing impairment symptoms.
- Provided support to families adjusting to changes caused by hearing loss.
- Conducted audiometric testing and made appropriate recommendations for hearing aids.
- Utilized assessments to determine patient conditions.
Education
Master of Arts - Speech Language Pathology
University of Colorado At Boulder
Boulder, CO08-2010
Bachelor of Arts - Cognitive Psychology & Psycholinguistics
University of Colorado At Boulder
Boulder, CO05-2008
Bachelor of Arts - Speech, Language, And Hearing Sciences (SLHS)
University of Colorado At Boulder
Boulder, CO05-2008
Skills
- Cost Analysis and Savings
- Purchasing and Planning
- Employee Supervision
- Project Management
- Scheduling Coordination
- Training and Mentoring
- Process Improvement
- Performance Tracking
- Customer Engagement
- Operations Management
- Staff Training and Development
- Service Delivery Management
- Scheduling and Coordination
- Compliance Monitoring
- Operational Planning
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Creativity and Innovation
- Caseload Management
- Relationship Building
- Team Building
- Decision-Making
- Professional Demeanor
- Attention to Detail
- Communication Enhancement
- Analytical Thinking
- Reliability
- Multitasking
- Time Management
- Task Prioritization
- Problem-Solving
- Organizational Skills
- Flexible Schedule
- Treatment Research
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Interpersonal Communication
- Time Management Abilities
- Continuous Improvement
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem-Solving Aptitude
- Documentation Skills
- Patient Advocacy
- Creative Thinking
- Effective Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Progress Monitoring
- Consulting Experience
- Documentation and Reporting
- Patient Education
- Written Communication
- Excellent Communication
- Problem-Solving Abilities
Affiliations
- Friends of Sierra - Executive Committee Member: Formally established in 2018, Friends of Sierra is a non-profit organization committed to continued education through research and development to improve the science of animal physical therapy. It is our hope that all dogs receive the care they need. We will assist in provision of physical therapy for organizations and families unable to pay for the service. We also provide support of K-9 Officers as well as civilian K-9’s that are in need of physical therapy.
- The National Veterans Wheelchair Games - Power Soccer Event Volunteer & Team Leader: Coached two teams to bronze and silver, respectively. Assist with volunteer recruitment, overall organization, assembling custom foot guards, and setting-up and dismantling the event.
- Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) - Special Projects and Opportunities Volunteer
- Dumb Friends League - General Volunteer
- ALS Society - Volunteer and AAC Device Specialist
Accomplishments
- September 2022: Award for Continuing Education (ACE)
- April 2021: UC Health Longs Peak Recognizing You: "Awesome job convincing a patient who had a stroke resulting in significant language and executive function deficits to discharge to acute rehab. Despite the best efforts of PT, OT, and case management and his family, YOU were able to help him recognize and understand his deficits enough to agree to a safer and more beneficial discharge location" Stephanie Dunn - UC Health Rehab Manager
- May 2015: VHA BHS On the Spot Award - Level C (Recognizing employees for their day-to-day efforts that contribute in a special way to getting the job done. Under this non-monetary award program, supervisors may give immediate recognition to recognize and reward employee excellence).
- September 2014 Award for Continuing Education (ACE)
- June 2004: Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award
Certification
- Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Professions & Occupations - Speech Language Pathologist License No. 0004203 (Nov. 05, 2020-Present)
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certification, CCC-SLP ASHA No. 12148991 (Sept. 7, 2011-Present)
- Basic Life Support - American Heart Association eCard Code 215507895424 (Jan 2021 to present)
- Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Certification No. BOCO0109-24 (Jan. 10, 2009-Present)
- McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Certification No. rfbkm6zdw6 (June 2021 to present)
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment Certification No. USALLDE7075728-01 (March 2021 to present)
Languages
Spanish
Limited
Italian
Limited
American Sign Language
Limited
Clinical Research & Presentations
- Podcast on the Challenges and Recommendations to Address Unmet Needs in MS for LGBTQ+ Populations in the United State WL Conte, M Cascione, D Allen, AB Sullivan Neurology and Therapy, 1-9
- Comparing the DYMUS dysphagia screening questionnaire with the video fluoroscopic swallow study in MS: a pilot study W Conte, D Allen, S Patel, A Reder MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL 25, 410-410
- Validating the Dymus Dysphagia Screening Questionnaire with the Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Study WL Conte, D Allen, S Patel, AT Reder ACTRIMS Forum 2019
- A Medically Complex Case with an Unknown Etiology of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia https://drive.google.com/file/d/11l0dP1711e_mcdBgpCtsj2cYYnU3cgcB/view?usp=sharing
- Speaker: Allen, D (2017 November) Lee Silverman Voice Treatment. Presentation to patients and family members/community at the University of Chicago Medicine Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders (Dr. Tao Xie), Chicago, IL.
- VA Biorepository Brain Bank News, Issue 4, Winter 2016 ALS Clinic Team at the Boston VA and their contributions to the “Ask a Neurologist” article. https://www.research.va.gov/programs/tissue_banking/VABBBNewsletter-4.pdf
- Speaker: Allen, D (2015 March) Augmentative Alternative Communication & Speech Generating Devices. Presentation to VISN 1 Chief of Prosthetics, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA.
- Speaker: Allen, D (2013 May) Aids for Cognitive Impairments. Presentation to SCI attendings, fellows, residents, and staff at the VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, MA.
Interests & Hobbies
- Creating art: pipping acrylic and water color
- Pottery and Ceramics
- Caligraphy
- Pastaiolo
- Pâtissier
- Wild Bee Pollinator Conservation
- Volunteering for adaptive Summer/Winter sports clinics
- Success story for the feral cat distribution system
- Playing dominoes
- Horseback riding & equine husbandry
- Tap Dancing
- Aspiring Rookie Derby Player
- Aquatic Turtle Enthusiast
- Haunted House Reviewer
- History of Russian Fairy Tales & Folklore
- Mushroom picking/foraging
- Statistics & Research Methods
- IPA Transcription
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Octogenarian candy preferences
- Curating perfect playlists
- Lasers
- Trivia
Timeline
Per Diem Speech-Language Pathologist
Denver Health & Hospital Authority
08.2022 - 09.2023
Per Diem Speech-Language Pathologist
UC Health
03.2021 - 11.2022
Assistant Manager of Operations & Customer Service
Sierra Peaks Animal Rehabilitiation
08.2020 - Current
Staff Speech-Language Pathologist
University of Chicago Medical Center
01.2017 - 08.2020
Staff Speech Language Pathologist
VA Boston Health Care | Veterans Affairs
11.2010 - 12.2016
Speech-Language Pathologist Intern/Graduate Student Clinician
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care | Veterans Affairs
03.2010 - 08.2010
Academic Program Coordinator/Student Support Advisor
AIM House, L.L.C
05.2009 - 10.2010
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Edgewater Elementary School
01.2008 - 05.2008
Residential Care Counselor
Friendship House
09.2007 - 09.2009
Audiology Assistant
Hearing Solutions
01.2007 - 02.2008
Master of Arts - Speech Language Pathology
University of Colorado At Boulder
Bachelor of Arts - Cognitive Psychology & Psycholinguistics
University of Colorado At Boulder
Bachelor of Arts - Speech, Language, And Hearing Sciences (SLHS)
University of Colorado At Boulder
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