Fiona Fulling
Gainesville
Summary
Medical Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in dysphagia management and cognitive-communication disorders in acute and post-acute care settings.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Acute Care Speech Language Pathologist
Strive Rehabilitation
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital
06.2025 - Current
- Evaluate and diagnose swallowing, speech, language, and cognitive communication disorders in medically complex acute care patients.
- Conduct comprehensive bedside swallow evaluations and instrumental assessments including Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS).
- Educate patients, families, and caregivers on communication strategies, swallowing safety, and compensatory strategies.
- Managed a daily caseload of 8–12 acute care patients, prioritizing high-acuity referrals including stroke, ICU, and post-extubation dysphagia.
- Supported early identification of swallowing impairment in patients with Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury to reduce aspiration risk and guide safe diet advancement.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists to coordinate patient-centered care and discharge planning.
- Provided recommendations for diet modifications, aspiration precautions, and communication supports.
- Completed the MBSImP Clinician Certification
West Marion Inpatient Rehabiliation Hospital
HCA Florida
Ocala, FL
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans for adult patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions.
- Administered the SLUMS, VPJ, RIPA-2 subtests, and the ALFA to assess patients speech, language, and cognitive abilities.
- Delivered treatments targeting cognitive-linguistic abilities including Mnemonic Encoding Strategies, External Memory Aids, and SRT (Spaced Retrieval Training).
- Provided patients, families, and caregivers education regarding communication and memory strategies for improved quality of life.
- Conducted clinical swallow evaluations and assisted with instrumental assessments, including Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS) scored with the PAS scale.
- Utilized compensatory strategies and muscle strengthening exercises such as EMST (Expiratory Muscle Strength Training), CTAR (Chin Tuck Against Resistance), and the Mendelsohn Maneuver to improve safety and efficiency of swallow function.
- Counseled patients, families, and caregivers on swallowing precautions and dietary modifications to optimize functional outcomes.
- Participated in team conference with rehab physicians, PT's, OT's, nursing, and case managers to discuss patient progress, discharge planning, and therapy recommendations.
UF Health Rehab Center - Magnolia Park
University of Florida Health
Gainesville, FL
08.2024 - 11.2024
- Created and implemented treatment plans for medically complex pediatric patients that utilize various forms of AAC.
- Administered the CELF-P, GFTA-3, and the PTBI assessments.
- Provided therapy for a variety of conditions including expressive and/or receptive language impairments, phonological disorders, and autism spectrum disorder.
- Collaborated with occupational therapists to design and deliver multidisciplinary treatment sessions tailored to client needs.
UF Health Jacksonville
University of Florida Health
Jacksonville, FL
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations of patients on the Neuro floor, Neuro Intensive Care Unit, Medical Intensive Care Unit, and Emergency Department with speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in the acute care setting.
- Created individualized treatment plans for patients pertaining to their personal needs, goals, and optical patient outcomes.
- Provided dysphagia therapy to patients including Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST), Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR), and effortful swallow maneuvers, to improve swallow function and safety.
- Performed clinical bedside swallow evaluations and Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS) scored with the PAS and DIGEST scales.
- Provided education and counseling to patients and their families relating to communication, cognition, and swallowing disorders.
- Observed patient assessments, treatment planning, and team interactions in an ALS clinic to enhance understanding of neurodegenerative disorders.
UF's Telerehab And Research Clinic
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Collaborated with two graduate students to create and carry out treatment plans for adults with a variety of disorders including aphasia, apraxia, and fluency disorders.
- Documented developments and regressions in patients' progress through SOAP notes, making treatment adjustments based on latest information.
- Utilized evidence based practices including Semantic Feature Analysis, Script Training, and VNeST.
- Administered Motor Speech Evaluation and observed Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination.
- Sought feedback from mentors and peers to gain insight into areas of improvement and enhance clinical skills.
- Educated patients and family members about various topics such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with and avoid personal misunderstandings.
The Einstein School
Elementary School
Gainesville, FL
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Executed treatment plans for clients with reading disorders, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, and language disorders across grades 2-8.
- Documented developments and regressions in patients' speech through SOAP notes, making treatment adjustments based on latest information.
- Implemented evidence based practices including LiPS program, Social Skills Groups, and the Complexity Approach.
- Administered and observed the CELF-5, OWLS-II, TOWRE, and GORT assessments and screeners.
Volunteer
Northwestern Hospital
DeKalb, IL
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Shadowed Speech-Language Pathologist in both inpatient and outpatient settings across the lifespan.
- Observed McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program, clinical swallow evaluations, and Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS).
Education
Master of Arts - Communication Sciences And Disorders
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL05-2025
Post Baccalaureate Certificate - Communication Sciences And Disorders
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, WI05-2023
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL05-2022
Skills
- Treatment planning
- Clinical documentation
- Speech, language, and swallowing evaluation
- Multicultural competence
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Patient and family education
- Time management
Accomplishments
- ILTS Elementary Education Test 305 Certification
- ILTS Reading Teacher (K-12) Test 177 Certification
- LiPS Training Certification
- MBSImP Training
- MoCA Certification
- Student Lingraphica Certification
- CPR Certificaiton
Additional Information
- AWARDS : Academic Scholarship (Fall 2018-Spring 2022) Athletic Scholarship (Fall 2018-Spring 2022) College Football Playoff Foundation Go Teach Scholarship Award (Fall 2021-Spring 2022) Jerry Johns Literacy Award (Spring 2022)
Timeline
Acute Care Speech Language Pathologist
Strive Rehabilitation
06.2025 - Current
West Marion Inpatient Rehabiliation Hospital
HCA Florida
01.2025 - 05.2025
UF Health Rehab Center - Magnolia Park
University of Florida Health
08.2024 - 11.2024
UF Health Jacksonville
University of Florida Health
05.2024 - 08.2024
UF's Telerehab And Research Clinic
University of Florida
01.2024 - 05.2024
The Einstein School
Elementary School
09.2023 - 12.2023
Volunteer
Northwestern Hospital
09.2022 - 05.2023
Post Baccalaureate Certificate - Communication Sciences And Disorders
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Northern Illinois University
Master of Arts - Communication Sciences And Disorders
University of Florida
Work Experience
Substitute/After Care Teacher 08/2022 to 05/2023
St. Bridget School, Loves Park, Illinois
- Collaborated with staff to establish client's aftercare needs.
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
Student Teacher 08/2021 to 05/2022
Littlejohn Elementary School, Dekalb, Illinois
- Worked one-on-one with students requiring additional help in specific lessons.
- Collaborated with experienced teachers to improve student learning, lesson planning, and performance.
- Fostered positive learning environment to encourage participation and engagement.