Heather Sanchez

Dynamic Speech Language Pathologist with expertise in neurogenic disorders and AAC systems implementation, honed at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital. Proven ability to develop tailored treatment plans and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and trauma-informed counseling. Committed to fostering communication, improving quality of life, and increasing patient engagement.

• Basic life support certificate - American Heart association 5/23/24- 5/31/27
• FEES training - Carolina Speech Pathology February 10- February 11, 2024
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Adapted for Selective Mutism Training (PCIT-SM)- Kurtz Psychology October 2023
• Graduate Student SPEAK OUT and LOUD Crowd training - Parkinson Voice Project Inc. March 2023

Harborview Medical Center - Inpatient rehab  

Seattle, WA   June 2024 – August 2024

• Evaluated and treated patients with complex neurogenic speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive communication disorders within a trauma focused inpatient rehabilitation setting
• Assisted in conducting, reviewing, and interpreting Modified Barium Swallow Studies
• Assisted in conducting, reviewing, and interpreting Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).
• Provided trauma informed counseling and education to patients and their families

University of Washington Advanced Voice Internship - UWMC Department of Otolaryngology

Seattle, WA  March 2024 – June 2024   

• Evaluated and cotreated patients with various neurogenic, structural, and functional voice disorders, upper airway disorders, dysphagia, and facial nerve injury as part of an outpatient multidisciplinary laryngology clinic, including specialized Laryngeal Dystonia/Botox Clinic and Facial Nerve Clinic.
• Received hands-on instruction performing flexible laryngeal videostroboscopy under direct supervision.

University of Washington Speech & Hearing Clinic            

• Evaluated clients independently using rigid laryngeal videostroboscopy, CAPE-V, PROMs, and acoustic analysis via KayPENTAX Analysis of Dysphonia in Speech & Voice, Real-Time Pitch and Multi-Dimensional Voice Program.
• Provided evidence-based treatment for clients with a variety of organic and functional voice and upper airway disorders.
• Independently utilized treatment interventions such as SOVT, Flow Phonation, Resonant Voice Therapy, Quick Release Breathing, Bi-phasic Breathing, Diaphragmatic Breathing, and Circumlaryngeal Massage.

Hearts in Motion - Speech Pathology Service Trip    

Guatemala  March 2024  

• Evaluated patients as part of an interdisciplinary team across the life span for communication and swallowing difficulties using perceptual and non-standardized measures
• Provided skilled intervention as part of an interdisciplinary team to pediatric and adult clients for social communication deficits, dysphagia, dysphonia, vocal hyperfunction, cognitive communication deficits, dysarthria, as well as implementing AAC systems for patients.
• Provided education and counseling to patients and their families surrounding their diagnosis, current intervention strategies, resources, and how to increase and expand upon treatment at home.

Northwest Hospital - Acute care  

Seattle, WA   January 2024- March 2024   

• Conducted supervised bedside swallow examinations.
• Determined and prescribed diets to patients in collaboration with my supervisor.
• Communicated diet modification recommendations to physicians, nurses, patients and their families.
• Participated in, reviewed, and interpreting in Modified Barium swallow studies.
• Completed g session notes with hospitals EMR (EPIC).
• Conducted standardized and non-standardized cognitive communication evaluations at patient bedside.

Monroe Speech and Hearing Clinic - Pediatric Private practice     

Monroe, WA  October 2023- December 2023

• Provided supervised treatment to pediatric clients with articulation disorders, language disorders, voice disorders, and selective mutism.
• Completed documentation for treatment and evaluations (e.g., session SOAP notes, evaluation reports for selective mutism) within a mock EMR.
• Executed supervised comprehensive evaluations for children with Selective Mutism.
• Utilized, scored, and interpreted the Selective Mutism Questionnaire (SMQ) with parents.
• Received education and training on insurance and billing within the private practice context.

University of Washington Speech and Hearing Clinic - Outpatient Pediatric and Adult Facility

Seattle, WA     September 2022 – August 2023                                             

• Conducted comprehensive pediatric and adult evaluations for varying developmental and acquired communication disorders (e.g., expressive/receptive aphasia, apraxia of speech, cognitive-communication disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, social communication differences, autism spectrum disorder, and dysphonia/vocal hyperfunction) utilizing standardized and non-standardized assessment measures.
• Executed standardized tests such as WAB, RBANS, SCANN, FAVRES, PLS-5, CAPE-V, DEMSS.
• Performed non-standardized assessment measures such as rigid endoscope studies, motor speech examination, structural functional exam, collecting and analyzing language samples.
• Provided adult and pediatric individual treatment to clients with aphasia and apraxia of speech, dysphonia secondary to vocal (fold) hyperfunction trauma, and childhood apraxia speech.
• Experienced in conducting Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) and Dynamic Tactile Temporal Cueing (DTTC) treatment.
• Executed counseling and education during evaluation and treatment sessions related to patient diagnosis, prognosis, treatment techniques, and preventative vocal care.
• Participated in collaborative goal setting with a speech-language pathologist who was providing simultaneous treatment.
• Completed daily progress (SOAP) notes, final case summaries, and evaluation documentation via Clinic Note electronic medical reporting software.