Heather Tackett
Beaver
Summary
Experienced speech-language pathologist and specialist in education with a strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for a collaborative approach, being personable and reliable, results-driven, and committed to excellence.
Willing and excited to provide speech therapy solely or provide a combination of part-time district support, specifically as an ARC chairperson, MTSS support, coach, or assistant to maximize the mission and vision of the district.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist
Floyd County Schools
Eastern, KY
12.2019 - Current
- Led a change initiative throughout the school utilizing a high-yield reading intervention, UFLI, during RTI time provided by high achieving upperclassmen under my training and supervision. The initiative also led to the reading interventionist providing UFLI to students under Tier 3 MTSS support.
- Monitored compliance with state regulations regarding special education services and documentation practices.
- Developed individualized treatment plans tailored to meet diverse student needs.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify speech and language disorders in students.
- Trained, coached, and collaborated with case managers and paraeducators in effective practices to maximize the facilitation of communication and daily living skills.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive treatment plans for students with complex communication disorders.
- Established strong relationships with students, coworkers, and families, fostering trust and collaboration towards shared treatment goals.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Wise County Schools
Wise, VA
07.2015 - 12.2019
- Implemented evidence-based therapy techniques to enhance communication skills effectively.
- Monitored and documented student progress, adjusting strategies as necessary for improvement.
- Led professional development for speech-language pathologists on integrating discreet trial teaching within speech therapy practice.
- Evaluated and diagnosed patients with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders using standardized assessments and clinical observations.
- Enhanced speech and language development in children by designing engaging activities and exercises targeting various skill levels.
- Established strong relationships with students, coworkers, and families, fostering trust and collaboration towards shared treatment goals.
Speech-Language Pathologist, Owner
East KY Speech & Swallowing, PLLC
Beaver, KY
07.2011 - 07.2020
- Developed evidence-based treatment plans that effectively addressed the unique needs of each patient, leading to improved outcomes over time.
- Mentored new speech-language pathologists, sharing knowledge and experience to enhance team competence.
- Conducted thorough endoscopic evaluations of patients' swallowing abilities, leading to appropriate recommendations for diet modifications or further medical referrals when necessary.
- Effectively managed caseloads within a variety of settings including schools, private practice, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Highlands Center for Autism
Prestonsburg, KY
07.2009 - 07.2011
- ABA trained
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for individuals with autism.
- Analyzed complex patient cases, providing expert consultations that informed clinical decision-making processes.
- Presented professional development to universities, showcasing expertise in specific areas of autism interest related to communication and ABA.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the department through regular staff training sessions.
Speech-Language Pathologist, Rehab Service Manager
Signature Health Care of Pikeville
Pikeville, KY
2005 - 2009
- Served as a panelist at the national level to discuss successful integration of a chaplain and therapy team approach to improve patient participation and maximize outcomes for patients in physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient care strategies.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients.
- Provided training and mentorship to junior staff on effective therapy techniques and general procedures.
- Analyzed patient progress and adjusted therapies to ensure optimal effectiveness.
- Led workshops for staff on supporting communication and swallowing skills.
- Advocated for patient needs within healthcare settings, ensuring appropriate resources access.
- Established strong relationships with patients and families, fostering trust and collaboration towards shared treatment goals.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Salyersville Health & Rehab
Salyersville, KY
2004 - 2005
- Served as a mentor for new Speech-Language Pathologists, providing guidance on best practices while fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.
- Increased patient satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality care and maintaining open lines of communication with families regarding progress updates.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to diagnose speech, language, and swallowing disorders for personalized treatment planning.
- Created and implemented treatment plans intended to address speech and language issues in collaboration with other clinical professionals.
- Educated patients and family members about various topics such as communication and swallowing techniques.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Aegis Therapies
Stanford, KY
2002 - 2004
- Conducted thorough evaluations of patients' speech and swallowing abilities, leading to appropriate recommendations for treatment.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients.
- Analyzed patient progress and adjusted therapies to ensure optimal effectiveness.
- Led trainings for staff on supporting communication and swallowing skills.
- Advocated for patient needs within healthcare settings, ensuring appropriate resources access.
- Established strong relationships with patients and families, fostering trust and collaboration towards shared treatment goals.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital
Somerset, KY
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to diagnose speech, language, and swallowing disorders for personalized treatment planning.
- Created and implemented treatment plans intended to address speech and language issues in collaboration with other clinical professionals.
- Educated patients and family members about various topics such as communication and swallowing techniques.
Education
Specialist in Education -
Murray State University
Murray, KY08-2025
Master of Arts - Communication Disorders
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY08-2001
Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY12-1999
Skills
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Patience and tolerance
- Therapeutic techniques/supports
- Technology proficiency in AAC
- Proficient in using resources to evaluate interventions/curricula
- Creativity and innovation
- Maximizing Outcomes
- Reducing problematic behaviors
- Establishing foundational procedures for reference
- Fostering community trust and meeting expectations
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist
Floyd County Schools
12.2019 - Current
Speech-Language Pathologist
Wise County Schools
07.2015 - 12.2019
Speech-Language Pathologist, Owner
East KY Speech & Swallowing, PLLC
07.2011 - 07.2020
Speech-Language Pathologist
Highlands Center for Autism
07.2009 - 07.2011
Speech-Language Pathologist
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital
01.2001 - 01.2002
Speech-Language Pathologist, Rehab Service Manager
Signature Health Care of Pikeville
2005 - 2009
Speech-Language Pathologist
Salyersville Health & Rehab
2004 - 2005
Speech-Language Pathologist
Aegis Therapies
2002 - 2004
Specialist in Education -
Murray State University
Master of Arts - Communication Disorders
Eastern Kentucky University
Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders
Eastern Kentucky University
Honors/Awards
AES Staff Superlatives: Most Likely to Make Your Day 2023, Graduate Clinician of the Year 2000, Phi Delta Kappa Scholarship Recipient 1999, Graduate Assistant for 3 Professors 2000
Specialized Training/Leadership Positions
- AES UFLI Reading Mentor Lead-(Change Initiative) 2024-Current
- TLC (Teaching, Leading, Coaching) District Team-Floyd County 2023-2024
- Maximizing Student Outcomes Through Strong Teacher/SLP Collaboration Kentucky Speech Language Hearing Convention (KSHA) 2025
- Utilizing ABA to Facilitate Outcomes, Augmentative & Alternative Communication for Students with Autism at Wise County Schools Speech Training 2018
- Marshall Graduate School-CD Augmentative & Alternative Communication for Students with Autism 2011
- EKU Graduate School-Communication Disorders (CD) 2011
- Panelist for Therapy/Chaplain Partnership at Signature Health Care Retreat in Nashville 2007
Lead by Example
I led a change initiative to bring a high-quality evidence-based reading intervention, UFLI, to Allen Elementary as a pilot program for our district. A novel approach of utilizing high-achieving eighth-graders as peer tutors was one strategy that led to success. Buy-in and subsequent implementation by our Tier 3 reading interventionist was another key to the initiative’s success. MAP scores revealed most students moving from Novice to Proficient in a matter of 2 years.
Objective
Willing and excited to provide speech therapy solely or provide a combination of part-time district support, specifically as an ARC chairperson, MTSS support, coach, or assistant to maximize the mission and vision of the district.