Kathy Rafal
Zion Crossroads,VA
Summary
Seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist with broad experience in clinical settings. Skilled at evaluating and treating a diverse range of speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders in adult populations. Recognized for developing effective treatment plans tailored to individual needs and abilities. Previous work resulted in significant improvement in patients' communication skills, enhancing their overall quality of life.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ivy Rehab
Zion Crossroads, VA
10.2024 - Current
- Assessment of patient's language and speech production abilities, swallow function, and cognitive-communication skills.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to develop treatment strategies and goals for patients.
- Provide direct therapy sessions using evidence-based practices to improve the communication of patients.
- Utilize technology such as iPads or computer software programs during therapy sessions when appropriate.
- Prescribe augmentative and alternative communication systems when appropriate to improve functional communication outcomes.
- Train caregivers on how best to interact with individuals who have difficulty communicating.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Voices of Hope for Aphasia
St Petersburg, FL
01.2022 - 05.2024
- Facilitated group therapy sessions addressing communication skills or other areas of need with multiple clients at once.
- Trained caregivers on how best to interact with individuals who have difficulty communicating.
- Educated patients and caregivers in exercises to improve speech, as well as alternative communication methods such as speech generation devices.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Bayfront Home Health, LHC Group
St Petersburg, FL
12.2016 - 05.2021
- Consulted, evaluated and diagnosed communication and cognitive-communication deficits and dysphagia due to neurogenic disorders.
- Provided direct therapy sessions using evidence-based practices to improve the communication of patients.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop treatment strategies and goals for patients.
- Monitored progress of clients through data collection procedures on standardized assessments and informal measures.
- Created individualized home programs for families to carryover learned skills between therapy sessions.
- Prescribed augmentative and alternative communication systems when appropriate to improve functional communication outcomes.
- Coordinated with medical professionals regarding care plans for medically complex patients.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Mederi Caretenders
Pinellas Park, FL
08.2014 - 06.2018
- Assessed patient's language and speech production abilities, swallow function, and cognitive-communication skills.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop treatment strategies and goals for patients.
- Provided direct therapy sessions using evidence-based practices to improve the communication of patients and facilitate improvement in swallow function.
- Utilized technology such as iPads or computer software programs during therapy sessions when appropriate.
- Prescribed augmentative and alternative communication systems when appropriate to improve functional communication outcomes.
- Trained caregivers on how best to interact with individuals who have difficulty communicating and/or swallowing.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Gentiva Health Services Inc.
Virginia Beach, VA
08.2008 - 03.2014
- Assessed patient's language and speech production abilities, swallow function, and cognitive-communication skills.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop treatment strategies and goals for patients.
- Provided direct therapy sessions using evidence-based practices to improve communication and/or swallow function.
- Utilized technology such as iPads or computer software programs during therapy sessions when appropriate.
- Prescribed augmentative and alternative communication systems when appropriate to improve functional communication outcomes.
- Trained caregivers on how best to interact with individuals who have difficulty communicating and/or swallowing.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Medical Facilities Of America
Virginia Beach, VA
06.1996 - 09.2008
- Assessed patient's language and speech production abilities, swallow function, and cognitive-communication skills.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop treatment strategies and goals for patients.
- Provided direct therapy sessions using evidence-based practices to improve communication, swallow function, and cognitive-communication skills.
- Trained caregivers on how best to interact with individuals who have difficulty communicating and/or swallowing.
- Coordinated with medical professionals regarding care plans for medically complex patients.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Virginia Beach, VA
08.1994 - 06.1996
- Participated in IEP meetings with school districts to ensure students receive necessary services according to their needs.
- Administered standardized assessments such as the CELF-5 or GFTA-3 for diagnosis of language disorders in children.
- Educated parents on strategies they can use at home to support their child's communication development.
- Developed individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior and speech problems.
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions addressing communication deficits.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Norfolk Public Schools
Norfolk, VA
08.1991 - 06.1994
- Participated in IEP meetings with school districts to ensure students receive necessary services according to their needs.
- Administered standardized assessments such as the CELF-5 or GFTA-3 for diagnosis of language disorders in children.
- Educated parents on strategies they can use at home to support their child's communication development.
- Developed individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior and speech problems.
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions addressing communication deficits.
Education
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA08-1991
Skills
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Documentation
- Patient Assessment
- Goal Setting
- Assistive Technologies
- Treatment Planning
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ivy Rehab
10.2024 - Current
Speech-Language Pathologist
Voices of Hope for Aphasia
01.2022 - 05.2024
Speech-Language Pathologist
Bayfront Home Health, LHC Group
12.2016 - 05.2021
Speech-Language Pathologist
Mederi Caretenders
08.2014 - 06.2018
Speech-Language Pathologist
Gentiva Health Services Inc.
08.2008 - 03.2014
Speech-Language Pathologist
Medical Facilities Of America
06.1996 - 09.2008
Speech-Language Pathologist
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.1994 - 06.1996
Speech-Language Pathologist
Norfolk Public Schools
08.1991 - 06.1994
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
Old Dominion University
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