Kendell McKinnon
Chandler,AZ
Summary
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist pursuing an Early Intervention role with a strong commitment to supporting and empowering families. Proven expertise in diagnosing and treating speech and language disorders, utilizing evidence-based practices to effectively enhance communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist
Chandler Unified School District
Chandler, AZ
07.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with educators and parents to support student communication goals on Individualized Education Programs for 150+ students.
- Evaluated and diagnosed patients with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders using standardized assessments, informal language samples, and clinical observations.
- Enhanced speech and language development in students by designing engaging activities and exercises targeting various skill levels.
- Trained staff on effective communication strategies for students with communication challenges including use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Personal Assistant
Self-Employed
Scottsdale, AZ
05.2023 - 07.2024
- Delivered 150+ in-home functional cognitive-communication services for a client post brain injury.
Graduate Student Intern
Chandler Unified School District
Chandler, AZ
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Targeted AAC, speech, language, fluency, and pragmatic goals through specialized classroom instruction and small group sessions, considering individual strengths and areas of need for 50 students.
Graduate Student Clinician
ASU Speech & Hearing Clinic
Tempe, AZ
08.2022 - 02.2024
- Sought out extracurricular training in clinical swallowing evaluations (CSE) and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), achieving 15 passes
- Delivered 20 individual sessions to improve speech intelligibility and cognition following acquired brain injury
- Facilitated 20+ group sessions including Parkinson's LOUD Crowd and Aphasia Communication Effectiveness, fostering social engagement and targeting individual speech and language goals
Graduate Student Intern
Encompass Health
Mesa, AZ
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Delivered 300+ hours of direct speech therapy services at a 70-bed neurological and stroke rehabilitation hospital, addressing a wide variety of treatment areas, and emphasizing patient and family education.
- Engaged in regular interdisciplinary collaboration and developed competency with efficient electronic documentation, including 450+ comprehensive notes and reports.
Graduate Student Intern
Valley ENT
Mesa, AZ
04.2023 - 08.2023
- Collaborated on voice and upper airway evaluations with a Speech-Language Pathologist and Laryngologist following Video Laryngeal Stroboscopy (VLS) including 10 direct contact hours
Graduate Student Clinician
ASU's Pediatric Communication Clinics
Tempe, AZ
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Provided 100+ hours of early intervention for children 18 months to three years of age in areas of receptive/expressive language, speech, and social communication, incorporating individual interests and principles of Milieu Teaching.
- Provided education on communication strategies for caregivers, enhancing their ability to support children with communication challenges.
Education
Master of Science - Communication Disorders
Arizona State University
Tempe01-2024
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID01-2020
Skills
- Enhanced Milieu Teaching
- Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing
- Alternative and Augmentative Communication
- Multicultural/Multilingual Sensitivity
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Interpersonal Communication and Collaboration
Certification
- Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2025 - present
- Speech-Language Pathologist License, Arizona Department of Health Services, 2025 - present
- Speech-Language Pathologist PreK-12 Certificate, Arizona Department of Education, 2024 - present
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist
Chandler Unified School District
07.2024 - Current
Graduate Student Intern
Chandler Unified School District
01.2024 - 04.2024
Graduate Student Intern
Encompass Health
08.2023 - 12.2023
Personal Assistant
Self-Employed
05.2023 - 07.2024
Graduate Student Intern
Valley ENT
04.2023 - 08.2023
Graduate Student Clinician
ASU's Pediatric Communication Clinics
01.2023 - 04.2023
Graduate Student Clinician
ASU Speech & Hearing Clinic
08.2022 - 02.2024
Master of Science - Communication Disorders
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Brigham Young University-Idaho