Lisa Needham
Linden,CA
Summary
Versatile Speech and Language Pathologist and Early Childhood Special Education Teacher with a vast experience creating inclusive and engaging learning environments. Skilled in assessing individual needs and implementing tailored educational strategies for optimal student development. For the past 20+ years I have primarily served preschool and TK-3 elementary students in a school-based setting as a speech and language pathologist and more recently early childhood special education teacher.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Lincoln Unified School District
08.2024 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance instructional strategies and support services.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to promote positive classroom environments.
- Trained staff on best practices for early childhood special education interventions.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
- Implemented a variety of AAC supports (low to high tech) and a core word program.
- Lead teacher of Level 1 support SDC preschool class.
Full Inclusion Early Childhood SPED Teacher
Galt Joint Union Elementary School District
08.2023 - 07.2024
- Co-taught with general ed. teacher. Used Creative Curriculum to develop lesson plans and relate them to the Preschool Learning Foundations and DRDP assessments.
- Utilized various AAC supports (ex: PECS, core language boards, TD snap with eye gaze, Gotalk) to maximize communication for all students. This included programming as well as staff and parent training.
- Conducted assessments to monitor progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly
- Collaborated with paraprofessionals to support students with diverse needs
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for special education students
Speech and Language Pathologist
San Joaquin County Office of Education
09.2021 - 06.2023
- Assessment, intervention and consultation services for preschool age students in an ABA preschool setting and students age 18-22 in young adult program.
- Consulting and providing training for families and classroom staff to support emergent communicators across settings.
- Helping team to explore and determine AAC options that provide a robust vocabulary for future development.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Windsor Unified School District
08.2007 - 06.2021
- Screened, assessed and treated students preschool through 4th grade.
- Varied caseload of students with mild to severe speech and language impairments.
- Worked with a multidisciplinary team to create and implement support plans for students in general education, full inclusion and special day classroom settings.
- Created Stretch Preschool program with occupational therapist to support students with more intensive sensory, behavioral and pragmatic needs.
- Supervised graduate students and Speech and Language Pathology assistants.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Ukiah Unified School District
08.2002 - 07.2007
- Conducted screenings, assessments and provided speech and language therapy for preschool age – 6th grade students with speech and language impairment, mild-moderate in nature.
- Service delivery included individual and small group sessions in Head Start, State Preschool, private preschool and charter school settings.
Education
Early Childhood Special Education Credential -
Teachers College San Joaquin
Stockton, CA05-2025
Masters Degree - Communicative Sciences and Disorders, SLP
California State University, Fresno
Fresno, CA01.2002
Bachelors Degree - Communicative Sciences and Disorders
California State University, Fresno
Fresno, CA01.2000
Skills
- Assistive Technology Certificate
- California State University, Northridge Spring 2020
- Pragmatic/Social Skills
- Completed training to implement Kimochis social emotional curriculum and Social Thinking curriculum
- Part of multidisciplinary assessment teams, determining eligibility and creating IEPs for students with various disabilities
- AAC-assist team with selection and implementation of supports for school and home use Ex: PECS, Proloquo2go, Touchchat, Gotalk, Tobii Dynavox with eye gaze, core language boards
- Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and dedication to student success by building strong relationships with colleagues and families alike
Certification
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- California Speech Pathologist License
- California Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential
Timeline
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Lincoln Unified School District
08.2024 - Current
Full Inclusion Early Childhood SPED Teacher
Galt Joint Union Elementary School District
08.2023 - 07.2024
Speech and Language Pathologist
San Joaquin County Office of Education
09.2021 - 06.2023
Speech and Language Pathologist
Windsor Unified School District
08.2007 - 06.2021
Speech and Language Pathologist
Ukiah Unified School District
08.2002 - 07.2007
Masters Degree - Communicative Sciences and Disorders, SLP
California State University, Fresno
Bachelors Degree - Communicative Sciences and Disorders
California State University, Fresno
Early Childhood Special Education Credential -
Teachers College San Joaquin