Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Maria Russo

Fishkill,NY

Summary

Caring compassionate Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) offering a total of 40 years of experience. I have worked in a variety of settings, including Rockland County BOCES, East Ramapo Central School District, and Jawanio Inc, New City, New York. I have spent the last 17 years of my career at Rockland County BOCES, in a central based program with a majority of the student population having a classification of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Emotional Handicap. I recently retired in March of 2023 and have spent the last year catching up with "Grandma Duties" and some much needed rest and relaxation. I posses solid credentials including experience with populations that span preschoolers to geriatric patients. I have obtained an advanced certification from Brooklyn College in Autism Spectrum Disorders and just recently completed The ARC School Advocacy Curriculum. My expertise includes case management, intervention planning, and documentation, with strong communication and problem-solving abilities with a methodical approach.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

School-Based Speech Language Pathologist

Rockland County BOCES, New City New York
09.2006 - 03.2023
  • Collaborate daily with administration, clinician psychologists, social workers, other related service providers (Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Teachers of the Hearing Impaired) and special education teachers on best practices for the students on my caseload.
  • Implement therapy for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Hearing Impairment, Apraxia of Speech, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.
  • Administer standardized, dynamic, and informal assessments.
  • Evaluate and treat fluency disorders, receptive/expressive delays, articulation/phonology delays or disorders and social/pragmatic delays and disorders
  • Managed an average caseload of 40+ students, grades K - 8th.
  • Conduct small group and individualized therapy activities, based on differentiated learning needs.
  • Evaluate and properly document effects of therapy treatment activities and adjust therapy plans to achieve maximum benefit.
  • Complete computerized Medicaid billing, Individualized Educational Plans (IEP), Progress Reports, and Re-evaluations within proper timelines.
  • Schedule, conduct, and participate in IEP meetings to address educational concerns related to speech and/or language therapy.
  • Develop picture exchange communication boards to aid students in communicating their wants/needs and increasing understanding of classroom routines.
  • Create appropriate low-tech communication books for individual student use.
  • Maintain well organized student files and documentation of services provided.
  • Prepare materials specifically designed for the benefit of individual students.
  • Served as a mentor for new Speech-Language Pathologists, providing guidance on best practices while fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.
  • Contributed to the improvement of school-wide communication strategies by providing expert consultation to administrators and teachers.
  • Implemented group therapy sessions for individuals with similar communication challenges, promoting peer support and increased motivation.
  • Educated patients and family members about various topics such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with and avoid personal misunderstandings.

Speech-Language Pathologist

East Ramapo Central School District
01.1994 - 06.2006
    • Provided information on speech improvement techniques and non-verbal communication methods.
    • Improved student communication skills by implementing individualized therapy plans tailored to their specific needs.
    • Effectively managed caseloads within a variety of settings including Kindergarten to Grade 3 school, Intermediate School 4-6 grade and Young Adult Intellectually Disabled Men from a Religious Community.
    • Consulted with teachers and school staff regarding student-specific intervention strategies within educational settings.
    • Maintained strict adherence to ethical guidelines and professional standards in speech-language pathology practice.
    • Developed strong rapport with students and families through empathetic listening and open communication.
    • Built solid understanding of individual patients issues through analysis of speech and hearing evaluations.
    • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of speech-language pathology.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Jawanio Inc.
08.1988 - 06.1997
  • Effectively managed caseloads within a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities.
  • Improved patient communication skills by implementing individualized therapy plans tailored to their specific needs.
  • Enhanced speech and language development in preschool children by designing engaging activities and exercises targeting various skill levels.
  • Built solid understanding of individual patients issues through analysis of speech and hearing evaluations.
  • Increased patient satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality care and maintaining open lines of communication with families regarding progress updates.
  • Facilitated parent education sessions on topics related to early intervention strategies for speech and language delays in young children.

Education

Master of Arts - Speech Pathology

Long Island University
Greenvale, NY
01.1989

Bachelor of Arts - Speech And Language Disorders

Marymount Manhattan College
New York, NY
06.1983

Skills

    • Experienced speech language pathologist
    • Highly organized and detail oriented
    • Self starter and self directed
    • Enthusiastic team player
    • Time management proficiency
      • Skilled at working independently and in a team environment
      • Possesses good written and verbal communication skills
      • Ability to communicate effectively with people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds
      • Familiarity with cultural diversity
      • Adept at collecting data and revising plans based on student data

Certification

Certificate of Clinical Competency was granted by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) in January 1989 upon completion of my Clinical Fellowship Year.

New York State License , Speech Language Pathologist, # 006270

New York State Permanent Certification as a qualified Teacher of Speech and Hearing Handicapped.

Timeline

School-Based Speech Language Pathologist

Rockland County BOCES, New City New York
09.2006 - 03.2023

Speech-Language Pathologist

East Ramapo Central School District
01.1994 - 06.2006

Speech-Language Pathologist

Jawanio Inc.
08.1988 - 06.1997

Master of Arts - Speech Pathology

Long Island University

Bachelor of Arts - Speech And Language Disorders

Marymount Manhattan College

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Maria Russo