Mary T. McDermott
Gannon University
Grand Rapids
1
Certification
16
years of professional experience
Experienced Speech-Language Pathologist and Clinic Director with expertise in program development and clinical supervision. Focused on team collaboration and adapting to evolving healthcare and ASHA standards. Demonstrates strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while fostering student growth and empowerment. Experienced in online course design, hybrid instruction, advising, and mentoring within professional programs.
Work History
Residential Clinic Director
1 Year 5 Months- Led strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency and collaboration amongst clinical instructors.
- Developed policies and protocols to address students' professional development, personal accommodations, and.
- Collaborated with speech-pathology clinical staff and nursing program to develop clinical simulation training in preparation for graduate clinician externships.
- Instructor for all clinical practicum courses at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Teaching Fellow / Assistant Professor – Speech Pathology & Audiology
2 Years 1 Month- Designed curriculum and facilitated distance education for undergraduate and graduate courses in speech-language pathology.
Program Director / Assistant Professor in BS-Communication Sciences and Disorders Program
6 Years 7 Months- Created and served as primary lecturer in online and in-person curriculum for the Communication Sciences Disorders program.
- Developed policies, protocols, and recruitment tools for undergraduate programs in communication disorders to enhance program structure and student engagement.
- Advised students on academic choices, provided guidance, and implemented retention initiatives.
- Facilitated inter-professional learning opportunities through the School of Rehabilitative Sciences to enrich student collaboration and interdisciplinary education.
Program Director / Assistant Professor - MS in Speech-Language Pathology
3 Years 10 Months- Created and developed all didactic and clinical curriculum according to the standards of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA).
- Fostered inclusive academic environment promoting respect and intellectual curiosity among students.
- Enhanced student engagement by implementing online learning platforms, discussion boards, and technology-based resources, facilitating consistent communication.
- Fostered academic environment rooted in inclusivity, respect, and intellectual curiosity.
- Executed comprehensive accreditation plan, coordinating deadlines, milestones, and processes from initiation to completion.
Online Course Designer
2 Years- Developed programs aligned with current and anticipated market demands to enhance learner engagement.
- Improved program designs based on requirements and standards of American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA).
- Delivered impactful learning experiences through simulations, lectures, and interactive assessments.
- Enhanced teaching strategies to maximize learner progress and achieve targeted educational outcomes.
Graduate Assistant Doctoral Program
1 Year 4 Months- Collaborated with lead teacher to develop engaging lecture activities in Canvas, facilitated discussions in synchronous sessions, and delivered constructive student feedback.
- Provided administrative support to enhance professional and academic development initiatives.
- Guided students on evidence-based practices, learning outcomes, and intervention strategies in speech-language pathology.
Founding Director / Assistant Professor, MS- Speech-Language Pathology Program
1 Year 4 Months- Established vision for speech-language pathology graduate program and oversaw daily operations to ensure program effectiveness.
- Recruited faculty for didactic and clinical curriculum, enhancing personal and professional development of graduate students.
- Developed and maintained policies and procedures for faculty, students, and staff within the program.
- Developed hybrid teaching strategies and resources, fostering collaboration to address university needs.
- Created hybrid teaching strategies, resources, and collaborative opportunities to meet the needs of the university.
Speech-Language Pathologist
1 Year 4 Months- Provided community-based and in-home early intervention services to children up to age three with language, hearing, cognitive, and developmental delays.
- Educated patients and families on communication techniques and strategies to improve speech, language, and cognitive development.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify communication disorders and develop tailored intervention plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance client care and promote effective communication strategies.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic techniques to improve speech and language skills in diverse populations.
Adjunct Faculty Member - Doctoral Program
9 Months- Facilitated exploratory discussions for students using leading questions to deepen understanding.
- Ensured accurate and fair grading while providing qualitative feedback to enhance student learning.
- Taught courses in Organizational Development and served as guest lecturer in Organizational Behavior.
- Mentored students in both fundamental and advanced concepts of Organizational Leadership to foster their academic growth.
Special Education Supervisor
1 Year 11 Months- Facilitated IEP meetings, developed behavior intervention plans, and implemented parent/student support strategies for elementary and middle schools to enhance student outcomes.
- Provided support and guidance to intervention specialists for alignment to special education policies, procedures, and rights of parents and students based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Analyzed academic and institutional data to generate regular reports, ensuring transparency and informing strategic decision-making.
- Monitored student and instructor performance to identify areas for improvement and provided proactive solutions to address diverse challenges.
Speech-Language Pathologist
5 Years- Delivered targeted speech, language, cognitive, hearing, and swallowing therapy services to enhance communication skills and overall academic performance in middle and high school students.
- Evaluated patient abilities and tracked progress through regular assessments, ensuring timely adjustments to therapy plans.
- Developed therapy plan to address students' needs with regular monitoring and documentation of progress.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary team of teachers, therapists, administrators, and parents to support students with communication disorders and promote effective strategies for faculty and staff.
Education
Doctor of Education - Leadership Studies
Dissertation: The Voice of Perseverance: The Self-Perceptions of African American High School Males with the Zero Tolerance Policy
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Communication Disorders
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Biology
Skills
Clinical Program Management
Special Education Supervision
Curriculum design
Innovative strategies
Clinical supervision
Higher Education Leadership
University Leader in Diversity
Equity
and Inclusion
Inclusive Teaching Practices
Affiliations
- May 1993 – Present American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) Rockville, MD
- Jan 2019 – Present ASHA Higher Ed Special Interest Group Rockville, MD
- April 2021 – Present National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Rockville, MD
- March 2022 – Present Pennsylvania Speech-Language Hearing Association Pittsburgh, PA
Certification
- May 1993 – Present ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence
- July 2021 – Present Pennsylvania Board of Speech-Language Pathology License
- July 2026 Michigan Board of Speech-Language Pathology License
Timeline
Residential Clinic Director
Calvin University
03.2025 - CurrentRead More
Teaching Fellow / Assistant Professor – Speech Pathology & Audiology
Calvin University
07.2024 - CurrentRead More
Online Course Designer
Gannon University
06.2021 - 06.2023Read More
Program Director / Assistant Professor - MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Gannon University
08.2020 - 06.2024Read More
Graduate Assistant Doctoral Program
Rocky Mountain University
08.2020 - 12.2021Read More
Program Director / Assistant Professor in BS-Communication Sciences and Disorders Program
Gannon University
01.2020 - CurrentRead More
Founding Director / Assistant Professor, MS- Speech-Language Pathology Program
Gannon University
08.2019 - 12.2020Read More
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
08.2017 - 12.2018Read More
Adjunct Faculty Member - Doctoral Program
Ashland University
08.2017 - 05.2018Read More
Special Education Supervisor
Maple Heights City School
08.2015 - 07.2017Read More
Speech-Language Pathologist
Maple Heights School District
08.2010 - 08.2015Read More
John Carroll University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Biology
Read More
State University of New York at Buffalo
Master of Arts (M.A.) from Communication Disorders
Read More
Ashland University
Doctor of Education from Leadership Studies
Read More
PRESENTATIONS
- Oct 2023 “Creating a Framework for Teaching Counseling in Undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders” Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) Annual Conference 2023 - Presenter
- Jan 2023 “Simucase as a Tool for Critical Thinking and Synthesis of Learning” Gannon University Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) Expo - Presenter
- Sep 2021 “Teaching with Masks”, CETL Presentation Gannon University
- May 2021 “Brain Health: What Does This Mean for You?” Gannon University
- Feb 2017 “Leading the Way: Collaborative Teaching” Maple Heights School District Staff Professional Development Presentation, Milkovich Middle School
ADADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Dissertation Committee Member 2020 - Present Responsible for guiding dissertation candidate in execution of research, analysis, and professional writing.
- Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee Member 2022 - 2024 Advanced DEI initiatives at university and program level to align with university mission, to increase awareness across university community, and to advocate for faculty, staff, student, and community needs.