MARY T. McDERMOTT
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Education leader and Doctor of Education with 15+ years of experience advancing student success across higher education and K–12 environments through academic program leadership, student advising, curriculum development, faculty and staff supervision, and strategic program improvement. Proven record of designing and launching educational programs, developing policies and systems, strengthening student engagement and retention, building collaborative partnerships, and using data and stakeholder feedback to improve educational outcomes. Deep commitment to educational equity, inclusion, student advocacy, and removing barriers to academic and professional success. Experienced leader of multidisciplinary teams with expertise spanning K–12 education, higher education, professional preparation, online and hybrid learning, and student development.
Overview
1
1
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Residential Clinic Director
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI
03.2025 - Current
- Supported strategic initiatives enhancing program operations, educational quality, faculty collaboration, and student professional development.
- Developed and applied policies and protocols for student development accommodations, academic progression, and professional readiness, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
- Coordinate across academic programs to design clinical simulation experiences that prepare students for transition into graduate-level professional practice.
- Teach undergraduate and graduate clinical practicum courses, mentor students, and deliver developmental feedback to support academic and professional growth.
- Collaborated with clinical faculty and university stakeholders to assess program needs and enhance educational processes, strengthening overall student experience.
Teaching Fellow / Assistant Professor Speech Pathology & Audiology
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI
07.2024 - 03.2025
- Developed curriculum and delivered distance education for undergraduate and graduate courses in speech-language pathology, enhancing accessibility for diverse learners.
Program Director / Assistant Professor -Speech-Language Pathology
Gannon University
Erie, PA
12.2018 - 06.2024
- Directed undergraduate and graduate academic programs, providing support for curriculum, student development, faculty coordination, recruitment, retention, program operations, and continuous improvement.
- Developed and maintained policies, procedures, and initiatives that enhanced student engagement, academic progress, and professional preparation.
- Advised and mentored students on academic planning, career pathways, professional development, and decisions shaping educational success.
- Created and delivered online and in-person curriculum and innovative learning experiences for diverse student populations.
- Supported interdisciplinary learning opportunities across the School of Rehabilitative Sciences to strengthen collaboration and professional development.
- Managed accreditation initiative, coordinating timelines, milestones, documentation, and stakeholder responsibilities to ensure compliance and program quality.
- Partnered with faculty and university leadership to assess program needs and develop solutions that aligned educational programming with institutional priorities.
- Used student feedback, academic data, program requirements, and emerging educational needs to refine curriculum, instructional strategies, and student-support practices.
Online Course Designer
Gannon University
Erie, PA
06.2021 - 06.2023
- Redesigned curriculum and instructional strategies to improve learner engagement, participation, and educational outcomes.
- Developed simulations, interactive assessments, and technology-enhanced learning experiences to enhance engagement for diverse learners.
- Refined instructional strategies based on learner progress and outcomes to improve program effectiveness.
- Designed educational programs and learning experiences that met learner needs and aligned with institutional priorities.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Cleveland, OH
08.2017 - 12.2018
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify communication disorders and develop tailored intervention plans.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic techniques, leading to improved speech and language skills across diverse populations.
- Educated patients and families on communication techniques and strategies, enhancing speech, language, and cognitive development.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance client care and develop effective communication strategies.
- Provided community-based and in-home early intervention services to children up to age three with language, hearing, cognitive, and developmental delays.
Special Education Supervisor
Maple Heights City School
Maple Heights, OH
08.2015 - 07.2017
- Led special education initiatives across elementary and middle school settings focused on student achievement, educational access, family engagement, and equitable student support.
- Facilitated IEP meetings and coordinated collaboration among students, families, educators, administrators, and interdisciplinary professionals to develop individualized strategies supporting student success.
- Guided intervention specialists in implementing special education policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with student and parent rights under IDEA.
- Monitored student and educator performance, identified barriers to success, and implemented solutions to support diverse educational needs.
- Analyzed academic and institutional data to identify student needs and inform strategic decisions, enhancing program improvements and monitoring progress.
- Partnered with families and school personnel to advocate for students and ensure appropriate educational supports and services.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Maple Heights School District
Maple Heights, OH
08.2010 - 08.2015
- Delivered targeted speech, language, cognitive, hearing, and swallowing therapy services to enhance communication skills and overall academic performance in middle and high school students.
- Developed therapy plans addressing student needs, monitored progress through regular documentation.
- Evaluated patient abilities and tracked progress through assessments, adjusting therapy plans.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to support students with communication disorders and promote effective strategies among faculty and staff.
Education
Doctor of Education - Leadership Studies
Ashland University
Ashland, OH05-2017
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Communication Disorders
State University of New York at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY05-1992
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Biology
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH05-1987
Skills
- Educational Strategy & Program Vision
- Student Success & Retention
- K–12 & Higher Education Leadership
- Educational Equity & Student Advocacy
- Program Development & Continuous Improvement
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Change
- Student Advising, Mentoring & Development
- Faculty & Staff Leadership
- School & Community Partnerships
- Family & Stakeholder Engagement
- Outcomes Assessment & Data-Informed Decision Making
- Curriculum & Instructional Design
- Policy & Procedure Development
- Program Evaluation & Accreditation
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Online & Hybrid Education
- Professional Development & Talent Development
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
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
- April 2025 Present Michigan Speech-Language Hearing Association
Timeline
Residential Clinic Director
Calvin University
03.2025 - Current
Teaching Fellow / Assistant Professor Speech Pathology & Audiology
Calvin University
07.2024 - 03.2025
Online Course Designer
Gannon University
06.2021 - 06.2023
Program Director / Assistant Professor -Speech-Language Pathology
Gannon University
12.2018 - 06.2024
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
08.2017 - 12.2018
Special Education Supervisor
Maple Heights City School
08.2015 - 07.2017
Speech-Language Pathologist
Maple Heights School District
08.2010 - 08.2015
Doctor of Education - Leadership Studies
Ashland University
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Communication Disorders
State University of New York at Buffalo
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Biology
John Carroll University