Melissa A. Caravello
Ooltewah,TN
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist
Associates in Pediatric Therapy
Hixson, Tennessee
09.2025 - Current
- Assessed patient's language and speech production abilities including articulation, fluency, voice quality, and pragmatics.
- Developed individualized therapy plans for pediatric clients.
- Monitored client progress and adjusted treatment strategies to improve therapy effectiveness.
- Monitored progress of clients through data collection procedures on standardized assessments and informal measures.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care plans.
- Implemented augmentative and alternative communication systems to facilitate improved communication for clients.
- Educated parents on home strategies to support their child's communication development and reinforce therapy goals.
- Provided counseling services related to self-esteem issues that arise due to communication problems.
Medical Speech Language Pathologist
Orange Grove Center
Chattanooga, TN
07.2021 - 05.2025
- Evaluated and treated dysphagia in adults with moderate to severe intellectual and developmental disabilities across supportive living, residential habilitation, and intermediate care facility programs, enhancing their quality of life.
- Evaluation and treatment of AAC/SGD needs for children with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Orange Grove private school
- Collaborated with special education teachers to identify individual communication support needs and developed tailored goals/objectives for inclusion in IEPs, facilitating effective communication strategies.
- Coordinated care and cotreatment within a multidisciplinary team, ensuring comprehensive support for clients across all departments.
Home Health Speech Language Pathologist
Amedisys
Chattanooga, TN
11.2017 - 04.2021
- OASIS admissions, resumptions of care, re-certifications, and agency discharge documentation
- Evaluation and treatment of adults with dysarthria, cognitive, aphasia, dysphagia, post-stroke fluency, and voice disorders (including tracheostomies) in their homes.
- Collaborated with medical professionals and caregivers to develop and implement tailored treatment plans addressing individual patient needs.
- Evaluated vital signs and body systems, reporting atypical findings to supervisors, RNs, and physicians to facilitate timely interventions and prevent rehospitalization.
Home Health Speech Language Pathologist
ProCare Home Health & Private Duty Services
Johnson City, TN
08.2016 - 10.2017
- Evaluated and treated dysphagia, aphasia, cognition, and voice in adults post-discharge from acute/subacute care, facilitating transition to home health.
- Evaluated patient communication skills and developed personalized therapy plans.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions to improve speech and language abilities.
- Evaluated and treated speech and language delays, dysphagia, feeding difficulties, and AAC needs in infants, pediatrics, and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities through DIDDS program, enhancing communication and feeding capabilities.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care and treatment strategies.
Director of Speech Pathology at Holston Valley Med Center
Mountain Region Speech & Hearing Center
Kingsport, TN
10.2010 - 07.2016
- Oversaw speech-language pathology program and delivered ST services in 530-bed, Level I trauma acute care facility, enhancing patient care standards
- Mentored and guided speech pathology clinical fellows, fostering professional development and clinical competence
- Contributed to multidisciplinary stroke certification board meetings, collaborating on best practices to improve stroke care outcomes
- Conducted and analyzed Modified Barium Swallow Studies
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Deborah L. Curlee Comm. Consultants INC
Knoxville, TN
08.2009 - 10.2010
- Conducted 1:1 evaluations and treatments for speech-language disorders in kindergarten to 6th grade students, enhancing communication skills and academic success.
- Assessed clients' speech and language needs through detailed evaluations.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans for diverse populations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care and outcomes.
- Delivered home-based services during school breaks to ensure continuous care and support for students' speech-language development.
Outpatient Speech-Language Pathologist
Physical Therapy Services, P.A.
Johnson City, TN
07.2009 - 07.2010
- Evaluation & treatment of speech, language, feeding and swallowing disorders with severely delayed and disabled pediatric patients
- Co-conducted preschool feeding group with OT to enhance children's feeding skills and social interactions
- Collaborated with physical and occupational therapists to deliver comprehensive, integrated care for children, addressing diverse developmental needs
Outpatient Speech Language Pathologist
Mountain Region Speech & Hearing Center
Kingsport, TN
04.2005 - 06.2008
- Evaluated and treated speech, language, fluency, and reading in preschool/school-age children to support communication development
- Evaluated and treated aphasia, dysphagia, and dysarthria in adults to improve communication and swallowing function
- Evaluated and treated dysphagia and feeding in 0-3yr population to enhance nutritional intake and safety
Home Health Speech Language Pathologist
Medical Center Home Care Services
Johnson City, TN
02.2004 - 07.2007
- Conducted evaluations and delivered targeted treatment for aphasia and dysphagia in adult patients, facilitating recovery and improving quality of life in a rehabilitation environment.
- Implemented evidence-based therapies to improve speech and swallowing functions.
- Evaluated patients' speech and language abilities to develop tailored treatment plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient communication strategies.
- Assessed and treated dysphagia, feeding, speech, and language disorders in children aged 0-3 years, enhancing communication and feeding skills in a clinical setting.
Education
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN12-2003
Bachelor of Arts - English, Linguistics, Music performance
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN05-1997
Skills
- McNeill Dysphagia training
- LSVT training
- NMES
- MBS-Imp training
- Neonate feeding
- Infant feeding
- Pediatric feeding
- SOS Feeding
- Food chaining
- Beckman protocol
- EMR systems
- Word
- Excel
- PMSV ventilation
Certification
- ASHA Cs, 12077694, 12/01/25
- TN License, 3214, 11/01/25
- Amer. Heart Assoc. BLS, 02/01/25
- NPI, available upon request
Awards
- ASHA ACE Award, 2025
- Therapist of the Year 2021 and 2023
License
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, TN, 3214
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist
Associates in Pediatric Therapy
09.2025 - Current
Medical Speech Language Pathologist
Orange Grove Center
07.2021 - 05.2025
Home Health Speech Language Pathologist
Amedisys
11.2017 - 04.2021
Home Health Speech Language Pathologist
ProCare Home Health & Private Duty Services
08.2016 - 10.2017
Director of Speech Pathology at Holston Valley Med Center
Mountain Region Speech & Hearing Center
10.2010 - 07.2016
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Deborah L. Curlee Comm. Consultants INC
08.2009 - 10.2010
Outpatient Speech-Language Pathologist
Physical Therapy Services, P.A.
07.2009 - 07.2010
Outpatient Speech Language Pathologist
Mountain Region Speech & Hearing Center
04.2005 - 06.2008
Home Health Speech Language Pathologist
Medical Center Home Care Services
02.2004 - 07.2007
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Arts - English, Linguistics, Music performance
East Tennessee State University