MELISSA ALTSHULER
Ridgewood
Summary
Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) with 14+ years of experience serving preschool through middle school-aged students with complex communication, developmental, and feeding needs. Expertise in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), assistive technology evaluations, interdisciplinary collaboration, parent and staff training, and IEP development. Proven ability to implement evidence-based interventions that promote communication access, independence, and participation across educational and community settings.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
District AAC Consultant & Evaluator
Ramsey Board of Education
09.2025 - Current
- Conduct district-wide AAC and assistive technology evaluations.
- Consult with educational teams regarding communication supports and technology implementation.
- Provide training and coaching to staff and families on AAC systems and assistive technology.
- Develop recommendations, reports, and implementation plans to support student success.
Speech-Language Specialist & Assistive Technology Specialist
Wyckoff Board of Education – Sicomac Elementary School
09.2024 - Current
- Provide individual and group speech-language therapy for students with diverse communication needs.
- Conduct speech-language and assistive technology evaluations.
- Serve as the district's in-house Assistive Technology Evaluator.
- Consult on AAC implementation and assistive technology integration.
- Collaborate with Child Study Team members, educators, and families to support student progress.
- Develop and monitor IEP goals and treatment plans.
Owner & Assistive Technology Consultant
J.L. Vital Voices LLC
06.2024 - Current
- Provide AAC and assistive technology evaluations for children and adults with complex communication needs.
- Conduct assistive technology assessments and develop individualized recommendations for devices, software, and communication supports.
- Deliver training to families, educators, therapists, and support staff regarding AAC implementation and best practices.
- Prepare comprehensive evaluation reports and funding justification documentation.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to promote communication access, independence, and participation across settings.
Speech-Language Specialist (Leave Replacement)
Ramsey Board of Education
03.2024 - 06.2024
- Provided individual and group speech-language therapy services.
- Conducted evaluations and prepared comprehensive assessment reports.
- Developed and monitored IEP goals and treatment plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and families to support student outcomes.
Speech-Language Pathologist
New York City Department of Education, District 75
09.2012 - 03.2024
- Provided individual and group speech-language therapy to preschool through middle school students with complex communication needs.
- Conducted speech-language and AAC evaluations for students requiring static and dynamic display communication systems.
- Presented professional development workshops on speech, language, feeding disorders, AAC, and therapeutic interventions.
- Developed IEP goals, treatment plans, and progress reports.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, parents, and community stakeholders to support communication development.
- Served as a member of the Building Response Team and provided parent training to support carryover of interventions across settings.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Sunny Days Early Childhood Developmental Services
06.2014 - 06.2015
- Evaluated and treated children receiving Early Intervention services for speech and language delays.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Starting Point Services for Children
04.2011 - 06.2011
- Provided speech-language therapy services to children with developmental delays.
Head Teacher Assistant
The Rebecca School
09.2008 - 06.2011
- Supported students with autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental disabilities in a therapeutic educational setting.
- Implemented developmental and relationship-based interventions using the DIR/Floortime model.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support communication, social-emotional development, and academic participation.
Education
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
Western Kentucky University
12-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Disorders, Minor in Education
University of Massachusetts Amherst
05-2008
undefined
Universidad Pablo de Olavide
Seville, Spain05-2007
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Patience and tolerance
- Creativity and innovation
- Therapeutic techniques
- Caseload management
- Relationship building
- Interpersonal communication
- Multitasking Abilities
Affiliations
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
Certification
- Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), RESNA, 2026
- Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), ASHA, 2013
- New Jersey Speech-Language Specialist Certification, 2012
- New York State Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD), 2012
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
- Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP), California State University, Northridge, 2023
- Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, Toomey & Associates, 2024
- PROMPT Trained, The PROMPT Institute, 2016
- Autism Intervention Training
- AAC Assessment and Intervention
- Feeding Disorders Assessment and Treatment
- IEP Development and Goal Writing
- Evidence-Based Speech and Language Therapy Techniques
Timeline
District AAC Consultant & Evaluator
Ramsey Board of Education
09.2025 - Current
Speech-Language Specialist & Assistive Technology Specialist
Wyckoff Board of Education – Sicomac Elementary School
09.2024 - Current
Owner & Assistive Technology Consultant
J.L. Vital Voices LLC
06.2024 - Current
Speech-Language Specialist (Leave Replacement)
Ramsey Board of Education
03.2024 - 06.2024
Speech-Language Pathologist
Sunny Days Early Childhood Developmental Services
06.2014 - 06.2015
Speech-Language Pathologist
New York City Department of Education, District 75
09.2012 - 03.2024
Speech-Language Pathologist
Starting Point Services for Children
04.2011 - 06.2011
Head Teacher Assistant
The Rebecca School
09.2008 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Disorders, Minor in Education
University of Massachusetts Amherst
undefined
Universidad Pablo de Olavide
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
Western Kentucky University