MELISSA GALLEGOS
McAllen,TX
Summary
ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist with a decade of experience delivering comprehensive treatment for pediatric and geriatric patients with speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders across various settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals. Strong ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality patient care. Expertise in developing and implementing tailored treatment plans, focusing on neurogenic communication disorders, swallowing management, and cognitive-communication rehabilitation. Committed to enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and compassionate support.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Speech Language Pathologist
South Texas Health System-McAllen
McAllen, TX
05.2024 - Current
- Conduct detailed evaluations of patients with speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders, utilizing standardized assessment tools and clinical observations to determine diagnosis and treatment needs.
- Develop and implement tailored therapy programs for patients focusing on functional communication and swallowing skills.
- Analyze results from Modified Barium Swallow Studies to inform individualized treatment plans, recommending dietary modifications and specific therapeutic exercises to enhance swallowing safety and efficiency.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians, and social workers to create integrated care plans and ensure comprehensive patient management.
- Provide education to patients and families and develop a home exercise program to support progress outside of therapy sessions.
- Supervise and mentor student interns by providing guidance in assessments and interventions while fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Manage urgent cases in the hospital, such as patients with acute neurological conditions, ensuring timely assessment and intervention to minimize long-term impacts.
- Coordinated efforts with diverse teams to ensure comprehensive patient care delivery.
Lead Speech Language Pathologist
Brownsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Brownsville, TX
02.2022 - 05.2024
- Oversaw speech therapy department caseload management and delegated schedules to team members.
- Organized comprehensive workshops detailing diet modification strategies and thickened liquid preparation methods for facility personnel.
- Facilitated clinical training and mentorship for graduate students to enhance practical skills.
- Enhanced patient care by coordinating with case manager, social worker, nurse, and dietician to address progress, identify deficits, and implement strategic plans for improvement.
- Compiled weekly progress notes to track treatment effectiveness.
- Maintained therapy certifications and organized plan of care forms for compliance.
Inpatient / Outpatient Speech Language Pathologist
Weslaco Regional Rehabilitation Hospital
Weslaco, TX
09.2020 - 02.2022
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders resulting from stroke, traumatic brain injury, transient ischemic attack, and cerebrovascular accident.
- Executed Passy Muir valve trials to enhance communication and swallowing rehabilitation for tracheostomy patients.
- Facilitated collaboration with healthcare professionals during rounds and meetings focused on patient care plans.
- Conducted thorough evaluations and provided targeted interventions for patients experiencing communication and swallowing impairments due to intubation and respiratory issues in a COVID-19 setting.
- Formulated comprehensive patient and family education plan incorporating communication strategies, swallow precautions, and rehabilitation exercises.
- Conducted and analyzed re-evaluations to assess patient progress and identify necessary goal modifications.
- Coordinated efforts with diverse teams to refine and implement patient care strategies.
Speech Language Pathologist and Clinical Fellow
Winter Pediatric Therapy
Houston, TX
07.2018 - 08.2020
- Conduct comprehensive evaluations to assess speech, language and swallowing function for children with a variety of disorders.
- Develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's needs and goals.
- Prepare and submit funding to acquire an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device for children that have limited verbalizations or are non-verbal.
- Provided education to parents and caregivers regarding strategies to support their child’s communication development and facilitate carryover of learned skills at home.
Speech Language Pathologist (PRN)
Cobalt Rehabilitation Hospital
Houston, TX
08.2019 - 01.2020
- Conduct evaluations of patients with speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing impairments.
- Develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
- Implement appropriate therapeutic activities to improve patient outcomes.
- Educated patients and families about therapy techniques and home exercise programs.
Graduate Extern
Valley Regional Medical Center
Brownsville, TX
02.2018 - 05.2018
- Assisted supervising SLP in conducting evaluations and therapy sessions, gaining hands-on experience with diverse patient populations, including those with strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and neurological disorders.
- Conduct Modified Barium Swallow Studies to assess swallowing function and determine the safest, least restrictive diet.
- Conduct bedside swallow evaluations and implement swallowing management strategies including diet modifications, safe swallow precautions and compensatory techniques.
- Observed dysphagia evaluations and treatment sessions with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Total Rehab - Kids
Brownsville, TX
09.2014 - 06.2016
- Assist licensed SLPs in conducting speech and language assessments, including screenings and standardized tests.
- Implement individualized therapy plans, facilitating exercises to improve articulation, fluency, and language skills.
- Monitor and document patient progress, providing regular updates to supervising SLPs to inform treatment adjustments.
- Educate patients and families on therapy techniques and strategies to support communication goals at home.
Education
Master of Science - Communication Disorders
West Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Science - Communication Sciences and Disorders
Texas A&M University Kingsville
Skills
- Dysphagia management
- Cognitive-communication therapy
- Fluency and voice disorders
- Feeding Specialist
- Neurological speech disorders management
- Aphasia therapy
Certification
- Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) by ASHA
- VitalStim Therapy and Beyond: Dines Specialty Certification Program, July 2021
- SOFFI feeding certified professional
- Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
- Resuscitation Quality Improvement Program (RQI)
- Licensed Speech Language Pathologist, State of Texas #114743
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Speech Language Pathologist
South Texas Health System-McAllen
05.2024 - Current
Lead Speech Language Pathologist
Brownsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
02.2022 - 05.2024
Inpatient / Outpatient Speech Language Pathologist
Weslaco Regional Rehabilitation Hospital
09.2020 - 02.2022
Speech Language Pathologist (PRN)
Cobalt Rehabilitation Hospital
08.2019 - 01.2020
Speech Language Pathologist and Clinical Fellow
Winter Pediatric Therapy
07.2018 - 08.2020
Graduate Extern
Valley Regional Medical Center
02.2018 - 05.2018
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Total Rehab - Kids
09.2014 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Science - Communication Sciences and Disorders
Texas A&M University Kingsville
Master of Science - Communication Disorders
West Texas A&M University