Melissa Halpern
Plano,TX
Summary
Strategic Communicator with 25+ years of expertise in developing educational content and leading outreach initiatives across clinical, academic, and community platforms. Proven ability to translate complex concepts into clear communication for diverse audiences, including parents and healthcare partners. Skilled in social media optimization and brand awareness, with a strong foundation in relationship-driven marketing as a former SLP business owner.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Program Director & Communications Lead
Dallas Therapy, P.C.
01.1999 - Current
- Enhanced community engagement by delivering lectures and workshops for families and educators.
- Created educational content and resources for schools and healthcare partners.
- Cultivated partnerships with pediatricians and psychologists to build trust and communication.
- Managed training and communication for clinical fellows and interns, facilitating weekly meetings.
- Increased outreach effectiveness by applying social media strategies and brand messaging.
- Transformed complex reports into clear evaluations for medical and educational stakeholders.
Communications & Program Coordinator
Soliant Healthcare (Plano ISD Contract)
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Facilitated seamless communication among families, administrators, and service providers.
- Coordinated documentation and scheduling across multiple campus stakeholders.
- Developed reports and presentations for district and parent meetings.
- Established strong relationships through proactive engagement and support in school communities.
Autism Specialist & Stakeholder Communications Lead
Frisco Independent School District
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Enhanced communication strategies by facilitating ARD meetings with multi-disciplinary teams.
- Simplified complex developmental information for educators and families to understand easily.
- Coordinated services, serving as a liaison between education sectors and administrators.
Education
Master of Science - Human Development
University of Texas At Dallas
Bachelor of Science - Speech Pathology & Audiology
University of Texas at Austin
Skills
- Content Development & Messaging
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Public Speaking & Presentation Design
- Program Development & Strategic Planning
- Educational Marketing & Outreach
- Social Media Optimization & Branding
- Cross-Functional Communication
- Client Relationship Management
- Workshop & Training Facilitation
- Campaign Support & Brand Representation
ADDITIONAL MARKETING, MEDIA & LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- ASHA Media Campaign – Local Representative: Represented a national organization in public-facing communication efforts.
- Featured Speech-Language Pathologist – Newsline: Recognized for expertise and community contribution.
- Guest Lecturer: Sensory Integration Challenge & Child Care Group Conference: Delivered high-impact presentations to large audiences.
- Augmentative Technology Certified – enhanced understanding of digital communication tools.
- President, Sigma Delta Tau Sorority – led organizational communication, events, and engagement initiatives.
Timeline
Communications & Program Coordinator
Soliant Healthcare (Plano ISD Contract)
01.2003 - 01.2005
Clinical Program Director & Communications Lead
Dallas Therapy, P.C.
01.1999 - Current
Autism Specialist & Stakeholder Communications Lead
Frisco Independent School District
01.1997 - 01.1999
Bachelor of Science - Speech Pathology & Audiology
University of Texas at Austin
Master of Science - Human Development
University of Texas At Dallas