Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Leadership & Civic Roles
Awards & Recognition
Project's
Awards & Recognition
Hi, I’m

Melissa Herrera

Valley Stream,NY
Melissa Herrera

Summary

Aspiring Speech-Language Pathologist recognized on the Dean’s List for academic excellence, equipped with a robust foundation in advocacy and leadership. Dedicated civic leader serving as School Board President and Trustee, demonstrating a proven track record of championing inclusive initiatives and enhancing accessibility within educational settings. Passionate about advancing graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology, with a clinical focus on Childhood Apraxia of Speech, seamlessly integrating academic training with advocacy efforts. Committed to empowering children and families through improved communication access, fostering an environment where every voice is valued and heard.

Overview

2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association

Executive Committee Member
01.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • Led strategic planning sessions to align organizational goals with operational initiatives.
  • Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration to enhance communication and project outcomes.
  • Advanced inclusive education by implementing governance frameworks prioritizing accessibility and equity.
  • Mentored junior members, fostering professional development and enhancing team capability.
  • Actively shape policies and lead workshops impacting over 120 Long Island school boards.

Valley Stream Central High School District

Trustee, Board of Education VSCHSD
06.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Partnered with district leadership to implement inclusive academic programs and enhance student services for grades 7–12.
  • Strengthened community partnerships to support student success and mental wellness programs.
  • Implemented programs to foster inclusivity amongst diverse populations of students with varying communication needs.

Valley Stream Union Free District 24

Board of Education President
06.2021 - Current

Job overview

  • Leading strategic governance for over 1,000 students and families.
  • Launched and championed initiatives to strengthen family engagement and elevate academic and extracurricular programs.
  • Represented the district at state-level education forums, securing advocacy for funding, resources, and community priorities.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Various

Disabilities Advocate & Community Leader
2020 - Current (5 education.years_Label & 9 education.months_Label)

Job overview

  • Delivered presentations on communication disorders, disability inclusion, and accessibility at schools and community events.
  • Partnered with local organizations to improve accessibility, reaching hundreds of community members.

Skills

    Skills & Abilities

    Clinical Foundations & Academic Skills:

  • Phonetic transcription (IPA)
  • Acoustic analysis (Praat)
  • Audiometric testing
  • Speech Science Labs
  • Clinical Case Studies
  • Research writing

    • Leadership & Advocacy Skills:

  • Strategic planning
  • Board governance
  • Disability advocacy
  • Public speaking
  • Community engagement

Accomplishments

    Queens College, City University of New York — B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders, Expected May 2026

  • GPA: 3.67 | Dean’s List (all semesters)
  • Gamma Beta Phi | National Society of Leadership and Success | NSHLA Member (2024–2025)
  • Relevant Coursework: Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing, Phonetics, Speech & Hearing Science, Audiology, Disorders of Language, Disorders of Speech
  • Supporting Coursework: Statistics (Research Methods/Quantitative Analysis), Developmental Psychology, Linguistics
  • Professional Development: Advocacy Fundamentals for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

Timeline

Executive Committee Member

Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association
01.2023 - Current

Trustee, Board of Education VSCHSD

Valley Stream Central High School District
06.2022 - Current

Board of Education President

Valley Stream Union Free District 24
06.2021 - Current

Queens College

Bachelor of Science from Communication Science Disorders

Disabilities Advocate & Community Leader

Various
2020 - Current (5 education.years_Label & 9 education.months_Label)

Leadership & Civic Roles

  • Disabilities Advocate, with a focus on communication disorders and inclusive play.
  • Partnered with local organizations to improve accessibility and promote awareness campaigns, reaching hundreds of community members.

Awards & Recognition

  • Student Accessibility Advocate Award (2025) – Honored for dedication to championing accessibility and disability justice.
  • Women of Distinction Award, Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages (2021) – Recognized for empowering and uplifting the community through selfless leadership and service.

Project's

Inclusive Communication Boards Initiative – Valley Stream, NY

  • Conceived, designed, and spearheaded the installation of low-tech communication boards in multiple Long Island public parks, addressing accessibility gaps for children with speech and language disorders.
  • Partnered with school districts, local government, and disability advocacy organizations to secure approval, funding, and community support for the project.
  • Increased public awareness of communication disorders and inclusive play, engaging hundreds of families and educators; recognized with the Queens College Student Accessibility Advocate Award (2025) for disability justice leadership.


Meet the mind behind Valley Streams communication boards for inclusive playtime


Awards & Recognition

  • Student Accessibility Advocate Award (2025) – Honored for dedication to championing accessibility and disability justice.
  • Women of Distinction Award, Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages (2021) – Recognized for empowering and uplifting the community through selfless leadership and service.

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE