Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Jenner-Morris

Wheat Ridge,CO

Summary

Over 20 years of experience as a licensed Speech Language Pathologist with extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of pediatric and adult/geriatric populations. Organized, problem-solver who efficiently manages numerous, fluctuating caseloads and therapy-related duties. Driven to achieve exceptional therapeutic outcomes and positively influence quality of life as a key member of a multidisciplinary case-management team committed to delivering quality care.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Speech Language Pathologist

ProCare Therapy
11.2024 - 05.2025
  • Customized therapeutic interventions for culturally diverse populations, ensuring sensitivity to individual values, beliefs, and communication styles while delivering effective care
  • Developed evidence-based treatment plans that effectively addressed the unique needs of each student, leading to improved outcomes over time
  • Implemented group therapy sessions for individuals with similar communication challenges, promoting peer support and increased motivation
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive treatment plans for students with complex communication disorders using Alternative and Augmentative Communication
  • Served as a supervisor for a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant, guiding best practices while fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth
  • Effectively managed a caseload of 80 students across three schools
  • Enhanced speech and language development in children by designing engaging activities and exercises targeting various skill levels.
  • Facilitated parent education sessions on topics related to early intervention strategies for speech and language delays in young children.
  • Improved student outcomes with tailored therapy sessions focusing on articulation, language, fluency, and voice disorders.

Speech and Language Pathologist

Therapies of the Rockies
06.2024 - 10.2024
  • Responsible for the assessment and treatment of speech and language disorders of adult and geriatric populations within an outpatient clinic setting, including but not limited to: Aphasia, Dysarthria, Dysphagia, Apraxia, and Phonatory disorders using a multidisciplinary team approach and evidence-based practices
  • Conducted thorough assessments to accurately diagnose speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages
  • Developed and implemented social skills groups for neurodivergent children ages 7-15
  • Created and implemented treatment plans intended to address speech and language issues in collaboration with other clinical professionals
  • Developed specific plans of care and properly documented patient goals, evaluated progress, and planned reevaluations
  • Performed screenings to identify at-risk children within private preschool settings and delivered speech-language therapy services based on Early Intervention practices
  • Educated families on strategies for supporting their loved one's communication at home, fostering a supportive environment for continued progress
  • Streamlined documentation processes while maintaining high standards of confidentiality as required under HIPAA regulations
  • Dynamically evaluated effects of treatment and adjusted to achieve maximum benefit
  • Reduced communication barriers for children and adults by introducing alternative and augmentative communication systems
  • Advocated for and strove to protect the health, safety and rights of the patient
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of Medicare and other reimbursement regulations
  • Planned for discharges and communicated findings and progress in detailed reports
  • Facilitated health and healing by cultivating caring relationships with patients.

Speech and Language Pathologist

AMN Healthcare
07.2023 - 05.2024
  • Conducted thorough screenings and assessments to accurately identify and diagnose speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders for students within the Early Childhood Education, Elementary, and Middle School settings across seven schools
  • Customized therapeutic interventions for culturally diverse populations, ensuring sensitivity to individual values, beliefs, and communication styles while delivering effective care.
  • Developed and implemented Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) according to Colorado Department of Education's Exceptional Student Services guidelines
  • Scheduled and conducted regular IEP meetings to address educational concerns related to speech-language therapy with administration, faculty, paraprofessionals, and parents/guardians
  • Provided articulation and language therapy within individual and group settings
  • Maximized therapy session effectiveness by utilizing evidence-based practices and continuously updating methods based on the latest research
  • Elevated student confidence in social settings by improving pragmatic language skills through role-playing and social stories.
  • Fostered a positive and encouraging therapy environment, which improved student engagement and motivation.
  • Provided early intervention services to young children, resulting in improved speech and language development.

CONTRACTED SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

ALLIED RESOURCES GROUP, LLC
08.2010 - 07.2023
  • Responsible for the assessment and treatment of speech and language disorders of adult and geriatric populations within acute, skilled nursing, in-patient rehabilitation and out-patient clinic settings within a 75-mile radius of Metropolitan New Orleans.
  • Extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients with neurogenic disorders, tracheostomies, patients with specific types of head and neck cancer and Passy-Muir Valves
  • Developed evidence-based treatment plans that effectively addressed the unique needs of each patient, leading to improved outcomes over time.
  • Conducted thorough Bedside Swallow Examinations and Modified Barium Swallow Studies to assess patients' swallowing abilities, leading to appropriate recommendations for diet modifications or further medical referrals when necessary.
  • Tailored speech therapy techniques to adults recovering from strokes, significantly improving their communication abilities.
  • Established strong relationships with patients and families, fostering trust and collaboration towards shared treatment goals.

Speech Language Pathologist

International School of Louisiana
09.2020 - 01.2023
  • Responsible for the screening, assessment and treatment of school-aged children with communication disorders in the areas of articulation, language, voice, fluency, and pragmatics within an immersion program (Spanish/French).
  • Direct experience developing and implementing Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) according to Louisiana Bulletin 1508 guidelines
  • Scheduled and conducted regular IEP meetings to address educational concerns related to speech-language therapy with administration, faculty, paraprofessionals, and parents/guardians
  • Responsible for maintaining and organizing protected student information for state compliance.
  • Responsible for remaining knowledgeable of current federal, state, and local regulations that impact service delivery within the special education setting.
  • Adopted and implemented school district goals and policies, while contributing personal knowledge and skills to a team environment.
  • Demonstrated flexibility and skill navigating through in-person and virtual therapy session schedules.
  • Chosen by direct supervisor to hold an additional position as Multi-Tiered Support System Coordinator for grades Kindergarten through Second grade.
  • Scheduled and lead biweekly meetings with educators to discuss students in the general education setting at-risk in the areas of academics, behavior, social-emotional, and/or communication.
  • Collaborated with educators to develop and implement individual intervention strategies to improve positive outcomes.
  • Reviewed, collected and maintained student files for 1508 evaluations.
  • Assisted in training and monitoring special education teachers in policies, documentation, delivery of services, and compliance.
  • Maintained state records for ELL students.

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

NEW ORLEANS CHARTER SCHOOLS
07.2015 - 03.2020
  • Responsible for the screening, assessment, and treatment of school aged children from pre-school through high school
  • Provided articulation and language therapy within individual and group settings
  • Provided therapy to students diagnosed with, but not limited to: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, mild to severe Intellectual Disability, Dyslexia, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and Phonological Processing Disorders
  • Direct training and experience with Augmentative and Alternative Communication
  • Collaborated in the development and implementation of tiered intervention for at-risk students
  • Direct experience developing and implementing Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) according to Louisiana Bulletin 1508 guidelines
  • Scheduled and conducted regular IEP meetings to address educational concerns related to speech-language therapy with administration, faculty, paraprofessionals, and parents/guardians
  • Maintained organized documentation and students' files; Managed all "speech only" student files related to state compliance
  • Served on a self-monitoring committee to ensure compliance according to Louisiana Department of Education guidelines
  • Chosen to serve in a leadership role successfully providing management of and support for colleagues to implement a $200,000.00 special education grant.

DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION/SLP

THE REHAB DEPARTMENT
11.2018 - 02.2019
  • Responsible for directing the overall functions of Rehabilitation Services
  • Provided professional support services to rehabilitation center residents;
  • Initiated referrals as suitable and complying with Therapy Department procedures
  • Responsible for the oversight of all rehabilitation services to ensure optimum departmental operation
  • Established program development objectives and conducted ongoing analysis of effectiveness
  • Developed and maintained relations between therapy services and staff administration
  • Identified staffing requirements, schedules and vacation coverage to ensure adequate staff attends to patient needs
  • Support recruitment of new rehabilitation staff as required
  • Ensured on time response to Medicare and Managed Care claims, associated reviews and denials
  • Ensured ongoing team conformance with relevant regulations, company procedures and policies
  • Performed ongoing evaluation of corporate adherence program and supervise for effectiveness
  • Supervised team patient treatment productivity and perform action as directed as per established benchmarks
  • Ensured all services were completed on time like logs and payroll
  • Executed introductory along with yearly job performance analysis and monitor escalation plans
  • Conducted orientation for new rehabilitation personnel
  • Coordinated and directed team involvement in facility meetings as well as in-service programs
  • Maintained a full Speech Language therapy caseload providing assessments and treatment while performing duties as Director

CONTRACTED SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

ONWARD HEALTHCARE
11.2015 - 07.2016

CEO/SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

DELTA SPEECH AND LANGUAGE CONSULTANTS
04.2010 - 12.2014

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

VISITING NURSES ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS
10.2005 - 12.2010

CONTRACTED SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

NEW ORLEANS SPEECH AND HEARING CENTER
08.2008 - 05.2010

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

PLAQUEMINES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
08.2007 - 05.2009

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

EAST JEFFERSON GENERAL HOSPITAL
01.2005 - 08.2007

Education

Master of Communication Disorders - Speech Language Pathology

Louisiana Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, LA
12.2004

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
12.2000

Skills

  • Pediatrics
  • Adult/Geriatric
  • Special Education
  • Speech Language Therapy
  • Autism/Neurodivergence
  • AAC
  • Early Intervention
  • Dysphagia
  • Individual / Group Therapy
  • Case Management
  • Multicultural sensitivity

Languages

Spanish
Limited Working
French
Limited Working

Additional Information

Fully vaccinated plus booster (Pfizer-Covid)

Certified in CPR/AED

Timeline

Speech Language Pathologist

ProCare Therapy
11.2024 - 05.2025

Speech and Language Pathologist

Therapies of the Rockies
06.2024 - 10.2024

Speech and Language Pathologist

AMN Healthcare
07.2023 - 05.2024

Speech Language Pathologist

International School of Louisiana
09.2020 - 01.2023

DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION/SLP

THE REHAB DEPARTMENT
11.2018 - 02.2019

CONTRACTED SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

ONWARD HEALTHCARE
11.2015 - 07.2016

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

NEW ORLEANS CHARTER SCHOOLS
07.2015 - 03.2020

CONTRACTED SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

ALLIED RESOURCES GROUP, LLC
08.2010 - 07.2023

CEO/SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

DELTA SPEECH AND LANGUAGE CONSULTANTS
04.2010 - 12.2014

CONTRACTED SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

NEW ORLEANS SPEECH AND HEARING CENTER
08.2008 - 05.2010

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

PLAQUEMINES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
08.2007 - 05.2009

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

VISITING NURSES ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS
10.2005 - 12.2010

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

EAST JEFFERSON GENERAL HOSPITAL
01.2005 - 08.2007

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of New Orleans

Master of Communication Disorders - Speech Language Pathology

Louisiana Health Sciences Center