Michele Panzitta
Summary
Experienced Speech Language Pathologist with 26 years of experience specializing in special needs school based population. Adept at working with students of all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels. Diagnoses issues and develops treatment plans to help students reach their full potential. Able to handle caseload and workload changes.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Self-employed
09.2000 - Current
- Works with students in their homes providing therapy to improve their overall communication skills
- Provides information on speech improvement techniques and non-verbal communication methods.
- Monitors clients' progress and adjusts treatments accordingly.
- Servicing clients from the age of 3-22 years of age
- Addresses articulation, Language, stuttering, communication, oral motor and AAC communication
- Works with clients and parents to educate them with improving their speech and language skills
- Formally evaluates clients and develops goals for therapy, provides therapy and carryover
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
NJEDDA
02.1997 - Current
- Coordinates scheduling for speech, occupational and physical therapists in collaborative mode
- Mentors and supervises graduate Speech Language Pathology students during their externships
- Creates and implements treatment plans intended to address speech and language issues in collaboration with other clinical professionals.
- Documents developments and regressions in student's speech, making treatment adjustments where necessary.
- Builds solid understanding of individual students issues through analysis of speech and hearing evaluations.
- Provides information on speech improvement techniques and non-verbal communication methods.
- Monitors students' progress and adjusts treatments accordingly.
- Effectively manages full caseload of students
- Collaborates and educates parents, teachers and related staff in order to help students achieve their optimal communication and growth
- Provides education and training to staff members with regards to feeding, oral motor therapy, communication techniques (PECs- picture exchange communication system, AAC with iPads and communication software, Dynavox with eye gaze, switch activation and sign language, auditory scanning)
- Instructs students in techniques for more effective communication such as sign language, AAC, symbols and scanning both visually and auditorily.
- Facilitates improvement in students' control of breathing mechanisms, jaw and facial muscles for feeding and speech purposes
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
- Demonstrates respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Builds strong rapport and trust with students
Education
Master of Science - Communication Disorders
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ01.1997
Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ01.1993
Skills
- Time Management/ scheduling
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Active Listening
- AAC Devices
- Therapy Strategies
- Treatment Implementation
- Behavior Modification
- Therapeutic Interventions
- Communication Strategies
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Patient-focused therapy
- Staff education and training
- Feeding and oral motor therapy
- Intervention planning
Affiliations
ASHA American Speech and Hearing Association
Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from American Speech and Hearing Association
NJ licensed Speech Language Pathologist
Volunteer Experience
Special Olympics
- assisted Students during various Special Olympic events
Family Fun Days
- take pictures of the students and families during the event
- help set up and clean up
- assist Families and students during the events
Timeline
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Self-employed
09.2000 - Current
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
NJEDDA
02.1997 - Current
Master of Science - Communication Disorders
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders
William Paterson University of New Jersey