Michelle Sawyer
Speech Language Pathologist
Saginaw,MI
Summary
Dedicated Speech & Language Pathologist skilled in providing evidence-based interventions for diverse student populations. Extensive experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, cognitive delays, and individuals who use Augmentative & Alternative Communication. Proven ability to monitor progress and tailor treatment plans to achieve measurable student outcomes.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Speech Language Pathologist
The Stepping Stones Group
02.2023 - Current
Speech Language Pathologist
ABA Pathways
02.2022 - 09.2023
Speech Language Pathologist
Game Changers Therapy Services
12.2020 - 02.2022
Speech Language Pathologist
Westlund Guidance Center Autism Services
08.2019 - 12.2020
Interim Director
Saginaw County Animal Care & Control
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Led a team of 12 employees and 20 volunteers to perform a wide range of duties involving animal care and community safety.
- Effectively networked with agencies such as; 911, police and fire departments, MDARD, Public Health department, prosecutor's office, veterinary clinics, news media, and other community agencies.
- Improved daily operations including; proper animal care, maintaining health and cleanliness, feeding, medication administration, medical care & follow up, health and behavioral testing and maintenance.
- Implemented work site partnerships with community organizations.
- Created rescue partnerships throughout Michigan.
- Created Rescue Coordinator position.
- Implemented new sanitation, vaccination, medication, & payment arrangement procedures.
- Revised adoption contract, veterinary follow-up protocols, and spay/neuter contract.
- Implemented trainings related to; OSHA, cruelty identification & prosecution, and medical procedures.
- Coordinated with & supervised animal control officers on routine calls, cruelty investigations, emergency calls, and animal transports.
- Created partnerships with veterinary clinics to; provide routine care, plan and implement TNR services.
- Collaborated with the Animal Advisory Board and participated in monthly meetings to report on shelter activity.
- Developed budget to include recent millage passage and correct line items shortages from previous budget.
Speech Language Pathologist
Saginaw Intermediate School District
05.2009 - 08.2018
Education
Master of Arts - Speech Language Pathology
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI01.2009
Bachelor of Applied Arts - Communication Disorders
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI01.2007
Minor - American Sign Language
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI01.2007
Skills
- Performed and documented individual evaluations and determined appropriate eligibility
- Performed and documented evaluations as part of a multi-disciplinary trauma assessment team
- Conducted in-clinic, home based and telehealth therapeutic activities and treatments
- Evaluated treatment goals and student progress on a continuous basis, making adjustments to achieve maximum benefit
- Consulted with other direct-care staff and worked with caregivers to implement home programs that achieved therapy goals
- Completed documentation according to compliance requirements
- Recorded detailed and accurate documentation for Medicaid and private insurance billing
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of Medicare and other reimbursement regulations
- Helped update curriculum according to student requirements by working alongside teachers and administrators
- Completed funding process for prescription of AAC devices through Medicaid, private insurance, grants, and community organizations
- Built language sets for low and high-tech modes of AAC
- Conducted regular IEP meetings to address educational concerns
- Attended IPOS meetings and collaborated with team members to develop a plan to best support the consumer and meet their therapeutic goals
- Collaborated with ABA therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Community Mental Health professionals to create a whole-child plan that would best support the individual to meet their therapeutic goals, as well as promote carry over of skills
- Provided in-clinic services to participants of ABA program
- Implemented START Peer to Peer program to promote social inclusion among all students
- Implemented Special Olympics Unified program to promote participation between students with and without disabilities
Timeline
Speech Language Pathologist
The Stepping Stones Group
02.2023 - Current
Speech Language Pathologist
ABA Pathways
02.2022 - 09.2023
Speech Language Pathologist
Game Changers Therapy Services
12.2020 - 02.2022
Speech Language Pathologist
Westlund Guidance Center Autism Services
08.2019 - 12.2020
Interim Director
Saginaw County Animal Care & Control
08.2018 - 05.2019
Speech Language Pathologist
Saginaw Intermediate School District
05.2009 - 08.2018
Master of Arts - Speech Language Pathology
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Applied Arts - Communication Disorders
Central Michigan University
Minor - American Sign Language
Central Michigan University