Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

MONICA OBERSTAR

Fort Collins,USA

Summary

Dedicated special education professional with extensive experience in ADA compliance and disability accommodations. Expert in assessing individual needs and implementing tailored academic, housing, and dining accommodations to promote accessibility. Known for strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, consistently fostering inclusive environments that empower students to thrive. Committed to advancing student success through compassionate support and strategic advocacy.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Accommodation Specialist

Colorado State University
07.2024 - Current
  • Review and interpret medical, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological evaluations to establish accommodations responsive to disability-related needs.
  • Facilitate accommodation meetings to gather further information and conduct cross-analysis to determine appropriate accommodations.
  • Ensure accommodation determinations comply with university procedures, the ADA, ADAAA, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, state and local disability regulations, the Fair Housing Act, applicable case law, legal guidance, and university policies.
  • Develop practical and forward-thinking solutions to support student needs, including accommodations in off-site placements such as clinical, internship, practicum, and experiential learning environments.
  • Proficient in utilizing ClockWork and AIM to oversee student files, handle accommodation communications, maintain records, schedule appointments, and document interactions with students and university personnel.
  • Engage in challenging discussions and coordinate complex accommodations (e.g., attendance flexibility, exam adjustments, clinical arrangements) while ensuring compliance with essential course and program requirements.
  • Deliver presentations and trainings on university disability accommodations, processes, and applicable laws to educate and support students, faculty, and staff.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic goals, objectives, and evaluation processes.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to align departmental goals with organizational objectives, driving cohesive strategy execution.

Speech-Language Pathologist

AHS/PediaStaff
05.2024 - Current
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify speech and language disorders in children.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's specific communication needs.
  • Implement evidence-based strategies to enhance children's speech and language skills effectively.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic support for children and families.
  • Monitor progress regularly, adjusting interventions based on children's developmental growth.
  • Supervise and mentor SLP assistant, providing guidance on best practices and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Provider Manager/Speech-Language Pathologist

HelloHero/Enable My Child
07.2023 - 07.2024
  • Managed and coordinated a team of over 20 related service providers, ensuring efficient and effective supervision.
  • Spearheaded diversity and inclusion efforts, cultivating a collaborative and innovative environment for employees of all backgrounds.
  • Served as a key resource on Special Education laws, advising the team on compliance and best practices.
  • Resolved staff conflicts by actively listening and facilitating mutually agreeable solutions.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs, ensuring equitable student success.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open communication to support student progress.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to a range of neurodiverse students.

Case Manager/Speech-Language Pathologist

Pearson Virtual Schools/Connections Education
08.2020 - 06.2023
  • Empowered students to attain their personal and educational goals by providing them with essential social, communication, and language skills.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
  • Mentored and trained team members on SIS and IEP programs.
  • Acted as a knowledgeable resource for Colorado Special Education Laws (IDEA, ADA, Section 504, Section 508).
  • Customized therapeutic interventions for culturally diverse populations, ensuring sensitivity to individual values, beliefs, and communication styles while delivering effective care.
  • As Case Manager for SLI students, orchestrated, organized, and facilitated IEP meetings.

Speech-Language Pathologist/Case Manager

Thompson School District
01.2012 - 08.2020
  • Distinguished as an outstanding speech-language pathologist for employing enthusiastic, intuitive, and informative practices that maximize student achievement.
  • Developed and standardized guidelines for district-wide speech and occupational therapy programs.
  • Mentored team members on the IEP process, student information system, and Colorado Special Education Laws.
  • Offered proficient and invigorating supervision and mentoring for graduate interns and clinical fellows.
  • Recognized for delivering exceptional service through the teletherapy platform during the COVID-19 distance learning period.
  • Developed evidence-based treatment plans that effectively addressed the unique needs of each patient, leading to improved outcomes over time.
  • Provided professional development opportunities for colleagues by organizing workshops on current trends in speech-language pathology practices.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Children's Speech & Reading Center
11.2007 - 12.2011
  • Initiated student-centered speech/language programs, guiding at-risk students to academic success.
  • Co-founded and oversaw an interactive social skills group for students, resulting in enhanced academic outcomes.
  • Developed a dynamic literacy-based language program, fostering a collaborative environment for students and their families.
  • Provided supervision and mentorship to both undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Educated patients and family members about various topics such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with and avoid personal misunderstandings.
  • Customized therapeutic interventions for culturally diverse populations, ensuring sensitivity to individual values, beliefs, and communication styles while delivering effective care.

Interim Director/Speech-Language Pathologist

The Pediatric Place
07.2005 - 05.2007
  • Led as Acting Clinic Director, overseeing SLP, PT, OT, and office staff while managing various administrative duties and maintaining an active role in SLP work.
  • Orchestrated and supervised high achieving treatment plans with significant needs.
  • Provided exceptional supervision and mentorship to a team of providers and staff members.
  • Provided ongoing support for professional development endeavors by mentoring staff members individually or as part of a structured program.
  • Developed strong relationships with key partners, fostering a collaborative environment for success.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth and improvement, leading to more effective clinical practices.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring smooth workflows and timely completion of tasks.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Steamboat Springs School District
08.2003 - 06.2005
  • Recognized as extraordinary speech language pathologist for passionate, accomplished practices and promoting student achievement.
  • Actualized compelling individualized and group plans.
  • Recognized for implementing innovative therapy techniques.
  • Ensured that special education laws (IDEA, ADA, Section 504, Section 508, etc) were implemented appropriately for SLI students.
  • Designed and administered reasonable accommodations for students on caseload.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Cherry Creek School District
08.2002 - 07.2003
  • Created and implemented assessments and treatment plans intended to address speech and language issues in collaboration with other clinical professionals.
  • Provided information on speech improvement techniques and non-verbal communication methods.
  • Increased patient satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality care and maintaining open lines of communication with families regarding progress updates.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Montgomery County Public Schools
08.2001 - 07.2002
  • Created evidence-based treatment plans tailored to address the distinctive needs of each patient, resulting in consistent improvements over time.
  • Demonstrated success in thriving within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Exhibited a passion for learning and a steadfast commitment to ongoing improvement.
  • Advocated for effective treatment plans tailored to SLI students and created/administered accommodations as needed.
  • Ensured the proper implementation of special education laws (IDEA, ADA, Section 504, Section 508, etc.).

Clinical Fellow Speech-Language Pathology

CRF Rehabilitation Associates
08.2000 - 08.2001
  • Achieved Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech Language Pathology.

Education

M.A. - Speech-Language Pathology

George Washington University
Washington, DC
08-2000

B.S. - Speech-Language Pathology

Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
05-1997

Skills

  • ADA & Disability Accommodations
  • Academic, Housing & Dining Accommodations
  • Student Engagement & Advocacy
  • Needs Assessment & Individualized Planning
  • Case Management & Documentation
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  • Planning, Scheduling & Coordination
  • Team Collaboration, Mentorship & Training
  • Inclusive Practices & Multicultural Awareness
  • Clear Written & Verbal Communication
  • Conflict Resolution & Interpersonal Skills
  • Compliance & Legal Knowledge
  • Data Management & Reporting
  • Proficient in AIM, ClockWork, Google Suite, Outlook, Microsoft Office

Affiliations

AHEAD

COWY AHEAD

ASHA CCC-SLP
CDE SSP Licensure
SLP-A Supervision Certificate (CDE)

Certification

  • Member AHEAD
  • Neurodiversity Cultural Responsiveness: Improving Communication and Understanding (AHEAD)
  • Using Built-In Accessibility Features on Everyday Devices (AHEAD)
  • Understanding and Developing the Foundation for Sound Accommodation Decisions (AHEAD)
  • Effective Models for Reasonable Accommodation Decisions (AHEAD)
  • Disability Awareness and Support (U of Pittsburgh)
  • Understanding College & College Life (U of WA)
  • Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace (ESSEC Business School)
  • Leading for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Higher Education (U of MI)
  • ASHA CCC-SLP
  • CDE SSP Licensure
  • SLP-A Supervision Certificate (CDE)

Timeline

Accommodation Specialist

Colorado State University
07.2024 - Current

Speech-Language Pathologist

AHS/PediaStaff
05.2024 - Current

Provider Manager/Speech-Language Pathologist

HelloHero/Enable My Child
07.2023 - 07.2024

Case Manager/Speech-Language Pathologist

Pearson Virtual Schools/Connections Education
08.2020 - 06.2023

Speech-Language Pathologist/Case Manager

Thompson School District
01.2012 - 08.2020

Speech-Language Pathologist

Children's Speech & Reading Center
11.2007 - 12.2011

Interim Director/Speech-Language Pathologist

The Pediatric Place
07.2005 - 05.2007

Speech-Language Pathologist

Steamboat Springs School District
08.2003 - 06.2005

Speech-Language Pathologist

Cherry Creek School District
08.2002 - 07.2003

Speech-Language Pathologist

Montgomery County Public Schools
08.2001 - 07.2002

Clinical Fellow Speech-Language Pathology

CRF Rehabilitation Associates
08.2000 - 08.2001

M.A. - Speech-Language Pathology

George Washington University

B.S. - Speech-Language Pathology

Marquette University

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MONICA OBERSTAR