Open To Work
Paula Herrington
Vashon,WA
Summary
Accomplished speech-language pathologist with expertise in clinical assessment and collaborative teamwork. Specializes in AAC strategy implementation and cultural competence. Focused on enhancing student success through evidence-based interventions that improve communication outcomes and maintain ethical standards.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hoquiam School District
Hoquiam, WA
10.2024 - Current
- Determined Eligibility: for specialized instruction by conducting comprehensive evaluations using standardized and informal measures to accurately diagnose speech, language, cognitive-communication, and social language disorders.
- Developed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, ensuring compliance with state regulations and adherence to ASHA ethical principles.
- Implemented AAC systems: enhanced communication competence of students by implementing social stories, picture schedules, low-tech as well as high tech systems, iPad apps and classroom visuals.
- Evidence-based Therapy: implemented simultaneously rigorous and engaging activities that drove engagement and progress toward IEP goals.
- Monitored Progress: of assigned caseload through systematic data collection, generating data-driven progress reports via IEP online to inform intervention strategies.
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration: provided cohesive intervention, fostered a team approach and continuity of services for students with complex needs.
- Strengths-Based Approach: leveraged background and training in trauma-based instruction, cultural sensitivity, behavior management, and inter-agency collaboration to advocate for student needs, participate in MDT meetings and implement specialized interventions to increase student success.
- Improved Teacher Satisfaction: provided streamlined, effective, collaborative supports and classroom accommodations that met teacher needs.
- Reduced Backlog of Evaluations: by implementing efficient, accelerated assessment techniques.
Equine-Assisted Therapist
Joyful Journeys
Vashon, WA
07.2024 - Current
- Conducted initial client assessments to identify presenting issues and developed tailored treatment plans to address individual needs.
- Implemented research-based therapeutic techniques in individual and group therapy sessions aligned with treatment plans, enhancing client outcomes and supporting recovery.
- Applied trauma-informed methods to support individuals affected by trauma.
- Utilized crisis intervention techniques to deescalate acute situations.
- Monitored client's response to intervention and modified treatment as indicated to attain goals.
- Formulated accurate DSM diagnoses based on information obtained.
- Engaged in multidisciplinary treatment team planning, fostering patient and family involvement to ensure comprehensive care.
Founder
CLASS, Inc.
Tacoma, WA
01.1998 - 01.2024
- Established strategic vision for Class Inc., driving growth and fostering innovation.
- Fostered a culture that encouraged teamwork, innovation, and pursuit of excellence.
- Cultivated client partnerships that increased satisfaction and loyalty, contributing to long-term engagement.
- Trained and mentored CFs and SLPs, enhancing team capabilities and service delivery.
- Demonstrated expertise in addressing complex communication disorders and implementing AAC strategies in therapy sessions.
- Developed community partnerships to create real-life communication experiences for clients, enriching therapy outcomes.
- Monitored performance metrics to uphold consistent high-quality standards.
- Ensured compliance with professional ethics, therapy efficacy, and regulatory requirements.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Muckleshoot Tribal School
Auburn, WA
01.2013 - 01.2021
- Cultural Humility and Awareness: Self-reflection and acknowledgment of the impacts of historical trauma on Indigenous communities.
- Leveraged Cultural Collaboration: Interviewed Tribal Elders, community members, and school staff to create culturally safe, relevant interventions that reflected community values leading to increased therapeutic outcomes.
- Contextualized Learning: Linked language therapy to local culture, such as using traditional stories, native recipes, rituals, drumming and community practices to build vocabulary, narrative and social skills.
- Dynamic Assessment: Implemented "test-teach-retest" methods prioritizing learning potential, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness beyond static assessments.
- Strengths-Based Approach: Utilized the "abundance model," focusing on nurturing the child's cultural assets and inherent strengths.
- Narrative Intervention: Included storytelling, which is deeply rooted in many Native American cultures, to improve comprehension and expression.
- MDT Planning: Designed individual service plans that integrated team values, fostering academic, social, and emotional growth while honoring cultural identity.
Education
Master of Science - Communication Disorders and Sciences
University of Washington
Seattle, WABachelor of Science - Psychology
William Smith College
Geneva, NYBachelor of Arts - Educational Psychology
William Smith College
Geneva, NYSkills
- Clinical assessment
- Patient-centered care
- Therapeutic techniques
- Crisis intervention
- Communication proficiency
- Developmental approaches
- Cultural competence
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability
- Analytical problem-solving
- Time management skills
- Professional integrity
Certification
- ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, Current
- Washington Department of Health License, Current
- Advanced Floor-Time Training, International Council for Learning Disabilities
- PROMPT Level II Therapist
- Out-Care LGBTQ Cultural Competency Certified
- Certified Diversity Professional-Manager Level
- Sensory Integration & Praxis Test (SIPT) Certification
- Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)
- EAGALA Certified Practitioner
- ABWA Leadership Training
- Washington Educational Staff Association, Current
Publications
Vowel Disorders in Phonologically Disorders and Typically Developing Children
Personal Information
Title: Speech-Language Pathologist
Speaking Engagements
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Autism Project, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Assistive Technology Industry Association, Three Annual Conferences
- International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Bi-Annual Conference
- 9th Annual Autism Programme, Lagos, Nigeria, Invited Speaker
- Communication Matters Conference, Leeds, England, Invited Speaker
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkLocation Preference
On-SiteSalary Range
$85000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hoquiam School District
10.2024 - Current
Equine-Assisted Therapist
Joyful Journeys
07.2024 - Current
Speech-Language Pathologist
Muckleshoot Tribal School
01.2013 - 01.2021
Founder
CLASS, Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2024
Master of Science - Communication Disorders and Sciences
University of Washington
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
William Smith College
Bachelor of Arts - Educational Psychology
William Smith College