Pollyanna Lacerda
Fort Myers
Summary
Dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant skilled in implementing communication strategies, tracking client progress, and collecting accurate data to support effective treatment. Provides strong support during therapy sessions, fostering engagement and collaboration with clients from diverse backgrounds. Excellent interpersonal skills enhance interactions and promote positive therapeutic outcomes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
EliteDNA
Fort Myers
07.2025 - 05.2026
- Facilitated telehealth and in-person sessions to deliver effective patient care and support treatment goals.
- Proposed innovative ideas and solutions that improved team collaboration and patient outcomes.
- Executed day-to-day duties with accuracy and efficiency to support overall clinic operations.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Worked successfully with a diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Stepping Stones Kids Therapy
Naples
03.2022 - 07.2025
- The candidate is a highly dedicated professional in attending children's communication needs through early intervention and practical speech language treatment approaches to better assist all patients including those with limited verbal expression.
- Experience in using Dynavox and Motor Plan to trigger communication of children with Autism.
- Implemented therapy sessions utilizing expertise in behavior control strategies from ABA to enhance communication outcomes for children.
- Benefited from mentorship by Speech and Language Pathologist Michelle Manno to improve therapy techniques.
- Assisted in implementing individualized therapy plans for children with speech disorders.
- Maintained organized client progress records and therapy notes to inform ongoing treatment and support.
- Educated families on strategies to support speech development at home.
- Developed individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's assessment findings, ensuring targeted and effective therapy.
- Instructed patients on proper use of augmentative and alternative communication devices.
- Supported Speech-Language Pathologists in conducting patient assessments and evaluations to facilitate accurate diagnoses.
- Demonstrated therapeutic techniques to family members or caregivers of patients.
Swallowing Disorder Specialist - Brazil credential
Unimed Goiana Brasil - Healthcare
03.2017 - 03.2022
- Applied therapeutic exercises to treat both children and adults with swallowing disorders.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to enhance patient care outcomes and provide tailored support.
- Partnered with interdisciplinary team members to create targeted treatment strategies and individualized patient goals.
- Tracked patient progress and modified treatment plans accordingly.
Intern Hospital - Brazil credentials
HMU
São Paulo
05.2017 - 06.2017
- Conducted breastfeeding and latching assessments, implementing interventions using finger probe, trans lactation, and cup to support infant feeding.
- Oversaw neonatology internship, guiding and mentoring peers in clinical practices and patient care protocols.
Intern Hospital - Brazil credentials
Hospital of the Clínics
São Paulo
04.2017 - 05.2017
- Screened ICU patients, evaluated conditions, and facilitated interventions through discharge.
- Oversaw daily operations of internship program in hospital setting.
- Assisted in managing daily operations and workflow coordination.
- Supported team members with project documentation and communication tasks.
- Conducted research to inform strategic planning and decision-making processes.
SLPA
Lehrhoff and Associates
Los Angeles
12.2013 - 03.2017
- Delivered targeted clinical and home care services to support children facing speech and language challenges.
- Delivered early intervention services for four years in Los Angeles with Lehrhoff and Associates.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Performed routine responsibilities to ensure operational efficiency.
Intern Elementary School - Norwalk
Internship
Norwalk
06.2013 - 06.2013
- Created speech strategies for children aged 5-7, enhancing articulation and reducing stuttering challenges.
- Worked with SLP, Master Katrina Moseley, to align therapy approaches with specific student needs.
- Assisted in daily administrative tasks to support team operations and workflow.
- Coordinated project schedules and timelines to ensure timely deliverables.
- Collaborated with team members on research and data analysis for projects.
Intern
Santa Fe High School
Los Angeles
01.2013 - 01.2013
- Coordinated internship program within school environment, fostering student engagement and professional development.
- Collaborated with SLP Karen Velt-kamp to enhance therapy effectiveness.
- Provided support for teenagers in expressive, receptive, stuttering, and pragmatic language skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Dysphagia
Medical University of the ABC
São Paulo, Brazil 01.2017 - 12.2020
Associate Degree - Speech-Language-Pathology Assistant
Cerritos College
California, United States of AmericaBachelor's Degree - Speech Therapy
PUC Goiânia
BrazilSkills
- Articulation therapy methods
- Swallowing techniques
- Autism spectrum support
- Behavior intervention strategies
- Early intervention experiences
- Communication device Dynavox/Prolóquio
- Client engagement techniques
- Data documentation
- AI in education
- Organization skills
- Time management strategies
- Trilingual: Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and English
- Effective interpersonal communication
- Multicultural families experience
Additional Accomplishments
- Award of Outstanding Performance, Stepping Stone Kids Therapy, 2022
- Community Work, Providence Speech & Hearing Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
License
SLPA in the states of Florida and California
Academic Recognition
- Certificate of Recognition for Service & Leadership, Cerritos College, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Honors List, Cerritos College, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Student Monitor in Language Development, PUC, Goiânia, GO, BR
Courses And Conferences
- Patient Engagement for the SLP: Maximizing Attention, Intensity, and Interest. 11/19/25
- Ethical Practice In Speech-Language Pathology: Core Principles and Emerging Challenges. 11/26/25
- Understanding and Treating Echolalia. 12/03/25
- AAC Therapy: Applying Traditional Strategies to AAC Implementation. 12/08/25
- ChatGPT for the SLP. 12/10/25.
- Think, Write, Empower: AI & Tech Tools for teens Who learn Differently. 12/15/25
- Using AI-Powered Tech for Taking Notes and Learning. 12/16/25.
- Bringing Literacy to Life in Speech Therapy. 12/17/25
- An Integrated Approach to Literacy Across Grade Levels. 12/22/25
- Introduce, Inspire, and Integrate: Tips for Coaching Families through AAC implementation. 12/24/25
- Practical Approaches for Engaging Learners During Simulation Debriefing. 12/26/25
- Using Adult Learning Theory to Enhance Coaching in Early Intervention. 12/26/25
- Understanding Girls and Women with Autism In A World Where They Are Often Overlooked And Misdiagnosed. 12/26/25
- Stuttering, Cluttering, Atypical Disfluency, and Autism. 12/26/25
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
EliteDNA
07.2025 - 05.2026
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Stepping Stones Kids Therapy
03.2022 - 07.2025
Intern Hospital - Brazil credentials
HMU
05.2017 - 06.2017
Intern Hospital - Brazil credentials
Hospital of the Clínics
04.2017 - 05.2017
Swallowing Disorder Specialist - Brazil credential
Unimed Goiana Brasil - Healthcare
03.2017 - 03.2022
Bachelor of Science - Dysphagia
Medical University of the ABC
01.2017 - 12.2020
SLPA
Lehrhoff and Associates
12.2013 - 03.2017
Intern Elementary School - Norwalk
Internship
06.2013 - 06.2013
Intern
Santa Fe High School
01.2013 - 01.2013
Associate Degree - Speech-Language-Pathology Assistant
Cerritos College
Bachelor's Degree - Speech Therapy
PUC Goiânia