Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
References
Affiliations
Degree
Timeline
Generic

Rachel Colston Duncan

Middletown,CT

Summary

Clinical leader with a strong background in strategic program development and organizational growth within healthcare. Experienced in building and optimizing clinical programs, implementing evidence-based practices, and enhancing service delivery. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and achieving measurable outcomes in dynamic, client-centered environments. Possesses strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with a focus on fostering a productive and positive team culture.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Speech and Language Services

Center for Children With Special Needs
06.2023 - Current
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Establish and optimize clinical systems, processes, and workflows for effective service delivery.
  • Create and update program protocols, documentation, and treatment standards.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Continuously assess and modify systems to enhance program efficiency and outcomes.
  • Lead the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology assistance.
  • Provide ongoing supervision, mentorship, and performance evaluations to ensure professional growth and high-quality care.
  • Deliver speech and language therapy services to a caseload of clients as needed.
  • Utilize evidence-based practices to design individualized treatment plans and provide ongoing treatment.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and ethical guidelines.
  • Implement and oversee quality assurance measures, including case reviews and outcome assessments.
  • Develop and facilitate training programs and continuing education opportunities for the team.
  • Stay current with advances in speech and language pathology to integrate best practices into the program.

Director of Speech-Language Pathology

The Talcott Center For Child Development
06.2021 - 05.2023
  • Led a team of six speech-language pathologists and three assistants, providing clinical guidance and fostering ethical, evidence-based practices.
  • Delivered 1:1 and group supervision to support professional development and clinical excellence.
  • Reviewed and audited SOAP notes and Plans of Care for accuracy and timely completion.
  • Managed administrative tasks, including hiring, onboarding, conducting annual reviews, handling disciplinary actions, and processing payroll.
  • Oversaw the intake process for new clients across SP, OT, PT, and ABA services, from initial contact through service start.
  • Promoted community outreach and strengthened family involvement through organized group gatherings and events.

Speech-Language Pathologist

The Talcott Center For Child Development
12.2017 - 05.2023
  • Partnered with an interdisciplinary team to create and execute comprehensive care plans, defining goals, objectives, interventions, and desired outcomes for each patient.
  • Delivered speech-language pathology services aligned with established practice standards.
  • Conducted patient assessments using observation, interviews, and standardized evaluations to determine communication needs.
  • Collected and analyzed data to set targeted treatment goals and track progress.
  • Developed individualized treatment plans informed by assessment results.
  • Designed and led curriculum for social skills groups to enhance patient socialization and communication.
  • Provided clinical supervision to a speech-language pathology clinical fellow, including 1:1 meetings, session observations, and constructive feedback.
  • Supported fellow’s professional growth with specific feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Served part-time from December 2017 to September 2019; transitioned to full-time in September 2019.

Speech-Language Pathologist

South Bay Community Services Early Childhood
01.2017 - 03.2020
  • Evaluated and provided treatment for young children (ages 0-3) with autism spectrum disorder, focusing on individualized care.
  • Developed functional communication goals and objectives for Individualized Family Service Plans, aligned with each child’s needs and family priorities.
  • Created targeted treatment plans and activities tailored to the unique requirements of each child.
  • Engaged caregivers using a coaching model to empower family involvement in therapy.
  • Delivered one-on-one therapy in naturalistic settings to support real-life skill application.
  • Presented evaluation findings, therapy progress, and goal updates in team and transition meetings.
  • Collaborated with teachers and multidisciplinary team members to support comprehensive care.
  • Mentored new team members, providing guidance, cultural orientation, and support for professional development.
  • Supervised a clinical fellow through in-person meetings, session observations, and personalized feedback.
  • Offered licensed clinical supervision in group settings and direct fieldwork, fostering team development.
  • Served part-time beginning in September 2019.


Education

Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology

Worcester State University
Worcester, MA
12.2016

Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders

Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT
05.2014

Certification

  • Speech-Language Pathologist, Connecticut, 18.005502, Current
  • ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, Current, 14091864
  • Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), 08/01/17
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, 12/01/21

References

Furnished upon request

Affiliations

  • American Speech-Language Hearing Association, 01/01/17, Member
  • National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, 12/01/13, 12/01/16, Member

Degree

M.S. CCC – SLP

Timeline

Director of Speech and Language Services

Center for Children With Special Needs
06.2023 - Current

Director of Speech-Language Pathology

The Talcott Center For Child Development
06.2021 - 05.2023

Speech-Language Pathologist

The Talcott Center For Child Development
12.2017 - 05.2023

Speech-Language Pathologist

South Bay Community Services Early Childhood
01.2017 - 03.2020

Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders

Southern Connecticut State University
  • Speech-Language Pathologist, Connecticut, 18.005502, Current
  • ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, Current, 14091864
  • Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), 08/01/17
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, 12/01/21

Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology

Worcester State University
Rachel Colston Duncan