Sarah Elliott

Experienced healthcare leader with a proven track record in team leadership and operational management across all hospital therapy service lines. Skilled in optimizing workflows, improving team efficiency, and fostering collaborative relationships with community partners and executive leadership. Known for promoting a culture of communication, support, and shared purpose to drive organizational goals. Adept at guiding teams through significant transitions while maintaining high staff engagement and performance.

• Increased therapy charges by 52.5%, productivity by 16%, and staff by 35% (2020–2023).
• Achieved "Exceeds Expectations" 22 yrs on annual performance reviews.
• Initiated or enhanced five specialty therapy programs during tenure.
• Spearheaded hospital-wide swallow screening protocols since 2008.
• Improved departmental communication through daily briefs, Friday memos, staff committees, and digital platforms.
• Played a key role in the hospital's SharePoint system conversion.
• Active contributor to Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Prevention Committee.
• Helped achieve CMC’s Stroke Certification through interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Instrumental in Inpatient Rehab Facility (IRF) management, supporting CARF accreditation for Brain Injury (BI), Stroke (CVA), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), and Pediatric Specialty Programs.
• Served as credentialing lead for RN and therapy staff in Functional Independence Measure (FIM) assessments.
• Developed and implemented Cerner EMR system build; served on CMC's implementation team for approximately one year.
• Implemented telehealth capabilities for therapy staff, expanding access and continuity of care.
• Co-founder ALS support group; 11 yr volunteer for Annual Walk to Defeat ALS; planned ALS Learning Days for patients & caregivers 3yrs.
• Presented "Updates in Dysphagia" at 15th Annual Northern Rockies Rehab Symposium: A Systematic Approach to Neuro Rehab of CVA & TBI.
• Designed and led numerous dysphagia and communication trainings for therapy and nursing teams, including monthly new hire orientations.
• Developed deep interdisciplinary knowledge across acute, inpatient rehab, outpatient, pediatric, and residential brain injury service lines.
• Recipient of the Eva Stoutenberg CMC Scholarship for CE.
• Honored as CMC’s first recipient of the Service Excellence Award, nominated by SLP team.

• Completed “Daring to Lead” by Brené Brown.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) – American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• Brain Injury Specialist Certification, 2005–2019
• LSVT LOUD Certification – Specialized treatment for Parkinson’s voice
• MBSImP Certification – Standardized assessment for swallow studies
• FEES Training – Completed coursework and hands-on endoscopic swallow evaluations
• ASHA Member – Active participation in Special Interest Groups:
  Administration & Supervision (SIG 11)
  Swallowing & Swallowing Disorders (SIG 13)
• Montana Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA) – Member