Sofia Morales
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Clermont
Clermont,FL
1
Certification
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Student Clinician
3 Months- Managed a high-acuity adult and geriatric caseload presenting with complex neurological, neurodegenerative, oncological, and traumatic etiologies, including stroke (CVA), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), head and neck cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and advanced dementia.
- Conducted comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and tailored evidence-based interventions for speech, expressive/receptive language, motor speech, cognitive-communication, and dysphagia across a spectrum of impairment severities (mild-to-profound).
- Assisted in performing and interpreting Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) studies to objectively assess swallow function, direct safe diet modifications, and establish targeted swallowing therapy protocols.
- Facilitated interprofessional care coordination with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Doctors, Nursing, and Case Management to optimize functional recovery, patient safety, and complex discharge planning.
- Delivered systematic patient and caregiver education on compensatory strategies, aspiration risk precautions, and functional communication techniques to promote safe carryover into the home environment.
- Maintained electronic medical record (EMR) documentation accurately detailing diagnostic findings, objective functional outcome measures, daily treatment responses, and interdisciplinary discharge plans.
Graduate Student Clinician
4 Months- Delivered skilled clinical interventions for adults presenting with mild-to-severe neurogenic communication disorders, including post-stroke aphasia, primary progressive aphasia, apraxia of speech, and dysarthria.
- Executed standardized diagnostic batteries—including the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB-R), Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and motor speech examinations—to establish baseline severity metrics.
- Custom-programmed, configured, and implemented high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems (Lingraphica) to restore functional communication in non-verbal and severely impaired adult populations.
Graduate Student Clinician
3 Months- Provided skilled dysphagia, cognitive-linguistic, and motor speech interventions for medically complex geriatric residents across varying levels of impairment severity, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to end-stage dementia.
- Performed Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) examinations, bedside clinical swallow evaluations (CSE), and motor speech analyses to inform individualized, severity-specific care plans.
- Observed instrumental swallow evaluations (FEES) and integrated instrumental findings into targeted pharyngeal strengthening protocols and compensatory swallow maneuvers.
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary care teams—including PT, OT, nursing staff, and registered dietitians—while maintaining compliance with Medicare Part A and Part B documentation guidelines and clinical coding requirements.
Graduate Student Clinician – Elementary School
4 Months- Administered standardized diagnostic assessments (CELF-5, CASL Pragmatic Judgment, CELF Screener) to evaluate language comprehension, executive functioning, and motor speech skills in pediatric populations.
- Formulated Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, completed formal evaluation paperwork, and presented clinical findings during multidisciplinary IEP team meetings.
- Applied evidence-based behavior management strategies to drive active engagement and functional skill acquisition during therapeutic activities.
- Public School District
Graduate Student Clinician – Outpatient Clinic
4 Months- Partnered in interprofessional co-treatment sessions with Occupational Therapy, integrating sensory-motor strategies into early intervention speech and language therapy.
- Evaluated pediatric communication skills utilizing standardized diagnostic tools, including the Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation (GFTA-3) and the Birth to Three Assessment.
- Integrated dynamic eye-gaze AAC technology (Tobii Dynavox) to establish functional communication channels for non-verbal or minimally verbal pediatric patients.
- Managed clinical documentation, diagnostic reporting, and longitudinal progress metrics utilizing Epic EMR.
- Pediatric Outpatient Rehabilitation
Education
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Communication Sciences and Disorders
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Communication Sciences and Disorders
Skills
Clinical assessment
Evidence-based practice
Clinical documentation
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Behavior modification
Patient advocacy
Multicultural competence
Family counseling
Other Relevant Experience
Research Assistant – Rocket Lab, Orlando, FL (Aug 2023 – May 2024)
- Conducted systematic literature reviews and analyzed scientific articles regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to support ongoing lab objectives.
PEERS Intern – ASD Adult Achievement Center, Orlando, FL (Oct 2023 – May 2024)
- Assisted in facilitating evidence-based social skills curricula for adults with ASD and Asperger's Syndrome.
- Led therapeutic role-play exercises and managed clinical session materials to promote social independence.
Speech-Language Pathologist Intern – Arley Therapy Services, Miami, FL (Jan 2023 – Jun 2023)
- Observed specialized private practice therapy techniques (DIR Floortime, PROMPT, Hudson's Cycles) and clinical evaluations (PLS-5, CELF-5, GFTA-3).
Certification
- CPR / First Aid Certification
- CITI Training – Human Research Protections
- MOCA Cognitive Assessment Certification
- Supportive Communication for Aphasia Certification
- MBSImp Student Certification
Timeline
Graduate Student Clinician
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Clermont
05.2026 - 08.2026Read More
Graduate Student Clinician
Telehealth and Research Experiences Clinic (TRREC)
08.2025 - 12.2025Read More
Graduate Student Clinician
Ayers Health and Rehabilitation
05.2025 - 08.2025Read More
Graduate Student Clinician – Elementary School
Marjorie K. Rawlings Elementary School
01.2025 - 05.2025Read More
Graduate Student Clinician – Outpatient Clinic
Magnolia Parke UF Health Rehab Center
08.2024 - 12.2024Read More
University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Communication Sciences and Disorders
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University of Florida
Master of Arts (M.A.) from Communication Sciences and Disorders
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