Sofia Mae Sozio
Plainview,NY
Overview
1
1
Certification
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist | Clinical Fellow
Orlando Regional Medical Center
Orlando, Florida
09.2025 - Current
- Provided acute care services at Level I Trauma Center & Comprehensive Stroke Center to medically complex patients with oncological diagnoses, stroke, TBI, trauma, neurodegenerative, neuromuscular, and autoimmune disorders, including patients with complex head & neck cancers and extensive medical/surgical histories
- Independently conducted and interpreted Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBS) and performed clinical bedside swallow evaluations, OMEs, cognitive-linguistic, and language evaluations utilizing the MoCA, CLQT+, and Bedside WAB; assisted with FEES and post-operative fluoroscopic leak testing and evaluated patients with tracheostomies and ventilator dependence, including PMV and DigiSil evaluations
- Managed wide-range of complex dysphagia including those with tracheostomies, surgical changes, and post-laryngectomies utilizing swallowing exercises, compensatory strategies, therapeutic PO trials, IDDSI, and patient/family education while incorporating goals of care and quality-of-life considerations
- Provided outpatient therapy one day a week with a focus on head & neck oncology rehabilitation and complex surgical and radiation treatment courses, including pre-/post-treatment counseling, dysphagia exercises, EMST, IOPI, EAT Through Radiation Staircase, and individualized home programs
- Specialized in laryngectomy and alaryngeal communication rehabilitation, including electrolarynx training, tracheoesphageal voice prothesis placement/removal and management, and use of LaryTubes and HMEs
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including surgeons, physicians, respiratory therapists, nurses, oncologists, dietitians and more, to manage complex cases, develop evidence-based treatment plans, and determine discharge recommendations
Caregiver/Aid
AIM Community Habilitation & Respite for People with Disabilities
New York, New York
06.2023 - 08.2025
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans for diverse needs
- Facilitated respite care (PRN) for a young girl with autism spectrum disorder to enhance her well-being and community involvement by providing care and teaching basic communication and life skills
- Communicated effectively with families and team members about client progress
Education
Master of Arts - Communication Disorders and Sciences
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
05-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Speech and Hearing Sciences
University At Buffalo, The State University of New York
Buffalo, NY05-2023
Graduate Clinical Experience
Graduate Student Assistantship in Communicative Disorders and Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), August 2023 - May 2025
- Provided phonological-based and motor-based treatment to participants with aphasia in the Adult Language Network Lab
- Compared word-finding skills, analyzed error types, and organized data for an aphasia treatment study
- Conducted surveys with older adults regarding communication, cognition, and swallowing deficits, contributing to understanding of aging-related challenges
Graduate Student Extern, Learning Center for Handicapped Children (CHC), March 2025 - May 2025
- Increased oral sensory input for children with complex medical conditions by incorporating diverse flavors, textures, and consistencies during feeding therapy to promote acceptance of oral intake
- Provided speech and language therapy using AAC devices via eye gaze and direct touch for children with severe disabilities
- Developed individualized plans of care aligned with patient-specific goals and IEPs, incorporating each child’s communication, developmental, cognitive, and physical needs
Graduate Student Extern, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, January 2025 - March 2025
- Provided intervention for adults in the inpatient and outpatient setting with focus on swallowing, neurogenic speech and language disorders, voice and cognition
- Gained proficiency in managing tracheostomies, laryngectomies, ventilation support, Passy-Muir Speaking Valve, tracheal esophageal prosthesis (TEP), myofascial release, and compensatory swallowing strategies
- Assisted and observed in assessments using Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS), fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing (FEES), clinical bedside swallowing evaluations, cognitive-communication screeners
- Documented clinical outcomes of therapy and evaluations in electronic medical systems and Microsoft Office, enhancing interdisciplinary communication and patient care
Graduate Student Clinician, UB Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clinic, October 2023 - Dec 2024
- Gained clinical experience in assessment and intervention for both the adult and pediatric population in the areas of articulation, phonology, language, motor-speech, cognitive-communication, post-concussive syndrome, AAC and auditory processing disorders
- Administered several formal and informal assessments including the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB-R), Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, Scales of Cognitive Ability for Traumatic Ability (SCATBI), Cognitive Linguistic Quick Test-Plus (CLQT+), Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Dynamic Evaluation of Motor Speech Skill (DEMMS), Tests of Auditory Processing Skills (TAP-4), Arizona-4, Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation (GFTA-3), Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-5), Duffy Speech Screen, oral mechanism exams, hearing screenings, and language samples
- Developed diagnostic reports, SMART goals, plans of care, SOAP notes, therapy plans and materials to guide patient treatment
- Provided counseling to patients and their parents or care partners to support understanding and engagement in therapy
Certification
- Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2026
- Provisional Speech-Language Pathologist License, Florida Department of Health, 2025
- New York Speech-Language Pathologist License, New York State Education Department (Pending — application submitted)
- Northern Speech Services- Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile Certification (MBSImP)
- American Red Cross: Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, 2025
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Certified — MoCA Cognition
- Aphasia Institute- Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™) eLearning Training
- Northern Speech Services- Pediatric Dysphagia: Interpretation of VFSS, Management and Treatment Planning
- Northern Speech Services- Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile Training (MBSImP Training)
Accomplishments
- Tindle-Shupe Award for Clinical Excellence, 2025
- Graduate Student Teaching Assistantship and Scholarship, 2023-2025
- Passed the ETS Speech-Language Pathology Praxis, 2025
Affiliations
- SLP Research Journal Club, 2026
- Laryngectomy Support Group, 2026
- Graduate National Student Speech Language Hearing Association Senator, University at Buffalo Chapter (SUNY), 2024
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist | Clinical Fellow
Orlando Regional Medical Center
09.2025 - Current
Caregiver/Aid
AIM Community Habilitation & Respite for People with Disabilities
06.2023 - 08.2025
Master of Arts - Communication Disorders and Sciences
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
Bachelor of Arts - Speech and Hearing Sciences
University At Buffalo, The State University of New York