Melissa A. Ihrig

M.S., CCC-SLP, TSLD

(585) 329-7360 / rocyourvoice@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Intuitive and creative certified speech-language pathologist (SLP), with 15 years experience working in a variety of settings with people across the age span. Areas of expertise include: autism and other developmental disabilities, articulation and language therapy for young children, accent modification for students and professionals, and augmentative-alternative communication (AAC) systems. Highly skilled in providing consult support to families and other service providers, conducting non-traditional speech-language evaluations, implementing therapeutic services in dynamic environments, performing case management duties, developing visual supports to reduce challenging behavior, and conducting in-service trainings and staff development.

LICENSES/ CERTIFICATIONS

New York State Speech-Language Pathology Professional License. 2009.

American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence. 2009.

New York State Public School Teacher Certification in Speech and Language Disabilities/ Professional. 2013

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • IEP Direct reporting system
  • Portal reporting system
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Boardmaker and Boardmaker Online
  • Speech-generating communication APPS (such as Dynavox Compass, Proloquo2go, Go Talk NOW, AACorn)
  • Various learning and reinforcing APPS for Apple and Android based platforms
  • Various alternative access switches (such as Big Macks, chin/head switches, breath switches, eye gaze interfaces)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Roc Your Voice Speech-language and AAC Services; Macedon, NY

SLP/ sole proprietor 2017-2018

Private Practice

  • Provide per diem and contractual services to local agencies and school districts for speech-language diagnostic and therapeutic services to individuals with developmental and other disabilities/disorders
  • Create and implement modified and expanded evaluations for people whom standardized assessments do not capture current skills; document findings, generate recommendations, and report to staff and families.
  • Conduct assessments for AAC acquisition, complete justification process, and provide services such as therapeutic intervention, system customization and caregiver training across settings.
  • Collaborate with and train family members and relevant professionals to ensure carry over of developing speech-language skills throughout the daily routine.

Bright Start Pediatric Services; Fairport, NY

SLP/ Assistive Technology Specialist 2015-2016

Early Intervention Agency

  • Provided clinical services to young children with language disorders, phonological disorders, articulation disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, pragmatic deficits, autism spectrum disorders in home, daycare, preschool and community settings
  • Developed meaningful goals and plans of therapy while maintaining compliance with early intervention and preschool reporting requirements (paper and IEP Direct) for home, daycare, preschool, and community locations.
  • Provided individual and co-treatment AT consult sessions, making recommendations for new therapeutic approaches incorporating various equipment.
  • Maintained effective communication skills in coordinating services with all team members to ensure effective carry over and progress and independently managed caseload.
  • Educated families and caregivers to ensure continuity of care
  • Reported on progress according to the child’s program requirements for documentation, as well as in face to face conversations and at IEP/ IFSP meetings.

Roc Your Voice Speech-language and AAC Services; Macedon, NY

SLP/ sole proprietor 2013-2015

Private Practice

  • Conducted adaptive evaluations for people whom standardized assessments did not capture current skills; documented findings, generated recommendations, and reported to staff and families (for school and non-profit agency settings).
  • Collaborated with and trained family members and relevant professionals to ensure carry over of developing speech-language skills throughout the daily routine.
  • Provided on-site therapeutic intervention for people using AAC systems, and staff training.

Wayne ARC; Newark, NY

SLP 2010-2013

Non-profit Article 16 Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic

  • Provided diagnostic, therapeutic, and consult services for adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers in the areas of articulation, language, eating/swallowing, and AAC in clinic, home, work, and day program settings.
  • Acquired and customized 10 new augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices for individuals by completing comprehensive speech-generating device evaluations and reimbursement reporting.
  • Trained staff and caregivers to support carry-over of goals throughout daily routine, and instructed staff in OPWDD’s Choking Prevention Initiative.

Bright Start Pediatric Services; Fairport, NY

SLP 2009-2010

Early Intervention Agency

  • Developed meaningful goals and plans of therapy, maintaining compliance with early intervention and preschool reporting requirements (paper and IEP Direct) in home, daycare, preschool, and community locations.
  • Maintained effective communication skills in coordinating services with all team members to ensure effective carry over and progress and independently managed caseload.

Rochester City School District; Rochester NY

Speech-language Therapist 2008-2009

Elementary School

  • Completed annual and triennial evaluations including standardized and qualitative procedures and actively participated in IEP meetings.
  • Identified relevant and appropriate goals in collaboration with teachers and families, developed appropriate and engaging plans for treatment, and evaluated progress.
  • Collaborated with AT team to develop and implement appropriate interventions using augmentative communication to allow students to participate more fully in classroom routines and meet academic standards.  

Penn State University; State College, PA.

Research Assistant 2006-2008

AAC Research Lab

  • Participated in implementation and data analysis for research projects targeting AAC interventions for people with developmental disabilities and department webinars
  • Implementation of hand position analysis for adults with cerebral palsy for multimodal computer access
  • Managed procedural and task elements of the research lab

EDUCATION

M.S. in Communication Disorders and Sciences. Penn State University; State College, PA.  

B.S. (Summa Cum Laude) in Communication Disorders and Sciences. SUNY Geneseo; Geneseo, NY.

A.S. in Liberal Arts, General Studies.  Monroe Community College; Rochester, NY.

Training Program in Autism Spectrum Disorders at the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities, Distance Learning-40 Hour Program.