Jessica Bowers
Speech-Language Pathologist
Richmond
Summary
Skilled and hard-working Speech-Language Pathologist with 7 years of experience assessing and treating communication disorders. Robust background in early childhood language, articulation and phonological processing disorders, Augmentative/Alternative Communication, and supporting communication needs of clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Committed to evidence-based, client-centered care and seeking role within a practice that shares these values.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist
Small Talk Pediatric Therapy Center
05.2024 - Current
- Administer comprehensive evaluations encompassing a variety of formal and informal measures to thoroughly assess clients' speech, language, and functional communication skills.
- Collaborate and co-treat within a multidisciplinary team to coordinate care and maximize therapeutic potential.
- Formulate and implement individualized treatment plans and goals tailored to clients' learning style and communication profile, including personalized targets such as gestalt language, self-advocacy skills, and other individualized objectives that meaningfully impact quality of life.
- Select, customize, and integrate AAC systems for clients with complex communication needs while actively involving caregivers and team members in the training process to optimize clients’ communication access across environments.
- Prepare, justify, and submit Letters of Medical Necessity through AbleNet to secure funding and insurance authorization for permanent AAC devices.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Talk Therapy Services
06.2019 - 05.2024
- Effectively managed caseloads within public school, private school, and private day school settings, including case management responsibilities for students with Speech Language Impairment as a primary identification.
- Implemented in-person and virtual group therapy sessions for individuals with similar communication challenges, promoting peer support and optimized participation.
- Advocated for students' needs, securing necessary resources and accommodations in educational settings.
- Assisted in establishing and implementing Individualized Education Programs to support speech and language skills in the academic environment.
- Enhanced students' speech and language development by designing engaging activities and exercises within push-in, pull-out, and teletherapy models.
- Provided individualized speech-language therapy for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder at an educational and treatment center for students with Autism and related challenges.
Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow
Rehabilitation Associates (Aveanna Healthcare)
06.2018 - 06.2019
- Provided individualized guidance to empower parents in supporting their child's communication development using Early Intervention parent coaching model.
- Established strong rapport with clients and families, fostering a supportive environment to most effectively integrate speech and language strategies into routines and play.
- Participated in IFSP development, collaborating with parents and service coordinators to determine appropriate outcomes, frequency of services, and necessity of intervention from other disciplines.
- Provided culturally competent care by considering each patient's unique background, values, and beliefs during treatment planning and intervention.
Education
Master's of Education - Speech-Language Pathology
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Linguistics
University of Southern Maine
Portland, Maine 05.2001 -
Skills
Caregiver skill development
Play-based therapeutic techniques
Effective parent coaching
Executive functioning strategies
Articulation and phonology therapy
Total communication approach
Augmentative - Alternative Communication expertise
Caseload & documentation management
Certification
ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist
Small Talk Pediatric Therapy Center
05.2024 - Current
Speech-Language Pathologist
Talk Therapy Services
06.2019 - 05.2024
Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow
Rehabilitation Associates (Aveanna Healthcare)
06.2018 - 06.2019
Master's of Education - Speech-Language Pathology
University of Virginia
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Linguistics
University of Southern Maine
05.2001 -