Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Work Experiences Before Graduation
References
Timeline
Generic

Theodore Briar

Peoria

Summary

Compassionate speech-language pathologist with experience in geriatric and school-based settings. The SLP has the ability to assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders across diverse populations. Skilled in developing individualized treatment plans, utilizing evidence-based practices to enhance speech, language, and cognitive abilities. Demonstrated ability to build strong rapport with patients, parents, staff, leading to improved outcomes and increased patient/family satisfaction. Contributed to multidisciplinary teams by sharing insights and strategies that support overall patient care.

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

Speech Language Pathologist

Grant Wood Area Education Agency
Cedar Rapids
10.2023 - 07.2025
  • Maintained detailed records of client visits including notes about session activities, interventions used.
  • Created individualized home programs for families to carryover learned skills between therapy sessions.
  • Educated parents on strategies they can use at home to support their child's communication development.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions addressing social pragmatic skills or other areas of need with multiple clients at once.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop treatment strategies and goals for patients.
  • Monitored progress of clients through data collection procedures on standardized assessments and informal measures.
  • Analyzed results from diagnostic tests and wrote comprehensive reports summarizing findings.
  • Provided counseling services related to self-esteem issues that arise due to communication problems.
  • Provided direct therapy sessions using evidence-based practices to improve the communication of patients.
  • Prescribed augmentative and alternative communication systems when appropriate to improve functional communication outcomes.
  • Attended continuing education courses related to new developments in the field of Speech-Language Pathology.
  • Participated in IEP meetings with school districts to ensure students receive necessary services according to their needs.
  • Developed individualized plans for patients to address impairments in communication, swallowing, and cognitive-communication skills.
  • Assessed patient's language and speech production abilities including articulation, fluency, voice quality, and pragmatics.
  • Administered standardized assessments such as the CELF-5 or GFTA-3 for diagnosis of language disorders in children and adults.
  • Utilized technology such as iPads or computer software programs during therapy sessions when appropriate.
  • Trained caregivers on how best to interact with individuals who have difficulty communicating.
  • Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatment plans as necessary.
  • Provided consultation to educators and medical professionals, advising on communication strategies to better accommodate individuals with hearing and speech issues.
  • Educated patients and caregivers in exercises to improve speech, as well as alternative communication methods such as visual aids, AAC devices, and visual calendars.

Speech-Language Pathologist

TMC - Therapy Management
Cedar Rapids
03.2025 - 06.2025
  • Maintained detailed records of client visits including notes about session activities, interventions used.
  • Performed dysphagia screenings with the Bedside Swallow Study, then made recommendations based on clinical findings.
  • Monitored progress of clients through data collection procedures on standardized assessments and informal measures.
  • Assessed patient's language and speech production abilities including articulation, fluency, voice quality, and pragmatics.
  • Coordinated with medical professionals regarding care plans for medically complex patients.
  • Educated patients and caregivers regarding daily sessions for exercises to improve swallowing, executive functioning, memory recall, problem solving, processing, attention and focus activities.
  • Analyzed results from diagnostic tests and wrote comprehensive reports summarizing findings.
  • Provided direct therapy sessions using evidence-based practices to improve swallowing, cognitive functions (executive functioning, memory, problem solving, processing, attention)
  • Prescribed augmentative and alternative communication systems when appropriate to improve functional communication outcomes.
  • Attended continuing education courses related to new developments in the field of Speech-Language Pathology.
  • Taught clients how to improve speech with optimal control of facial muscles, jaw and breathing mechanisms.
  • Kept comprehensive notes on patient progress and speech to make needed adjustments to treatment.
  • Provided consultation to staff, and medical professionals, advising on communication strategies and swallowing to better accommodate individuals with cognitive and swallowing issues.

Education

Master of Science - Speech Language Pathology

St. Ambrose University
Davenport, IA
08-2023

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

St. Ambrose University
Davenport, IA
08-2021

Associate of Arts - Arts

Scott Community College
Bettendorf, IA
05-2019

Skills

  • Standardized assessments (Diagnostic, criterion, Summative)
  • Non standardized assessments (Classroom Observation, Observation of Daily Activities)
  • Individualized treatment plans
  • Augmentative communication systems
  • Cognitive-communication therapy
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Relationship building
  • Data collection methods
  • SOAP notes expertise
  • Treatment Planning
  • Manage case files
  • IEP participation
  • Communication strategies consultation
  • Effective communication
  • Progress monitoring
  • Patient education strategies
  • Caregiver training
  • Ethics in Speech Pathology
  • Research Methods in Speech Pathology
  • Treatment research
  • Therapeutic techniques
  • Articulation therapy
  • Pragmatic language therapy
  • Dementia Communication Strategies
  • Fluency Disorders Treatment
  • Apraxia of Speech Treatment
  • Oral Motor Skills Therapy
  • Aphasia Rehabilitation
  • Dysarthria Therapy

Work Experiences Before Graduation

Prior to completing my Degree I worked in group homes, and caregiving for 2+ years. I wanted to get to know the populations I would be working with after graduation. With help from the head of the SLP program at St. Ambrose, I found a Job working with adult individuals through Hills and Dales. I had the opportunity to see first hand how much an SLP could change the lives of those they work with. I was able to implement visuals (calenders, choices for food, activities,etc) provide increased verbal language, train other staff members on how to communicate with the individuals in the home. At the end of working with these residents, they were able to go shopping and select their own items via verbal communication, core boards, visuals. The residents in the home were able to communicate their wants and needs in the home with visuals placed near favorite items (tv, computer, games) and able to select the items they wanted. 

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Speech-Language Pathologist

TMC - Therapy Management
03.2025 - 06.2025

Speech Language Pathologist

Grant Wood Area Education Agency
10.2023 - 07.2025

Master of Science - Speech Language Pathology

St. Ambrose University

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

St. Ambrose University

Associate of Arts - Arts

Scott Community College
Theodore Briar