Maria Ghia Florendo
La Habra
Summary
Motivated individual with strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving strengths. Brings reliability and initiative to new challenges while eager to learn and contribute effectively. Committed to supporting team goals and fostering positive patient experiences in clinical settings.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow
Linden Oaks
Buena Park, CA
09.2025 - Current
- Educated families on speech-language development and recommended home activities for reinforcement.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance clinical skills and knowledge base.
- Assisted in the creation of materials for therapy sessions, adapting resources for varied client needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care, resulting in improved overall health outcomes.
- Assisted patients with aphasia in regaining functional communication skills using multimodal approaches catered to individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Provided training for educational staff on effective communication strategies for students with speech-language difficulties in classroom settings.
- Enhanced patient communication abilities by implementing individualized therapy plans tailored to their specific needs.
- Advocated for patients'' rights to access appropriate services, ensuring their needs were met within school or healthcare settings.
- Supported early intervention efforts by conducting screenings for at-risk preschoolers and providing recommendations for further evaluation or services as needed.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering a supportive environment conducive to successful therapy outcomes.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to maximize the effectiveness of therapy sessions, leading to consistent patient improvements.
- Monitored and documented patient progress through regular assessment and data analysis, adjusting treatment plans as needed for continued growth.
- Provided culturally competent care by considering each patient''s unique background, values, and beliefs during treatment planning and intervention.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current with best practices and research in the field of speech-language pathology.
- Increased fluency in individuals who stutter by employing fluency shaping techniques and cognitive-behavioral strategies during sessions.
- Utilized telepractice technologies to deliver remote speech therapy services, expanding access to care for geographically dispersed patients.
- Improved patients'' quality of life by designing and executing personalized speech therapy programs addressing various disorders.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate speech and language disorders in diverse populations.
- Developed individualized treatment plans targeting communication goals and needs.
- Educated patients and family members about various topics such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with and avoid personal misunderstandings.
- Worked with education and medical personnel to develop strategies allowing better communication with individuals with speech and hearing impediments.
- Documented developments and regressions in patients' speech, making treatment adjustments based on latest information.
- Built solid understanding of individual patients issues through analysis of speech and hearing evaluations.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to address social skills development and peer interaction in children with speech impairments.
- Conducted thorough evaluations to accurately diagnose speech and language disorders, enabling appropriate intervention planning.
- Assessed patients'' speech, language, and swallowing disorders, developing targeted treatment strategies for optimal progress.
- Educated families on home-based therapeutic activities that supported continued progress outside of clinical sessions.
- Coordinated with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to patient care, enhancing overall wellbeing.
- Created and implemented treatment plans intended to address speech and language issues in collaboration with other clinical professionals.
- Provided information on speech improvement techniques and non-verbal communication methods.
- Monitored and documented patient progress, adjusting interventions as necessary.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to enhance patient engagement during therapy sessions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to implement therapeutic strategies effectively.
Graduate Student
West Coast University
Los Angeles, CA
01.2024 - 08.2025
- Conducted research to support academic projects and presentations.
- Collaborated with peers to enhance group learning experiences.
- Utilized software tools for data analysis and project management tasks.
- Participated in study groups, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Implemented effective study strategies to improve personal academic performance.
- Engaged with faculty to clarify course material and enhance understanding.
- Developed time management skills to balance coursework and extracurricular activities.
- Followed school and classroom policies, regulations, dress codes, and schedules.
- Collaborated on group projects to complete professional deliverables.
- Enhanced classroom experience by utilizing multimedia presentations and interactive learning tools.
- Completed rigorous readings as directed to support unit learning goals.
- Utilized professor office hours to clarify topics needing elaboration.
Remote Program Manager
MedaSource
Indianapolis, IN
10.2021 - 01.2024
- Led cross-functional teams to implement strategic program initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Developed and maintained project timelines, tracking deliverables to ensure on-time completion of objectives.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings to gather requirements and provide updates on program progress and challenges.
- Analyzed program performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement to enhance operational efficiency.
- Managed budget allocations for multiple projects, optimizing resource utilization across various departments.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to define program strategies that align with business priorities and market trends.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering professional development and enhancing team capabilities in project management practices.
- Implemented risk management processes, proactively addressing potential issues that could impact program success.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
- Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Downey Unified School District
Downey, CA
10.2019 - 10.2021
- Collaborated with speech-language pathologists to implement individualized treatment plans for students.
- Assisted in conducting assessments and evaluations to identify student communication needs.
- Supported classroom activities by facilitating speech and language development exercises.
- Monitored student progress and documented outcomes for therapy sessions.
- Developed educational materials tailored to enhance communication skills in diverse learning environments.
- Trained and mentored new staff on best practices in speech-language intervention strategies.
- Led workshops for educators on integrating speech support into classroom instruction.
- Advocated for student needs by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care approaches.
- Educated families on strategies to facilitate communication development at home, enhancing overall progress in therapy sessions.
- Supported diverse populations, including children with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, stuttering challenges, and phonological disorders.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers and school officials to design and implement instructional strategies.
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Manhattan Beach Unified School District
Manhattan Beach, CA
10.2017 - 10.2019
- Collaborated with speech-language pathologists to implement individualized therapy plans for students.
- Assisted in assessing student progress through standardized evaluations and informal observations.
- Developed engaging activities to enhance communication skills in diverse student populations.
- Supported classroom teachers by integrating speech and language goals into daily lessons.
- Trained new staff on effective techniques for reinforcing speech therapy objectives.
- Monitored and documented student performance, adjusting strategies based on individual needs.
- Led workshops for parents on supporting speech and language development at home.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic support for students with communication challenges.
- Maintained detailed records of patient progress, allowing for better adjustments in treatment plans when needed.
- Liaised with Speech Language Pathologist to conduct speech and language screening to assess needs for intervention and treatment.
- Implemented and adhered to therapeutic treatment plans and protocols in recommended setting to optimize patient response.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication throughout the therapeutic process.
- Coordinated scheduling for appointments between patients, therapists, schools, or other facilities as needed ensuring smooth operations within the clinic setting.
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Long Beach Unified School District
Long Beach, CA
10.2015 - 10.2017
- Increased patient engagement by creating interactive, fun, and stimulating speech therapy activities.
- Liaised with multi-disciplinary team to incorporate treatment plan ideas, goals, and objectives.
- Maintained caseload of [Number] treatment hours per week to effectively manage time and reduce burnout.
- Assisted in the creation of visual aids for use during therapy sessions, promoting better understanding of concepts among patients.
- Fostered an inclusive supportive atmosphere for clients of all backgrounds promoting individual growth and improved communication abilities.
- Performed clerical duties to prepare therapy materials and schedule exercises and activities.
- Assisted in reducing language barriers for non-English speaking clients through bilingual therapy sessions.
- Utilized evidence-based treatment approaches ensuring the most up-to-date and effective methods were being employed in therapy sessions.
- Administered standardized tests under the supervision of Speech-Language Pathologists for accurate evaluation of speech and language skills.
- Contributed to increased clinic efficiency by managing caseloads effectively and prioritizing tasks according to importance and urgency.
- Developed engaging activities to enhance communication skills in diverse student populations.
- Assisted in assessing student progress through standardized evaluations and informal observations.
- Collaborated with speech-language pathologists to implement individualized therapy plans for students.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers and school officials to design and implement instructional strategies.
- Supported diverse populations, including children with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, stuttering challenges, and phonological disorders.
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Easter Seals
Buena Park, CA
10.2012 - 10.2017
- Developed effective data collection systems which streamlined documentation processes while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
- Monitored babies and young children with cognitive and motor developmental delays to provide supportive services.
- Collaborated with Speech-Language Pathologists to develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
- Educated patient, family, and community about speech-improvement to facilitate home-care therapy.
- Recorded patient progress and reported findings and results to supervising Speech-Language Pathologist.
- Maintained a clean organized workspace adhering to infection control protocols providing a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Improved communication abilities in children by utilizing age-appropriate activities and techniques.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices within speech-language pathology assistance field.
- Provided support to Speech-Language Pathologists during assessments, contributing to accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by implementing tailored speech therapy sessions and tracking progress.
- Supported, identified, and celebrated developmental milestones to enhance relationship with patient.
- Maintained clean and safe work area and adhered to safety standards to provide nurturing environment for patients to thrive.
- Conducted research, training, and public relations programs to advance speech-language pathology field.
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Peech and Language Development Center
Buena Park, CA
03.2011 - 10.2015
- Facilitated group therapy sessions focused on social skills training where patients could practice essential communication skills together.
- Documented clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
- Implemented treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
- Performed support duties such as preparing materials, keeping records and scheduling activities.
- Completed SOAP notes for client records.
- Advocate for patients and follow individualized plans for optimal success.
- Assisted speech-language pathologists to remediate or develop speech and language skills.
- Worked with teachers, psychologists, and other professionals to coordinate effective treatment plans.
- Created thinking-based action plans, mapped social behaviors and completed functional behavior plans for students with disabilities.
- Helped patients set and attain realistic goals.
Speech Therapist Aide
Hi-Desert Rehabilitaition Group
Twentynine Palms, CA
02.2010 - 04.2010
- Assisted speech therapists in delivering therapy sessions to enhance patient communication skills.
- Prepared and organized therapy materials to support individualized treatment plans.
- Documented patient progress and maintained accurate records in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care and support goals.
- Implemented therapeutic exercises under supervision, promoting skill development and engagement.
- Monitored patient responses during sessions, providing feedback to therapists for adjustment of approaches.
- Trained new aides on operational protocols and best practices for supporting therapy activities.
- Contributed to program improvement initiatives by suggesting enhancements based on patient feedback and outcomes.
- Attended weekly case conferences to discuss patient progress and collaborate on new strategies or adjustments needed within treatment plans.
Education
Master of Science - Masters in Speech-Language Pathology
West Coast University
North Hollywood, CA08.2025
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certificate - Communication Disorders
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA12.2010
Associate of Arts - Communicative Disorders
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA05.2009
Skills
- Family-centered care
- Motor speech disorders
- Articulation therapy
- Assessment skills
- Social skills training
- Multicultural competence
- Intervention planning
- Phonological awareness
- Alternative communication
- Fluency training
- Dysphagia management
- Augmentative communication
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Telepractice proficiency
- Traumatic brain injury
- Supervision
- Research application
- Outcome measurement
- Early intervention
- Aphasia treatment
Certification
- Licensed RPE - Aug. 2025
- PRAXIS- April 2025
Passed PRAXIS 4/20/2025
Passing score 182
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow
Linden Oaks
09.2025 - Current
Graduate Student
West Coast University
01.2024 - 08.2025
Remote Program Manager
MedaSource
10.2021 - 01.2024
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Downey Unified School District
10.2019 - 10.2021
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Manhattan Beach Unified School District
10.2017 - 10.2019
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Long Beach Unified School District
10.2015 - 10.2017
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Easter Seals
10.2012 - 10.2017
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Peech and Language Development Center
03.2011 - 10.2015
Speech Therapist Aide
Hi-Desert Rehabilitaition Group
02.2010 - 04.2010
Master of Science - Masters in Speech-Language Pathology
West Coast University
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certificate - Communication Disorders
California State University, Northridge
Associate of Arts - Communicative Disorders
California State University, Fullerton