Stephanie Braun
Flagstaff
Summary
Dynamic and culturally sensitive Speech Language Pathologist with extensive experience in adult care, specializing in cognitive communication, swallowing, and language disorders related to neurological conditions, cranial nerve involvement, and motor speech deficits. Recognized for effective mentoring and training of new hires, beginning SLPs, and students, fostering a respectful and encouraging learning environment that promotes skill development and confidence. Proven expertise in program development and cross-departmental educational services enhances multidisciplinary staff training through innovative case studies and continuing education units. Committed to personal growth and excellence, embracing feedback as a catalyst for continuous improvement.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Speech Language Pathologist
Entire Care, Flagstaff Medical Center, Northern Arizona Hospital
04.2018 - Current
- Knowledge of assessment and treatment in the Inpatient and Outpatient setting.
- Served as a liaison between patients, their families, and insurance providers to ensure coverage for necessary treatments as an outpatient therapist.
- Conducted comprehensive standardized and informal speech, language, cognitive and swallowing assessments, utilizing standardized tests and observational techniques, to develop personalized treatment plans improving patient abilities.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic and individualized interventions leading to measurable improvements in patients' functions and quality of life.
- Educated families on cognitive communication and swallow strategies and techniques for home practice and quality of life measures.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including educators, psychologists, and healthcare professionals to optimize patient care and therapy outcomes.
- Customized therapeutic interventions for culturally diverse populations, ensuring sensitivity to individual values, beliefs, and communication styles while delivering effective care.
- Provided mentorship and training to clinical students, fostering practical skills and professional growth.
- Led workshops for healthcare professionals on managing patients with traumatic brain injuries in the acute care setting.
- Facilitated team knowledge and management using presentations from continuing educations and case studies to foster clinical growth and implement best practice management.
- Proficient in Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of swallow for dysphagia assessment and therapeutic management
- Proficient in Videostroboscopy for Voice assessment and therapeutic management of dysphonia.
- Proficient in Modified Barium Swallow Studies for assessment and therapeutic management of dysphagias
- Clinical strength in evaluating, diagnosing and treatingcranial nerve involvement of motor speech disorders as often associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Speech Language Pathologist, PRN
Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona
02.2018 - 02.2019
- Spearheaded development and launching the speech language pathology program at a new rehabilitation hospital
- Critical problem solving and flexibility while creating best practice methods, efficiency and effectiveness of the speech therapy program, including, but not limited to: efficiency within the electronic medical record, complex scheduling to meet individual patient's needs, assessments and interventions and interdisciplinary communications among healthcare professionals.
- Created the restorative dysphagia program and helped problem solve and implement involvement of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, including: OT for feeding, RD for nutrition and RN/PCT staff for vitals monitoring and transitions from room to dining room.
- Management of disorders related to speech-language, cognitive and swallowing in the medically complex patients in the acute rehabilitation setting.
- Monitored client progress and adjusted treatment strategies based on performance outcomes.
- Provided training and mentorship to junior staff on therapeutic techniques, evaluation methods and program curriculum and expectations.
- Advocation for patients and family supports within the healthcare and insurance barriers to access appropriate resources and services.
- Implemented group therapy sessions for individuals with similar communication challenges, promoting peer support and increased motivation.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Milford Regional Hospital
12.2017 - 02.2018
- Conducted formal and informal comprehensive assessments to diagnose speech-language, cognitive and swallowing disorders in diverse populations in the acute rehabilitation setting.
- Educated families on effective communication techniques and strategies for supporting language development at home.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans addressing the unique needs of each patient.
- Critical problem solving for safe discharge planning as related to holistic therapeutic needs amongst collaboration with interdisciplinary team members.
- Quick acquisition of new electronic medical record system.
- Served as a liaison between patients, their families, and insurance providers to ensure coverage for necessary treatments.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Hospital & Clinics
09.2017 - 11.2017
- Collaborated with a large Inpatient Speech Language Pathology team in a large medical center.
- Professionally and personally navigated outside my comfort zone to meet expectations as a team member in large, multidisciplinary cohort and populations.
- Conducted thorough assessments to accurately diagnose speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages, of diverse backgrounds, languages and cultures.
- Learned how to utilize translation services to provide aphasia, cognitive and swallowing interventions within multiple languages and cultures.
- Improved awareness and cultural competence to provide the best care as speech language pathologist to meet the diverse need of different language, communication styles, cultures and gender identities.
- Advanced my skills and knowledge of in-line speaking valves.
- Completed Modified Barium Swallow Studies to improve assessment and therapeutic outcomes for dysphagia management.
Speech and Language Pathologist
The Peaks Skilled Nursing Facility
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Developed innovative therapy exercises that effectively targeted patients'' specific areas of difficulty and helped them achieve their goals more efficiently.
- Managed RUG levels to support moral and adequate therapy needs.
- Implemented modified LOUD interventions in the Parkinson's population following structured therapeutic expectations of this intervention.
- Streamlined therapy session planning by creating resource libraries of activities and materials, reducing preparation time.
- Educated patients and family members about various topics such as communication and swallowing techniques or strategies to cope with life changing deficits and when back at home.
- Developed and maintained detailed patient records, ensuring accurate tracking of progress and outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to integrate speech therapy goals into overall treatment plans, optimizing patient care.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Sierra Health Care
02.2017 - 04.2017
- Managed home health and skilled nursing caseloads using effective time management and flexible learning for varying documentation expectations to meet insurance and healthcare guidelines.
- Improved awareness and integration of cultural and social-behavioral differences within and poverty environments and behavioral health populations.
- Provided therapeutic services and familial education in Spanish.
- Enhanced the quality of life for patients within their home targeting environmental adaptations, family education and swallowing and diet modifications through personalized treatment plans.
- Addressed swallowing disorders with tailored therapeutic interventions, enhancing patients' ability to safely eat and drink.
- Developed and maintained detailed patient records, ensuring accurate tracking of progress and outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to integrate speech therapy goals into overall treatment plans, optimizing patient care.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Montrose Regional Health
08.2016 - 12.2016
- Managed fast pace work environment using flexibility, time management and organization to serve patients among varying settings within a day, including Acute Care Hospital, Acute Rehabilitation Hospital and Outpatient Therapy Services.
- Developed interdisciplinary communication strategies to advocate for patient care and quality of life as related to therapeutic needs, social-behavioral-cognitive barriers for safe discharge planning.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to diagnose speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders in diverse populations.
- Developed individualized therapy plans to address client-specific communication needs and goals.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions to enhance speech production, language comprehension, and social communication skills.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive treatment strategies and optimal patient outcomes.
- Proficient in using FEES for dysphagia assessment and management
- Proficient in using MBS for dysphagia assessment and management
Speech and Language Pathologist
St. Luke’s Hospital
06.2016 - 08.2016
- Traveler for Aureus
- Competent with McKesson Electronic Medical Record
- Assessment and treatment of swallow, speech, language and cognitive disorders
- Evaluation of swallow using instrumental assessments: MBS and FEES
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed with quick adjustment to new expectations and personalities within a team.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Speech and Language Pathologist
St. Vincent Hospital
01.2016 - 05.2016
- Acute Care inpatient SLP
- Acute rehab inpatient SLP
- Assessment and treatment of swallow, speech, language and cognitive disorders
- Evaluation of swallow using instrumental assessments: MBS and FEES
- Competent in Epic electronic medical record system
- Excelled in time management and efficiency of clinical expectations in a fast paced, multifaceted job expectations between patient care in the acute care and acute rehab setting.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient care and treatment integration.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve therapeutic outcomes for clients with complex needs.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Nurses Network, LLC-
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Evaluation and interdisciplinary treatment approach to cognitive, language and swallow impairments in the aging population
- Learned how to navigate the OASIS with time management and documentation techniques to efficiently complete an in depth documentation process.
- Facilitating discussions and support regarding end of life care
- Ed-doc proficient using Cerner for Home Health
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care and support for clients' needs.
- Developed and refined treatment protocols, ensuring alignment with current research and best practices in the field.
- Educated families on strategies to reinforce cognitive-communication and swallowing development at home, fostering supportive environments.
- Advocated for client needs within educational settings, promoting access to necessary resources for optimal outcomes.
- Conducted thorough evaluations of patients'' swallowing abilities, leading to appropriate recommendations for diet modifications or further medical referrals when necessary.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Rehab Without Walls
09.2014 - 01.2016
- Assessed and established customized functional individual and community oriented goals to support a return to independence within the home and a return to vocational opportunities.
- Established relationships and worked closely with vocational rehab programs and employment centers to support success.
- Problem solved using flexibility and critically thinking skills to create solutions to current barriers to success.
- Trained functional skills necessary to participate in complex daily activities, including memory strategies, pragmatic skills, and providing active listening and emotionally compassionate support for client's behaviors related to overwhelm due to their new cognitive communication deficits.
- Provided dynamic assessment and therapeutic supports to clients as related to deficits within swallowing, visual-spatial, cognitive and language as they re-enter their home, community and vocational environments
- Multidisciplinary team approach and support. Worked closely with Physical Therapists to promote dual tasking success for the client with concomitant deficits that are impacting successful transition to home.
- Passionate about learning, patient centered approach to care and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Prescott Nursing and Rehabilitation
10.2013 - 01.2016
- Evaluation and treatment of cognitive-linguistic impairments for the skilled patients and longterm care residence.
- Interdisciplinary and functional treatment approach to maximize rehab potential and to achieve greatest independence possible
- Training to staff for safety of the patients with dysphagia and feeding deficits to promote safe independence for the patient and support and lessen nursing staff demands
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked flexible hours across days, weekend, and holiday shifts to flex to caseload demands.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Knowledgeable in insurance reimbursements and RUG levels.
- E-doc proficient using Optima Rehab
- Experienced learning and behavioral differences while helping patient with concomitant psych-behavioral issues in their psych unit.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked well and closely in a team setting, providing support guidance and creating interdisciplinary strategies to support the whole person.
Inpatient evaluation and treatment
CCC-SLP: Yavapai Regional Medical Center
08.2013 - 01.2016
- Diet recommendations and support to nursing staff
- Outpatient clinic treating adults and children with speech, language, swallow and cognitive impairments.
- Recommendations for and analysis of swallow using Modified Barium Swallow studies
- E-doc proficient using Cerner
Education
Master of Science - Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona12.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, Virginia05.2007
Licensure - Real Estate License of Utah
Institute of Real Estate Education
Salt Lake City, UT12-2007
Skills
- Building professional connections
- Effective interpersonal communication
- Integrated learning experience
- Responsive to evolving challenges
- Promoting knowledge, growth and confidence with the novice SLP and students
- Team collaboration
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Adaptability in challenging situations
- Patient-centered therapeutic techniques
- Training facilitation
- Proficient in time management
- Performance tracking
- Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
- Clear and concise documentation
- Health education delivery
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Analytical problem-solving and reasoning
- Engaged listening
- Effective time management
- Informed decision-making
- Collaborative teamwork
- Dependable performance
- Clear communication
- Self-driven initiative
Certification
- May, 2014 Privileged in use of Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES)
- December, 2012 VitalStim Certified
- February, 2011 Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Certified (LSVT)
Timeline
Speech Language Pathologist
Entire Care, Flagstaff Medical Center, Northern Arizona Hospital
04.2018 - Current
Speech Language Pathologist, PRN
Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona
02.2018 - 02.2019
Speech and Language Pathologist
Milford Regional Hospital
12.2017 - 02.2018
Speech and Language Pathologist
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Hospital & Clinics
09.2017 - 11.2017
Speech and Language Pathologist
The Peaks Skilled Nursing Facility
05.2017 - 08.2017
Speech and Language Pathologist
Sierra Health Care
02.2017 - 04.2017
Speech and Language Pathologist
Montrose Regional Health
08.2016 - 12.2016
Speech and Language Pathologist
St. Luke’s Hospital
06.2016 - 08.2016
Speech and Language Pathologist
St. Vincent Hospital
01.2016 - 05.2016
Speech and Language Pathologist
Nurses Network, LLC-
01.2015 - 01.2016
Speech and Language Pathologist
Rehab Without Walls
09.2014 - 01.2016
Speech and Language Pathologist
Prescott Nursing and Rehabilitation
10.2013 - 01.2016
Inpatient evaluation and treatment
CCC-SLP: Yavapai Regional Medical Center
08.2013 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
University of Mary Washington
Master of Science - Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Northern Arizona University
Licensure - Real Estate License of Utah
Institute of Real Estate Education