Yshel Brito Azcatl
Phoenix
Summary
I am a first-generation speech-language pathologist dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based care. I work diligently for my patients while prioritizing the implementation of evidence-based practice in clinical decision-making and continually striving to expand my knowledge and clinical skills. My experience includes working with individuals with tracheostomies, dysphagia, aphasia, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive-linguistic dysfunction, and dementia. I have also supported patients through the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to improve functional communication and quality of life.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow
Trilogy Health Services
Lafayette, IN
09.2025 - Current
- Assisted in developing individualized treatment plans for diverse patient populations.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions to improve communication skills in patients.
- Conducted thorough evaluations to accurately diagnose speech and language disorders, enabling appropriate intervention planning.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes.
- Provided evidence-based speech-language therapy in a skilled nursing facility for patients with tracheostomies, traumatic brain injury (TBI), aphasia, Parkinson's, and cognitive-communication disorders. Conducted dementia staging and implemented augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies to support functional communication.
Speech-Language Pathologist Intern
Cardon & Associates
Greenwood, IN
05.2025 - 08.2025
- In the summer of 2025, I completed a 10-week medical externship at a skilled nursing facility, where I gained valuable experience working with both long-term residents and rehab-to-home patients. This setting gave me the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of continuity of care and how speech-language pathology supports patients across various stages of recovery. I worked with patients on a variety of needs, including cognition, swallowing, and communication.
- I administered standardized cognitive-linguistic assessments such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool (BCAT), the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS), and the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS). These tools allowed me to evaluate memory, executive function, problem-solving, and orientation, while also guiding individualized treatment plans to support each patient’s goals.
- In the area of swallowing, I provided assessment and therapy for patients with dysphagia, ensuring that recommendations for diet modification, safe swallowing strategies, and therapy goals were tailored to each person’s unique medical status and functional needs. Working closely with my two supervisors, I learned the importance of balancing evidence-based practice with compassionate, patient-centered care.
- I collaborated with patients to set meaningful, functional goals, whether that was preparing to return home independently, maintaining quality of life in long-term care, or maximizing participation in daily activities. Overall, this externship expanded my skills in cognitive assessment, dysphagia management, tracheostomy care, and patient-centered goal setting. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration not only with supervisors, but also with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary team in helping individuals reach their highest potential in a skilled nursing environment
Speech Pathology Intern
Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Inc
South Bend, IN
02.2025 - 05.2025
- In the spring of 2025, I completed a 10-week externship in the acute care department at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in South Bend/Mishawaka as a Speech-Language Pathology graduate student. This experience was an incredible opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in a fast-paced medical setting while building confidence as a developing clinician!
- One of the highlights of my externship was gaining hands-on experience with Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS). I learned how to analyze swallow function in real time, and provide evidence-based recommendations that directly impacted patient safety and quality of life.
- I also worked with critically ill patients, including those who were intubated, extubated, and tracheostomized. These cases taught me how to consider respiratory status, secretion management, and readiness for oral intake while adapting therapy to meet complex needs. Supporting patients who were NPO and participating in interdisciplinary care planning showed me the importance of teamwork and flexibility.
- Additionally, I gained meaningful experience with stroke patients presenting with aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, and cognitive-communication challenges. Helping these patients regain communication and swallowing skills was inspiring. I learned how to celebrate small but powerful victories and to provide encouragement for patients and families during recovery!
Education
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
Saint Mary's College
South Bend, IN05-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Speech-Language Pathology
Saint Mary's College
South Bend, IN05-2024
Skills
- Aphasia treatment
- Patient-centered care
- Geriatric care
- Dysphagia management
- Speak Out! certified
- BCAT certified
Certification
- SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program Certified Provider
- Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool (BCAT) Certified Clinician
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Certified Administrator
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow
Trilogy Health Services
09.2025 - Current
Speech-Language Pathologist Intern
Cardon & Associates
05.2025 - 08.2025
Speech Pathology Intern
Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Inc
02.2025 - 05.2025
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
Saint Mary's College
Bachelor of Arts - Speech-Language Pathology
Saint Mary's College