Resume
Ela Britchkow, Speech and Language Pathologist
Southampton, Pennsylvania 18966
215-322-6781
contact@ClearEnglishSpeech.com
www.ClearEnglishSpeech.com
WORK EXPERIENCE
Speech and Language Pathologist
Private Practice (September 1981- Present) Southampton, PA
For years, as stated in my resume below, I provided speech pathology services to patients in hospitals and rehab centers, as well as to countless children in educational settings, born with communication, speech and swallowing issues. Although this work was extremely rewarding, my passion and fascination with accents and pronunciation led me to specialize in serving foreign-born individuals who wished to be better understood in American English.
I designed my own powerful teaching method which is incorporated in my American Accent Software and private lessons. This takes clients who were difficult to understand speaking English, and teaches them to speak as if American English were their native language. My clients were amazed at the improvement of their English fluency and intelligibility. They had not earlier learned to speak English correctly from their English teachers, because they are not trained, as Speech and Language Pathologists are, to adequately instruction in the specific areas of English Pronunciation, sound production and accent training. My accent reduction lessons and software provides them the missing key to speaking English clearly.
Evaluation/treatment of speech and communication disorders preschool through adult. Extensive experience treating:
Speech and Language Pathologist
Northeast Growth & Development Center (May 1996- June 2001, May 2003-present) Philadelphia, PA
Responsibilities: Consultation services with teaching staff and parents; multi-disciplinary team member; performed evaluations for speech and language disorders; developed individual educational programs; provided speech and language therapy; participated in leading speech and language groups; and initiated staff development training. Center-based and community based programs for infants/children up to five years of age.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Bucks County Association for Retarded Citizens (BARC) (1999-2002, May 2003-present), Warminster, PA
Responsibilities: Consultation services with parents to increase carry-over of communication skills into the child’s home/school environment, a community based program for children between the ages of birth to 3years; multi-disciplinary team member; performed evaluations of speech and language disorders; developed individual educational programs; provided speech and language therapy.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Genesis Rehabilitation Services (May 2003-October 2003, part-time), Langhorne, PA
Responsibilities: Diagnostic evaluations and treatment for adult residents with a variety of disorders including aphasia, dysphagia, voice, dysarthria and memory deficits. At one of the facilities I implemented a comprehensive program to identify residents on thickened liquid diets.
Speech and Language Pathologist, Saint John Neuman Nursing Home (March 1995- September 1996) Philadelphia, PA
Responsibilities: Established guidelines and ensured patients were restricted from foods that might cause serious medical complications or death from swallowing. For this purpose, the Director of Nursing and I developed a unique patient identification system. To address the social isolation accompanying hearing impairment, I developed a practical, effective, inexpensive written communication device that patients could use to make their wants and needs known to staff. These examples demonstrate a proactive commitment to face challenges often generally noticed but not addressed. I provided dysphasia workshops to train nursing staff to apply carry over techniques for safe swallowing and a workshop to learn how to communicate better with hearing impaired patients. My good working relationships with the medical staff promoted generalization of newly acquired speech and language skills. Sensitivity to the institution’s work culture enhanced the effectiveness of treatment goals.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Diane Morgan & Associates (January 1993- February 1995) Willow Grove, PA
Responsibilities: Diagnostic evaluations and treatment for adult patients with disorders related to neurological disease, physical trauma, cancer, paralytic syndromes, and circulatory and respiratory problems. Speech therapy for both children and adults were provided in another office of that company.
Speech and Language Pathologist, Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, (June 1987- January 1993) Philadelphia, PA
Responsibilities: The evaluation and treatment of speech, language, auditory processing, rhythm and dysphasia disorders in children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, hearing and visual impairments, children on the Autism/PDD Spectrum and children with various syndromes. Specialized in individualized programs to enhance communication skills that utilized augmentative communication, video equipment and adaptive toys. Provided in-service programs for medical staff and support personnel and ongoing parent training sessions. I developed the quality assurance standards for my speech and language Pathology Department.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Woods Services (June 1978- June 1979); (July 2001-May 2003), Langhorne, PA
Responsibilities: Evaluation and treatment of children and young adults diagnosed as Emotionally Disturbed, Mentally Retarded, Autism/ PDD Spectrum, Cerebral Palsy and Hearing Impaired. Implementation of individualized speech and language programs; consulted with and trained staff and teachers on how to reinforce speech and language skills. Students who were unable to use speech to communicate effectively were matched with the most appropriate augmentative communication system. Therapy was conducted individually, in small groups, integrated into the classroom or in classroom lessons, as appropriate to their needs. Hearing screens were provided for all students. Provided regular Speech In-service Programs for incoming staff. Multi-disciplinary teams’ member.
Resource Room Teacher (1982-1988) Congregation Ohev Shalom, Richboro, PAResponsibilities: Taught religious school studies to a class of learning disabled students. Behavioral strategies, multi-sensory methods and individualized instruction were utilized.
Speech and Language Pathologist, North Hills Child Development Center (June 1978-1979) North Hills, PA
Responsibilities: Administering speech and language tests and writing and implementing speech and language programs to pre-school children ranging in ages from three to five years. Acted as a teacher consultant, conducting parent training groups for speech and language stimulation and training groups for the teachers and aides.
Student Speech Clinician, Veteran’s Administration Hospital (November 1976- December 1976)
Selinsgrove, PA
Responsibilities: Providing various methods of Aphasia and Apraxia therapies including the use of an artificial larynx to laryngectomees, stuttering group therapy and speech reading.
Student Speech Clinician, Selinsgrove State School Hospital (September 1976- November 1976) Selinsgrove, PA
Responsibilities: Evaluating and implementing speech and language programs for children in a public elementary school, which included mentally retarded and emotionally disturbed children ranging in ages from six years to adults.
Student Speech Clinician
Bloomsburg School District October 1975- December 1975)
Responsibilities: Evaluating and implementing speech and language programs for children in a public elementary school, which included mentally retarded and emotionally disturbed children ranging in ages from six to twelve.
Student Speech Clinician, Central School District (September 1975- October 1975) Mifflinville, PA
Responsibilities: Speech and language screening and therapy for a kindergarten center, elementary learning disabilities classes and a special education high school class.
Student Speech Clinician
Bloomsburg State College, Speech & Language Clinic (January 1975- May 1975)
Bloomsburg, PA
Responsibilities: Treating cases involving delayed language, hearing impairment and articulation disorders.
Substitute Teacher Bloomsburg School District (September 1975- January 1975) Bloomsburg, PA
I substituted for the special education classes in the Bloomsburg School District.
EDUCATION
December 1976 Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA
Master of Education in Speech Pathology & Audiology
August 1974 Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Arts
CREDENTIALS
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Southampton, Pennsylvania 18966
215-322-6781
contact@ClearEnglishSpeech.com
www.ClearEnglishSpeech.com
WORK EXPERIENCE
Speech and Language Pathologist
Private Practice (September 1981- Present) Southampton, PA
For years, as stated in my resume below, I provided speech pathology services to patients in hospitals and rehab centers, as well as to countless children in educational settings, born with communication, speech and swallowing issues. Although this work was extremely rewarding, my passion and fascination with accents and pronunciation led me to specialize in serving foreign-born individuals who wished to be better understood in American English.
I designed my own powerful teaching method which is incorporated in my American Accent Software and private lessons. This takes clients who were difficult to understand speaking English, and teaches them to speak as if American English were their native language. My clients were amazed at the improvement of their English fluency and intelligibility. They had not earlier learned to speak English correctly from their English teachers, because they are not trained, as Speech and Language Pathologists are, to adequately instruction in the specific areas of English Pronunciation, sound production and accent training. My accent reduction lessons and software provides them the missing key to speaking English clearly.
Evaluation/treatment of speech and communication disorders preschool through adult. Extensive experience treating:
- American English Pronunciation
- Adults with Aphasia, Dysarthria, Apraxia, and Memory Deficits
- Disorders related to Neurological disease, Physical trauma, Cancer, Paralytic
- Dysphagia
- Voice Disorders
- Children on the Autism/PDD Spectrum
- Articulation/Phonology
- Stuttering
- Auditory Processing
- Oral Muscle Therapy
Speech and Language Pathologist
Northeast Growth & Development Center (May 1996- June 2001, May 2003-present) Philadelphia, PA
Responsibilities: Consultation services with teaching staff and parents; multi-disciplinary team member; performed evaluations for speech and language disorders; developed individual educational programs; provided speech and language therapy; participated in leading speech and language groups; and initiated staff development training. Center-based and community based programs for infants/children up to five years of age.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Bucks County Association for Retarded Citizens (BARC) (1999-2002, May 2003-present), Warminster, PA
Responsibilities: Consultation services with parents to increase carry-over of communication skills into the child’s home/school environment, a community based program for children between the ages of birth to 3years; multi-disciplinary team member; performed evaluations of speech and language disorders; developed individual educational programs; provided speech and language therapy.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Genesis Rehabilitation Services (May 2003-October 2003, part-time), Langhorne, PA
Responsibilities: Diagnostic evaluations and treatment for adult residents with a variety of disorders including aphasia, dysphagia, voice, dysarthria and memory deficits. At one of the facilities I implemented a comprehensive program to identify residents on thickened liquid diets.
Speech and Language Pathologist, Saint John Neuman Nursing Home (March 1995- September 1996) Philadelphia, PA
Responsibilities: Established guidelines and ensured patients were restricted from foods that might cause serious medical complications or death from swallowing. For this purpose, the Director of Nursing and I developed a unique patient identification system. To address the social isolation accompanying hearing impairment, I developed a practical, effective, inexpensive written communication device that patients could use to make their wants and needs known to staff. These examples demonstrate a proactive commitment to face challenges often generally noticed but not addressed. I provided dysphasia workshops to train nursing staff to apply carry over techniques for safe swallowing and a workshop to learn how to communicate better with hearing impaired patients. My good working relationships with the medical staff promoted generalization of newly acquired speech and language skills. Sensitivity to the institution’s work culture enhanced the effectiveness of treatment goals.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Diane Morgan & Associates (January 1993- February 1995) Willow Grove, PA
Responsibilities: Diagnostic evaluations and treatment for adult patients with disorders related to neurological disease, physical trauma, cancer, paralytic syndromes, and circulatory and respiratory problems. Speech therapy for both children and adults were provided in another office of that company.
Speech and Language Pathologist, Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, (June 1987- January 1993) Philadelphia, PA
Responsibilities: The evaluation and treatment of speech, language, auditory processing, rhythm and dysphasia disorders in children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, hearing and visual impairments, children on the Autism/PDD Spectrum and children with various syndromes. Specialized in individualized programs to enhance communication skills that utilized augmentative communication, video equipment and adaptive toys. Provided in-service programs for medical staff and support personnel and ongoing parent training sessions. I developed the quality assurance standards for my speech and language Pathology Department.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Woods Services (June 1978- June 1979); (July 2001-May 2003), Langhorne, PA
Responsibilities: Evaluation and treatment of children and young adults diagnosed as Emotionally Disturbed, Mentally Retarded, Autism/ PDD Spectrum, Cerebral Palsy and Hearing Impaired. Implementation of individualized speech and language programs; consulted with and trained staff and teachers on how to reinforce speech and language skills. Students who were unable to use speech to communicate effectively were matched with the most appropriate augmentative communication system. Therapy was conducted individually, in small groups, integrated into the classroom or in classroom lessons, as appropriate to their needs. Hearing screens were provided for all students. Provided regular Speech In-service Programs for incoming staff. Multi-disciplinary teams’ member.
Resource Room Teacher (1982-1988) Congregation Ohev Shalom, Richboro, PAResponsibilities: Taught religious school studies to a class of learning disabled students. Behavioral strategies, multi-sensory methods and individualized instruction were utilized.
Speech and Language Pathologist, North Hills Child Development Center (June 1978-1979) North Hills, PA
Responsibilities: Administering speech and language tests and writing and implementing speech and language programs to pre-school children ranging in ages from three to five years. Acted as a teacher consultant, conducting parent training groups for speech and language stimulation and training groups for the teachers and aides.
Student Speech Clinician, Veteran’s Administration Hospital (November 1976- December 1976)
Selinsgrove, PA
Responsibilities: Providing various methods of Aphasia and Apraxia therapies including the use of an artificial larynx to laryngectomees, stuttering group therapy and speech reading.
Student Speech Clinician, Selinsgrove State School Hospital (September 1976- November 1976) Selinsgrove, PA
Responsibilities: Evaluating and implementing speech and language programs for children in a public elementary school, which included mentally retarded and emotionally disturbed children ranging in ages from six years to adults.
Student Speech Clinician
Bloomsburg School District October 1975- December 1975)
Responsibilities: Evaluating and implementing speech and language programs for children in a public elementary school, which included mentally retarded and emotionally disturbed children ranging in ages from six to twelve.
Student Speech Clinician, Central School District (September 1975- October 1975) Mifflinville, PA
Responsibilities: Speech and language screening and therapy for a kindergarten center, elementary learning disabilities classes and a special education high school class.
Student Speech Clinician
Bloomsburg State College, Speech & Language Clinic (January 1975- May 1975)
Bloomsburg, PA
Responsibilities: Treating cases involving delayed language, hearing impairment and articulation disorders.
Substitute Teacher Bloomsburg School District (September 1975- January 1975) Bloomsburg, PA
I substituted for the special education classes in the Bloomsburg School District.
EDUCATION
December 1976 Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA
Master of Education in Speech Pathology & Audiology
August 1974 Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Arts
CREDENTIALS
- Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Department of Education
- State of New Jersey Department of Education
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Pennsylvania Speech-Language- Hearing Association
- Promoting Accent Training Help (PATH), Institute of Language and Phonology
- Corporate Speech Pathology Network
- International Association of Orofacial Myology
- National Stuttering Association
- Stuttering Foundation of America
- Autism Society of America, Greater Philadelphia Chapter
- National Parkinson Foundation Inc.
- Alexander Graham Bell Association
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association (CASANA)
- The American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology