Speech and Language Pathology Assistant Certificate

• Introduction to Language and Communication Development

  3 credits

• Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms

  3 credits

• Standards and Practices for SLPA’s

  3 credits

• Methods of Intervention for Speech Disorders

  3 credits

• Methods of Intervention for Language Disorders

  3 credits

• Language & Literacy Development

  3 credits

• Language & Communication Development in Autism

  3 credits

• Speech and Language Pathology Assistant Practicum

  3 credits

Applicants must have earned an associate degree to participate in this certificate program.

• Linda Kessler

  Linda Kessler is a speech-language pathologist, academic advisor, and part-time lecturer. She has experience advising and supporting students academically at graduate and undergraduate levels. As a speech-language pathologist, Linda has over five years of experience working in public school settings for both elementary and secondary students. She is committed to working with students to help them gain the necessary skills to help support students with speech and language disorders in public schools.

  Linda has a master's degree in education and speech-language pathology. She is currently pursuing a clinical doctoral degree with a concentration in health professions education.

• Cayla White

  Cayla, a certified speech and language pathologist since 2014, brings extensive clinical experience working with adults and children with a variety of communication differences across diverse settings. She began her career working with adults in the medical setting, transitioning to the school setting after two years. Throughout her career, she has maintained roles in both the medical and school environments, allowing her to work closely with adults as well as children. She also has experience providing teletherapy services, adapting her approach to ensure effective communication support in various formats.

  Cayla has been involved in higher education, where she served as founding faculty in the University of New Haven's speech and language pathology graduate program, focusing on training and mentoring future speech and language pathologists. Additionally, she has taught in Sacred Heart University's speech and language pathology program. Passionate about advancing the field of speech and language pathology, she is dedicated to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Outside of her professional work, Cayla is a devoted mother of three, and her children's language development journeys continue to inspire her dedication to the field.

• Amy Moncy

  Amy Anderson Moncy has happily served children and adults as a speech language pathologist in a variety of settings that include hospital, outpatient, homecare, rehab, early intervention, and schools for over 29 years. She earned her doctorate degree in Speech Language Pathology in 2009 with research focused on clinical supervision. Amy has been a clinical supervisor/mentor to graduate students, clinical fellows and speech language pathology assistants. She enjoys the collaborative process of learning in supervision. Amy is also passionate and committed to helping children to build their communication skills for back and forth interactions. She agrees with Ellen Galinsky that communication is an essential life skill. “Communication skills extend their learning by giving them the tools not only to learn from others, but to share what they've learned with others. What better gift can we give them than the ability to send their messages into the world?”

Students who graduate with the certificate in Speech and Language Pathology Assistant Studies (SLPA) will be able to:

• understand and articulate how speech and language develops;
• describe speech/language and hearing disorders;
• use and explain evidence-based intervention techniques to evoke and sustain communication behaviors;
• explain environmental factors that can support or erode the efficacy of treatment;
• explain the role of the SLPA in supporting the SLP;
• explain the role of the SLPA in serving on a multi-disciplinary team within a comprehensive service delivery system and the importance of that role;
• utilize best practices in establishing and sustaining a culturally and linguistically responsive environment; and
• demonstrate proficiency in the technical skills required of a speech and language pathology assistant.

Connecticut does not require SLPAs to be licensed. Students interested in the licensure exam upon completion of the SLPA certificate program may apply directly to ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association) Learn how to apply for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Certification Exam (C-SLPA)