Experienced speech-language pathologist offering individualized and engaging articulation tutoring for school-age children online! 

Find out more about Melissa

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I was interested in speech language pathology as early as a sophomore in high school. I have always loved my job as it is very versatile and can be used with a wide variety of ages and people in many different settings. I did become a school administrator for a few years, but quickly went back to my first of love- speech pathology!
  
  I have treated many people in different settings and at different ages, but definitely prefer elementary aged students.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  In speech pathology there are many areas of speech and language to address.
  1. Fluency (the smoothness/bumpiness of speech), sometimes called stuttering.
  2. Articulation (the sounds of speech) Often sounds like r, l, and s are later developing sounds that students require therapy for.
  3. Receptive Communication (Auditory Language). This is how well you can understand language. This includes understanding basic concepts, prepositions, vocabulary, and grammatical forms.
  4. Expressive Language. This is how well a student can use words to communicate their thoughts, wants, needs, and ideas. Being able to use a wide range of vocabulary as well as sentence structures is required for adequate communication.
  5. Voice. This is usually only treated if a doctor has written a prescription for speech therapy. This addresses raspy or hoarse voices, hypo or hyper nasality, and pitch of speech.
  6. Social Language. While someone might have excellent receptive and expressive language, if they aren't able to use it effectively with peers, they aren't able to communicate sufficiently. This has to do with reading body language, understanding sarcasm, indirect language, and taking perspectives of others. Self regulation and executive functioning skills are also addressed in social language.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I would say that all of my supervisors, teachers, and mentors have inspired me or taught me in different ways. When I was beginning my career, I was inspired by Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  I think there are many qualities required. Knowledge of field, care and concern for the student and ability to establish rapport, understanding of evidence based practices, and ability to make engaging lessons.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  Every day there are fun anecdotes I could relay!

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  When computers glitch, freeze, or have poor internet connectivity, it makes it very difficult to do speech therapy. Also, with a virtual meet, it doesn't work to have the two parties speak at the same time which also can hinder communication.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I especially love to work with students on expressive and receptive language and articulation. I have a large depth of experience working with Autistic students and enjoy all my students greatly.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P)?

  I love what I do! I love the students I work with, and I have a good background of experience and knowledge to help me be an effective teacher.