Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Career Experience
Presentations
Publications
Research
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Viviana Heredia

San Juan

Summary

Speech-Language Pathologist with 10 years of experience across multidisciplinary settings, including outpatient clinics and schools in Maryland, California, Missouri, and Puerto Rico. Skilled in teletherapy, program implementation, clinical supervision, and empowering parents and caregivers through family coaching.

Committed to delivering collaborative, family-centered care to achieve meaningful and compassionate outcomes.

Clinical interests include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), telepractice, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with complex communication needs. Dedicated to advancing access to evidence-based interventions for culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

Active member of ASHA Special Interest Groups 12 (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and 14 (Cultural and Linguistic Diversity).

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Speech and Language Pathologist

RL Therapy Group , Inc.
08.2020 - Current
  • Provide teletherapy services as a Speech-Language Pathologist with RL Therapy Group, specializing in clients with complex communication needs across the lifespan.
  • Conduct comprehensive AAC needs assessments and evaluations to determine the most suitable communication systems for each client.
  • Support AAC trials and device selection by collaborating with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective and personalized AAC solutions.
  • Deliver caregiver coaching and training to optimize communication strategies in natural settings, empowering parents and caregivers to support AAC use within daily routines.
  • Offer guidance to communication partners in adult day programs and assisted living facilities, facilitating successful AAC integration across diverse environments.
  • Collaborate closely with other Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and interdisciplinary professionals during the AAC evaluation and implementation processes, ensuring cohesive, team-based care.
  • Actively participate in the development of AAC systems and protocols for new AAC grants and vendor partnerships with California’s Regional Centers.
  • Support RL Therapy Group’s mission to provide therapy in clients' natural environments by building strong relationships with families and caregivers, promoting sustainable growth through small, impactful adjustments to daily routines.

Speech-Language Pathologist- Telepractice

Research to Practice Inc.
01.2020 - 05.2024
  • Supervised Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants and Speech-Language Implementers.
  • Evaluated and diagnosed patients with speech, language, and fluency disorders using standardized assessments and clinical observations.
  • Established strong relationships with Special Education teams, fostering trust and collaboration towards student's goals and compliance with state guidelines.
  • Provided speech and language therapy via teletherapy in the following settings: Early Childhood, Elementary, Junior High, and High School.
  • Provided professional development opportunities for colleagues by presenting on documentation best practices to support continuity of care.
  • Promoted early intervention efforts through collaboration with local schools, conducting screenings, assessments, and consultations as necessary.
  • Managed caseload efficiently, ensuring timely completion of documentation and compliance with professional standards.

Clinical Supervisor

University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus
08.2020 - 01.2021
  • Supervised graduate-level speech-language pathology students in clinical practice, providing mentorship and feedback to develop their assessment and intervention skills.
  • Oversaw and evaluated student performance in managing diverse caseloads, including pediatric and adult clients with a range of communication disorders.
  • Conducted regular observation sessions, ensuring students adhered to evidence-based practices, ethical standards, and professional guidelines.
  • Facilitated hands-on training in diagnostic procedures, treatment planning, and therapeutic techniques across a variety of communication disorders.
  • Provided individualized coaching to enhance students’ clinical reasoning, documentation accuracy, and client interaction skills.
  • Collaborated with university faculty to align clinical supervision with curriculum goals and accreditation standards.
  • Promoted reflective practice and self-evaluation among students to foster professional growth and competence.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care for clients with complex needs, ensuring comprehensive support was provided across all domains of life functioning.

Early Childhood Speech-Language Pathologist

Supplemental Health Care
01.2019 - 01.2020
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments in speech, language, and development for children ages birth to five, identifying early communication needs and supporting early intervention.
  • Collaborated with school pre-referral and intervention teams to identify at-risk students and contribute to Response to Intervention (RTI) procedures.
  • Partnered with AAC team to trial devices, evaluate student responses, and recommend effective high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) solutions.
  • Designed and implemented individualized therapy plans targeting speech, language, and social communication milestones through play-based, naturalistic interventions.
  • Provided guidance and training to families and school staff on using aided communication systems, empowering them to reinforce language skills and AAC strategies in daily interactions.
  • Collaborated with early childhood educators, occupational therapists, and interdisciplinary teams to create comprehensive care plans that support well-rounded development in communication and social skills.

Speech and Language Department Supervisor and Lead

Therapeutic Playtime, Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2019

As the Speech and Language Department Supervisor and Lead Therapist, I oversaw all clinical operations within a multidisciplinary pediatric outpatient clinic, managing caseloads, supporting team development, and ensuring the highest standards of care. In my role, I:

  • Supervised a team of speech-language pathologists, offering mentorship, conducting performance evaluations, and enhancing training protocols for new hires to increase efficiency and credentialing compliance during onboarding.
  • Conducted 8–10 weekly assessments as the primary on-site evaluator, delivering thorough and timely evaluations that informed individualized treatment plans.
  • Redesigned Medicaid-compliant programs, including "Chatterbox" and "Walkie Talkies," to meet updated regulatory standards while maintaining high-quality service delivery for pediatric clients.
  • Increased referral numbers by creating a new marketing protocol emphasizing facility-wide screenings, personally leading over five screening initiatives in local preschools and day cares.
  • Developed and led training on documentation best practices tailored to Medicaid and private insurance guidelines, enhancing continuity of care, regulatory compliance, and approval rates for therapy visits.
  • Streamlined documentation processes by implementing standardized templates for evaluation reports, daily notes, discharge summaries, appeal letters, and a goal bank, significantly improving departmental efficiency and ensuring compliance with insurance requirements.
  • Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams, including occupational and physical therapists, to create integrated care plans that addressed each child’s comprehensive developmental needs.
  • Engaged families and external providers in the treatment process to promote continuity of care, facilitating effective communication and active family involvement.
  • Conducted regular staff meetings and case reviews, fostering a collaborative, patient-centered environment and driving continuous quality improvements.

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

Sensory Solutions, Inc.
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Conducted comprehensive speech, language, and communication assessments for pediatric clients, ensuring culturally and linguistically appropriate evaluations for bilingual Spanish-English speakers.
  • Developed individualized treatment plans focusing on speech and language milestones, addressing bilingual language development needs within the Spanish-speaking community.
  • Delivered evidence-based speech and language therapy to a diverse pediatric population, utilizing strategies to support dual-language acquisition and cultural sensitivity.
  • Engaged and educated Spanish-speaking families on therapy goals, techniques, and at-home practices, facilitating active family involvement in treatment plans.
  • Provided caregiver training sessions in Spanish and English, empowering families to reinforce language skills and therapeutic techniques in the home environment.
  • Documented progress and treatment plans in compliance with outpatient clinic standards, incorporating bilingual materials and resources as needed.

Elementary and Middle School Speech-Language Pathologist

Supplemental Health Care
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Provided speech-language therapy services to elementary and middle school students with a variety of communication disorders, including articulation, language delays, fluency, and social communication challenges.
  • Conducted thorough evaluations and developed individualized education plans (IEPs) to support students’ academic and communication needs.
  • Delivered culturally responsive interventions to students from diverse linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring equity in service delivery.
  • Maintained accurate documentation and progress reports in compliance with school district and state regulations.
  • Designed and implemented group therapy sessions to promote peer interaction and build social communication skills.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Clínica de Terapia Horizonte
01.2016 - 01.2017
  • Conducted comprehensive speech, language, and fluency assessments for children with diverse disabilities, specializing in diagnosing and evaluating fluency disorders such as stuttering and cluttering.
  • Developed and implemented individualized therapy plans tailored to each child’s unique needs, utilizing evidence-based fluency techniques like fluency shaping and stuttering modification.
  • Provided targeted intervention for fluency disorders, focusing on strategies to manage speech rate, reduce tension, and improve speech clarity and confidence in communication.
  • Collaborated with families, providing them with training and resources to support fluency practices and reinforce therapy goals in the home environment.
  • Partnered with multidisciplinary teams, including occupational and physical therapists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans for children with co-occurring conditions.
  • Conducted parent and family education sessions, increasing awareness of fluency techniques and fostering an understanding of how to support children with fluency challenges.
  • Utilized play-based and child-centered therapy approaches to engage young children with fluency disorders, creating a positive, supportive environment for skill development.
  • Monitored each child’s progress, adjusting therapy approaches as needed to meet evolving goals and ensure measurable improvements in fluency and overall communication.

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

Dorado Therapy and Evaluation Center
01.2016 - 01.2017
  • Conducted comprehensive speech and language assessments for monolingual English and Spanish-speaking children across clinical and school environments, ensuring culturally and linguistically appropriate evaluations.
  • Developed individualized therapy plans addressing a wide range of communication disorders, including articulation, language delays, fluency, and social communication, tailored to each child’s language background.
  • Provided bilingual education and guidance to caregivers in both English and Spanish, offering strategies to support language development at home and encouraging active family involvement in therapy.
  • Collaborated with school-based educators and clinical staff to align therapy goals with academic expectations, supporting each child’s success across settings.
  • Delivered speech and language interventions using evidence-based approaches, adapting strategies to meet the developmental needs and linguistic context of each client.
  • Conducted classroom observations and screenings to identify children in need of speech and language support, collaborating with school staff to implement effective interventions.

Part-time Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

Step Forward with AIT
01.2016 - 01.2017
  • Provided speech-language assessment and intervention for a diverse caseload of pediatric clients, addressing articulation, language delays, fluency, and social communication disorders.
  • Designed and implemented individualized therapy plans tailored to the linguistic and cultural needs of Spanish-speaking clients and their families.
  • Delivered parent coaching and education in Spanish to empower caregivers to support language development and communication strategies at home.

Part-time Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

National Speech Language Center
01.2015 - 01.2016
  • Provided speech-language therapy services to children from Spanish-speaking families, addressing communication challenges in predominantly English-speaking environments.
  • Conducted thorough evaluations and developed individualized therapy plans to support articulation, language development, and social communication skills.
  • Delivered culturally responsive interventions, ensuring therapy aligned with the linguistic and cultural context of Spanish-speaking families.
  • Collaborated with caregivers to bridge communication gaps, offering education and strategies in Spanish to support their child’s progress at home.

Bilingual School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist in Elementary and Middle School

Bilingual Therapies Inc.
01.2015 - 01.2016
  • Provided speech-language therapy services to elementary school students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in Beltsville, MD.
  • Conducted comprehensive evaluations and developed individualized education plans (IEPs) to address a range of communication disorders, including articulation, language delays, and social communication challenges.
  • Delivered bilingual and culturally responsive interventions, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness for students from various language backgrounds.
  • Collaborated with teachers, parents, and school staff to support students’ academic and social success through targeted communication goals.
  • Facilitated parent-teacher communication to promote understanding of speech and language development in multilingual settings.
  • Maintained accurate documentation and progress reports in compliance with school and state guidelines.
  • Supported inclusive practices by integrating speech-language strategies into classroom activities and fostering collaboration with educators.

Education

Post-Graduate Certificate - Alternative And Augmentative Communication

Universidad Del Desarrollo
Santiago, Chile
12-2022

Master of Arts - Speech-Language Pathology

University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus
San Juan
12.2014

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Mental Health

University of Puerto Rico
Ponce
05.2012

Certification

  • Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Certification in More than Words Parent Program, The Hanen Centre
  • Basic Life Support Certified, American Heart Association
  • Speech-Language Pathologist, California, 01/01/20
  • Speech-Language Pathologist, Missouri, 01/01/17
  • Speech-Language Pathologist, Puerto Rico, 01/01/16
  • Speech-Language Pathologist, Maryland, 01/01/15, 12/31/17

Career Experience

  • Speech-Language Pathologist- Telepractice, Research to Practice Inc., Ashland, Missouri, 08/01/20, Present, Supervise Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants and Speech-Language Implementers., Administer speech and language assessments via teletherapy., Support the special education process., Ensure compliance with state and other regulations as well as the best practices of the profession., Case manage and complete IEPs and Evaluations using electronic software., Provide direct speech and language therapy in the following settings: Early Childhood, Elementary, Junior High, and High School.
  • Speech Department Supervisor and Lead Therapist, Therapeutic Playtime, Arnold, Missouri, 01/01/18, 01/01/19, Generated 8 to 10 weekly initial evaluation reports as the main evaluator on site., Redesigned speech and language programs 'Chatterbox' and 'Walkie Talkies' to meet new regulations from Medicaid while also maintaining high quality service delivery., Increased number of referrals by implementing a new marketing protocol with emphasis on facility-wide screenings, heading more than 5 screening initiatives in preschools and daycares., Updated training protocols for new hires in order to increase efficiency and compliance with credentialing during the hiring process., Created a new training module with documentation best-practices based on new Medicaid and private insurance requirements in order to facilitate continuity of care, maintain compliance, increase therapy visits approvals and decrease denials., Improved the department's efficiency and efficacy in documentation by heading the creation of templates for evaluation reports, daily visit notes, discharge summaries, appeal letters and goal bank that complied with documentation requirements from diverse insurance companies.
  • Itinerant Early Childhood Speech-Language Pathologist, St. Louis Public Schools, St. Louis, Missouri, 01/01/19, 01/01/20, Provided speech, language, fluency, and social skills therapy in individual and group settings for preschool aged children in schools and daycares.
  • Part-time Speech-Language Pathologist, Clínica de Terapia Horizonte, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 01/01/16, 01/01/17, Provided individual speech therapy with emphasis on treating teenagers with fluency disorders.
  • Part-time Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist, Dorado Therapy and Evaluation Center, Dorado, Puerto Rico, 01/01/16, 01/01/17, Served monolingual Spanish and English speaking children with speech and language disorders in clinic and school settings.
  • Part-time Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist, Step Forward with AIT, Cupey, Puerto Rico, 01/01/16, 01/01/17, Caseload included children with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism and Apraxia of Speech.
  • Part-time Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist, National Speech Language Center, Bethesda, Maryland, 01/01/15, 01/01/16, Provided individual treatment and parent education to bilingual Spanish-English population, children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Hearing loss, Apraxia of Speech.
  • Bilingual School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist in Elementary and Middle School, Bilingual Therapies Inc., Beltsville, Maryland, 01/01/15, 01/01/16, Developed and implemented individualized and group therapy for Culturally and Linguistically diverse students., Completed bilingual (Spanish-English) formal and informal assessments.
  • Part-Time Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist in Outpatient Pediatric Clinic, Sensory Solutions, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, 01/01/17, 01/01/18, Completed evaluation and treatment of English and Spanish speaking preschoolers and school age population., Maintained timely documentation including SOAP daily visit notes, progress notes and pre-authorization requests to insurances.
  • Elementary and Middle School Speech-Language Pathologist, Supplemental Health Care, St. Louis, Missouri, 01/01/17, 01/01/18, Provided individual and group speech-language treatment., Case managed speech only students and completed evaluations in elementary and middle school settings.

Presentations

  • Script Training in Spanish-speakers with non-fluent aphasia: Impact on verbal production, 01/01/14, Thesis defense as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Arts in the Graduate School of The University of Puerto Rico.
  • Developing and using scripts with Spanish-speaking adults with aphasia, 01/01/14, Oral session presented at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention, Orlando, Florida.
  • Flexive morphology use in Spanish-speaking five-year-old children, 11/01/13, [Poster Presentation]. ASHA Convention, Chicago.

Publications

Descripción de un protocolo de adiestramiento a través de guiones conversacionales para el tratamiento de adultos hispanohablantes con afasia, Centeno M.A., Heredia-Torres, V., 2015, Organización Puertorriqueña de Patología del Habla y Lenguaje, 31, 1, 20-24

Research

Script Training in Spanish-speakers with non-fluent aphasia: Impact on verbal production, Descriptive study on the effects of script training procedures on the verbal production of three Spanish-speaking adults with non-fluent aphasia., Maria A. Centeno, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Affiliations

  • American Speech- Language-Hearing Association

Languages

Spanish
Native language
English
Proficient
C2

Timeline

Speech and Language Pathologist

RL Therapy Group , Inc.
08.2020 - Current

Clinical Supervisor

University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus
08.2020 - 01.2021

Speech-Language Pathologist- Telepractice

Research to Practice Inc.
01.2020 - 05.2024

Early Childhood Speech-Language Pathologist

Supplemental Health Care
01.2019 - 01.2020

Speech and Language Department Supervisor and Lead

Therapeutic Playtime, Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2019

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

Sensory Solutions, Inc.
01.2017 - 01.2018

Elementary and Middle School Speech-Language Pathologist

Supplemental Health Care
01.2017 - 01.2018

Speech-Language Pathologist

Clínica de Terapia Horizonte
01.2016 - 01.2017

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

Dorado Therapy and Evaluation Center
01.2016 - 01.2017

Part-time Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

Step Forward with AIT
01.2016 - 01.2017

Part-time Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

National Speech Language Center
01.2015 - 01.2016

Bilingual School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist in Elementary and Middle School

Bilingual Therapies Inc.
01.2015 - 01.2016

Post-Graduate Certificate - Alternative And Augmentative Communication

Universidad Del Desarrollo

Master of Arts - Speech-Language Pathology

University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Mental Health

University of Puerto Rico
Viviana Heredia