ALYSIA COTTER
Charteris Bay,CHRISTCHURCH
Summary
Dynamic Speech Language Therapist with broad experience in various settings, excelling in assessment and therapeutic support 'on the fly' in functional contexts. Proven ability to implement AAC systems and foster collaboration with diverse teams. A creative thinker dedicated to enhancing literacy and communication skills, ensuring effective strategies for student success. Passionate about empowering clients through innovative therapy solutions and self advocacy.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Speech Language Therapist (Contractor)
Papanui High School, Kimi Ora Department
, Christchurch
01.2019 - Current
- Conducted assessments and therapy for students aged 13 to 21 across functional contexts.
- Facilitated high school transitions by collaborating with agencies like Enabling Good Lives.
- Developed Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals in partnership with whanau and staff.
- Created communication systems, both low and high-tech, for effective classroom application.
- Designed programs and visual tools to improve literacy, emotional regulation, and communication skills.
- Trained staff to implement communication strategies effectively throughout the school day.
- Contributed to development of school-wide procedures in line with Specialist Service Standards.
Speech Language Therapist
Pitau-Allenvale School
, Christchurch
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Comprehensive assessment and therapy provision for a wide range of students, ages 5 to 21 years, to support the development of communication in a variety of functional contexts: classroom-based support, community-based environments, and playground break times.
- Supported transitions in and out of school.
- Supported the development of ILP/ITP goals in collaboration with whanau/family and school staff.
- Development and creation of low and high tech communication systems and supporting the use of these in the classrooms.
- Supporting the completion of MOH technology applications.
- Established and implemented Student Council to promote student agency and self-advocacy.
Created visual resources to enhance understanding of Student Council tasks.
Facilitated one-on-one assistance during council meetings to support effective communication.
Collaborated with management team to ensure alignment on council objectives. - Training and support for teachers and teacher assistants to implement communication programs across the school day.
- Extensive training and experience in understanding and supporting regulation, interoception and trauma responses.
- Considerable input into the development of school wide procedures specific to Specialist Service Standards and overall philosophy and approach to therapy input across the school day to maximise learning of both students and staff. Including development of a Communication Framework to represent the communication skills of the whole school population and measure outcomes and progress over time.
- Ran regular PLD sessions specific to communication development and the tools that can support.
- Development of assessment, data collection, therapy resources, and tools specific to Pitau-Allenvale School and the population of students in that environment.
- Development and maintenance of the SLT intranet portal, making visuals, strategies, and tools accessible to all staff.
- Supported implementing tools and adaptations to make literacy functional and accessible for all students - e.g. Speech-to-text options and voice recognition.
- Liaising with various external agencies to support collaboration of assessment and implementation of strategies and tools outside of school environments - Talklink, Explore, Brackenridge, CDHB, Enabling Good Lives.
- Regular (biannual) training in up to date Safe Crisis Management and First Aide.
- Regular and ongoing external supervision and professional development.
- Member of the Positive Behaviour or Learning (PB4L) team.
Speech Language Therapist
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SPECIAL EDUCATION - CANTERBURY
, Christchurch
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Conducted assessments and delivered therapy for children aged two to fifteen, targeting speech and language challenges.
- Provided guidance on AAC systems for students funded by ORS, enhancing communication opportunities.
Speech Language Therapist
Conductive Education Centre, Cashmere High School
, Christchurch
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Assessment and therapy provision for a variety of students, predominantly with Cerebral Palsy, vision/hearing impairments, Traumatic Brain Injury, various syndromes and behavioural needs.
- Designed and implemented high and low tech communication systems individualised to student needs and skills.
- High level of focus on developing technology in the classrooms using iPads and appropriate apps to engage learners, extend knowledge, access to literacy and communication.
- Designed and provided community based programmes to generalise use of communication systems.
- Extensive knowledge and experience with working alongside teaching staff in the classroom to provide a mix of learning combining the principles of communication and the New Zealand curriculum (Key Competencies).
- Effectively guided support staff, teacher aides, carers, and family/whanau in applying skills from therapy sessions and class programmes across multiple settings.
- Solid understanding of the SPEC programme and adapting this to incorporate therapy programmes.
- Extensive skills in Dysphagia management, providing written plans for safety while eating and drinking, professional development provided to support staff and directly feeding students gaining practical knowledge not just theory.
- Active role in contributing and writing IEPs for students.
- Initiated the need for, set up and implemented the Specialist Service Standards (SSS) in the Centre.
- Supervised BSLT students from University of Canterbury regularly.
Speech Language Therapist
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, COOK ISLANDS CONTRACT
, Rarotonga
01.2013 - 01.2013
- Conducted assessments of students on Special Needs Register in Rarotonga and outer islands.
- Developed instructional programmes for Special Education Teachers, teaching staff, and teacher aides.
- Provided training on Speech and Language Development to families and educational personnel.
- Collaborated with translators to adapt assessment tools for diverse client population.
Speech Language Therapist
SPECTRONICS
, New Zealand/Australia
06.2006 - 12.2006
- Collaborated with Jane Farrall to deliver training on AAC systems to SLTs, teachers, and parents across New Zealand and Australia.
- Provided online and phone technical support for setup and troubleshooting of communication systems.
- Presented professional learning and development sessions at conferences, promoting AAC devices and software at supplier booths.
Speech Language Therapist
ASTECH
, Christchurch
01.2002 - 06.2006
- Delivered intensive therapy interventions for small caseload of ACC-funded clients with severe physical and communication disabilities.
- Developed and programmed AAC devices, training family members and support staff on effective usage.
- Created individualized high-tech systems, ensuring seamless integration into daily activities.
- Designed low-tech communication tools, including communication books and PECS systems.
- Implemented switch access solutions, teaching cause-and-effect concepts and basic decision-making skills.
- Utilized adaptive software to create educational resources for therapy sessions and classroom use.
- Employed BoardMaker, Proloquo2Go, Clicker, and various iPad apps for resource development.
Speech Language Therapist
Group Special Education
, Christchurch
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Provided assessment and therapy intervention for clients in the Early Intervention, Inclusive Services (ORRS Funded) and Communication Strands in South Canterbury region (Ashburton)
- Managing a caseload of over 90 children
Speech Language Therapist
Group Special Education
Dunedin
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Provided assessment and therapy intervention for clients in the Inclusive Services (ORRS Funded) and Communication Strands.
Education
Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy -
University of Canterbury
01.1999
Skills
- Assessment and data collection
- Goal and IEP development
- Therapeutic intervention specific to the principles of communication and co-regulation strategies
- Supporting literacy: alternative systems, access to text, creating easy-read documentation, and using visuals to support comprehension
- AAC implementation
- Collaboration with team members and outside agencies
- Creative thinker and flexible
Certification
- Current Drivers License
- Current First Aide
References
- Sharon Scott, Head of Department, Kimi Ora, Papanui High School, 021 997 520, sharon.scott@papanui.school.nz
- Anne Bridgman, Occupational Therapist, Succeed Therapy Collective, annebridgman@papanui.school.nz
- Jenny Gosney, Deputy Principal, Pitau-Allenvale School, 027-425-3134, jenny.gosney@allenvale.school.nz
- Stephanie Dunkin, Behaviour Support Specialist Teacher & Speech Language Therapist, Pitau-Allenvale School, stephanie.dunkin@allenvale.school.nz
Timeline
Speech Language Therapist (Contractor)
Papanui High School, Kimi Ora Department
01.2019 - Current
Speech Language Therapist
Pitau-Allenvale School
01.2017 - 01.2024
Speech Language Therapist
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SPECIAL EDUCATION - CANTERBURY
01.2016 - 12.2016
Speech Language Therapist
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, COOK ISLANDS CONTRACT
01.2013 - 01.2013
Speech Language Therapist
Conductive Education Centre, Cashmere High School
01.2007 - 01.2015
Speech Language Therapist
SPECTRONICS
06.2006 - 12.2006
Speech Language Therapist
ASTECH
01.2002 - 06.2006
Speech Language Therapist
Group Special Education
01.2001 - 01.2002
Speech Language Therapist
Group Special Education
01.2000 - 01.2001
Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy -
University of Canterbury
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