Kami Thalls Email & Phone Number

Fort Wayne, In, Us

Participate in External Advisory Board Meetings once per semester to provide feedback to assist the SPAA Department in making decisions to move the speech pathology and audiology department programs forward.

Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States

Provided school-aged individual and mixed-group therapy to treat articulation, language, voice, fluency, cognitive-communication, and social communication deficits. Led speech sound groups in each kindergarten class and whole language lessons in each applied skills classroom at the middle school. Conducted augmentative alternative communication (AAC) consultations for students in grades K-12 to establish AAC device trials, provide treatment, and troubleshoot technical/electronic difficulties.

Greenfield, Indiana, United States

Assessed, diagnosed, and treated individuals with dysphagia, cognitive-linguistic deficits, aphasia, dysarthria, oral motor disorders, voice disorders, speech and swallowing-related disorders, and deficits secondary to head and neck cancer for adult patients in acute care, long-term acute care, and outpatient settings. Independently conducted and observed procedures including videofluoroscopic swallow studies, ridged video stroboscopy, manometry, and esophageal pH testing. Evaluated and treated tracheotomized patients and patients on ventilator support, working with respiratory therapy to implement Passy Muir Valves to treat dysphagia and voice deficits. Evaluated and treated patients post craniotomy to provide coma stimulation therapy to prevent sensory deprivation and promote recovery. Implemented Expiratory Muscle Strength Training, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, Semantic Feature Analysis, Augmentative Alternative Communication, and Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy.

Provided pediatric outpatient therapy with experience implementing various augmentative alternative communication (AAC), including Partner Assisted Scanning and LAMP Words for Life. Implemented feeding therapy for a toddler with Down Syndrome to desensitize external aversions, increase muscle tone, and improve feeding for increased nutritional input. Provided articulation, language, and social therapy for students with various diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

As a graduate assistant for the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPAA), I created and managed content for the Ball State Speech Pathology social media accounts (Instagram and Facebook). I helped plan and participate in undergraduate and graduate recruitment events. I assisted the Speech-Language Pathology Program Director with clerical duties and department re-accreditation. I also served as a teaching assistant to an undergraduate speech sound disorder course.

I provided comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to clients across the lifespan in areas recognized by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).Provided literacy and language intervention in small groups with students at a local elementary school. Delivered SPEAK OUT! therapy in a small group and individually to adult and geriatric clients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Implemented voice therapy for adult and geriatric clients with disorders, including muscle tension dysphonia, Respiratory Papilloma, and hypokinetic dysarthria. Provided cognitive therapy to adult and geriatric clients with intellectual disability, early-onset dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease. Implemented a new augmentative alternative communication (AAC) device for a school-age client with expression language delay. Evaluated children with articulation and language deficits and performed rigid videostroboscopy for clients with various vocal fold etiologies.

Calculated dosages, dispensed medications, and filled prescriptions for Pharmacist approval. Served customers by answering phone calls, billing insurance, and handling payments. Maintained strict patient confidentiality to adhere to HIPPA regulations.

Master Of Arts - Ma, Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist