Andrea I, M.S., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist, Department Lead

Blue Bird Day and Andrea L

Blue Bird Day Employee Since 2018

Education

Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Northwestern University

Bachelor of Art in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Spanish
Butler University

Credentials and Certification 

  • Early Intervention Specialist, State of Illinois 
  • Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) 
  • Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, State of Illinois 
  • Professional Educator License (PEL), Non-teaching SLP endorsement 
  • Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Trained 

Clinical Expertise

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder 
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) 
  • Early Intervention/Parent coaching 
  • Receptive-Expressive Language Disorders 
  • Literacy 

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My Story

My passion for speech-language pathology began as a paraprofessional in a preschool working with children with special needs. I loved witnessing all the milestones that my students made, especially with their communication! I witnessed a powerful moment when a child said their first word with their speech-language pathologist and I immediately knew this was the field I wanted to pursue. After receiving my master’s degree from Northwestern University, I began my career as a speech-language pathologist in an outpatient pediatric clinic in 2016. I joined Eyas Landing, the sister company of Blue Bird Day, in 2018, where I worked in numerous settings including clinic, daycares, homes, and private schools. Over the years, I have supervised many graduate students and developed a love for mentoring others in the field. I joined Blue Bird Day in January 2020 to continue to build these mentorship and leadership skills as the Department Lead of Speech-Language Pathology at our North Center location. 

My Blue Bird Day

At our sister company, Eyas Landing, I worked with former students of Blue Bird Day and witnessed first hand how life-changing the intensive therapeutic model was for these children at a young age. They were thriving due to the support they received at BBD! As a professional, Blue Bird Day has given me the opportunity to grow as a leader and learn from experts in pediatric therapy. 

My Advocacy

Chicago Autism Network

Autism Speaks

My Blue Bird Day Goals

  1. To continue to build my mentorship, leadership, and management skills while supervising other speech-language pathologists, graduate students, and clinical fellows 
  2. To specialize in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) 

Testimonials

From my clients: Just wanted to share how impressed I am with Blue Bird Day! When Blue Bird along with all other Chicago schools announced they were temporarily closing due to COVID19, I found myself a bit stressed. I was happy about my son being able to stay home with me, but I worried about how long he’d have to be without services. Well, I didn’t have to worry long! Blue Bird Day sprung into action and had everything ready in ONE WEEK! We have been receiving virtual sessions for almost 2 months now. I can’t tell you how happy I am with this new method of therapy. To be able to personally help and teach my son with the guidance of his team has been an incredible experience. Thank you Blue Bird for working so hard to make sure our children continue to receive the services they need. I’d like to give a special thanks to Dean’s wonderful team, Ms.Taylor, Abby, Alexa, Megan and Andrea! They have given me the tools needed to be able to better help and understand my son’s needs. This would not have been possible if I hadn’t let these ladies into my home through virtual therapy. Not only has Dean made amazing progress these past weeks, but I feel like I’ve also progressed as a parent. None of this would have been possible without them and I can’t thank them enough!”