Kristen Rodrigues, speech language pathologist at William E. DeLuca Elementary School has been nominated for the 40 under 40 Award from Blank Slate Media. The award recognizes those who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, business and finance, to not-for-profit, healthcare, education and law. In addition to being featured in the newspapers, she was honored at a ceremony on Feb. 8 at Leonard’s Palazzo of Great Neck.
Ms. Rodrigues has been instrumental in bringing innovative ideas and solutions to the school district. In one of her most recent projects, she created a communication board outside the playground, a much-needed asset for non-verbal students, and others, who need some help telling friends and staff their needs so that they too can enjoy their time outside of the classroom. With the installment of these boards, all students have access to communication to express their wants and needs when playing outside, by pointing to pictures on the boards related to outdoor activities.
Ms. Rodrigues also created a training video with students that was shared with staff on how to appropriately use the communication boards. In addition, she has developed assistive and alternative methods of communication for students who require additional support when communication breakdowns occur. By providing students with additional modes of communication, more independence is noted across educational environments, as well as an increase in social interaction between all students.
Working primarily with students in the STRIVE Program (Structured Teaching Reinforced in a Visual Environment), Ms. Rodrigues has successfully assessed and treated students with different diagnoses at all age levels. As an advocate for students with disabilities in the district, her strong communication and analytical skills are tools that help identify goals and develop a treatment plan.
