Cassandra, better known as “Cass,” is a speech-language pathologist, who holds a Master of Science degree in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire. She holds a certification of clinical competence with the American Speech and Hearing Association as well as licensure from the state of New Hampshire.
Working with children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families is Cass’ expertise and primary area of interest.
Cass followed a nontraditional path to obtaining her Master’s degree, taking four years off after getting her undergraduate degree before returning to graduate school. During this time she gained real-world knowledge and experience while working under a seasoned speech-language pathologist. During this time, Cass worked in Early Intervention as a paraprofessional at the preschool and elementary school level as well as in privately run home-based programs. After completing her graduate studies she moved to Nashville, TN where she worked for two years on the Autism Spectrum Disorders team at the Bill Wilkerson Center, the pediatric outpatient speech therapy clinic for the Vanderbilt Medical Center.
Upon returning to NH in 2008 Cass worked in Early Supports and Services, providing speech and language therapy to children birth to three years of age with various diagnoses and she also provided private speech therapy to school-aged children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cass was also a member of the multidisciplinary diagnostic team at the Easter Seals Autism Clinic in Manchester, NH. In 2011 Cass made the exciting decision to go into private practice and started New England Pediatric Services.
Cass served as the Vice President of Membership for the NH Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NHSLHA) for three years. She also served as a board member of the Speech Pathology Governing Board through the Office of Allied Health Professionals for six years. She was honored to give back to her profession by serving in both of these positions.
Cass brings a nontraditional and eclectic approach to her therapy. She pulls therapeutic components from a variety of programs including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR®/Floortime™), Gentle Teaching, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) and Play-Oriented Strategies to provide her clients and families with techniques and strategies that utilize their strengths to address target areas. Cass enjoys thinking outside the box and designing individualized treatment while adhering to evidence-based practices for each and every client. Cass believes that “Not being able to speak is not the same as not having anything to say” and is dedicated to making each and every one of her clients the most effective communicator possible.
When Cass isn’t working she enjoys reading, live music, hiking, being at the ocean, spending time with her family and friends, and keeping up with her dog Hudson.