OT PT AT and Me

Melissa Alexander (on the left) is the District Level Assistive Technology Teacher for CISD. She is also a graduate of CISD (McCullough, class of 1990). Melissa attended the University of Houston for her undergraduate degree and Walden University for her graduate degree. She has certifications in Bilingual Education (EC-4), Generalist (EC-4), and Special Education (EC-12). Melissa was an elementary classroom teacher for 12 years at Spring ISD before coming to AT in 2017. As part of the AT team, she helps students with a wide range of learning challenges, and works with students, staff, and parents to find tools and services to scaffold the curriculum. She is also available for consultation, training, and evaluation for AT. Melissa and her husband, Chip, have three children attending schools in The Woodlands College Park High School feeder zone.

Mary-Lauren C. Vernon, “Mel” is a certified licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She graduated with her Master's of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Southern A & M University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (May 2014). She obtained her Bachelor's degree in communication sciences and Disorders from Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana (May 2012). She is licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners and is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. She has experience with both children and adults and has worked in a variety of home health and educational settings. She has had experience in the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and has been trained by a previous supervisor and attended Assistive Technology Trainings. Mel has been on the Assistive Technology Team with Conroe ISD for approximately 8 years. Her role requires providing services to the district for evaluation of speech and language skills and/or Assistive Technology considerations/evaluations, providing training for parents/caregivers, teachers and staff regarding communication strategies, approaches, devices, and programs. Additionally, she provides support to trial devices, consults, and device usage and implementation within the school setting. Her role extends to collaboration and support at meetings for campuses across the Conroe ISD district. As well as collaboration with campus SLPs, private service providers, and other Speech-Language Pathologists within the field of AAC for collaboration. Mel has an enthusiasm for AAC and wishes to serve individuals and family members/caregivers from birth to geriatric populations of all severity levels with the highest level of professionalism and competence effectively. She enjoys learning new concepts and participating in state and/or regional training for continuance of her certifications. Her goal is to provide and educate the public with information regarding communication disorders and individuals and families with the highest level of treatment, professionalism, and courtesy. Mel and her husband, Eric, have one child and an addition to the family arriving in January 2025.

Additionally, Marla D'Antoni, who is the Lead for OT PT and AT is a certified Assistive Technology Professional. Marla's specialty is multiple disabilities and complex cases. She is a registered Occupational Therapist with 40+ years as a school practitioner.

This month we will focus on using simple AAC tools, such as a Big Mac, for communication and completion of classroom tasks. In January, we will share how to use a Big Mac, or similar device, for benchmark testing.

The Big Mac is a single cell switch with voice output. It provides 2 minutes of voice output. The Big Mac is frequently used to request a specific item or for help. It can also be used for simple conversation. A Big Mac can be used to activate an adapted toy or appliance that it connected to an interface or special port. Features include digital sound output suitable for almost any environment, four colored caps, a clear snap cover to attach pictures or symbols to support communication context, as well as a soft-touch coating makes the device easier to hold.

Assistive Technology: Tools, technology, and services to advance functional abilities.