Vassallo Daniela
Speech Language Pathologist
Summary
With experience in roles like Onboarding Buddy, Specialized Division Coordinator, PR Officer, Clinical Educator, Speech Language Pathologist, Vice President Administration and Specialized Division Leader, I bring versatile skills to the Volunteer Coordinator position. I'm committed to facilitating rewarding volunteer experiences and fostering community impact through effective communication, leadership, and engagement strategies.
Interpersonal Skills : All roles require strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and build relationships with volunteers, colleagues, and stakeholders.
Leadership and Management : Specialized Division Coordinators, PR Officers, Clinical Educators, and Specialized Division Leaders have experience in leadership and management, which can be valuable for overseeing volunteer teams and coordinating volunteer activities.
Training and Development : Clinical Educators are skilled in training and development, which can be applied to provide orientation, training, and ongoing support to volunteers in their roles.
Community Engagement : PR Officers are experienced in community engagement and outreach, which can be useful for promoting volunteer opportunities, attracting volunteers, and building partnerships with community organizations.
Organisational Skills : Onboarding Buddies, Specialized Division Coordinators, and Volunteer Coordinators need strong organizational skills to coordinate schedules, manage resources, and ensure smooth operations of volunteer programs.
Adaptability : Speech Language Pathologists and Specialized Division Leaders demonstrate adaptability in their work with diverse populations and varying needs, which can be beneficial for accommodating the preferences and abilities of volunteers.
Empathy and Support : Onboarding Buddies, Clinical Educators, and Speech Language Pathologists possess empathy and provide support to individuals, skills that are essential for understanding and addressing the needs of volunteers.
Problem-Solving Skills : Specialized Division Coordinators, Clinical Educators, and Speech Language Pathologists are adept at problem-solving, which can be valuable for addressing challenges that arise in volunteer programs and finding effective solutions.
Communication Skills : All roles require strong communication skills to effectively convey information, provide guidance, and collaborate with volunteers, staff, and external partners.
Motivation and Engagement : Onboarding Buddies, PR Officers, and Specialized Division Leaders excel in motivating and engaging individuals, skills that are essential for inspiring volunteers and maintaining their enthusiasm and commitment.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Speech Language Pathologist
Primary Health Care
07.2007 - Current
- Led speech and language interventions to assess areas requiring support.
- Handled initial client assessments to create personalised development programmes.
- Developed treatment plans based on in-depth knowledge as well as specific clients' needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide excellent care continuity.
- Wrote reports detailing interventions and clients' needs.
- Evaluated clients with standardised tests and assessment protocols.
- Participated in special events to promote available resources.
- Supported speech and language rehabilitation following different paediatric and acquired communication disorders.
- Managed ongoing assessments to provide feedback on speech, language and communication development.
- Prioritised caseloads to meet individual clients' needs.
- Presented progress reports enabling communications programme evaluation.
- Monitored clients' progress according to goals.
-
Specialised Division Coordinator
Primary Health Care
02.2005 - Current
- Program Coordination : Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of specialised divisions (SD) within the speech-language center, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and objectives. Such SD include: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Speech Sound Disorders (SSD), Dementia, Acquired Neurological Disorders, Voice, Stuttering, Dysphagia, Early Intervention, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), Literacy.
- Team Leadership: Provide leadership and guidance to a multidisciplinary team of speech-language pathologists, therapists, educators, and support staff within the specialized division.
- Resource Management : Manage resources, including budget allocation, staffing, equipment, and materials, to support the effective delivery of services within the specialized division.
- Quality Assurance : Monitor and evaluate the quality of services provided within the specialized division, identifying areas for improvement and implementing quality improvement initiatives as needed.
- Collaboration and Networking : Foster collaboration and partnerships with external stakeholders, including healthcare providers, educators, community organizations, and funding agencies, to enhance service delivery and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Professional Development : Support the professional development of staff within the specialized division through training, continuing education opportunities, and mentorship programs in collaboration with the CPD coordinator.
- Client Advocacy : Serve as an advocate for clients and their families within the specialized division, ensuring that their needs, preferences, and goals are considered in service planning and delivery.
- Documentation and Reporting : Ensure accurate and timely documentation of meeting agendas, meeting minutes and KPIs within the specialised division, in compliance with regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
- Policy Development : Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and protocols within the speech-language center, with a focus on promoting quality, consistency, and efficiency in service delivery with a special focus on Key Performance Indicators.
- Research and Innovation : Stay abreast of current research and best practices in the field of speech-language pathology, and identify opportunities for innovation and advancement within the specialized division.
- Liaison and Support for Specialised Division Leaders : Act as a liaison between specialized division leaders and other organizational stakeholders, facilitating communication, collaboration, and sharing of best practices. Provide support, guidance, and mentorship to specialized division leaders, fostering their professional growth and development within the organization.
Onboarding Buddy
Primary Health Care
01.2011 - Current
- Orientation Assistance : Provide new recruits with an overview of the organization, its culture, policies, and procedures.
- Resource Person : Serve as a go-to person for questions about the workplace, team dynamics, and available resources.
- Introduction to Team Members : Introduce the new recruit to colleagues, supervisors, and other staff members, facilitating networking and relationship-building.
- Job Shadowing : Arrange opportunities for the new recruit to shadow experienced speech-language pathologists to observe clinical sessions, assessments, and interventions.
- Training and Guidance : Offer guidance and support as the new recruit learns the ropes of the job, including familiarizing them with documentation systems, assessment tools, and intervention strategies.
- Feedback and Coaching : Provide constructive feedback on the new recruit's performance, offering suggestions for improvement and recognizing strengths.
- Cultural Integration : Assist the new recruit in acclimating to the organization's culture, values, and norms, promoting a sense of belonging and inclusion.
- Problem-Solving Support : Help the new recruit navigate challenges or obstacles they encounter in their role, offering advice and assistance as needed.
- Goal Setting : Collaborate with the new recruit to set short-term and long-term goals for their professional development and career growth within the organization.
- Check-Ins and Follow-Ups : Regularly check in with the new recruit to ensure they are adjusting well to their role and address any concerns or issues that arise through regular monthly meetings.
- Advocacy : Serve as an advocate for the new recruit within the organization, helping to ensure they have the support and resources needed to succeed in their role.
- Celebrating Milestones : Recognize and celebrate milestones and achievements reached by the new recruit during their onboarding process and beyond.
Supporting and Facilitating the Task Force
Primary Health Care
01.2012 - Current
- Task Force Coordination : Assist in coordinating meetings, schedules, and logistics for the staff development and training task force, ensuring efficient operation and communication.
- Documentation and Communication : Maintain accurate records of task force activities, including meeting minutes, action items, and progress reports. Facilitate communication between task force members, stakeholders, and relevant departments.
- Needs Assessment : Assist in conducting needs assessments to identify staff development and training needs across the organization, gathering input from employees, managers, and other stakeholders.
- Training Program Development : Collaborate with task force members to develop training programs, workshops, and resources that address identified needs and support organizational goals.
- Resource Management : Assist in sourcing and managing resources needed for training initiatives, including training materials, trainers, venues, and technology resources.
- Training Delivery : Support the delivery of training sessions and workshops, focusing on scheduling, logistics, participant registration, and coordination with trainers and facilitators.
- Evaluation and Feedback : Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of training programs through feedback surveys, assessments, and other evaluation methods. Compile and analyze feedback to identify areas for improvement and inform future training initiatives.
- Continuous Improvement : Work with the task force to continuously review and refine training programs and processes based on feedback, emerging trends, and organizational needs.
- Compliance and Documentation : Ensure that training activities comply with relevant regulations, standards, and policies. Maintain accurate documentation of training activities, attendance records, and certifications.
- Stakeholder Engagement : Collaborate with key stakeholders, including department heads, HR personnel, and subject matter experts, to ensure alignment between training initiatives and organisational goals, also through regular catch up meeting held online to ensure all professions are aligned.
- Promotion and Awareness : Assist in promoting training opportunities and raising awareness of the importance of staff development and training across the organisation as part of the social mind connectors working group.
- Professional Development : Stay informed about trends and best practices in staff development and training, participating in relevant professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in this area.
Clinical Educator
Primary Health Care
01.2011 - Current
- Supervision and Mentorship : Providing direct supervision, guidance, and mentorship to students during clinical placements in speech-language pathology settings such as schools, health centres and community clinics
- Clinical Skills Development : Facilitating the development of clinical skills by offering feedback, modelling best practices, and providing opportunities for hands-on experience in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.
- Case Management : Assisting students in managing caseloads effectively, including scheduling client appointments, organizing assessment materials, and maintaining accurate clinical records.
- Clinical Observation : Conducting regular observations of student sessions to assess clinical competencies, identify areas for improvement, and offer constructive feedback.
- Professional Development : Encouraging students to engage in continuous professional development by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars relevant to speech-language pathology. Encourage students to enroll as active members of a professional body such as ASLP (Association of Speech Language Pathologists) which strives to promote awareness of our profession
- Ethical and Legal Compliance : Ensuring that students adhere to ethical standards and legal regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology, including maintaining client confidentiality and obtaining informed consent.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration : Facilitating opportunities for students to collaborate with other professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers and educators, to promote a holistic client care.
- Clinical Education Planning: Developing individualized clinical education plans for students, setting learning objectives, and monitoring progress towards meeting competency requirements.
- Cultural Competence : Promoting cultural competence by fostering awareness and understanding of cultural diversity among students and encouraging culturally sensitive practice in speech-language pathology.
- Professional Networking : Encouraging students to network with practicing speech-language pathologists and other healthcare professionals to broaden their understanding of the field and explore career opportunities.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialised Division
Primary Health Care
02.2008 - Current
- 2008 - Been an active member of this specialised division (SD).
- 2014 - Became the SD Leader
- Children Intervention Programs : Designing and implementing customised children intervention plans tailored to the needs of individuals with ASD using alternative arts to target social skills.
- Community Outreach and Education : Conducting awareness campaigns, workshops, and training sessions to educate the community about ASD and promote acceptance and inclusion.
- Research and Development : Engaging in research activities aimed at advancing understanding, treatment, and support services for individuals with ASD while also providing support to the staff. Organisation of clinical focus day to empower and support staff.
- Tools and Resources : continuously working on resources and other tools that can help staff work with individuals with ASD as well as creating more awareness among the general public.
- Teamwork : Whether as an engaged team member or as the leader of the SD, fostering a sense of teamwork and unity is essential for facilitating the growth and skill discovery of every member. I firmly believe in the collective learning experience, where each individual contributes to the team's success while continuously learning and evolving.
Learning Support Educator
Education Department
09.2006 - 06.2007
- Explained and illustrated concepts in different ways to promote understanding.
- Explained and illustrated concepts in different ways to promote understanding.
- Encouraged students to develop self-confidence and independence and reach individual potential.
- Utilised visual aids, equipment and classroom displays to support mentor teachers' lesson delivery.
- Monitored progress and wrote reports on pupils receiving learning support.
- Contributed to organising extra-curricular activities to promote social development of learners.
- Determined learning support required and executed plans to help affected students.
- Designed lesson plans and resources for learners receiving learning support.
- Developed tasks and challenges to refresh content knowledge and boost comprehension.
- Assisted teachers with classroom activities, facilitating syllabus coverage.
- Guaranteed learning environments remained focused, inclusive and supportive by enforcing discipline.
- Worked with individual students, providing personalised educational, behavioural and emotional support.
- Liaised with teaching professionals from different disciplines and crafted action plans for tutoring slow learners.
- Helped students to develop positive self-image, enhance self-esteem, and improve self-reliance.
- Fostered skills and social abilities to enable development of learners.
Public Relation Officer
Association of Speech Language Pathologists (ASLP)
06.2013 - Current
- Public Relations Strategy : Develop and implement strategic PR plans to enhance the visibility and reputation of the Association of Speech Language Pathologists (ASLP), ensuring alignment with organisational goals and objectives.
- Media Relations : Cultivate relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure positive coverage and publicity for ASLP and its initiatives.
- Social Media Management : Oversee ASLP's presence on social media platforms, creating engaging content, managing postings, and monitoring interactions to increase engagement and reach.
- Content Creation : Develop compelling content for press releases, articles, blog posts, newsletters, and other communication channels to convey ASLP's messages and promote its activities.
- PR Working Group Leadership : Lead a PR working group comprised of volunteers, delegating tasks, providing guidance, enrol more volunteers onboard and fostering collaboration to achieve PR objectives.
- Official Delegate in ESLA : Represent ASLP as an official delegate in European Speech Language Therapy Associations (ESLA) meetings and events, including the General Assembly, where responsibilities include keeping abreast of important notices, disseminating information among member associations, and presenting ASLP's research findings.
- Research Dissemination : Present research conducted by ASLP at relevant conferences and congresses, such as the SLP congress held in Vienna, to share insights, findings, and best practices with the global speech-language pathology community.
- ESLA SLT Day and Webinars Task Force Chair : Chair the ESLA SLT Day and Webinars Task force, responsible for organizing and coordinating activities such as webinars, seminars, and events along the year and to celebrate European SLT Day and promote awareness of speech-language therapy. This includes organizing a seminar held at the European Parliament in March 2024 as part of the celebrations.
- Event Planning and Management : Plan, coordinate, and execute events, including seminars, workshops, and conferences, ensuring logistical arrangements, securing speakers, and managing attendee registration and participation.
- Stakeholder Engagement : Engage with stakeholders, including ASLP members, allied organizations, policymakers, and the public, to build relationships, gather feedback, and advocate for the interests of speech-language pathologists.
- Crisis Communication : Develop and implement crisis communication plans and protocols to address and manage potential PR crises or negative publicity effectively, safeguarding ASLP's reputation and credibility.
- Monitoring and Evaluation : Monitor PR activities, track metrics, and evaluate outcomes to assess the effectiveness of PR efforts, identify areas for improvement, and inform future strategies and initiatives.
- Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement : Actively seek out individuals who may be interested in volunteering for ASLP and participating in committee or working group activities. Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract diverse talent, including networking, outreach, and promotional campaigns. Engage with prospective volunteers to assess their interests, skills, and availability, and match them with suitable roles within the organization. Provide support, guidance, and encouragement to new volunteers to ensure a positive and rewarding experience with ASLP.
PR officer
Living with Friendship Together (LIFT) -
04.2007 - 01.2011
- Public Relations Strategy : Develop and implement a comprehensive PR strategy to raise awareness of the organization's mission, activities, and events among target audiences.
- Social Media Management : Manage the organization's presence on social media platforms, creating engaging content, scheduling posts, and responding to comments to increase visibility and engagement.
- Content Creation : Develop compelling content for press releases, newsletters, blog posts, and other communication channels to highlight the organization's impact and reach.
- Event Promotion : Promote upcoming events through various channels, including social media, email newsletters, flyers, and posters, to attract attendees and build anticipation.
- Community Engagement : Engage with the local community, including schools, youth organizations, religious institutions, and social service agencies, to build partnerships and promote collaboration.
- Volunteer Recruitment : Recruit and coordinate volunteers to support event planning, promotion, and execution, ensuring adequate staffing and volunteer satisfaction.
- Stakeholder Communication : Communicate regularly with stakeholders, including donors, sponsors, partners, and supporters, to provide updates on the organization's activities and achievements.
- Crisis Communication : Develop and implement crisis communication plans and protocols to address any issues or challenges that may arise during events or in the organization's operations.
- Feedback Collection : Gather feedback from attendees, volunteers, and stakeholders following events to assess satisfaction, identify areas for improvement, and inform future planning.
- Collaboration with Committees : Collaborate with event planning committees and working groups to ensure PR efforts are aligned with event objectives and messaging.
- Community Outreach : Conduct outreach activities to engage with individuals and families facing difficult times, including providing information about the organization's services and resources.
- Cultural Sensitivity : Ensure that PR activities and messaging are culturally sensitive and inclusive, respecting the diversity of backgrounds and experiences within the community.
Actress and Performance Artist
Drama Centre
Blata l-Bajda
10.2002 - 07.2006
- Group of 8 people continuously working on producing experimental performances in local theatres.
- During my tenure within the group, I fulfilled multifaceted roles. Primarily, I served as a diligent Financial Controller, overseeing fiscal matters with precision. Additionally, during performance periods, I assumed the responsibilities of a PR Officer, ensuring effective communication and promotion. Furthermore, I actively participated as an actress, contributing to the group's creative endeavours.
- Productions produced : DEFORMIS - under the direction of Ruben Zahra - a collage of monologues depicted from Shakespearean texts amalgamated with visual stances illustrated from the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch. L-GĦALLIEMA - under the direction of Charles Sammut - a production in collaboration with Amnesty International, focusing on the theme of social abuse on different levels, inspired by the work of Enrique Buenaventura. BHIMACHAT - under the co-ordination of Carmel Aquilina - a humorist performance, inspired from original work of Trevor Zahra with an original script of the undersigned. The performance focused on the relationship existing between man and animals....what happens if animals start to talk. What will be the mankind reaction. Chaos....survival fit....humour...
- PRETTY LISA - under the direction of Marcel Theuma, this performance depicted the life of 3 women and their life experiences doomed by domestic violence. This performance which took place at the Manoel Theatre was in collaboration with St. Jean Antide Foundation with an original script of Claire Azzopardi inspired from true stories.
- International Experiences : July 2004 : Participated in a theatre European exchange visit in Germany representing Malta. Each participating country had to prepare a 10 minute play which was then all amalgamated as one. February 2005 : Participated in a partly European funded theatre performance exchange for students in France. As a student at the Drama Centre, our group was chosen to represent Malta under the direction of Ruben Zahra. The performance was named 'Il-Kantiku tad-demo", a performance based on the poems of Achille Mizzi. It was also performed at the St. James Cavalier, Valletta
Vice President Administration
Malta Federation for Professional Associations (MFPA)
03.2023 - Current
- Strategic Planning : Contribute to the development and implementation of the organization's strategic goals and objectives related to administrative functions.
- Policy Development : Develop and review organizational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
- Administrative Support : Provide administrative support to the Board of Directors, including meeting coordination, documentation, and follow-up.
- Communication : Facilitate communication and collaboration among staff, volunteers, and stakeholders through various channels, including meetings, newsletters, and digital platforms.
- Compliance and Reporting : Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders as needed.
- Community Engagement : Represent the organization in the community and cultivate relationships with partners, donors, and supporters.
- Professional Development : Stay informed about best practices and trends in nonprofit administration and leadership, and participate in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills.
- Collaboration : Collaborate with other members of the executive team and organizational leaders to achieve the organization's mission and objectives.
Education
B. Sc. (Hons) - Communication Therapy
University of Malta
10 2002/2002 - 6 2006/2006
Matriculation certificate -
Higher Secondary School
Naxxar 1 1998/1998 - 1 2001/2001
Certificate of Secondary Education -
Maria Regina Junior Lyceum
Blata L-Bajda 1 1993/1993 - 1 1998/1998
Continuous Professional Development
2004 -
Skills
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate effectively and build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives
Additional Information
Married with two children, aged 10 and 5, I find joy in balancing my professional endeavours with family life. This experience has honed my ability to manage responsibilities effectively and prioritize commitments, ensuring a well-rounded approach to both work and personal life. In my free time, I indulge in my passions for painting and abstract art, finding inspiration in creative expression. I also enjoy immersing myself in the world of literature through reading, exploring nature through trekking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through sports like running and gym workouts. Cooking nutritious meals, traveling to new destinations, and nurturing green spaces through gardening are also cherished pastimes that enrich my life outside of work.
Timeline
Vice President Administration
Malta Federation for Professional Associations (MFPA)
03.2023 - Current
Public Relation Officer
Association of Speech Language Pathologists (ASLP)
06.2013 - Current
Supporting and Facilitating the Task Force
Primary Health Care
01.2012 - Current
Onboarding Buddy
Primary Health Care
01.2011 - Current
Clinical Educator
Primary Health Care
01.2011 - Current
Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialised Division
Primary Health Care
02.2008 - Current
Speech Language Pathologist
Primary Health Care
07.2007 - Current
PR officer
Living with Friendship Together (LIFT) -
04.2007 - 01.2011
Learning Support Educator
Education Department
09.2006 - 06.2007
Specialised Division Coordinator
Primary Health Care
02.2005 - Current
Actress and Performance Artist
Drama Centre
10.2002 - 07.2006
B. Sc. (Hons) - Communication Therapy
University of Malta
10 2002/2002 - 6 2006/2006
Matriculation certificate -
Higher Secondary School
1 1998/1998 - 1 2001/2001
Certificate of Secondary Education -
Maria Regina Junior Lyceum
1 1993/1993 - 1 1998/1998
Continuous Professional Development
2004 -
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