Communication Coaches are HESP Master's graduate students in speech-language pathology. They, along with 4 certified and licensed speech-language therapists program and implement individual, weekly treatment sessions with each SIGNA member related to social interaction, executive functioning, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy skills that help the SIGNA member learn ways to organize themselves around the many academic expectations and settings on campus.
The skills worked on are based on each member's input, standardized test measures, and observation. With the member's permission, parents, friends and significant others may share their impressions related to the member's social interaction and executive functioning strengths and needs.
Communication Coaches also run the SIGNA Launch group meetings.
SLPs and SLP MA Grad Coaches for the
2024-25 Academic Year
Speech-language Therapists
Maddy Simonds, M.A., CCC-SLP |
Mairin Batten, M.A., CCC-SLP |
Disability Inclusion Employment Specialist
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Nancy Forsythe, M.A., Ed.S.
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SLP MA Graduate Clinician-Coaches
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Peer Coaches and Peer Mentors
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Peer Coaches are UMD undergraduate students who plan and run the SIGNA member group time using the evidence-based Young Adult PEERS® curriculum. This program is designed to help students navigate a variety of social situations on and off campus. The Peer Coaches also plan monthly social activities for the group.
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Peer Mentors help with the carryover/generalization of skills taught in the group time. They coordinate with SIGNA leaders and the peer coaches on what social interaction activities and skills to focus on for the week.
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