Samantha Lovins
Medford
Summary
Speech-Language Pathologist with experience across medical outpatient and public-school settings, specializing in the evaluation of disability-related functional limitations, eligibility determinations, and documentation within regulated systems. Demonstrated ability to review complex records, apply formal criteria, synthesize interdisciplinary input, and produce defensible written determinations in compliance with federal and state regulations. Experienced in mentoring colleagues, reviewing documentation for quality and consistency, and collaborating with medical and educational professionals. Seeking to apply strong analytical, evaluative, and written communication skills as a Disability Reviewer.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cortica:
Burlington, MA
05.2023 - 07.2026
- Conducted comprehensive reviews of complex clinical case files, including medical histories, diagnostic evaluations, treatment records, and interdisciplinary reports, to determine eligibility, service continuation, and appropriateness of care under governing standards.
- Completed approximately 240 eligibility determinations over 3 years, including roughly 150 initial evaluations and 90 annual re-evaluations across an active caseload of approximately 30 clients.
- Analyzed medical and functional evidence across disciplines (physicians, occupational therapy, behavioral health, education teams) to ensure accurate and consistent application of diagnostic and eligibility criteria.
- Identified patterns, trends, and systemic issues in referral quality, diagnostic clarity, and service delivery that impact program outcomes and compliance.
- Modified, reaffirmed, or recommended changes to clinical determinations based on updated evidence, regulatory guidance, and interdisciplinary input, ensuring defensible and well-documented decisions.
- Determined when additional medical evidence, updated evaluations, or consultative input is required; independently obtained and interpreted supplementary documentation as needed.
- Communicated directly with caregivers, medical providers, and team members to clarify evidence, resolve inconsistencies, and support accurate determinations.
- Prepared clear, concise written documentation summarizing findings, rationale, and recommendations for internal review, authorization, or denial of services.
- Participated in quality assurance activities, including record audits, documentation review, and feedback to ensure compliance with organizational and payer standards.
- Supervised and mentored an early-career clinician, providing technical guidance, case consultation, and corrective feedback to improve decision-making accuracy and documentation quality.
- Trained caregivers and interdisciplinary staff on evidence-based practices and procedural requirements, ensuring consistent implementation across settings.
Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Fellow
Lawrence Public Schools and Danvers Public Schools
Massachusetts, USA
08.2019 - 05.2023
- Performed comprehensive reviews of multidisciplinary educational, psychological, and speech-language records to assess functional limitations and disability eligibility under IDEA.
- Conducted initial, reconsideration, and continuing eligibility evaluations, including complex cases involving prior denials, cessations, or disputed findings.
- Managed a service caseload of approximately 70 students in Lawrence Public Schools and completed 26 eligibility determinations in Danvers Public Schools in 2022–2023, including 20 initial evaluations and 6 re-evaluations.
- Reviewed standardized assessments, dynamic evaluations, classroom observations, prior determinations, and multidisciplinary reports to ensure consistency with federal and state regulations.
- Analyzed longitudinal data and prior eligibility decisions to determine whether continued entitlement to services was supported by current functional evidence.
- Determined when additional assessments or updated evidence were required; obtained and integrated supplemental documentation as needed.
- Distinguished language difference versus disability in culturally and linguistically diverse populations to support equitable and policy-consistent determinations.
- Prepared formal written eligibility reports, memoranda, and recommendations supporting approval, continuation, modification, or cessation of services, with supervisory review as required.
- Identified documentation errors, assessment deficiencies, and procedural inconsistencies and recommended corrective actions to improve program quality and compliance.
- Participated in multidisciplinary case consultation and quality review discussions to promote accurate and consistent disability determinations.
- Developed and delivered training materials and staff guidance on complex or problematical eligibility issues, AAC implementation, and documentation standards.
Education
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Charlestown, MA09-2019
Bachelor of Science - Communication Science and Disorders
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT01-2017
Skills
- Comprehensive Case Review
- Functional Limitation Analysis
- Eligibility Determination
- Regulatory Compliance (IDEA, HIPAA)
- Complex Case Analysis
- Written Determinations & Reports
- Interdisciplinary Review
- High-Volume Workload Management
Licensure And Certification
- ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competency
- Massachusetts License in Speech-Language Pathology
Timeline
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cortica:
05.2023 - 07.2026
Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Fellow
Lawrence Public Schools and Danvers Public Schools
08.2019 - 05.2023
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Bachelor of Science - Communication Science and Disorders
University of Vermont