Mackenzie received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Quinnipiac University. After graduation, she joined the CSS team as a Camp PAL intern and later as an administrative assistant, which solidified her passion for Speech-Language Pathology. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA.
Following graduate school, Mackenzie completed her clinical fellowship at a private practice, where she gained experience assessing and treating pediatrics with complex communication profiles. These included expressive-receptive language disorders, selective mutism, autism spectrum disorder, pragmatic language disorder, auditory processing disorder, articulation and phonological disorders, as well as utilizing the Orton-Gillingham approach to support individuals with dyslexia. During this time, she also traveled to daycares to provide speech therapy to children in the Early Intervention (EI) population, collaborating closely with parents, caregivers, and teachers.
After she completed her clinical fellowship, Mackenzie worked at an outpatient facility that provided intensive applied behavioral analysis (ABA) and speech-language services for autistic children ranging in age from 2–11 years old. It was here that she developed a strong interest in supporting students with complex communication profiles to build functional communication.
Mackenzie utilizes both low-tech and high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, including core boards, TD Snap, Proloquo2Go, and TouchChat. She provides evaluation, treatment, and training for children, families, and colleagues, and has experience programming and pursuing speech-generating devices through insurance. She takes a holistic, child-led, total communication approach to ensure every child’s voice is heard, while collaborating closely with caregivers and multidisciplinary team members to create individualized goals and plans for treatment.
She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is certified by the New Jersey Department of Education as a Speech-Language Specialist (SLS). Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys staying active, spending time with family (+ 3 dog sisters) and friends, and traveling. She is thrilled to be part of the CSS staff!”
Fun Fact:
Mackenzie learned how to ride a bike at 28 years old!