About Me
Hi! I'm Adria Thompson.
​
Dementia Consultant
Speech Language Pathologist
You may be wondering who I am and why you should trust my dementia expertise?
​
My name is Adria. I have been a speech language pathologist (SLP) for 8 years. To become an SLP, I received a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Communication Disorders, completed a school and medical internship, passed a Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology, completed a 9-month postgraduate clinical fellowship, and obtained state licensures and national certification which is maintained by continuing education (CE) requirements. I have chosen to complete most of my CE hours in the area of dementia.
​
I have worked with hundreds of individuals with dementia in long term care communities providing one-on-one speech therapy services. My specialty and passion quickly grew in dementia care. Because of this, in 2018 an occupational therapist and myself were asked by the therapy company I worked for to create a dementia program. The intention of this program was to train other therapists in how to provide more effective treatment with improved outcomes with individuals with dementia. I conducted virtual and in person trainings for physical, occupational, and speech therapists in 14 states and over 150 care communities.
​
Be Light Care Consulting started in September 2021 when I decided to adapt my services to support the care partners providing direct treatment to individuals with dementia. My goal is to now support the tireless efforts of family members, friends, therapists, and other medical providers that are caring for individuals with dementia.
​
Now, let me share with you how I can help:
With everything I do, functionality is key. My advice and support will be practical and useful today. I also don’t just want to tell you what to do, but why. I don’t intend on you being reliant on me to provide care because I want you to understand the underlying problem so well that you can develop your own solutions to new problems on a daily basis.
​
Check out my social media for examples of my style of teaching and to maybe learn a thing or two!
​
​
​
If you are a business, company, or a brand, please click here:
​
PROFESSIONAL RESUME
HEALTH CARE
Team Lead - Speech Language Pathologist,
The Weston Group at The Lantern Alzheimer's Center
• Coauthor of a company-wide dementia training program called Valuable • Conducted in person and virtual trainings of Valuable for PT/OT/SLPs in 13 states for implementation of individualized evidenced based interventions for patient with dementia with the goal of increasing efficiency of interventions, increasing caseload, and promoting collaboration • Taught dementia approach strategies and communication strategies to nursing staff monthly at inservices and new hire orientations • Performed all clerical duties for two facilities including insurance verifications, running caseload and billing reports, and attended all facility standup meeting and care conferences • Provided skilled home health and outpatient speech therapy for individuals in a personal care facility
Speech Language Pathologist,
Diversicare Therapy Services
• Developed personalized treatment plans for patients with dementia including Montessori-based activities and communication strategy inservices • Trained staff in feeding techniques during all staff inservice to maximize safety and dignity of our patients
Speech Language Pathologist,
Signature Healthcare
• Interdisciplinary team approach with nursing, rehab staff, family and caregivers, physicians, and social services to ensure a holistic approach to patient care • Performed alternative augmentative communication (AAC) evaluations, developed and designed interventions utilizing low tech and speech generating devices, and trained caregivers and staff in use to enhance resident’s abilities to meet wants and needs
See more on Linkedin:
EDUCATION
-
M.A., Communication Disorders, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Ky.
-
​B.S., Communication Disorders, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Ky.
-
Licensed Speech Language Pathologist, States: Kentucky and Washington
-
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology,
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), See Credential
-
Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional®,
International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners
-
Certified Dementia Practitioner®, National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners