Shirby Thomas, Ed.S., is a speech-language pathologist who has spent her professional career in the school setting. She earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of West Georgia, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University. Her passion for AAC developed while serving as a school-based SLP and providing services to students in low incidence special education classrooms. As a member of the Assistive Technology department for a large metro Atlanta school district, she completed AAC evaluations, consulted with school-based SLPs and special education teams on device implementation, and provided extensive trainings to staff and parents related to the use of AAC tools to improve the communication skills of students. Prior to joining PRC-Saltillo, she served as a district Professional Learning Specialist for Elementary Special programs. This role provided opportunities to support special education teachers with merging AAC and instructional practices in the classroom and allowed her to continue to advocate for the importance of AAC.
Shirby has witnessed the value of AAC in her professional, as well as, personal experience. She is excited for the opportunity to continue to share her enthusiasm for the gift of communication.
Financial: Shirbendra Thomas is a salaried employee-owner of PRC-Saltillo.
Nonfinancial: No relevant nonfinancial relationships exist.