Melea K. Balwan
M.A. CCC-SLP
Professional Biography

310.856.8528 ext: 161
melea@childspeech.net

Melea Balwan graduated from University of Arizona, in Tucson, Az. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences, with a minor in Spanish. University of Arizona's department of Speech and Hearing Sciences is well accomplished and reputed in the field of speech pathology and audiology. Prior to graduation she volunteered for 2 semesters in the aphasia clinics and participated in a grant funded to evaluate and treat persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Melea received her Masters of Arts Degree in Speech Language Pathology from California State University- Long Beach. She completed clinical rotations on site at the campus as well as at Rancho Santa Ana Community College- Department of Communication Disorders. A clinical externship was completed at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, for 12 weeks during her graduate program. Melea also worked at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center for 3 years during her graduate program, as a student worker in the communication disorders department. During this time, Melea received excellent opportunities to gain clinical and educational knowledge regarding neurologically disordered patients (e.g., stroke, acquired brain injuries, spinal cord injuries). She also had the opportunity to be involved in research projects with patients who were diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS, at the Center for Applied Rehabilitative Technology (CART). This research related to the use of augmentative communication with persons diagnosed with ALS.

Melea has over 5 years of clinical experience with both children (3-18 years of age) and adults. She has evaluated and treated diverse age groups with a variety of speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders. Her clinical emphasis has been with children and adult populations who have experienced neuro-traumatic events. During this time frame Melea has acquired critical experience in the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), doing both evaluations and treatments with AAC systems at CART.

During the last 2 years, Melea has worked as a Speech/Language Pathologist at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, a nationally acclaimed neuro-trauma and rehabilitation facility. She currently remains at Rancho as a full time employee, working on the stroke/gerontology unit and continuing to evaluate for AAC systems, as needed. Also at this time, Melea holds a per diem, contract with New Orange Hills Sub Acute Facility, in the city of Yorba Linda, CA. At this facility she evaluates and treats adults with speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive disorders, ranging in diagnosis. She has experience with ventilator dependent children and adults, as well.

Melea's wide range of experiences allows her to adapt to a variety of methods for individual and group therapy needs. She enjoys working with families and collaborating with other professionals to educate her and others regarding the most optimal services for her clients. Melea naturally builds meaningful relationships with children, adults and their families. Her therapy is approached in a way that is creative and fun, but individualized to suit the specialized needs of each client.