Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Barbara Fernandes is the Founder and CEO of Smarty Ears, a leading technology company specializing in educational software and assistive tools for speech and language development. As a seasoned speech-language pathologist, she brings over a decade of industry expertise to her role, driving innovation and advancing outcomes for individuals with communication challenges.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Founder and CEO of Smarty Ears, Barbara is responsible for the strategic vision, product development, and overall business operations of the company. Under her leadership, Smarty Ears has become a trusted partner for schools, clinicians, and families, providing cutting-edge solutions that empower individuals with speech, language, and learning differences. Barbara's unwavering commitment to improving communication outcomes has made Smarty Ears a recognized leader in the assistive technology space.
Career Progression
Prior to founding Smarty Ears, Barbara served as a Bilingual Speech and Language Evaluator at Irving ISD, where she conducted comprehensive assessments and developed personalized intervention plans for students. She also gained valuable experience as a Speech Therapist Intern at Baylor, contributing to the delivery of high-quality speech and language services.
In addition to her clinical roles, Barbara has been an active member of the Texas CLD Task Force, leveraging her expertise to shape policy and advocate for the needs of individuals with communication disorders.
Academic Background
Barbara holds a degree in Speech-Language Pathology from UFBA, where she demonstrated academic excellence and a passion for serving individuals with communication challenges.
Areas of Expertise
- Speech and language assessment and intervention
- Bilingual and multilingual language development
- Assistive technology for communication and learning
- Innovative software and app development
- Entrepreneurship and business strategy
Professional Impact
Under Barbara's leadership, Smarty Ears has developed a suite of award-winning educational apps and assistive tools that have positively impacted the lives of thousands of individuals with speech, language, and learning difficulties. The company's products are widely used in schools, clinics, and homes, helping to bridge the gap between technology and communication needs.
Additionally, Barbara's industry contributions extend beyond Smarty Ears, as she is a respected voice in the field of speech-language pathology, regularly sharing her expertise through conferences, publications, and advocacy efforts.
Conclusion
With her extensive clinical experience, entrepreneurial mindset, and a deep commitment to improving communication outcomes, Barbara Fernandes is a driving force in the assistive technology industry. As the Founder and CEO of Smarty Ears, she continues to push the boundaries of innovation, empowering individuals with speech, language, and learning differences to reach their full potential.
