Maria Merwin

My background as a speech-language pathologist has given me exceptional skills in communication, relationship-building, empathy, and advocacy, all central to donor engagement. Combined with six years as a restaurant owner and event manager, where | coordinated complex events, managed budgets, and delivered high-quality customer experiences, I bring a unique blend of people-centered communication and operational leadership. With a master's degree in a health field and years of mission-driven work supporting children and families, I am uniquely positioned to excel in fundraising roles, particularly in health and cancer-focus nonprofits

Speech-Language Pathologist, Supervisor

Cross Country Education, Woodland Hills, CA| 2022- Present

• Built strong relationships with families, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams. 
• Presented complex assessment findings in accessible language to diverse audiences, strengthening communication and persuasive-speaking skills. 
• Engaged in multi-disciplinary collaboration and progress reporting, demonstrating high-level organization, follow-through, and stakeholder engagement.
• Supervised team members and coordinated schedules and priorities. 
• Produced detailed reports and maintained meticulous documentation using a variety of electronic educational documentation platforms. 

(Multiple School & Clinic Settings)

2013-2022

Locations include: Park Century School, The Stepping Stones Group, Torrance USD, Kids in Motion Pediatric Therapy, WestCOP, HTA of NY, Easter Seals NY, Los Niños Services, Speech & Communication Professionals

•  Facilitated hundreds of meetings with families, educators, and administrators, ensuring clear communication and consensus.
• Advocated for student needs and services, demonstrating strong persuasive communication skills.
• Produced detailed reports and maintained meticulous documentation using a variety of electronic medical & educational documentation platforms. 

Co-Owner • Executive Chef • Event Coordinator

Terra 47 - Farm-to-Table Restaurant & Catering | New York, NY | 1999-2006

• Designed, planned, coordinated, and executed events ranging from intimate gatherings to large catering functions for clients in the NYC Fashion publication sector. 
• Managed all aspects of operations, including budgeting, staff training/ supervision, vendor relationships, cost control, and guest experience.
• Built and retained a loyal customer base, demonstrating relationship cultivation, repeat engagement, and revenue generation.
• Received high-profile press coverage (NYT, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar). 

Showroom Manager & Sales Representative cn Associates | New York, NY| 1996-1999

• Managed client relationships, conducted product presentations, and grew accounts. 
• Promoted to NYC sales role based on performance. Clientele included NYC Architectural and Interior Design firms.

Master of Science, Communication Disorders (Summa Cum Laude)

State University of New York at New Paltz

Bachelor of Science, Interior Design (Cum Laude) Drexel University

Certification, Chef's Training Program Natural Gourmet Institute for Food & Health