Company Profile

Career Improvement & Advancement Opportunities, Inc (CIAO) is owned by Lesley Mateer, M.A. CCC-SLP. Lesley received her master's degree from LSU in 1988. Her clinical experience includes pediatrics, adolescent psych, and geriatrics. Her devotion is to taking care of her fellow therapists.

This is how it all began...

As an SLP, I left direct patient care in 1999 to create a company dedicated to taking care of my fellow therapists- OTs, COTAs, PTs, PTAs, ATCs and SLPs. In 1999, in the midst of the PPS initiative, I was asked to create my third list of lay-offs, due in one hour. Knowing the great therapists I worked with, I called my husband and said that I just couldn't go through another round of layoffs. To my surprise, he said "put YOUR name on the list." I did as he suggested. That evening, when I returned home, my husband asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I said that I needed to be around therapists, but I needed it to be positive - helpful - happy. And so CIAO was started.

Each year, CIAO puts together a total package of the most up-to-date tools and resources for treatment teams in various populations, at some of the lowest rates in the country. Treating patients takes a passionate creative person. I understand that dedication and so CIAO brings these courses to cities while giving therapists the attention deserved...all with a flare of Southern Hospitality.

I am truly enjoying taking care of people who dedicate their lives to taking care of others. "Save the Therapists!"

Lesley Mateer, President, CIAO