鈥淚 wish more people understood the depth and breadth of the field of speech-language pathology. Our work spans a wide range of environments and involves serving individuals with diverse backgrounds and diagnoses.鈥
What year did you join the 黑料传送门 faculty?
In 2013, I joined the newly established Speech-Language Pathology Program at 黑料传送门 (MWU) as the Clinic Coordinator for the (SLI) and as a faculty member specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). AAC is a vital area within speech-language pathology that focuses on supporting individuals who experience challenges with verbal communication. These supports may include manual communication boards, specialized software, applications, and other assistive technologies.
In my ongoing role as Clinic Coordinator, I oversee daily operations at the SLI, teach courses in AAC, and supervise graduate students during their clinical practicum rotations. My work continues to center on advancing clinical education and providing meaningful communication solutions for individuals with complex communication needs.
What are your current research interests or areas of scholarly focus?
- Researching ways to make augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) more effective for all ages and diagnoses.
- Studying parental coaching to increase AAC use at home.
- Improving the completion of AAC evaluations and documentation for better access and efficiency in gaining appropriate AAC systems for those in need.
- Promoting interprofessional education to reduce service barriers for individuals with disabilities.
What do you find most rewarding about working with students at Midwestern?
One of the most rewarding aspects of working with students at 黑料传送门 is engaging with them individually as they progress on their journey to becoming accomplished speech-language pathologists. I find great fulfillment in learning about their professional goals, understanding what drew them to the field, and helping them build the skills necessary to deliver evidence-based, effective, and meaningful services.
I transitioned into academia later in my career as a practicing speech-language pathologist, driven by a desire to contribute to the training and development of future clinicians. It is deeply gratifying to witness students grow in confidence and competence as they learn to evaluate and provide appropriate treatment for their clients.
What鈥檚 one lesson you hope students carry with them into their professional lives?
I hope students always remain curious and committed to lifelong learning鈥攃ontinuing to ask thoughtful questions, seek evidence-based answers, and strive to provide the highest quality care to the individuals they serve. The journey they began when entering graduate school doesn鈥檛 end at graduation; it marks the beginning of a lifelong vocation in the field of speech-language pathology. I hope students recognize the meaningful impact they have on the lives of those they help and carry that sense of purpose forward. I also encourage them to remain strong advocates for the individuals they serve, continually pushing for access to the best possible services and support.
What鈥檚 something you wish more people understood about your field or profession?
I wish more people understood the depth and breadth of the field of speech-language pathology. Our work spans a wide range of environments and involves serving individuals with diverse backgrounds and diagnoses. Yet, public perception often reflects a limited view of who we work with and what we do, which can diminish appreciation for the value of our services.
Communication is fundamental to human connection鈥攊t enables relationships, supports emotional well-being, and is central to everyday life. Speech-language pathologists address not only communication challenges but also related areas such as voice quality and swallowing disorders. My own specialty, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), remains unfamiliar to many, despite its critical role in supporting individuals with complex communication needs.
As more students become knowledgeable providers in AAC and other specialized areas, I hope public awareness and understanding will grow. Educating the public and other professionals about the full scope of our field and the meaningful ways we can help remains an essential and ongoing effort.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not on campus?
When I鈥檓 not on campus or at the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my family, biking, walking in the woods, reading novels, and working on puzzles. I make it a priority to carve out time each week for these activities, as they help me maintain a meaningful balance between work and life.
