Pathfinding Curriculum: Designing Your Program as a System of Learning (0.4 CEUs)
April 8 - Pre-Conf (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
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Jason Drysdale - Director of Program DevelopmentDr. Jason Drysdale is the Director of Program Development at the University of Colorado Denver. He earned his Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership in 2018, was OLC’s 2020 recipient of the Excellence in Faculty Development for Online Teaching Award, and is a 2026 CU System Excellence in Leadership Program fellow. Jason's research interests include higher education leadership, organizational structure/culture, instructional design, and convergences of these domains.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Examine a systematic, collaborative approach to curriculum design.
- Combine complex influences on the curriculum without sacrificing values and experiences that make the program unique.
- Create an approach to change management that amplifies the things that matter most, applying it to the curriculum design process.
Pipeline to Practice: Audiology Training and Workforce Development (0.4 CEUs)
April 8 - Pre-Conf (1:30 - 5:30 PM)
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Victor Bray - ProfessorVictor Bray, MSC, PhD, FNAP is a Professor in the Osborne Audiology Department in the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel University in Philadelphia PA. He is a former Dean of the Osborne College of Audiology (late career), former Vice President for two start-up hearing aid companies (mid-career), and former Director of Clinical Audiology (early career). His research interest is the post-AuD state of the audiology profession.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Define the nature of audiology's problems in wages, workforce, and student debt.
- Summarize concepts to improve the profession that are associated with the transition to the Au.D. degree.
- Compose recommendations for change in educational programs which can redefine the educational process and align it with the new professional future.
Climbing Toward Excellence: Frameworks and Application of Alternative Grading (0.4 CEUs)
April 8 - Pre-Conf (1:30 - 5:30 PM)
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Jennifer Essig - Clinical Associate Professor/Graduate Program DirectorJennifer Essig is the founding graduate program director of speech-language pathology and a clinical associate professor at Indiana University South Bend. She is currently pursuing an EdD in higher education leadership at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO. The focus of her research is how students in CSD programs perceive traditional grading vs. alternative grading practices and if there is a difference between those perceptions based on background.
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Allison Sauerwein - Associate Professor, Undergraduate Program Director, Teaching Excellence FellowAlli Sauerwein, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor, Undergraduate Program Director, and Teaching Excellence Fellow at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) research Alli engages in aims to improve undergraduate and graduate preservice education in speech-language pathology so that all entry-level clinicians feel confident in their clinical reasoning and practice. She is an editorial board member of Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Name and describe alternative grading frameworks and strategies.
- Summarize the benefits of employing alternative grading strategies for instructors and students.
- Outline an example of each of the four essential pillars as it pertains to your course assignments.
Newcomers' Orientation
April 8 - Newcomers' Orientation (5:30 - 6:00 PM)
Summary
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S1)
April 8 - Newcomers' Orientation (5:30 - 6:00 PM)
Welcome Reception & Exhibits
April 8 - Welcome Reception (6:00 - 8:00 PM)
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Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S2)
April 8 - Welcome Reception (6:00 - 8:00 PM)
General Session: Supporting Students with Disabilities (0.15 CEUs)
April 9 - General Session (7:50 AM - 10 AM)
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Kathryn Sorensen - Associate Professor & Academic Fieldwork CoordinatorKathryn is an Associate Clinical Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also a certified ADA specialist and loves to advocate for and educate others about the ADA law, accessibility, and the perspective of having a disability, both within her community and the greater healthcare community. She is undefeated in musical chairs.
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Tricia Montgomery - Director of Clinical EducationTricia Montgomery is a faculty member at Florida State University where she serves as the Director of Clinical Education. She previously served as the VP for Professional Development for CAPCSD and currently is the CAPCSD President.
Summary
Plenary: Supporting Students with Disabilities (0.15 CEUs)
This keynote will provide practical, legal, and ethical guidance for supporting students with disabilities in clinical fieldwork. Drawing on her perspective as both a patient and occupational therapist, Dr. Sorensen will highlight the human impact of inclusive and accessible education. Participants will explore the distinction between technical standards and essential job functions, and learn how to define essential duties when evaluating accommodation requests. The session will outline the interactive accommodation process, emphasizing legal foundations and clarifying the roles of Disability Services, faculty, and clinical educators. Case studies will illustrate ethical complexities such as reasonable accommodations, over- and under-accommodation, and professional appropriateness. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to support students, maintain standards, and ensure compliance.
Learning Objectives:
- Utilize strategies such as written feedback, weekly objectives, and ethical decision-making to support student success while maintaining academic integrity.
- Apply the interactive accommodation process, including relevant ADA and Section 504 requirements, to real-world fieldwork scenarios.
- Evaluate case studies to determine when accommodations are reasonable, insufficient, or inappropriate in clinical practice.
President's Address: CAPCSD's 2025-2026 President, Tricia Montgomery, will kick off the conference with her remarks about CAPCSD's year-to-date happenings and what's coming up next.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S3)
April 9 - General Session (7:50 AM - 10 AM)
Innovative Undergraduate Curriculum (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions A (10:30 - 11:30 AM)
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Emily Touchstone - Professor of Instruction, Undergraduate Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Program HeadEmily Touchstone, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Professor of Instruction at The University of Texas at Dallas and serves as the Undergraduate Assistant Dean in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and the Undergraduate Program Head in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She teaches a wide range of courses in the undergraduate and graduate programs and works with SLH faculty members to strengthen the program's academic curriculum.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate ways to improve curriculum for students who have a broad range of academic and career goals.
- Summarize the complexities facing higher education programs in speech, language, and hearing sciences.
- Develop ideas for program enhancement.
SoTL 102: Finding What Drives You in SoTL Research (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions A (10:30 - 11:30 AM)
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Laura Wolford - Assistant ProfessorLaura Wolford, PhD, MS, CCC-SLP, CSE, is an Assistant Professor at MGH Institute of Health Professions and director of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Center. She teaches courses on clinical supervision, counseling, and the scholarship of teaching and learning through a social justice lens. As director of the TASSEL (Teaching and Supporting Student Experience in Learning) lab, Dr. Wolford promotes mixed-methods of improving the student experience.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Define foundational principles and methodologies of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.
- Identify strategies for framing researchable questions in CSD education.
- Apply approaches for collecting and analyzing evidence to inform meaningful teaching and learning practices.
Training and Supporting Clinical Educators (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions A (10:30 - 11:30 AM)
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Elaine Mormer - ProfessorElaine Mormer is Professor of Audiology and Vice Chair for Clinical Education in the University of Pittsburgh CSD Department. She has published and presented on the topic of evidence-based clinical education nationally and internationally. She was the 2020 American Academy of Audiology Outstanding Educator Awardee. She currently serves on the ASHA Council for Clinical Certification and is an ASHA Fellow. Dr. Mormer is a former CAPCSD Board member.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify barriers and facilitators to training clinical educators to provide evidence-based clinical instruction.
- Identify key themes in which to train clinical educators.
- Experiment with tools to guide clinical educators' in best practices with students.,/li>
Elevating Excellence in AI for Academic Leaders: Save Time, Solve Problems, Surprise Yourself (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions A (10:30 - 11:30 AM)
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Speakers
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Debra Burnett - Associate Professor and Interim DeanDr. Debra L. Burnett, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders and interim dean of the School of Health Sciences at Springfield College, Springfield, MA. She got her B.A. and M.S. degrees from SUNY Geneseo and her Ph.D. from Syracuse University. She teaches courses in linguistics, language development, and language disorders. Her research interests include pediatric speech and language and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
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Sandra Seaman - Program Director, Associate ProfessorSandra (Combs) Seaman, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor and the SLPD Program Director at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Dr. Seaman has been a clinician for 35 years, teaching, mentoring, and supervising at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Dr. Seamans has presented at the local, state, and national levels. Her teaching and research interests include collaboration and training, child language, literacy, AAC, autism, SSD, and SoTL.
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Amy Rodda - Associate Teaching Professor, Director of Clinical EducationAmy Rodda, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Teaching Professor and the Director of Clinical Education in the Speech and Hearing Sciences Department at the University of Washington. She teaches undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate coursework including Language Science, Developmental Communication and Swallowing Disorders, Professional Seminar, and Advanced Clinical Forum. She facilitates the Leslie Jeanne Berns Support Group for families of children with communication disorders, and mentors undergraduate research.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze complex administrative workflows to identify opportunities for AI integration.
- Apply ethical guidelines when evaluating AI tools and outputs.
- Demonstrate conflict-resolution strategies for addressing differing faculty perspectives on AI use.
Revisiting Service-learning as a Pedagogical Strategy in AAC Coursework (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions A (10:30 - 11:30 AM)
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Speakers
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Juhi Kidwai - Assistant ProfessorDr. Juhi Kidwai, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor at SIU-Carbondale. Her teaching focus is on neurogenic communication disorders, phonetics, culturally responsive practices, and augmentative and alternative communication. Dr. Kidwai is affiliated with the Aphasia Recovery with Technology (ART) Lab, where her work integrates cutting-edge research and clinical expertise for aphasia and PPA rehabilitation. She is committed to advancing speech-language pathology through teaching, research, and impactful contributions to the field.
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Denise Croft - Director, Center for Autism Spectrum DisordersDenise Croft, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed and certified speech language pathologist. She is faculty in the Communication Disorders and Sciences Program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She is currently serving as Program Director and Director of SIU Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
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Stephanie Nanto - Clinical Assistant ProfessorStephanie Nanto, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Instructor and Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She teaches language development and language disorders and supervises graduate clinicians. Her professional interests include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), evidence-based intervention for pediatric language disorders, and clinical education. Stephanie also serves as a faculty advisor for NSSLHA and is passionate about mentoring emerging professionals.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Apply principles of service-learning pedagogy by identifying at least two ways AAC-focused service-learning can be integrated into graduate-level communication disorders curricula.
- Analyze the logistical and pedagogical challenges of implementing a service-learning model in AAC coursework and evaluate strategies to address these challenges in their own programs.
- Create an initial action plan for adapting or replicating an AAC service-learning project at their home institution, considering stakeholder roles, course design, and community partnerships.
Answering the Call: Preparing Students Across Professions for Collaborative Care in Underserved Communities (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions A (10:30 - 11:30 AM)
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Speakers
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Leslie Grubler - Director of Clinical Education and Clinical ServicesLeslie Grubler, EdD, CCC-SLP, is the Director of Clinical Education/Clinical Services at Lehman College CUNY. A speech-language pathologist, consultant, and family/child advocate through 28 years of practice, Dr. Grubler has presented nationally and locally and advocated for the rights of disabled individuals throughout her entire career from NYC Hall to Albany to Washington D.C. Dr. Grubler’s research and professional practice interests have been in culturally responsive and disability-affirmative practice.
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Patience Aboagye - Clinical Instructor, NursingPatience Anane Aboagye, RN, MSN (Ed), PEDS-BC, OCN, is a board-certified pediatric and oncology nurse with a Master of Science in Nursing Education. Her professional interests include evidence-based practice, clinical instruction, and quality improvement in pediatric and oncology settings. She has contributed to nursing education through curriculum development in the SPS Nurse Micro-Credential Fellowship, staff development initiatives, and coordination of complex pediatric discharges involving gastrointestinal nutrition optimization.
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Rebecca Chun - Assistant Director of Practicum Education Social WorkRebecca Chun, LMSW, MFA, is the Assistant Director of Practicum Education in the Department of Social Work at Lehman College/CUNY in the Bronx, New York. In addition to her full-time role, Rebecca collaborates inter-professionally with the Speech and Hearing Center, a community-serving clinic and training facility for Speech and Language Pathology housed in the Lehman campus, where she supervises social work students. She finds balance in art, activism, and family.
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Nicole Gerlak - SLP Graduate StudentNicole Gerlak is a second-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at Lehman College. She is committed to interdisciplinary, community-centered care and is especially passionate about supporting adults with neurogenic communication disorders, including aphasia. Nicole volunteers with a primary progressive aphasia conversation group at NYU and aims to contribute to research and collaborative care models that expand equitable, accessible services for underserved communities.
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Nathacha Almanzar - SW Graduate StudentNathacha Almanzar, an MSW candidate at Lehman College, is a Clinical Social Work Trainee at the Bronx Telehealth Counseling Center and a Regional Schools Coordinator at Uncommon Schools. She bridges trauma-focused care and crisis intervention with operational strategy to dismantle systemic inequities. Utilizing her bilingual foundation in Critical Social Thought, Nathacha employs interdisciplinary collaboration to create accessible systems, empowering underserved communities through inclusive mental health and educational reform.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate interprofessional outcomes that advance equity-focused care in underserved communities and adapt strategies for broader applicability across institutional and community contexts.
- Analyze supervision models, case collaborations, and journaling practices to strengthen interprofessional learning outcomes.
- Design interprofessional care approaches that prioritize community needs, foster collaborative decision-making, and integrate advocacy to enhance clinical education.
Solution Focused Dialogue: Developing Student Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for the Workplace (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions A (10:30 - 11:30 AM)
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Speakers
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Devon Weist - Associate Professor and Au.D. Program CoordinatorDevon Weist, AuD, is an associate professor and AuD program coordinator at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. At UNC, she practices clinically, precepts students, and teaches within the AuD program. Her primary areas of interests include audiologic and vestibular diagnostics, counseling individuals with hearing and balance disorders, audiology education, and precepting.
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Jamelle Salomon - Clinical Assistant ProfessorJamelle Salomon MS, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences at UNC Chapel Hill. Her primary interests are clinical education, autism, and augmentative and alternative communication. She is a member of the Project EXPRESS research team, comparing social and executive functioning skills programs for adolescents with autism. Jamelle works closely with students and preceptors to ensure high quality clinical learning across settings.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain key factors that influence student confidence and workplace readiness.
- Identify evidence-based strategies to support professional growth and prepare students for success in diverse practice settings.
- Apply practical approaches through an interactive case scenario to enhance student development.
How to Compassionately Counsel Graduate Students Who Are Not Succeeding (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions A (10:30 - 11:30 AM)
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Felicidad Garcia - Associate Professor of Instruction, Undergraduate Program DirectorFelicidad M. Garcia, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor of Instruction and the Undergraduate Program Director for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Temple University. Her clinical area of expertise centers on bilingual and bidialectal children and adults with speech and language disorders, and she teaches courses related to cultural and linguistic diversity in the practice of speech-language pathology.
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Lisa Bedore - Professor, Department ChairDr. Lisa Bedore is Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and is a Fellow of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. In her faculty roles (Chair, clinic director and director of MA level training projects) she has regularly advised students. Guiding students who are not well suited to a career as a SLP is as important as supporting students who continue.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key communication strategies to effectively and compassionately counsel students who are struggling in a graduate program.
- Apply new approaches for counseling graduate students in difficult advising scenarios.
- Develop a plan for delivering honest feedback while maintaining empathy and professionalism during conversations about program expectations, including potential dismissal or redirection.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S4)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions A (10:30 - 11:30 AM)
Poster: Data Without the Drama: Practical Strategies for Year-round Organization (0.05 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
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Speakers
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Stephanie Schaaf - Chair / Program Director / Associate ProfessorStephanie Schaaf, EdD, CCC-SLP, is Chair, Program Director, and Associate Professor in the Center for Communication Disorders at Murray State University. A practicing SLP for 18 years, she has held leadership roles as department chair, program director, and clinic director. She teaches graduate courses on speech sound disorders, research, professional issues, and AAC. Her current interests include supervision, ethics, phonology, AAC, and leadership.
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J. Nikki Gaylord - Associate ProfessorDr. J. Nikki Gaylord, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor at Murray State University in the Center for Communication Disorders and has been a practicing speech-language pathologist for over 25 years. She completed her doctorate of clinical science in speech-language pathology in 2019 and a doctorate of education in 2022. Her current research interests include exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction in athletes, exercise-induced dyspnea, and ethics in speech-language pathology.
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Alison Brown - Assistant ProfessorAlison Brown, EdD, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor in the Center for Communication Disorders at Murray State University. She earned a B.A. in English from Murray State University, M.S. in SLP from the University of Kentucky, and an Ed.D. from Murray State University. She has practiced and taught in many settings, including schools, acute care, and outpatient. Alison's clinical and research interests include dyslexia and DEI in communication disorders programs.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify strategies for implementing systematic, year-round data collection that support program growth and decision-making.
- Explain the benefits of a team-based approach to data collection and how it strengthens program culture and outcomes.
- Develop a plan to integrate evidence-based practices, such as annual data retreats and organized documentation systems, into their own programs.
Poster: From Operating Room to Clinic: An IPE Event Enhancing Implant Education in Audiology (0.05 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
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Speakers
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Nicole M. Ferguson - Director of Clinical Services & Education, AudiologyDr. Nicole Ferguson is the Director of Clinical Services & Instruction in Audiology at Central Michigan University. She oversees multiple service lines in the Carls Center, coordinating clinical education and community partnerships. Her work emphasizes interprofessional collaboration between audiology and otology, highlighted through the MEI-CMU Audiology Day program. Dr. Ferguson previously served as President of the Michigan Board of Audiology and as a CAA Site Visitor.
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Robert Hong - Director of Research & Senior PartnerDr. Hong is currently a senior partner and Director of Research at Michigan Ear Institute and has a joint appointment as an Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Hong is board-certified in adult and pediatric Neurotology, Otology, Otolaryngology, and Skull Base Surgery. He specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of ear and skull base disorders in both adults and children.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Describe how surgical observation and narrated 3-D recordings enhance clinical education.
- Explain how neurotologist collaboration improves student preparedness for counseling and externships.
- Discuss how this IPE model could be applied to their clinical program.
Poster: An Escape Room IPE: Shaping Professional Identity in First-Year Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students (0.05 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
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Speakers
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Joann Denemark - Program DirectorJoann Denemark, EdD, CCC-SLP, is the Program Director for the M.H.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at Augusta University. With 20+ years of clinical experience, she led program development and CAA Candidacy for Accreditation, demonstrating her commitment to SLP advocacy. Her scholarly interests include interprofessional education (IPE) and cultivating student dual identity development. Dr. Denemark was nominated and selected as a 2025 Distinguished Practitioner Fellow by the National Academies of Practice.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Assess how gamified interprofessional education (IPE) activities, such as escape rooms, reinforce patient-centered values and collaborative care competencies among pre-licensure healthcare students.
- Utilize open communication and transparency with your students using a pre-IPE replicable tool that highlights the TILT Higher Ed framework, enhancing student preparedness and engagement during IPE experiences.
- Discover the impact of reflective, gamified IPE on the development of dual-role professional identities within graduate-level SLP curricula.
Poster: Enhancing Graduate Student Self-efficacy Through Community-based Practicum with Individuals with Parkinson's Disease (0.05 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
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Speakers
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Melissa McGrath - Assistant ProfessorMelissa McGrath, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. She teaches courses in neurogenic communication disorders and medical speech pathology, and has over 25 years of clinical experience. Her research focuses on maximizing therapeutic outcomes for people with neurogenic disorders.
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Dawn Condon - Associate Clinical LecturerDawn Condon, MA, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Clinical Lecturer at Ball State University in Muncie, IN, where she has worked since the year 2000. Mrs. Condon teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on anatomy and physiology and voice/resonance disorders. She leads the coordination and clinical supervision for on- and off-campus services provided to people with Parkinson’s disease in East Central Indiana.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze how dual-task activities in a community-based practicum enhance graduate students’ clinical reasoning and understanding of functional communication in real-world settings.
- Evaluate the impact of community-based practicum experiences on self-efficacy and preparedness for working with individuals with complex neurodegenerative conditions.
- Apply principles learned regarding the observed relationship between motor symptoms and communication challenges in a community-based practicum experience to other settings, including traditional on-campus individual sessions.
Poster: Bringing Visibility to Clinical Workloads in Communication Sciences and Disorders Programs (0.05 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
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Haley Coleman - Assistant Professor; Program DirectorHaley Coleman, EdD, CCC-SLP, serves as Program Director and Assistant Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Texas A&M University–Kingsville. She is a medically based speech-language pathologist with clinical experience across the lifespan, including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, long-term care, and pediatric services. Her research examines clinical supervision, simulation-based training, competency development, and workload modeling in SLP education.
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Eric Swartz - ProfessorEric Swartz, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at Texas A&M University – Kingsville. Dr. Swartz teaches graduate courses in fluency disorders and counseling. His research interests include current workload practices for clinical faculty and administrators, counseling in communication disorders, and outcomes in stuttering therapy.
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Farzan Irani - Professor and ChairFarzan Irani, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Professor and Chair in Communication Disorders at Texas State University. He has published and presented on treatment effectiveness in stuttering, telepractice, and psychosocial and multicultural aspects of stuttering and other communication disorders.
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Lydia Hernandez-Perez - Associate Professor of PracticeLydia Hernandez-Perez, MS, CCC-SLP, is Clinic Director and Associate Professor of Practice at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Texas A&I University. With over 30 years of experience, she has worked in private practice, early childhood intervention, and schools. She brings over a decade of experience as a clinic director, focusing on faculty clinical assignments and promoting balanced workload distribution.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify current trends and challenges in clinical workload practices across SLP programs within CSD.
- Describe key findings from a national survey regarding workload variability, equity concerns, and faculty well-being.
- Identify potential strategies for developing equitable workload models that promote sustainability and elevate excellence in clinical education.
Poster: Advancing Dysphagia Simulation: Applying Best Practices to Elevate SLP Education (0.05 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
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Speakers
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Kelly Hansen - LecturerKelly Egan Hansen, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a Lecturer and Clinical Supervisor in the Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences at Boston University’s Sargent College and a practicing medical speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of clinical experience. She is a board-certified swallowing specialist, provides dysphagia care to adults at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and focuses teaching and scholarship on head and neck cancer rehabilitation and evidence-based dysphagia management.
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Rachael Kammer - Clinical Assistant ProfessorRachael E. Kammer, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences at Boston University. She has over 20 years of experience in medical speech/language pathology and has worked in a variety of settings. She teaches the Dysphagia course at Boston University and runs simulations to enhance learning experiences. Rachael has particular interest in head and neck cancer and Parkinson's Disease.
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Samantha Brown - Director of Clinical Simulation; Clinical Assistant ProfessorSamantha Brown, PT, DPT, GCS, is Director of Clinical Simulation and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Boston University’s Sargent College. She specializes in simulation-based education across the health professions. As Director, Dr. Brown leads faculty development on best practices, advances simulation design and operations, and is building a standardized patient program to strengthen learner engagement, assessment, and program quality.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify common challenges in early simulation implementation and strategies to address them.
- Explain how refining pre-briefing, learning objectives, and debriefing improves simulation outcomes.
- Apply lessons from dysphagia simulation redesign to develop sustainable, scalable simulation practices in SLP programs.
Poster: Aiming for Synchrony Between Academic and Clinical Education: Leveraging a Journal Club Approach (0.05 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
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Grace Clark - Assistant ProfessorGrace Clark, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor at Montclair State University and Director of the ABLL Lab. Her research focuses on improving communication and literacy for nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic children through neurodiversity-affirming, participatory, and evidence-based AAC interventions. A former school-based clinician, she is dedicated to bridging research and practice to support meaningful, inclusive communication for all.
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Lesley Sylvan - Associate ProfessorDr. Lesley Sylvan is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Montclair State University. She is also program director of the master's degree in speech-language pathology and deputy chair of the department. She completed a Master's degree in educational policy and management as well as a Doctorate degree in human development and education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze strategies for implementing journal clubs to enhance research-practice integration in graduate CSD education.
- Evaluate the impact of journal club participation on student engagement, clinical reasoning, and goal-writing practices.
- Apply inclusive, evidence-based pedagogical strategies to design and facilitate collaborative learning experiences in CSD.
Poster: SLP Graduate Student Perceptions of Their Readiness to Engage in Client Counseling (0.05 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
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Speakers
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Karmen Porter - Department Chair, Associate ProfessorKarmen Porter is an Associate Professor and Chair of the CSD Department at Fort Hays State University. She is a certified speech-language pathologist. Her research interests and teaching areas include language development/disorders, literacy disorders, and SLP communication and collaboration with clients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
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Blythe Serrano - Undergraduate StudentBlythe Serrano is a senior CSD student at Fort Hays State University and an SLPA with Des Moines Public Schools. She is involved in research on dyslexia assessment and the use of music in treating pediatric communication disorders. After graduating, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Compare and contrast graduate student perceptions of counseling in the field before and after completion of counseling-focused coursework.
- Analyze graduate student perceptions of their greatest perceived weaknesses and greatest perceived strengths in relation to counseling their clients.
- Analyze the potential benefits and limitations of counseling-focused coursework for developing student skills.
Poster: Transitioning from Metrics to Holistic Graduate Admissions Using Situational Judgment Tests (0.05 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
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Speakers
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Lauren Flora - Associate Professor and ASHA Program DirectorLauren Flora, PhD, AuD, CCC-A, is an audiologist and Associate Professor at Radford University, where she serves as the ASHA Program Director for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Audiology Clinic Director. With over a decade of experience chairing the admissions committee, she led the transition from traditional to holistic admissions. Her research interests include holistic admissions, student wellness, aural rehabilitation, and pediatric hearing assessment techniques.
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Diane Millar - Chair, ProfessorDiane Millar completed her doctoral degree in speech-language pathology at Penn State University in the area of augmentative and alternative communication. She is a professor at Radford University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate students. She collaborates with students in research through undergraduate capstones and master's theses. Dr. Millar has enjoyed serving in a variety leadership positions, including the position of Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
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Vrushali Angadi - Assistant ProfessorVrushali Angadi, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Radford University. Her research focuses on voice rehabilitation following head and neck cancer, improving access to specialty care, and developing culturally responsive clinical practices. As Honorary Faculty at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, she supports global clinician education and remains dedicated to advancing evidence-based care and training for future speech-language pathologists.
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Michelle Lenhart - Assistant ProfessorMichelle Lenhart, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Radford University. Dr. Lenhart is a licensed SLP with a background in child and adolescent language and literacy, with particular interests in syntax, language sampling, and school-based practice. Her research interests also include the scholarship of teaching and learning, particularly related to holistic admissions processes and improving uptake of EBP through didactic and clinical education.
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Diane Shepard - Clinical Instructor and Externship CoordinatorDiane Shepard, MS, CCC-SLP, is a senior instructor and externship coordinator at Radford University and has eight years of experience supervising at the Radford University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. Her research interests include effective supervision strategies and improving outcomes for speech-language pathology students and the geriatric population.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze the limitations of traditional admissions metrics in predicting clinical success.
- Evaluate the role of holistic review and SJTs, including CASPer, in promoting equitable admissions and identifying clinical potential.
- Synthesize insights from health sciences literature to inform CSD admissions practices and support student success.
Poster: Turning Analytics into Outcomes: What We Learned from Three Years of TrueLearn Implementation (0.05 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Rebecca Wiseheart - Associate ProfessorRebecca Wiseheart, PhD, CCC-SLP, is Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at St. John's University in New York. Her research and clinical interests focus on language, learning, and cognition in college students with dyslexia. A secondary line of research explores the development of pre-professional identity in the CSD major. She teaches courses in language-based learning disabilities, assessment, and professional writing.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain how performance data from a test-preparation platform can be used to predict and monitor student outcomes.
- Summarize how item-level analytics can guide curriculum mapping and inform instructional decision-making.
- Evaluate the benefits and limitations of integrating a commercial test-preparation tool into graduate CSD programs.
Poster: Cultivating Undergraduate Leadership in CSD Programs: A Call for Curricular Innovation (0.05 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Hope Baylow - Associate Professor, Founding Program Director, CSD & SLPHope E. Baylow, D.A., CCC-SLP, TSHH, BCS-S, was named Founding Program Director of Communication Sciences & Disorders and Speech-Language Pathology in the Department of Health and Human Performance at The University of Scranton in 2020 and Associate Professor in 2024. A board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders, she has over 30 years of clinical and academic experience and has presented and published extensively on swallowing and voice disorders.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key curricular and extracurricular opportunities that can support early leadership development in undergraduate communication sciences and disorders (CSD) students.
- Analyze the potential impact of integrating leadership competencies into pre-graduate CSD curriculum design on student professional identity and readiness for advanced training.
- Develop strategies for faculty and administrators to foster leadership capacity among students before entry into graduate programs.
Poster: Creating a Repository of Clinical Documentation to Support Problem-based Learning (0.05. CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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BeckyAnn Harker - Assistant ProfessorBeckyAnn Harker, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor in the department of Speech-Language Pathology at Monmouth University in New Jersey. She has 25 years of clinical experience working with pediatrics in outpatient and school settings. She recently earned her doctorate in Special Education and moved into higher education a year ago. Her fruitless searches for real-world case studies was the catalyst for the project shared at this conference.
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Robyn Becker - Assistant ProfessorRobyn Becker, SLP.D, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences/Disorders (CSD), Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey. With nearly 30 years of clinical experience as a licensed speech-language pathologist, she has worked across settings with children and adults. Her research interests encompass the impact of articulatory cues on early literacy development, the scholarship of teaching/learning in CSD, and the cultivation of interprofessional and parent partnerships.
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SallyAnn Giess - Independent ResearcherSallyAnn Giess, PhD, CCC-SLP, is currently an adjunct faculty instructor with Western Kentucky University. Dr. Giess has experience as a clinical educator, professor, and practicing clinician. Her professional research interest and practice area focuses on identification and intervention for language-based reading disorders. Dr. Giess is currently president of Hawaii Speech-Language Hearing Association and active with ASHA as a committee member, peer reviewer and mentor.
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Lauren Bland - Associate ProfessorLauren E. Bland, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor at Brescia University and is a former graduate program director at Western Kentucky University where she now holds emeritus status. She served on the CAPCSD IPE/IPP committee for 6 years. A site visitor for the CAA, she served on the board for 4 years. She has taught include Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Fluency, Counseling, Speech Sound Disorders and Professional Issues.
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Leslie Blome - Assistant ProfessorLeslie Blome, EdD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Eastern Michigan University. Before pivoting to higher education, she was a clinical SLP for 25+ years. Dr. Blome's research interests include early identification of autism, inclusion strategies, and interprofessional education (IPE). She earned her master's degree in speech-language pathology from Florida State University, and a doctorate in early childhood education from the University of Colorado, Denver.
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Kathryn Genoa-Obradovich - Assistant ProfessorKathryn Genoa-Obradovich, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Michigan State University. Her primary areas of interest are two pronged – one dedicated to healthcare and clinical management of dysphagia and HNC, and the other concentrated on scholarship of teaching and learning with a focus on gamification and immersive technologies.
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Jeff Siarto - Professor of Practice and Interim DirectorJeff Siarto is a Professor of Practice and the Interim Director of the User Experience MS program at Michigan State University. He has over 20 years of experience as a designer and software engineer--spending the last decade leading large-scale design and UX projects within NASA Earth Science.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- List three main faculty preferences identified in the clinical documentation repository needs assessment survey.
- Summarize the User Experience (UX) perspectives obtained from an alpha version of this repository.
- List three ways faculty could use this repository to support problem-based learning in academic and clinical education.
Scaffolding the Future: Fostering Clinical Skill Development Through Simulation Extension Activities [Simucase] (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Erica Ligon - Manager, Content Strategy & DevelopmentErica Ligon is an SLP and Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE). As the Manager for Content Strategy and Development, she develops speech-language pathology simulations and works with faculty to coordinate/implement Simucase supervision experiences. Erica regularly supervises graduate clinicians through Simucase Supervision Services. Erica has practiced as a speech-language pathologist for over fifteen years and has experience diagnosing and treating a broad range of communication disorders across the lifespan.
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Rebecca Lulai - Director of Clinical Programs in Speech-Language PathologyRebecca Lulai, MA, CCC-SLP, is the Director of Clinical Programs in SLP for the University of Minnesota. She will obtain her SLPD from Northwestern University in June 2026. Rebecca works as a clinical educator/supervisor for many years. She developed and currently implements the simulation curriculum used within the MA-SLP program. Rebecca has worked in a variety of settings including public schools, hospitals, private practice, and outpatient clinics.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify best practices in simulation debriefing and the integration of extension activities to enrich learning outcomes.
- Summarize strategies for scaffolding extension activities and evidence-based practice and feedback across a semester to support progressive skill development in simulation-based learning.
- Summarize how various academic programs are implementing and customizing extension activities to meet diverse instructional goals.
Tracking Progressive Growth in Academic and Clinical Competencies to Meet Educational Standards [Audiology Technology Solutions, LLC] (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Shae Morgan - Co-ownerDr. Morgan is a faculty member at the University of Louisville and a co-owner of Audiology Technology Solutions, LLC. He graduated from The University of Utah with his PhD and AuD in 2018. His current interests include hearing health care accessibility, competency-based education models, and innovation in Speech and hearing science (clinical simulation, standards and accreditation, etc.). Importantly, he loves to play ping-pong, tinker, and code.
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Lexie Morgan - Co-ownerLexie graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics Education. She taught math professionally in a variety of school settings, with a particular focus on teaching best practices and pedagogy. Lexie continues her passion for education by homeschooling her two children, and sharing her expertise as a standards-based educator as the co-owner of Audiology Technology Solutions, LLC.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate their own programs for spiraling competency goals.
- Analyze how standards are met through academic and clinical curriculum.
- Analyze how to separate clinical skill development from academic expectations and goals.
Elevating Excellence: A Data-driven Approach to Praxis Prep and Student Success [TrueLearn] (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Carol Koch - Director of Curriculum and ProfessorCarol Koch, EdD, CCC-SLP, is Professor and Director of Curriculum at Oklahoma Baptist University. In higher education for 20 years, Carol has been involved in a wide range of program level work such as: curriculum development and mapping, program assessment, admissions, and accreditation. She has contributed to developing a competency-based framework. Dr. Koch also serves on the CAA. Her clinical, teaching, research interests include phonetics, SSDs, CAS, and early intervention.
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Darsh Sharma - Director of Institutional PartnershipsDarshan (Darsh) Sharma, Director of Institutional Partnerships at TrueLearn, brings over 12 years of experience to the role. He is passionate about empowering Speech-Language Pathology programs to elevate learning and outcomes using an e-learning platform grounded in learning science and powered by an analytics engine. Darsh has a background in Kinesiology and enjoys watching football and spending time with family and friends.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the science of question and answer structure for enhanced learning.
- Summarize the ways to integrate praxis style questions throughout the curriculum.
- Outline performance indicators and metrics for program assessment.
Program Efficiency Through Artificial Intelligence and Unified Systems [Exxat Inc.] (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Jake Killian - Business Development ExecutiveJake Killian Business Development Manager Exxat, Inc.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Examine innovative applications of AI to automate placement management, scheduling, and reporting in academic and clinical programs.
- Outline strategies for using AI-driven tools to gather, organize, and report program metrics with accuracy and efficiency for accreditation.
- Summarize how AI-driven efficiencies can reduce administrative burden and allow faculty to prioritize student learning and mentorship.
What Every Clinic Director Wishes a Student Knew Before Their First Clinical Assignment [Master Clinician Network] (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Martin Fischer - Emeritus ProfessorMartin Fischer, PhD, is an Emeritus Professor at Pacific University and a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. He is the Co-founder and developer of the Master Clinician Network and recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Recipient Award by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
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Shesna Calkins - Vice PresidentShesna is the Vice President of Master Clinician Network. She has a strong background in academic administration, especially within the discipline of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and is passionate about creating sustainable educational platforms.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the frustrations experienced by clinical supervisors associated with first practicum placements.
- Describe how KASA Standards may be obtained using Master Clinician's 'Clinical Essentials'.
- Describe how videos of clinical practice may be used to prepare graduate students for their first clinical experience.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S5)
April 9 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Bridging Voices: Enhancing Clinical and Research Training Through Cross-institutional Immersion for Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology (0.15 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions B (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Amelia Rau - MS SLP Program Director, Clinical Associate ProfessorAmelia M. Rau, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at The University of Texas at El Paso, directs the Graduate Program and Bilingual SLP Certificate. A Provost Curriculum Fellow recognized for high-impact teaching and mentorship, Dr. Rau co-leads a National Endowment for the Arts research grant on Somatics and Theater for Healthcare and promotes inclusion through global learning and community partnerships.
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Vannesa Mueller - Dept Chair, Associate ProfessorDr. Vannesa Mueller is Program Director and Associate Clinical Professor in Speech-Language Pathology at The University of Texas at El Paso. Her work centers on bilingualism, culturally responsive pedagogy, and expanding access to high-quality clinical education for diverse and borderland communities. She leads multiple programmatic initiatives while supporting faculty development and accreditation processes. She is committed to advancing equity, holistic review, and inclusive pathways into the CSD profession.
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Carlos Benitez - Assistant Professor, CSDCarlos Benítez-Barrera, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at the University of South Florida where he directs the Pediatric Auditory Experience & Brain Lab. His research focuses on how children’s everyday auditory environments shape speech-in-noise perception, language development, and neural processing. He is also a board member and Director of AUDITIO, the Spanish Journal of Audiology.
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Rebecca Alper - Assistant Professor, CSDRebecca Alper, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, a principal investigator at the Waisman Center, and an affiliated researcher with the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Alper's research focuses on family-centered early language and literacy intervention.
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Kendra Rosales - Clinical Assistant ProfessorKendra Rosales, MS, CCC-SLP, ABD, is a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at The University of Texas at El Paso. Her research centers on culturally responsive assessment and parent engagement in pediatric feeding and swallowing, including food insecurity. She coordinates a specialty diagnostic rotation featuring interdisciplinary arena testing and community-based pediatric feeding assessments, and teaches courses in articulation/phonology, preschool language, and pediatric feeding.
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Shelby Martin - Doctoral StudentDoctoral Student, University of Wisconsin at Madison
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Examine how cross-institutional exchange can enhance clinical training, research skills, and professional identity in speech-language pathology.
- Apply strategies for integrating mentorship, clinical immersion, and research engagement into student training programs.
- Summarize the effectiveness of exchange models as a pathway for improving student confidence, preparedness, and future academic or professional success.
Greasing the Wheels: Leveraging Technology to Build Stronger Professional Relationships (0.15 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions B (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Lisa Belle - Speech-Language Pathologist, Doctoral StudentLisa Belle is an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist and doctoral candidate at Kean University. She provides speech-language evaluations for the NYC Early Intervention Program and the NYC Department of Education. Her research examines disparities in early identification of developmental delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations. She is committed to empowering families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate services and advocate for their children’s needs.
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Jacqueline Marchese - Speech-Language Pathologist, Doctoral StudentJacqueline Marchese is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist with the NYC Public Schools and a doctoral candidate in Speech-Language Pathology at Kean University. Passionate about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), she intends to research its impact in schools and classrooms. Jacqueline is dedicated to supporting students' transitions from high school to postsecondary life, advocating for the essential role speech-language providers play in preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
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Lauren Dennis - Speech-Language Pathologist, Doctoral StudentLauren Dennis, MS, CCC-SLP, is an NJ-licensed, ASHA-certified SLP working in the Montclair Public School system. She specializes in providing language services to CLD populations and individuals with ASD. By employing evidence-based interventions she works to promote both language development and classroom success. As a doctoral student at Kean University, Lauren’s focuses on the innovative use of technology in pragmatic language development, aiming to enhance real-world communication outcomes for learners.
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Darya Hinman - Managing Assistant Director (Externship Coordinator)Darya Hinman, SLPD, CCC-SLP, is the externship coordinator and a course instructor at Kean University, where she manages off-campus clinical placements. She teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral courses in SLP, with a focus on clinical education. Her research interests include clinical supervision, as well as intra- and interdisciplinary training of clinical educators. She has presented at state and institutional conferences and has published research in the area of clinical education.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze the role of personality types in supervisor–student dynamics and apply this knowledge to enhance communication and feedback strategies.
- Explain the importance of establishing supervisor–student compatibility before the start of a clinical placement, and describe how technology can facilitate this process through personalized questionnaires, compatibility profiles, and communication insights.
- Integrate multicultural and diversity-informed practices into supervision by applying concepts of cultural humility, identity awareness, and power dynamics.
Beyond the Scenario: Best Practices in Simulation Design, Delivery, and Debriefing (0.15 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions B (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Meredith Baker-Rush - Program Director for the IPHS Doctoral Program, Interprofessional Research Faculty Lead, DeWitt C. Baldwin InstituteMeredith Baker-Rush, PhD, MS, CCC-SLP/L, CHSE, FNAP, is a Professor & Program Director for the Interprofessional Healthcare Studies (IPHS) Doctoral Program in the College of Health Professions, Interprofessional Research Faculty Lead, DeWitt C. Baldwin Institute at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS). She is one of the lead faculty in RFUMS Department of Healthcare Simulation and holds a secondary faculty appointment in the Chicago Medical School.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss best practices in simulation.
- Analyze the relationship of learning intent and simulation modality.
- Summarize key principles of simulation-based feedback and debriefing that promote learning.
New Roles, New Titles: How to Ensure Your Next Chapter Is a Success (0.15 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions B (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Erin Redle Sizemore - Chair, Associate ProfessorErin Redle Sizemore, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor and Department Chair at Mount St. Joseph University. Her clinical experience and research largely focus on children and families in early intervention, including feeding and swallowing disorders and in-utero opioid exposure. Additionally, Dr. Redle Sizemore is a team member investigating current and best practices in supporting graduate students with disabilities in clinical placements.
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Hannah Siburt - Associate ProfessorDr. Hannah Siburt, AuD, PhD, is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences at the UNC-Chapel Hill and the director of the UNC Audiology LEND Program. Her primary areas of interest include supporting children and families with hearing loss and developmental disabilities and rural healthcare. She provides service to the profession through several professional organizations including CAPCSD, AAA and the NC-EDHI Advisory Committee.
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Whitney Perkins - Chairperson, Graduate Program DirectorWhitney Perkins is a Mississippi native who received her bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), master’s in Deaf Education from USM, master’s in Communicative Disorders from Jackson State University (JSU) and doctorate in Early Childhood Education at JSU. I currently serve as the chairperson and graduate program director in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at Jackson State University (JSU).
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Leanna Lawrence - Associate Clinical Professor, Clinic DirectorLeanna Lawrence, MHS, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at the University of Missouri. She currently serves as the director of their on-site clinic, supports graduate students in securing their off-campus placements, and teaches several clinic-based courses for the department. Leanna also serves CAPCSD as a member and current chair of the Conference Planning Committee.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify professional development resources and mentorship/support systems while navigating various departmental roles.
- Describe strategies to build relationships with colleagues, other administrators, students, etc. in a new role.
- Discuss the benefits and challenges when moving into new positions.
Training GPTs for Clinical Simulation: AI-Augmented Learning (0.15 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions B (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Caroline Brinkert - Clinical LecturerCaroline Brinkert, MS, CCC-SLP, is a clinical lecturer in the SLHS department at Boston University and director of BU's Center for Stuttering Therapy. She is a founding member of the Simulation and Clinical Innovation Commitee and Chair of the Committee for Critical Literacy in AI Use. She supervises graduate students in evaluating and treating clients across the lifespan, and teaches the Stuttering and Related Disorders course.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key ways generative AI simulations can support clinical skill development in SLP education.
- Evaluate preliminary outcomes related to student confidence, self-awareness, and engagement in AI-based learning.
- Apply principles for integrating AI simulations into teaching or supervision practices.
Rethinking Grading with Specs: Clear Standards, Less Busywork (0.15 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions B (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Lauren Burke - Simulation CoordinatorLauren Burke, MA, CCC-SLP, is the Simulation Coordinator and an Instructor at Mount St. Joseph University. Lauren was previously an acute care SLP and student intern coordinator for a large hospital system, with experience in neurogenic communication, head and neck cancer, and voice & swallowing disorders. Since transitioning to the MSJ Simulation Coordinator role in 2023, Lauren has aimed to boost students' confidence and competence through innovative, experiential learning techniques.
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Collin Brice - PhD CandidateCollin Brice, MS, CCC-SLP, is a PhD candidate at the University of Cincinnati. His research interests include speech perception, fNIRS, social determinants of health and health equity, open science practices, and pedagogical practices in CSD.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Describe at least three evidence-based benefits of specifications grading for faculty and students.
- Compare at least two models of specifications grading (e.g., full-course vs. hybrid) used in graduate education.
- Explain the function of a token economy within a specifications grading framework and provide one example of how it can be applied.
Organizational Science Meets CSD: Elevating Excellence Through Change (0.15 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions B (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Eusebia Mont - Associate Clinical ProfessorEusebia Mont is an SLP and organizational psychologist whose work centers on inclusive learning, lifespan intervention, and organizational change. She holds Master’s degrees in CSD from Cal State Northridge and IO Psychology from the University of Maryland. With over 20 years of experience, she supports organizations in strengthening belonging and driving meaningful transformation. She is currently Director of Outpatient Speech-Language Pathology and Summer Programs at the Treatment and Learning Center.
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Jerrold Jackson - CEO, Director of Specialized SupportsJerrold Jackson, MA, CCC-SLP, is CEO of the Roundtree Group, PLLC, an advocate for culturally responsive practices, a consultant, and an adjunct professor at three institutions. His active professional volunteer work with ASHA, NBASLH, and the Praxis NAC for SLP have led to advancements in SLHS. Personally, Jerrold is an avid action figure collector, enjoys baking and cooking, and experienced being a “TV star” on HGTV’s House Hunters.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify evidence-based change management frameworks that can be applied to CSD academic settings and assess organizational readiness for change.
- Apply change management principles to real-world case scenarios with actionable strategies that align departmental practices, curriculum design, and teaching effectiveness with improved student outcomes.
- Evaluate how organizational change initiatives directly contribute to elevating excellence in faculty engagement, curriculum innovation, and learner-centered environments.
Bridging Law and Practice: ADA Essentials for Clinicians (0.15 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions B (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Kathryn Sorensen - Associate Professor & Academic Fieldwork CoordinatorKathryn is an Associate Clinical Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also a certified ADA specialist and loves to advocate for and educate others about the ADA law, accessibility, and the perspective of having a disability, both within her community and the greater healthcare community. She is undefeated in musical chairs.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize key provisions of ADA Titles I–III relevant to healthcare, employment, education, and community participation.
- Identify common accessibility barriers and analyze how they impact clients’ health and participation.
- Explain the rights of healthcare providers with disabilities and integrate ADA principles into daily practice to promote equity and compliance.
AAA Update 2026 (0.15 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions B (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Patricia Gaffney - Professor, AudiologyPatricia Gaffney, AuD, MPH, is a professor at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Ft Lauderdale, FL. Her specialty is vestibular diagnostics and treatment. She also teaches geriatric audiology, grand rounds, and leadership and professionalism courses. In addition to teaching, she sees patients in the NSU Audiology clinic with students seeing a mixture of vestibular and hearing aid patients. Dr Gaffney is the past-president of the American Academy of Audiology.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- List updated guidelines published by AAA.
- Describe how the practice management tool kit can aid in student learning.
- List two AAA Foundation scholarships for students.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S6)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions B (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
From Grades to Growth: Fresh Approaches to Assessing Learning in CSD (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions C (3 PM - 4 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Amy Yacucci - Assistant ProfessorAmy L. Yacucci, EdD, CCC-SLP/L, is an Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Illinois State University, specializing in AAC, autism, literacy, and severe/profound disabilities. She serves as Study Abroad Coordinator, leading undergraduate and graduate students in global clinical outreach experiences. Her research focuses on AAC, communication access, and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, with a commitment to advancing inclusive, evidence-based practices across clinical, educational, and international contexts.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze the limitations of traditional testing methods in measuring competency and clinical readiness in graduate CSD programs.
- Apply evidence-based assessment strategies, including portfolios, authentic tasks, simulations, and standards-based grading, to evaluate student performance.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of alternative assessment methods for fostering deep learning and preparing students for clinical practice.
Build-a-sim: Writing and Executing Simulation Experiences for Competency-based Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions C (3 PM - 4 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Lauren Burke - Simulation CoordinatorLauren Burke, MA, CCC-SLP, is the Simulation Coordinator and an Instructor at Mount St. Joseph University. Lauren was previously an acute care SLP and student intern coordinator for a large hospital system, with experience in neurogenic communication, head and neck cancer, and voice & swallowing disorders. Since transitioning to the MSJ Simulation Coordinator role in 2023, Lauren has aimed to boost students' confidence and competence through innovative, experiential learning techniques.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Define key steps for building a competency-based education (CBE) simulation in speech-language pathology training.
- Develop a basic simulation framework tailored to SLP training needs by applying a competency-mapping model during a hands-on activity within the session.
- Identify and troubleshoot potential challenges in designing simulations that align with CBE principles.
Solution Focused Dialogue: Developing New Programs (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions C (3 PM - 4 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Erin Redle Sizemore - Chair, Associate ProfessorErin Redle Sizemore, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor and Department Chair at Mount St. Joseph University. Her clinical experience and research largely focus on children and families in early intervention, including feeding and swallowing disorders and in-utero opioid exposure. Additionally, Dr. Redle Sizemore is a team member investigating current and best practices in supporting graduate students with disabilities in clinical placements.
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Laura Chapman - Assistant ProfessorLaura R. Chapman, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Scranton. Her area of expertise is adult neurogenic language disorders. She is an advocate for student and faculty wellness and has presented research nationally and internationally on the topics of mindfulness, self-compassion, and self-care. She is engaged in the scholarship of teaching and learning, studying teaching practices that foster well-being, belonging, and connection in the classroom.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key challenges and considerations in developing new academic programs in speech-language pathology.
- List learnings for key time points in the program development cycle.
- Discuss available supports for program development, including curriculum design, accreditation requirements, and resource allocation.
From Classroom to Clinic: Leveraging AI Simulations for Clinical Readiness (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions C (3 PM - 4 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Kelly Hansen - LecturerKelly Egan Hansen, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a Lecturer and Clinical Supervisor in the Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences at Boston University’s Sargent College and a practicing medical speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of clinical experience. She is a board-certified swallowing specialist, provides dysphagia care to adults at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and focuses teaching and scholarship on head and neck cancer rehabilitation and evidence-based dysphagia management.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain how simulation design principles (e.g., INACSL standards, SBAR frameworks) can be applied in SLP education.
- Identify strategies for using AI-enhanced simulations to target clinical reasoning, communication, and professionalism.
- Apply lessons from adult and pediatric simulation cases to integrate problem-based learning and competency assessment into coursework.
Implementing Traumatic Brain Injury Experiential Learning to Improve Empathy, Knowledge and Interprofessional Partnerships (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions C (3 PM - 4 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Kathy Hardin - Associate Professor, Interim Program DirectorDr. Kathy Hardin, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor at MSU Denver and Interim Program Director. Kathy has spent over 20 years specializing in acquired communication disorders, particularly TBI. Her work focuses on improving long-term outcomes and participation for people living with TBI, reframing providers practices, and improving empathy in TBI. She was awarded Outstanding Clinical Practice in Colorado, and named both a Trailblazer and a Changemaker by ASHA.
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Jessica Rossi-Katz - ProfessorJessica Rossi-Katz, PhD, CCC-A, is a professor and inaugural chair of the Department of Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences and founding director of the speech-language pathology graduate program at Metropolitan State University of Denver. In Spring 2026 she will be on sabbatical, exploring contemplative practices in higher education and professional preparation. Originally trained in hearing processes, listening to different perspectives is now one of the most prominent features of her work.
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Andrea Borrego - ProfessorAndrea R. Borrego, PhD, is chair and professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at MSU Denver. She holds a PhD and MS in Criminology from Arizona State University and a BA in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame. Her applied research focuses on fatal police-citizen encounters, communities, crisis response in jails, as well as strengthening academic-practitioner partnerships. Dr. Borrego is committed to advocacy, inclusion, and serving her community.
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Catrina Harrell - Graduate StudentCatrina Harrell, BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, is a graduate student clinician at Metropolitan State University Denver. She serves as a Traumatic Brain Injury Research Apprentice with 180 hours of literature analysis and interdisciplinary simulation work. With over a decade of experience as a Certified Pharmacy Technician, she brings advanced skills in intravenous therapy, including antibiotics, palliative care, parenteral nutrition, and immunotherapy.
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Molly Werle - Graduate StudentMolly Werle (B.S.) is a graduate student research assistant in speech-language pathology at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Under Dr. Kathy Hardin, she has studied ways to improve clinical training and supports projects that help people with communication challenges. Molly enjoys working with others and sharing research. She is excited to keep learning and contribute to the field, aiming to make a positive difference for people with diverse needs.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize three reasons that speech-language pathologists and audiologists report challenges serving clients with traumatic brain injury.
- List three factors that are important to consider when designing or implementing simulation.
- Explain three ways that simulation technologies can enhance both graduate student education and engagement with our interprofessional partners.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills to Elevate Graduate Students' Classroom and Clinical Success (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions C (3 PM - 4 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Laura Green - ProfessorLaura Green, PhD, CCC-SLP, a former public school SLP, is a professor at Texas Woman’s University. She coordinates the doctoral program in Communication Sciences, supervises in the TWU Speech and Hearing Clinic, and teaches leveling and graduate coursework in language development, preschool and school age language disorders, speech sound disorders, research methods, and pedagogy. Research interests include morphological awareness, literacy, classroom-based intervention, and the science of teaching and learning.
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Michelle Nishida - Assistant ProfessorMichelle Nishida, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor at Texas Woman’s University. Michelle worked for 17 years in a variety of clinical settings prior to moving to higher education in 2022. She supervises graduate SLP students and teaches both undergraduate and graduate-level courses in assessment and diagnostics, language disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and special populations. Research interests include neurodevelopmental disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
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Tiffany Sears-Leach - Assistant Clinical Professor/Clinical SupervisorTiffany Sears Leach, MS, CCC-SLP, Assistant Clinical Professor and Supervisor at Texas Woman’s University, is a licensed speech-language pathologist with 27 years of experience in schools, outpatient care, home health, and private practice. She teaches and supervises graduate student clinicians, with interests in critical thinking, autism assessment, child language, and how artificial intelligence influences student learning. Tiffany earned both her B.S. and M.S. from Texas Woman’s University.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the importance of critical thinking for our future clinicians and the need for specific instruction to develop this skill.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of various instructional methods and coaching strategies for improving students’ critical thinking skills in both academic and clinical settings.
- Modify common teaching and supervision methods to promote the use of higher-order cognitive functions.
The Cultural Compass: Navigating New Landscapes in Curriculum & Practice (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions C (3 PM - 4 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Kimberly Green - Department Chair & Graduate Program DirectorDr. Kimberly Green is Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at Western Kentucky University. Her areas of focus are culturally responsive care and global health perspectives. She teaches abroad annually and has developed numerous interprofessional trainings. Current scholarship explores use of VR for clinical training. She serves on state and national committees, including the Board of Directors for the International Centers of Kentucky which resettles refugee populations.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify current federal and state legal considerations related to DEI that impact admissions processes, curriculum design, and instruction in CSD programs.
- Analyze strategies for integrating culturally responsive practices into admissions processes as well as academic and clinical training while taking into consideration the need for compliance with regulatory guidelines.
- Apply the “Cultural Compass” framework to case-based scenarios and participant-driven discussion to determine how faculty can balance CSD programming with legal and institutional expectations.
Fundraising in Higher Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions C (3 PM - 4 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Ashley Harkrider - Professor and DeanAshley Harkrider is Dean of the University of Tennessee (UT) Health Science Center's College of Health Professions and UTAA Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology (ASP). Prior to becoming Dean, Dr. Harkrider was Professor and Chair of ASP for 16 years, providing oversight to ~55 faculty and staff members, 300+ students, large, multidisciplinary campus clinics, and a multimillion-dollar budget. Currently, she is Treasurer of CAPCSD.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss creation of comprehensive fundraising strategies that align with departmental goals, institutional priorities, and donor interests.
- Identify effective ways to engage, and build long-term relationships with potential donors, including alumni, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic organizations.
- Facilitate the crafting of compelling narratives that highlight the impact of donations and to implement stewardship practices that ensure donor satisfaction and continued support.
From Classroom to Capitol: Teaching Advocacy in Audiology Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions C (3 PM - 4 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Chizuko Tamaki - Professor, AuD Program DirectorChiz Tamaki, AuD, PhD, is Professor in the School of Human Services and Sciences and Director of AuD Program at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. Recently, she served on the AAA Board of Directors (2021-2024), CAPCSD Clinical Education Committee (2021-2024), and Vestibular Audiologist Specialty Certification (VASC) Task Force (2024-2025).
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Patricia Gaffney - Professor, AudiologyPatricia Gaffney, AuD, MPH, is a professor at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Ft Lauderdale, FL. Her specialty is vestibular diagnostics and treatment. She also teaches geriatric audiology, grand rounds, and leadership and professionalism courses. In addition to teaching, she sees patients in the NSU Audiology clinic with students seeing a mixture of vestibular and hearing aid patients. Dr Gaffney is the past-president of the American Academy of Audiology.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize the importance of advocacy education.
- Identify strategies for integrating advocacy training into graduate audiology curricula.
- Identify components of advocacy education that can be implemented within their current work assignment.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S7)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions C (3 PM - 4 PM)
Elevating Students: Addressing Basic Needs Insecurity in CSD Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions D (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Danielle Osmelak - Associate ProfessorDanielle Osmelak, EdD, MS, CCC-SLP/L, FNAP, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders at Governors State University. She serves as the local Site Director of the Great Lakes FAST (Faculty And Students Together) Fund Consortium and is the Chair of the FAST Funds Committee at Governors State University. In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Dr. Osmelak is the current President of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key factors contributing to basic needs insecurity among college students.
- Explain the role of student fellows and peer support in addressing basic needs insecurity and enhancing student well-being.
- Develop strategies for addressing basic needs insecurity within academic programs.
Harnessing CSDCAS Data for Strategic Growth: Recruitment, Admissions, and Retention in CSD (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions D (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Jacqueline Brown - Director, Speech-Language Pathology ProgramJacqui Brown is the Program Director for the Master's in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of New Haven. Jacqui's research focuses on the evaluation of speech-language pathologists working in public schools. She aims to educate administrators and policymakers on the need for unique approaches to supervision/evaluation, to better support professionals in their fields. Jacqui is a member of the CAPCSD Admissions Committee.
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Caitlin Price - Assistant ProfessorCaitlin N. Price, AuD, PhD, CCC-A, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Her clinical experience in adult diagnostics, rehabilitation, and electrophysiology motivates her research interests in cognitive aging and speech-in-noise processing. Her passion for student success begins at admissions which informs her work as Audiology Admissions Director for her program and as CAPCSD's Admissions Committee Chair.
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Teasha McKinley - Director of Centralized Admissions (CSDCAS)Teasha McKinley Director of Centralized Admissions | CSDCAS Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize recent national trends in SLP and AuD applicant data.
- Identify key factors influencing admissions in CSD programs.
- Apply CSDCAS reporting tools to make data-driven decisions that enhance recruitment and admissions processes.
Leadership 101 (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions D (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Jennifer Simpson - DeanDr. Jennifer Simpson is the Dean of The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University. She has held numerous leadership and academic roles, including at Purdue University as Provost Fellow for Clinical/Professional Faculty (2020-2024), Associate Head of SLHS (2019-2024), and Director of Clinical Education in Audiology (2010-2025). She has experience teaching in the classroom and clinic and enjoys developing community partnerships.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify common barriers to effective communication and collaboration in higher education.
- Appraise strategies for creating positive team dynamics.
- Explain the influence of institutional culture on leadership effectiveness.
Competency Based Education: Putting a Framework into Action (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions D (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Christi Masters - Clinical Associate Professor; Director of Clinical Education in SLPChristi Masters, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Associate Program and Director of Clinical Education in SLP at Purdue University. She provides clinical education to graduate students, and her primarily areas of clinical practice are early intervention and pediatric stuttering. She also teaches Introduction to Communicative Disorders course at the undergraduate level.
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Anne Gritt - Clinical Associate ProfessorAnne Gritt is a clinical associate professor and pediatric speech-language pathologist in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at Purdue University. She provides clinical education to graduate students in the areas of developmental language disorder, deaf/hard of hearing, and complex communication needs in young children. She also teaches an undergraduate clinical practice course.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain one model of implementing a competency-based framework in the clinical education setting.
- Identify at least two potential benefits and challenges of implementing a competency-based measurement tool.
- Discuss graduate student impressions of their experience with a competency-based framework.
Preparing to Provide Responsive Services in Diverse Populations: Shareable Resources for Graduate Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions D (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Kerry Ebert - Associate ProfessorKerry Danahy Ebert, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at the University of Minnesota. Her research considers cognitive-linguistic relationships in children with developmental language disorder and related clinical implications, especially in multilingual populations. She has designed and taught graduate coursework on cultural & linguistic diversity in two graduate programs. Dr. Ebert is an Editor for the American Journal of Speech-Language-Pathology and an ASHA Fellow.
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Benjamin Munson - ProfessorBenjamin Munson, PhD, is a Professor of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at University of Minnesota. His research examines how people with and without communication disorders produce and perceive sociolinguistic variation related to gender, sexuality, and race.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze a 5-dimensional framework for providing education related to client diversity.
- Summarize the format and content of five learning modules for graduate training.
- Evaluate the complete set of modules for their own program and/or independent learning purposes.
Naming and Taming Clinical Education Challenges (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions D (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Robin Samlan - Associate Professor, DCERobin Samlan, MBA, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor, Associate Department Head, and Director of Clinical Education in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona. Her teaching and research are in the areas of voice disorders and evaluation. As DCE, she has been working with faculty to integrate the curriculum across classroom and clinic, and with administration to balance the clinical education budget.
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Mary Alt - Professor & Department HeadMary Alt, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Professor and the Department Head of the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona. The University of Arizona's graduate training program has challenges and opportunities that are both unique and universal. We look forward to sharing our experiences and facilitating discussion about yours.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain a variety of financial and service-provision challenges common to university clinics.
- Determine which barriers to high-quality off-campus clinical experiences are present for graduate students in their program.
- Identify possible solutions to one in-house and one off-campus challenge faced at their individual university.
Interprofessional Training of Teachers of the Deaf, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Audiologists: Advancing Graduate Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions D (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Kristy Weissling - Professor of Clinical PracticeKristy S. E. Weissling, SLPD, CCC-SLP, is a Professor of Hearing and Speech Sciences and Director of the Pi Beta Phi Rehabilitation Institute at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She earned her SLP.D. from Nova Southeastern University and her BS and MS from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her expertise includes Augmentative and Alternative Communication and the assessment and treatment of individuals with acquired neurogenic communication disorders.
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Anne Thomas - Associate Professor of Practice - Special EducationDr. Anne Thomas is an Associate Professor of Practice and coordinator of the online graduate program in Deaf Education at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL). She has over 22 years of experience in the field of deaf education and expertise in online teacher preparation, assessment and progress monitoring of children/students who are deaf or hard of hearing, and interprofessional collaboration and training.
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Kelly Pritchett - Professor of Practice - AudiologyKelly Pritchett, AuD, CCC-A, is a Professor of Practice and Audiology Clinic Coordinator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her responsibilities include teaching in the undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as providing audiological services to individuals with hearing and balance disorders in the Barkley Speech Language and Hearing Clinic. She also oversees the clinical education of the Doctor of Audiology students throughout their graduate training.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- List at least three strategies to promote effective interprofessional education and practice.
- Explain the methods and impact of the author's federal grant projects on scholars’ discipline-specific and collaboration skills through interprofessional training and practice.
- Evaluate the potential outcomes of the author's federal grant projects on practitioner effectiveness, collaboration skills, and student success in educational and clinical settings.
Two Campuses, One Program: Leading an Audiology Consortium Across Universities (0.10 CEUs)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions D (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Amy Hartman - AuD Program Director, Director of Clinical Education, Clinical ProfessorAmy Hartman is the Au.D. Program Director and Director of Clinical Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She instructs various courses, including Counseling for Audiologists and Enhanced Clinical Skills. Her clinical expertise lies in pediatric audiology, specializing in audiology assessments of infants and children. She is also involved in multiple community engagement and advocacy efforts, focusing on providing clinical services to underserved people throughout Wisconsin.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the key structural elements of AuD consortium programs, including admissions, finances, curriculum, research, and clinical education.
- Analyze the benefits and challenges of consortium models for students, faculty, and institutions.
- Identify strategies to support successful collaboration, communication, and program sustainability within a consortium framework.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S8)
April 9 - Concurrent Sessions D (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Networking Nights: Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE)
April 9 - Networking Nights (5:15 - 6:15 PM)
Location
Summary
Networking Nights: Midwest Clinic Directors
April 9 - Networking Nights (5:15 - 6:15 PM)
Location
Summary
Networking Nights: Non-Traditional Programs (online & slow progression programs; Master's degrees which are longer than traditional 5-6 term model)
April 9 - Networking Nights (5:15 - 6:15 PM)
Location
Summary
Networking Nights: Northeast Council of Clinical Educators
April 9 - Networking Nights (5:15 - 6:15 PM)
Location
Summary
Networking Nights: Southeastern University Clinic Educators
April 9 - Networking Nights (5:15 - 6:15 PM)
Location
Summary
Networking Nights: West Coast Clinic Directors
April 9 - Networking Nights (5:15 - 6:15 PM)
Location
Summary
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S9)
April 9 - Networking Nights (5:15 - 6:15 PM)
GENERAL SESSION: From Vision to Action: Aligning Values, Goals, and Daily Work in Academic Life (0.15 CEUs)
April 10 - General Session (7:50 AM - 10 AM)
Location
Speakers
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Katie Linder - Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Innovation and StrategyDr. Katie Linder serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Innovation and Strategy at the University of Colorado Denver. Katie is also a Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance. She holds a PMP credential from the Project Management Institute and is a Certified Change Practitioner through Prosci.
Summary
Plenary: From Vision to Action: Aligning Values, Goals, and Daily Work in Academic Life (0.15 CEUs)
In the midst of constant demands and shifting priorities, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. This session offers a practical framework for realigning your academic work with your deeper purpose—connecting your long-term vision to everyday actions through a nested system of values, life practices, goals, projects, milestones, and tasks. Whether you’re leading a department, mentoring students, or navigating your own professional growth, this session will help you: clarify your personal and professional vision, identify the values that shape your decisions, align goals and projects with what matters most, use milestones and tasks to track meaningful progress, and build habits that sustain your well-being and impact. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of direction in their academic and clinical work.
Learning Objectives:
- Define a personal and professional vision that can guide decision-making during times of change or competing priorities.
- Apply a nested framework—values, life practices, goals, projects, milestones, and tasks—to align everyday actions with long-term aspirations.
- Develop strategies for building and sustaining habits that support purpose-driven work and well-being.
Honors & Awards: Honors of the Council, Distinguished Contribution Award, and Excellence in Diversity Award will each be presented to the selected recipients.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S10)
April 10 - General Session (7:50 AM - 10 AM)
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S11)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions E (10:30 - 11:30AM)
Beyond the Basics: Elevating Excellence in Asynchronous Online Graduate Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions E (10:30 - 11:30AM)
Location
Speakers
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Klaire Brumbaugh - SLPD Program DirectorKlaire Brumbaugh, EdD, ClinScD, CCC-SLP, is the Program Director for the Speech-Language Pathology-Doctorate (SLPD) program at Moravian University. Klaire received her Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Kansas State University, a clinical doctorate in speech-language pathology from Rocky Mountain University, and a Doctorate in Education from Fontbonne University. Klaire’s research and professional interests focus on the areas of speech sound disorders and professional issues in SLP.
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Lauren Wright-Jones - Clinical Assistant Professor & Graduate Program ChairDr. Lauren Wright-Jones, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Online Graduate Chair at Ithaca College. Dr. Wright-Jones' areas of expertise include issues in higher education and early intervention. She is dedicated to culturally responsive practice, program development, and preparing future SLPs through innovative, student-centered teaching. Her work integrates clinical expertise, advocacy, and inclusive education to support diverse learners and promote equity in communication sciences and disorders.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate programmatic decisions and construction to support the success of the asynchronous learning methodology.
- Apply principles of Community of Inquiry, Universal Design for Learning, and Adult Learning Theories to develop a learning activity for an asynchronous course.
- Discover tools to leverage technology for student engagement in the asynchronous environment.
Cultivating Leadership Through Clinical Supervision (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions E (10:30 - 11:30AM)
Location
Speakers
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Lori-Ann Ferraro - Associate ProfessorLori-Ann Ferraro, PhD, CCC-SLP, is currently a faculty member and the Director of Clinical Education at the Medical University of South Carolina. She began her career in a public school and then transitioned to practice in an outpatient rehabilitation center affiliated with a large academic medical center where she provided clinical services, coordinated outpatient speech-language pathology services, and supervised many graduate students, which ignited her passion for clinical education.
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Hannah Siburt - Associate ProfessorDr. Hannah Siburt, AuD, PhD, is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences at the UNC-Chapel Hill and the director of the UNC Audiology LEND Program. Her primary areas of interest include supporting children and families with hearing loss and developmental disabilities and rural healthcare. She provides service to the profession through several professional organizations including CAPCSD, AAA and the NC-EDHI Advisory Committee.
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Devon Weist - Associate Professor and AuD Program CoordinatorDevon Weist, AuD, is an associate professor and AuD program coordinator at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. At UNC, she practices clinically, precepts students, and teaches within the AuD program. Her primary areas of interests include audiologic and vestibular diagnostics, counseling individuals with hearing and balance disorders, audiology education, and precepting.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Examine foundational leadership theories and principles, including effective communication, collaborative team development, conflict resolution, and evidence-informed decision-making, with a specific focus on their application to clinical education in audiology and speech pathology.
- Develop advanced supervisory and management competencies relevant to student clinical placements. This includes engaging in reflective practice, implementing effective feedback methodologies, and fostering critical thinking skills to create a supportive and pedagogically sound learning environment that promotes professional growth.
- Investigate evidence-based strategies for mentoring emerging practitioners, emphasizing the cultivation of leadership capacities and the facilitation of both personal and professional development within the context of clinical education.
Guardrails and Gateways: Ethical AI in Admissions (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions E (10:30 - 11:30AM)
Location
Speakers
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Christopher Bolinger - ChairChristopher Bolinger, PhD, CCC-SLP, is Department Chair and Associate Professor at Texas Woman’s University. A speech-language pathologist for more than 13 years, he previously served as Graduate Program Director, overseeing more than 200 students annually. His expertise in clinical education and program management informs his exploration of artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance efficiency and compliance in graduate program administration, while safeguarding privacy and aligning innovation with evidence-based practice.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify current applications of AI in graduate admissions for audiology and speech-language pathology programs.
- Analyze the benefits, risks, and ethical implications of AI use with emphasis on equity, transparency, and applicant privacy.
- Evaluate strategies for integrating AI into admissions processes while maintaining compliance with CAA accreditation standards and preserving human oversight.
Solution Focused Dialogue: Mentoring Junior Faculty (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions E (10:30 - 11:30AM)
Location
Speakers
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Christie Needham - Director of Clinical Education, Full ProfessorChristie A. Needham, MA, CCC-SLP, is the Director of Clinical Education, and Professor at Baldwin Wallace University. She earned her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Akron and has been supervising for over 20 years. She leads a thriving clinical education program that serves over 1000 patients during a normal semester. Her research is in clinical education, use of technology, and community engagement practices.
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Heather Thompson - Professor, Department ChairHeather L. Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP, (she/her) is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Professor, and Department Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at CSU Sacramento. She serves as SLP Director for the Northern California Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program, housed at the University of California, Davis MIND Institute. She provides per diem services as an SLP at Sacramento City Unified School District and Shriners Children’s Hospital Northern California.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the importance of clear and transparent expectations for junior faculty.
- Name two suggestions to help junior faculty who may need extra support.
- Name three strategies to use when mentoring junior faculty.
Helping Students Master Professional Practice Behaviors: Elevating Student Success Through Clinical Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions E (10:30 - 11:30AM)
Location
Speakers
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Kelly Harrington - UNCG CSD On-Campus Externship Coordinator, Clinical EducatorKelly Harrington, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF, is a board-certified specialist in Stuttering, Cluttering and Fluency Disorders and the externship coordinator for the on-campus cohort in the Department of CSD at UNC Greensboro. She is actively involved in stuttering research, supervises first-year graduate students, and regularly presents at local, state, and national conventions. She has served as chapter leader of the National Stuttering Association in the Greensboro, NC area for eight years.
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Lisa McDonald - Director, UNCG Speech and Hearing CenterLisa McDonald, MA, CCC-SLP, is a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at UNC Greensboro and the Director of the UNCG Speech and Hearing Center. She has 27 years experience and supervises graduate students in the university clinic. Her interests include supervision/clinical education, language/reading disorders, cochlear implants and accent modification. She enjoys presenting at conferences and serving on professional committees at the local, state and national level.
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RaMonda Horton - UNCG CSD Department ChairRaMonda Horton, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at UNC Greensboro.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the challenges associated with addressing professional practice behaviors and career readiness in clinical settings across disciplines in university departments.
- Summarize one program’s approach to evaluating and defining “professional practice behaviors” and teaching career readiness from graduate student orientation to degree completion.
- Summarize additional concerns with student professional practice behaviors and career readiness across programs and share ideas to improve overall student outcomes.
Problem-based Learning Across Disciplines: Discomfort as a Catalyst for Interprofessional Growth (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions E (10:30 - 11:30AM)
Location
Speakers
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Mikaely Schmitz - Associate Professor, Clinical InstructorDr. Mikaely T. Schmitz, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Concordia University Wisconsin. Her teaching and scholarship focus on school based practice, cognition and executive function, clinical education, person-centered care, cultural and linguistic diversity, and partnerships in speech-language pathology. She leads community-based initiatives connecting graduate students with schools to advance equity, belonging, and evidence-based practice in communication sciences and disorders.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze how intentional discomfort in PBL fosters interprofessional growth and role clarity.
- Evaluate student outcomes from IPE–PBL using self-efficacy and collaboration measures.
- Design strategies to implement replicable, case-based interprofessional experiences within health professions curricula.
Meaningful Adult Hearing Health Outcome Measures: Educating Students and Preceptors on Recommended Domains (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions E (10:30 - 11:30AM)
Location
Speakers
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Colleen Le Prell - Professor and Department HeadDr. Colleen Le Prell is the Emilie and Phil Schepps Distinguished Professor of Hearing Science at the University of Texas at Dallas. She serves as Head of the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing, and Faculty Director for the UTD Clinical and Translational Research Center. Current research programs in her laboratory include translational research programs directed at prevention of noise-induced hearing loss.
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Carol Cokely - Clinical Professor, AuD Program HeadCarol Cokely, PhD, is clinical professor and AuD Program Head in the Department of SLH at the University of Texas at Dallas. She has a long-term commitment to andragogy of clinical and classroom education and program assessment. She is the current ACAE Chair of the Board of Directors, a past member of the boards of the AAA and ARA and has served on numerous committees within AAA and CAPCSD.
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Julie Ambrose - Director, N-CEPJulie Ambrose, AuD, CCC-A, works as a Director in the National Center for Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Her professional areas of interest include outcome measurement, evidence-based practice, and aural rehabilitation. She completed her Doctor of Audiology degree at Towson University and her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at James Madison University.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify functional domains and measurements beyond the audiogram that are recommended for assessment in all patients and research participants who receive hearing interventions.
- Implement the recommended protocols across research and clinical environments, and educate preceptors on the rationale for completing these measurements.
- Explain the rationale for entering hearing outcome data in a data repository and identify at least one data repository.
Fostering Excellence Through Summative Portfolio Assessment: A Case Study in Graduate SLP Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions E (10:30 - 11:30AM)
Location
Speakers
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Mitzi Brammer - Associate Professor, Graduate Program DirectorMitzi Brammer, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor in the Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences department at Saint Louis University. She serves as the Graduate Program Director. Dr. Brammer's current research interests are inclusive programming and creating a sense of belonging in higher education, interprofessional education/practice, and language and literacy. She is in her 39th year as a professional speech-language pathologist.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the key components of a summative portfolio assessment process that align with ASHA Knowledge and Clinical Standards and support student development in graduate speech-language pathology programs.
- Analyze strategies for designing, implementing and sustaining a portfolio system, including faculty calibration, student engagement, and programmatic integration.
- Evaluate how summative portfolio assessment data can be used to inform curricular improvements, accreditation reporting, and program evaluation.
Poster: Lessons Learned: Implementing Interprofessional Education in CSD Programs (0.05 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Melissa Brydon - Associate ProfessorMelissa Brydon, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor and the Director of the in person MSSLP program at Pennsylvania Western University- Clarion. Dr. Brydon completed her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Speech-Language Pathology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and her Ph.D. in Reading Education at the University of Pittsburgh. As a speech–language pathologist and reading specialist, she’s worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings since 2003.
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Natalie Armstrong - Assistant ProfessorNatalie Armstrong, DEd, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Pennsylvania Western University. Dr. Armstrong has served the profession of speech-language pathology by engaging in research with a focus on interprofessional education/practice and supervision. Areas of interest include; clinical supervision, IPE/IPP, adult swallowing disorders, and adult neurogenic disorders.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify potential benefits and challenges when creating IPE/IPP experiences for CSD students.
- Explain collaborative and clinical competencies that CSD students have the opportunity to develop through active participation in IPE/IPP experiences.
- Summarize newly learned general and specific IPE/IPP opportunities for undergraduate and graduate CSD students.
Poster: Enhancing Interprofessional Practice in Audiology Training: Opportunities Within Clinical Externships (0.05 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Jillian Hubertz - Clinical Assistant ProfessorJillian Hubertz is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Purdue University. She provides clinical education to audiology graduate students at the on-campus clinic, serves as the 4th year audiology externship coordinator, and coordinates interprofessional education events as part of Purdue’s SLHS IPE curriculum.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify opportunities for IPP skill development in clinical externships and the role of clinical educators in supporting learning.
- Compare AuD student-reported IPP experiences during clinical externships with findings from the 2023 ASHA IPP survey.
- Propose strategies for clinical educators to enhance IPP integration in AuD clinical externships.
Poster: Fostering AI Literacy and Critical Thinking Through Course-embedded Assignments (0.05 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Ying-Chiao Tsao - Associate ProfessorDr. Ying-Chiao Tsao, Associate Professor of the Communication Sciences and Disorders at California State University-Fullerton, is a member of the CAPCSD Leadership Academy and the ASHA Faculty Development Institute, and the Coordinator for ASHA Special Interest Group 20 (Counseling). Since 2010, Dr. Tsao has spearheaded technology and has recently received several Artificial Intelligence (AI) credentials: AI Tools for Teaching and Learning, Academic Application of AI, and Critical Thinking with AI.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize the applications of AI in healthcare and higher education.
- Identify the benefits, limitations, and ethical concerns of using AI.
- Illustrate scaffolding strategies for delivering course-embedded assignments.
Poster: Unlearning at the University: How to Combat Subtle Sizeism in CSD Programs (0.05 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Ashley Gambino - Associate Professor/ChairAshley Gambino, AuD, is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Communication Sciences & Disorders department at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Her research interests are teaching and learning in communication sciences and disorders, professional issues in audiology and speech-language pathology, and women in higher education.
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Rachel Flemming - Clinical Director & Placement CoordinatorRachel Flemming, MA, CCC-SLP,is the Clinical Director of Speech-Language Pathology at the Plattsburgh State Speech and Hearing Center. She is a proud alumna, receiving both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh. Her research interests include clinical education, ableism and sizeism in healthcare, mentorship, collaboration, and diversity within CSD. She is particularly passionate about teaching and supporting ethical clinicians for modern service delivery.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain key terms and concepts from the literature related to sizeism and the research that demonstrates sizeism within CSD and CSD graduate programs.
- Summarize the impact of non-size-inclusive practices, language, and attitudes on academic curricula and clinical practica.
- Identify inclusive and non-inclusive practices related to sizeism within CSD academic and clinical settings.
Poster: Tracking Clinical and Cultural Competence Development in Graduate Speech-Language Pathology Students (0.05 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Mikaely Schmitz - Associate Professor, Clinical InstructorDr. Mikaely T. Schmitz, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Concordia University Wisconsin. Her teaching and scholarship focus on school based practice, cognition and executive function, clinical education, person-centered care, cultural and linguistic diversity, and partnerships in speech-language pathology. She leads community-based initiatives connecting graduate students with schools to advance equity, belonging, and evidence-based practice in communication sciences and disorders.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Outline how validated survey tools and reflective journaling can be integrated to assess cultural competence in graduate SLP education.
- Identify implications of longitudinal, mixed-methods assessment for strengthening culturally responsive curriculum design in SLP programs.
- Summarize preliminary data showing graduate student growth in cultural awareness, self-efficacy, and responsiveness across one semester.
Poster: Integrating Video-Review Feedback in Clinical Supervision: Enhancing Student Competency in Speech-Language Pathology (0.05 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Natasha Moran - Assistant Clinical ProfessorNatasha D. Moran, MS, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Clinical Professor in Communication Disorders at Sacred Heart University. A licensed, ASHA-certified SLP, she specializes in adult neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders. Moran teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, mentors students, and focuses on interprofessional education, dysphagia management, clinical supervision, and evidence-based neurologic treatment. She has presented nationally, earned multiple ASHA ACE awards, and serves on several departmental and college committees.
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Bridget Hosey - Graduate StudentBridget Hosey, BS, is a first-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at Sacred Heart University. She serves as a research assistant currently supporting projects in clinical supervision and collaborative learning. Her interests include stroke, traumatic brain injury, apraxia of speech, and dysphagia, with a growing focus on evidence-based neurorehabilitation. Hosey is actively developing her clinical and research skills through coursework, and participation in scholarly activities, including poster presentations.
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Caitlin Zimyeski - Assistant Clinical ProfessorCaitlin Zimyeski, EdD, CCC-SLP, is the Undergraduate Program Director for Communication Disorders at Sacred Heart University and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the graduate Speech-Language Pathology department. Prior to coming to Sacred Heart University in 2022, Dr. Zimyeski worked as a school based certified SLP for six years. Her areas of specialty are school based speech-language pathology, multilingual learners, multi-tiered systems of support and clinical education.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate strategies for fostering reflective practice and guiding students' active engagement in self-assessment.
- Design approaches to integrate technology with traditional clinical feedback to enhance experiential learning.
- Interpret survey data from students and clinical educators to assess the effectiveness and impact of technology on clinical learning and implications for practice.
Poster: Improving Dementia Care Outcomes: An Interprofessional Simulation Model for Developing Empathy (0.05 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Jennifer Whited - Director, School of Allied HealthJennifer Whited, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor and clinical supervisor in the Speech Language Pathology Program at the University of Louisiana Monroe. She is the Director of the School of Allied Health, teaches adult neurological disorders, and directs the Dementia Compassion Project at ULM, which supports health care providers and caregivers in the Monroe area. Dr. Whited's research interests include dementia and scholarship of teaching and learning.
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Amanda Stead - Professor, Interim DirectorAmanda Stead is the Interim Director and a professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is also the coordinator of the school's simulation program and is credentialed as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE). It is her personal goal to educate students and the community about the vital role speech-language pathologists play in the care of patients with dementia and in end-of-life care.
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Patti Calk - Director, Occupational TherapyPatti Calk, OTD, MEd, LOTR, is a professor and program director of the Master of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Doctorate Programs at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Dr. Calk teaches research/evidence-based practice, pathology, assessment, pediatrics, and anatomy and has OT experience in neurorehabilitation, eldercare, early intervention, and neonatal-care. She is certified as a Handwriting Specialist, Therapeutic Listening Program® Provider, Virtual Dementia Tour® Facilitator, and Simulation from DREXEL University.
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Ashanti Jones - Associate Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program|Admissions Chair|Neurophysiology Curriculum CoordinatorAshanti M. Jones, PT, DPT, EdD, serves as Associate Program Director, Admissions Chair, and Neurophysiology Curriculum Coordinator for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Louisiana Monroe. She holds a B.S. in Public Health (Dillard University), a Master of Physical Therapy (University of Texas Medical Branch), a Doctor of Physical Therapy (University of the Incarnate Word), and a Doctor of Education (University of Louisiana Monroe).
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Paula Griswold - Associate Dean, College of Health SciencesDr. Paula Griswold serves as the Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences at University of Louisiana Monroe. She received both her B.S. in Medical Technology and her M.S. in Life Sciences (Microbiology) from Louisiana Tech University. She earned her Ph.D. in Toxicology from Northeast Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana Monroe). Dr. Griswold has expertise in student internships, online course delivery, working with the elderly, and healthcare law.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the interdependencies among healthcare disciplines in managing the challenges of degenerative cognitive-communication disorders in dementia, and articulate the specific role of SLP within this collaborative framework.
- Explain the necessary steps for developing and evaluating high-quality simulations that effectively facilitate interprofessional learning.
- Summarize the observed changes in empathy and interprofessional skills among interprofessional healthcare professionals following participation in an experiential dementia care simulation.
Poster: Burnout and Well-Being of SLP Graduate Students and Practicing SLPs (0.05 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Chantal Whiteduck - Director of Clinical Education; Assistant Clinical ProfessorChantal Whiteduck (she/they) is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Clinical Education of Speech-Language Pathology in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Moravian University. Her current clinical and research interests include voice disorders, PVFMD/ILO, neurodiversity-affirming and gender-affirming care, and burnout and well-being in the field of speech-language pathology.
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Alexa Van Doren - Graduate StudentGraduate Student, Moravian University
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the historical context related to burnout and its relevance to understanding current challenges faced by SLP graduate students and practicing SLPs.
- Analyze survey data on burnout among graduate students and practicing SLPs to identify key contributing factors of burnout.
- Discuss the implications and potential impact of graduate student burnout for academic success, clinical readiness, and transition into the workforce.
Poster: Gamifying Orientation: Utilizing a Microgame to Engage and Prepare Students (0.05 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Cara Singer - Associate Professor/SLP Graduate Program DirectorCara M. Singer, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor and the SLP Program Director in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Grand Valley State University. Her primary research interest relates to childhood stuttering, with a focus on improving prognostic assessments and social-emotional outcomes for children who stutter.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Assess how student engagement is maximized within their program's orientation.
- List four central components of microgames.
- Plan a microgame to include concepts and policies they want to highlight with their students.
Poster: Fostering Ongoing Collaboration and Reflective Practice in Graduate Clinical Experiences (0.05 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Prachi Bengeri - Assistant Professor & Clinical DirectorPrachi Bengeri, MS, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Director in Communication Sciences and Disorders at St. Cloud State University. Prachi’s clinical experience has primarily been with the early childhood population in outpatient and school settings. Her areas of expertise and teaching include ASD, executive functioning, early childhood speech and language disorders, and childhood apraxia of speech. Her research interests include autism spectrum disorders and clinical education.
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Sarah Schaefer - Assistant Professor, Clinical Educator, Educational Internship CoordinatorSarah Schaefer, EdD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor, Clinical Educator and Educational Internship Coordinator at St. Cloud State University. She specializes in pediatric communication disorders and bilingual service delivery (English/ASL). With experience in medical and school-based settings, she is passionate about preparing future clinicians through reflective practice, interprofessional collaboration, and experiential learning. Her interests include symbolic gesture, gestalt language processing, and bridging theory to practice in clinical education.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain how to use group debriefings to facilitate peer-to-peer learning.
- Analyze how this type of debriefing leads to the development of a practice of finding value in appraising varied perspectives in the same clinical situation.
- List ways to create an ongoing practice of collaboration and reflection within similar frameworks presented.
Poster: From Learners to Reviewers: Experiential Peer Review in an SLPD Program (0.05 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Klaire Brumbaugh - SLPD Program DirectorKlaire Brumbaugh, EdD, ClinScD, CCC-SLP, is the Program Director for the Speech-Language Pathology-Doctorate (SLPD) program at Moravian University. Klaire received her Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Kansas State University, a clinical doctorate in speech-language pathology from Rocky Mountain University, and a Doctorate in Education from Fontbonne University. Klaire’s research and professional interests focus on the areas of speech sound disorders and professional issues in SLP.
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Kevin Miller - Co-Editor, Communication Disorders QuarterlyKevin J. Miller, EdD, CCC-SLP, is Co-Editor of Communication Disorders Quarterly, which is affiliated with Hammill Institute on Disabilities. Dr. Miller received his Bachelor's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, his Master's Degree from the University of Cincinnati in Deaf Education, and his doctoral degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Special Education. He is the recipient of three Fulbright Scholar Awards (Taiwan, Greece, and Armenia).
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Cheryl Gabig - Associate Professor Emerita; Co-Editor, Communication Disorders QuarterlyCheryl Smith Gabig, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor Emerita of the department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, Lehman College/CUNY. Her research focuses on relationships between language and literacy in children and adolescents. She is currently the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Communication Disorders Quarterly.
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Nicole Redman - SLPD Program & Student CoordinatorNicole Redman, SLPD, CCC-SLP, currently serves as the Student and Program Coordinator for the SLPD Program at Moravian University. Dr. Redman is particularly interested in implementation science and the efficacy and efficiency of treatments for pediatric speech sound disorders. Nicole is deeply committed to mentoring and supporting students at every stage of their professional journey. She believes in fostering confidence and curiosity in the next generation of speech-language pathologists.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize the collaborative partnership method established for the active learning project.
- Discuss two themes identified in the qualitative analysis of student reflections of the applied learning project.
- Assess the added value of incorporating an authentic active learning project to teach the scholarly peer-review process as compared to standard lecture and class discussion.
Poster: Developing the Therapeutic Alliance: A Tutorial for Evidence-informed Counseling Coursework in Speech Language Pathology (0.05 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Melanie Beukema - Assistant ProfessorDr. Melanie Beukema is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Grand Valley State University. With over a decade of clinical experience in medical speech-language pathology and a more recent leap into higher education, she is passionate about easing the transition of graduate students and early career speech-language pathologists to the workforce.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Define instructional methods supporting development of therapeutic alliance in speech language pathology graduate students.
- Explain the importance of explicit instruction of therapeutic alliance skills for student and patient/client outcomes.
- Assess ideas for application and integration of instructional methods to graduate coursework and clinical instruction.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S12)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Enhancing Student Learning and Teaching Efficiencies [ClinicNote Inc] (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Lana Fox - President/CEOLana Fox is co-founder & CEO of ClinicNote. Our mission at ClinicNote is to always help you help others!
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Apply Collaboration tools to provide structured feedback that improves student learning.
- Evaluate documentation workflows to identify opportunities for efficiency and enhanced engagement.
- Design supervision strategies that build student independence and clinical reasoning.
Innovative, Evidence-informed Training Model Bridging Academic Knowledge and Clinical Application in Early Communication Intervention [Kennedy Krieger Institute] (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Rebecca Landa - Executive Director, Center for Autism Services, Science and InnovationDr. Rebecca Landa is executive director, Kennedy Krieger Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation, and Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her research foci include effective professional development approaches, early detection of autism and communication delays, learning processes, and intervention efficacy. She developed an interactive LMS-based SLP graduate course supplement on early communication intervention and a translational science public health initiative -Bundle of Learning® (www.bundleoflearning.com).
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Pamela Mathy - Clinical Professor EmeritusPamela Mathy, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Professor Emeritus from the University of Utah. She served as the Director of Clinical Education at Arizona State University. She was Director of the Preschool Program and supervisor of the speech-language pathology department at the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation at Kennedy Krieger Institute. She retired from University of Utah where she served as the Director of Clinical Education.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze the theoretical foundations of early communication intervention and the principles of multimodal interactive book sharing (MIBS) introduced in the ECI module.
- Apply structured therapy materials from the Bundles of Learning to design and implement intervention sessions that reduce extraneous cognitive load for novice clinicians and young children.
- Evaluate the integration of online learning (knowledge building) and practice-based materials (guided application) as a hybrid model for advancing graduate student readiness in early intervention.
The Impact of Giving Back, Community, and an Inclusive Environment in Audiology Education [Entheos Audiology Cooperative] (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Jenna Vallario - Academic Outreach DirectorJenna Vallario, AuD, is the Academic Outreach Director at Entheos Audiology Cooperative. After teaching in Malawi’s first Bachelor of Science in Audiology program from 2019-2024, she developed a strong commitment to education, capacity building, and sustainable hearing healthcare. Through her work with Entheos and its nonprofit partner, Hearing the Call (501[c][3]), Jenna connects universities, students, and clinics to advance global impact and empower the next generation of audiologists.
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Gail Whitelaw - Audiologist/Clinical Professor/Clinic DirectorGail Whitelaw, PhD, is a clinical professor, audiologist, and clinic director in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at The Ohio State University. She is the audiology faculty member on the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Disabilities (LEND) grant. Dr. Whitelaw is the 4th year placement coordinator for the AuD program. She currently serves on the Board of the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE).
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the educational benefits of incorporating community service and humanitarian outreach into audiology training.
- Evaluate how serving underserved populations expands clinical experiences and strengthens student confidence and independence.
- Apply strategies for integrating collaborative service opportunities into university training programs.
Using Video Observation to Support Clinical Education and Supervision in CSD Programs [Intelligent Video Solutions] (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Carrie Rhoads - Director of Marketing EngagementCarrie Rhoads Director of Marketing Engagement Carrie Rhoads is the Director of Marketing Engagement for Intelligent Video Systems (IVS). She has 30 years of experience in the technology industry as a marketing and sales professional. Since joining IVS in 2019, Carrie has helped healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and simulation centers use the power of video to increase the effectiveness of education & clinical training programs, research, and overall experiential learning.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Describe instructional applications of video observation that support clinical education, supervision, and skill development in speech-language pathology and audiology settings.
- Identify best practices for integrating video-based review and feedback into clinical teaching and supervision workflows to promote reflective practice and learner growth.
- Apply strategies for using video observation to enhance supervision, assessment, and feedback across academic and clinical training environments.
Optimizing Clinical Education: Implementing Web-Based Management Tools for SLPA and CF Preparation [CALIPSO] (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Amy Dickson - Client Development ManagerAmy Dickson, MHA, MS, CCC-SLP, has served as CALIPSO’s Client Development Manager since 2015. Amy has over 25 years of experience working with the adult population across diverse settings. She has focused on clinical education throughout her career. Amy formerly coordinated internal and external placements and taught academic courses at an academic medical center, and she remains active in clinical practice, providing clinical supervision to students and clinical fellows.
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Karalee Cole - ConsultantKaralee Cole, MA, CCC-SLP, joined the CALIPSO team in April of 2025. She earned her degrees at The University of Iowa. Karalee began her career as a school speech-language pathologist but also has clinical experience in early intervention, content creation and teacher training with a language/literacy company, and as a university clinical educator. Karalee’s clinical interests were early intervention, early literacy, and providing real-world clinical opportunities for graduate students.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Articulate the pedagogical and administrative advantages of utilizing web-based 'Inventory of Performance' systems for documenting SLPA and CF clinical experiences.
- Evaluate digital features designed to increase instructional efficiency and streamline supervisory workflows in alignment with 2020 certification standards.
- Analyze essential reporting data required for programmatic assessment to ensure compliance with clinical certification documentation.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Accessibility Options on iOS and Android [InnoCaption] (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Lunch Sessions (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Tina Gonzales Childress - Accessibility ConsultantTina Gonzales Childress, AuD, CCC-A, is an audiologist, advocate, and accessibility consultant who blends clinical expertise with lived experience as a late-deafened adult with bilateral cochlear implants. A sought-after presenter and mentor fluent in ASL, she offers a rare dual perspective across Deaf/Hard of Hearing and hearing communities. She specializes in assistive technology, inclusive practices, and creating widely used resources. Visit TinaChildressAuD.com.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and describe native iOS and Android accessibility features that support communication access for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
- Evaluate third-party mobile apps that enhance real-time captioning, text-to-speech, and remote communication capabilities.
- Summarize strategies for recommending and customizing mobile technology tools to meet the diverse needs of DHH users in various environments.
A Case Study for Increasing Accessibility in SLP and AuD Education (0.15 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions F (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Vicki Haddix - Clinical Associate ProfessorVicki L. Haddix, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Memphis. She teaches the graduate level AAC course and supervises students in the university clinic. Her current research interests involve UDL in graduate school and clinical education. Vicki was a principal investigator on the Tennessee Talks grant that ended in 2023, which helped to build school districts’ capacity to support students using AAC across Tennessee.
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Morgan Jameson - Assistant ProfessorMorgan Jameson, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor at the University of Memphis. She received her PhD in Speech and Hearing Science at The Ohio State University in 2024. Her research focuses on the effects of neurotype on language and reciprocal communication, neurodiversity-affirming supports and services for autistic people, and intersections of gender and autism.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Name at least three UDL strategies.
- Analyze why UDL is relevant in graduate school education.
- Analyze teaching practices for the presence or usefulness of UDL principles.
Innovate, Educate, Publish: A Guide to SoTL and Simulation (0.15 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions F (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Amanda Stead - Professor, Interim DirectorAmanda Stead is the Interim Director and a professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is also the coordinator of the school's simulation program and is credentialed as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE). It is her personal goal to educate students and the community about the vital role speech-language pathologists play in the care of patients with dementia and in end-of-life care.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Outline a research study that uses simulation-based pedagogy.
- Identify at least three strategies to enhance the rigor and validity of their simulation-based research.
- Identify and explain the unique research design considerations required for SoTL studies utilizing clinical simulation.
Voices That Matter: Elevating Excellence in Interprofessional Geriatric Training for SLPs (0.15 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions F (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Holly Kleiber - Director of SLP Clinical Education; Clinical Assistant ProfessorHolly Kleiber, SLPD, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Director of SLP Clinical Education at the University of Colorado Boulder, specializing in acquired adult neurogenic cognitive-linguistic disorders. She supervises and provides professional mentoring to graduate students in the MA SLP program. Before joining the faculty at CU Boulder, she worked with adults in the hospital setting for nearly a decade.
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Cari Levy - Division Head of Geriatric MedicineCari Levy, MD, PhD, is a tenured Professor of Medicine in the School of Medicine at the University of Colorado where she serves as Division Head for Geriatric Medicine and Director of the Multidisciplinary Center on Aging. She maintains active board specialty certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. She also serves as the National Director for Palliative and Hospice Care for the Veterans Health Administration.
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Julie Maertens - GeriCare EveryWhere Program ManagerJulie Maertens, PhD, is a program manager in the Division of Geriatrics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CUAMC), where she has helped develop and administer a graduate certificate program in Multidisciplinary Geriatrics (GeriCare EveryWhere). This program provides training to health professions graduate students across 9 disciplines with the goal of expanding the number of clinicians with professional Geriatrics education to meet growing healthcare needs among older Coloradoans.
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Jodi Waterhouse - Director, Strategic Partnerships & ProgramsJodi Waterhouse, MHA, currently serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships & Programs at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus’s Multidisciplinary Center on Aging (MCoA). Since joining in 2019, Jodi has been instrumental in driving forward initiatives that enhance the lives of older adults through education, policy, and community engagement.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss factors that influence the need to provide interprofessional educational experiences specific to the geriatric population.
- Explain program and student outcomes for an interdisciplinary geriatric training program for health professions trainees.
- Create a plan for how you will incorporate elements of interprofessional geriatric training into your academic program.
Project Management Strategies for Academic Leaders (0.15 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions F (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Katie Linder - Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Innovation and StrategyDr. Katie Linder serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Innovation and Strategy at the University of Colorado Denver. Katie is also a Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance. She holds a PMP credential from the Project Management Institute and is a Certified Change Practitioner through Prosci.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Define clear and measurable project deliverables that align with institutional goals.
- Utilize visual planning tools—such as timelines and workload charts—to coordinate tasks and resources effectively.
- Identify and prevent common project pitfalls, including scope creep, unclear roles, and unrealistic timelines.
Grand Rounds in CDS: One Program’s Proven Method for Scaffolding Student Success (0.15 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions F (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Nichole Mulvey - Professor & Graduate CoordinatorNichole Mulvey, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a professor in the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences at Eastern Illinois University. She is the graduate coordinator and teaches graduate courses in language disorders as well as the educationally based graduate capstone course. Her research interests include social communication and language development, language and narrative sampling, and school-based issues.
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Lynne Cameron - Assistant ProfessorLynne Cameron, PhD, MS, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. She currently teaches dysphagia, voice, professional regulations and issues, and grand rounds. Lynne has a background in the medical setting and has experience in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient neuro and voice, and skilled nursing. She is passionate about preparing students to provide quality care to patients across medical settings and situations.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Develop assignments and evaluations to reveal and remediate gaps in graduate students' clinical reasoning.
- Utilize grading methods that are effective and efficient for developing graduate students' clinical reasoning.
- List teaching strategies that have proven successful in preparing graduate students for the Praxis and internships.
Student Recruitment to Our Professions in the Changing Higher Education Landscape (0.15 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions F (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Arnold Olszewski - Graduate Director, Associate ProfessorArnold (A.J.) Olszewski, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor and graduate director in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, USA. He currently serves on the CAPCSD admissions committee. His research interests include development and evaluation of early literacy interventions, specifically focusing on phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, and vocabulary.
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Douglas Parham - Chair, Program Director & ProfessorDouglas F. Parham, PhD, CCC-SLP, is the Chair, Program Director, and Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Wichita State University. He serves as the Vice President of Admissions for CAPCSD and is a Site Visitor for ASHA's CAA. His research interests include infant vocalization, speech breathing, typical and atypical speech-language development, physiological instrumentation, and conversational interaction.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify current student recruitment challenges and successes.
- Identify the diversity of advising needs for undergraduates and prospective students from other fields, and discuss strategies that have been successful with these groups.
- Develop strategies to increase high-schooler and undergraduates’ awareness and engagement with the professions. Discuss/identify innovative or novel recruitment strategies.
Reaching the Summit through Team-based Learning (0.15 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions F (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Suzanne Moineau - Professor & Associate ChairDr. Suzanne Moineau is the founding faculty member of the Department of SLP at CSUSM where she has served as Chair, MS Program Director and lead faculty in her main area of specialization in adult neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders. She has a special interest in the scholarship of teaching and learning and innovative instruction.
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Alison Scheer-Cohen - Professor & Department ChairDr. Alison Scheer-Cohen, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at California State University San Marcos. Dr. Scheer-Cohen worked as a speech-language pathologist in the hospital setting and private practice. She was an instructor, clinical educator, and researcher at multiple academic institutions. Her primary professional interests include teaching and learning and accreditation. Research interests include the speech of children with low-incidence disorders and typical speech acquisition.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the core contents and structure of team-based learning.
- Evaluate the advantages and challenges of implementing team-based learning in speech-language pathology coursework.
- Develop a plan for integrating a team-based learning module into an existing speech-language pathology course.
Teaching for Inclusion and Equity in Communication Sciences and Disorders (0.15 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions F (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Charlie Lunaris - Assistant ProfessorDr. Charlie Lunaris (they/them), PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Northern Colorado.
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Kim Murza - ProfessorKim Murza, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Northern Colorado, specializing in language and school-based issues. She previously served as Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Affairs in the College of Natural and Health Sciences. She currently serves on the CAPCSD Academic Affairs Committee and ASHA's Committee on Clinical Research, Implementation Science, and Evidence-Based Practice.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- List three updated teaching practices that bolster equitable teaching practices within their classrooms.
- Identify three areas in how to revise current syllabi and/or assessment tools.
- List three ways to access free and open access resources to supplement their CSD courses.
Supporting Au.D. Students Through the Externship Journey: Practical Tools, Emerging Challenges, and Future Directions (0.15 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions F (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Madison Howe - Assistant Professor; Audiology Clinical Education Director; LEND Discipline CoordinatorMadison Howe, AuD, CCC-A, CH-AP, is Director of Clinical Education for the Doctor of Audiology Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). She also serves as Audiology Discipline Coordinator for Arkansas LEND, Director of Communications for SENTAC, chair of ASHA’s Multicultural Issues Board, and member of the Praxis National Advisory Council. She is passionate about training future pediatric audiologists and guiding students toward success.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify effective strategies to prepare Au.D. students for externship applications, including resume, cover letter, and interview preparation.
- Summarize common challenges students face during the externship process and approaches Au.D. programs can use to navigate and address these issues.
- Discuss potential applications of artificial intelligence and technology to support student preparation, interview coaching, and process management.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S13)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions F (1 PM - 2:30 PM)
Beyond Implementation: Advanced Exploration of IPE Outcomes, Trends, and Sustainability in CSD (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions G (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Jennine Harvey Northrop - Associate ProfessorJennine Harvey-Northrop, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor at Illinois State University in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders. She conducts research in cognitive aging, cognitive and language interventions, dual-task, speech in noise, virtual reality for rehabilitation, interprofessional practice, and scholarship of teaching and learning.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze long-term outcomes of IPE in CSD programs, including impacts on student competencies.
- Evaluate current trends in IPE implementation across speech-language pathology and audiology education.
- Create mapping for sustainability factors within their own institutional context to inform strategic planning.
Ready for the "Real World:" Using Simulation to Teach the Untaught Skills (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions G (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Amanda Stead - Professor, Interim DirectorAmanda Stead is the Interim Director and a professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is also the coordinator of the school's simulation program and is credentialed as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE). It is her personal goal to educate students and the community about the vital role speech-language pathologists play in the care of patients with dementia and in end-of-life care.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Design a clinical simulation scenario that specifically targets the development and assessment of 'soft skills.'
- Create a rubric or checklist for a given simulation scenario that clearly defines and measures student performance on key 'professional' competencies.
- Identify and apply practical strategies for teaching and reinforcing 'professionalism' in a simulated environment.
Elevating Excellence with ASHA's Competency Frameworks for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions G (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Donna Smiley - Chief Staff Officer for AudiologyDonna Smiley, PhD, CCC-A, ASHA Fellow, is the Chief Staff Officer for Audiology at ASHA. She liaises with the staff who oversee ASHA’s Audiology Professional Practices Unit, Certification, Accreditation, and Ethics.
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Todd Philbrick - Chief Certification OfficerTodd Philbrick, CAE, ICE-CCP is ASHA's Chief Certification Officer and Ex Officio to the CFCC. Todd has over 20 years of healthcare certification and regulation experience and is a past Chair of the Institute of Credentialing Excellence's Board of Directors.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize the relevance and application of a competency framework model.
- Construct academic course materials utilizing the ASHA competency framework models.
- Adapt the ASHA competency framework models into clinical education measures for AUD and SLP students.
Beyond the Ladder: Navigating Career Transitions in Higher Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions G (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Katie Linder - Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Innovation and StrategyDr. Katie Linder serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Innovation and Strategy at the University of Colorado Denver. Katie is also a Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance. She holds a PMP credential from the Project Management Institute and is a Certified Change Practitioner through Prosci.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Contrast roles of mentors and sponsors and identify when each can support career advancement.
- Apply strategies for navigating role changes and transitions in higher education, including lateral and nontraditional moves.
- Evaluate alternative career paths within and beyond traditional academic structures.
Solution Focused Dialogue: Clinical Site Relations (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions G (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Lori-Ann Ferraro - Associate ProfessorLori-Ann Ferraro, PhD, CCC-SLP, is currently a faculty member and the Director of Clinical Education at the Medical University of South Carolina. She began her career in a public school and then transitioned to practice in an outpatient rehabilitation center affiliated with a large academic medical center where she provided clinical services, coordinated outpatient speech-language pathology services, and supervised many graduate students, which ignited her passion for clinical education.
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Katie Russell - Audiology Program Director and Director of Clinical EducationKatherine (Katie) Russell, AuD, MBA, CCC-A, BCPA, Associate Professor, is the Program Director and Director of Clinical Education for the Audiology program at the University of Cincinnati. Her professional experience includes working in a clinical hospital setting, in the primary education setting as an educational audiologist, and in higher education. She has clinically supervised students for 15 years and coordinated student placements for 9 years.
Summary
Using a solution-focused dialogue framework, this session invites participants into a collaborative conversation specifically centered on enhancing clinical site relations. Through whole-group synthesis, attendees will explore what contributes to strong partnerships, identify strengths within their current relationships, and generate practical strategies for improving communication, alignment, and mutual support between universities and clinical sites.
Real scenarios from audiology and SLP participants will ground the discussion, allowing participants to co-construct actionable, future-focused approaches to strengthening clinical site relations.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key strengths and existing successful practices within their current clinical site relations.
- Analyze common challenges and communication barriers that impact partnerships between academic programs and clinical sites.
- Develop actionable, future-oriented strategies to strengthen and sustain effective clinical site relations in audiology and speech-language pathology settings.
Pre-Admissions Predictors of Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students’ Academic and Clinical Outcomes (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions G (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Reva Zimmerman - Assistant ProfessorReva M. Zimmerman, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor and the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Her research area of expertise is aphasia and cognition, with developing lines of research in stroke preparedness, issues related to diversity, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Dr. Zimmerman's clinical expertise is in adult acquired language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders.
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Sarah Moreau - Director of Clinical EducationSarah Moreau, MA, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education at West Chester University. Her work centers on fostering clinical excellence and mentoring graduate students toward confidence, competence, and compassionate practice. She is committed to understanding the factors that shape student success and to creating meaningful learning experiences that prepare future clinicians for effective, reflective practice.
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Sojung Kim - Professor and ChairpersonSojung Kim, PhD, CCC-SLP, Chairperson and Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders West Chester University Sojung Kim is a faculty member in Communication Sciences and Disorders at West Chester University whose teaching and research expertise includes augmentative and alternative communication, scholarship of teaching and learning, qualitative and quantitative analyses, and virtual reality as a learning platform.
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Elizabeth Grillo - ProfessorElizabeth U. Grillo, PhD, CCC-SLP, CHSE, EMT, is a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at West Chester University specializing in voice, medical speech-language pathology, interprofessional education, and simulation. Her NIH-funded research focuses on voice therapy efficacy, telepractice, and mobile apps. She is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator, Estill Master Trainer, and ASHA Fellow. From 2023-2025, she served as Editor of ASHA’s SIG 18 Perspectives.
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Timothy Huang - Associate ProfessorTimothy Huang is an associate professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on child language and teaching with AI in higher education.
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Patricia Washington - Associate ProfessorPatricia Swasey Washington, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at West Chester University (WCU). Her research areas include bilingual speech/language development and disorders, cultural and linguistic diversity, and interprofessional education and practice. She is the Founder and Director of the Bilingual Course Sequence (BECS) and Communication Sciences and Disorders Study Abroad in Costa Rica program at WCU.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze the limitations of traditional graduate admissions metrics (GPA, GRE) in predicting clinical competence.
- Evaluate the methodology for quantifying work, service, and leadership experiences by hours and assess how CALIPSO clinical performance data can inform admissions decisions in their own programs.
- Apply equity-focused admissions framework principles to develop more inclusive selection processes that recognize diverse student backgrounds and non-traditional experiences in clinical allied health programs.
Transforming Graduate Preparation: Advancing Lifespan-inclusive CSD Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions G (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
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Speakers
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Kristin Nellenbach - Adjunct Assistant ProfessorKristin Nellenbach, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the College of Applied and Natural Sciences at Louisiana Tech University. Her areas of research interests include literacy development and disorders in youth 12-24 years of age and older adults with a special focus on assessment of reading comprehension.
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Carrie Knight - Associate ProfessorCarrie Knight, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Louisiana Tech University. Her areas of research interests include literacy development and disorders in youth and young adults 16 to 26 years of age with a special focus on writing skills.
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Jacob Barbosa - Graduate StudentJacob J. Barbosa, B.A., is a first-year graduate student at Louisiana Tech University. Jacob is a member of NSSLHA. He completed this research project as an undergraduate at Louisiana Tech University.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze how curricular language and content choices impact the perceived importance of adolescent development and disorders in professional training.
- Evaluate how the distribution of course information and instructional hours across age groups impacts clinical competence and equitable service delivery.
- Apply lifespan-inclusive care by reimagining CSD curricula to integrate adolescence as a distinct developmental stage, enhancing inclusivity, relevance, and responsiveness.
UGH, No More: Practical AI Strategies for CSD Academics (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions G (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Colleen Visconti - Professor & Program DirectorColleen F. Visconti, PhD, CCC-SLP, is Professor/Program Director of Speech-Language Pathology at Baldwin Wallace University. She is the Editor and co-founder of Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders; co-author of Evidence-Based Education in the Classroom: Examples from Clinical Disciplines; and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology: Evidence-Based Education. Her research focuses on service-oriented study abroad, peer review and peer mentoring, and evidence-based educational practices.
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Patrick Walden - Associate Professor & Chair of SLPPatrick R. Walden, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor, Chair, and Program Director of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. He is a nationally certified Speech-Language Pathologist with research interests in disorders of voice and speech in adults, learning theory, and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).
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Joann Benigno - Associate Professor & ChairJoann P. Benigno, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor and the Chair of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences at Ohio University. Research interests include examining the links between social cognition, language, and cognitive abilities in children with and without communication disorders. Teaching interests include child language development and disorders. Scholarship of teaching and learning foci involve training students to work with autistic children and their families through community outreach programming.
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Jennifer Friberg-Fort - Cross Endowed Chair in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Professor of CSDJennifer Friberg-Fort is the Director of Scholarly Teaching and Cross Endowed Chair in SoTL at Illinois State University. There, she also serves as a professor of communication sciences and disorders. She is the co-editor of two recent volumes: Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2024) and Evidence-Based Education in the Classroom: Examples from Clinical Disciplines (2022). Friberg is a founding editorial board member of TLCSD.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify three AI platforms that faculty can leverage to aid student learning and program management.
- Identify three ways to use AI in your academic setting and relate these ways to the Revised AI Assessment Scale presented.
- Summarize the ethical aspects of using AI in teaching and learning.
Threading the Access Needle: Supporting Disability Inclusion in Communication Sciences and Disorders Programs (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions G (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Madhu Sundarrajan - Associate Professor & Department ChairMadhu Sundarrajan (she/her), PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor and the Department Chair of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of the Pacific. She has focused her research and teaching on speech and language development with the aim to understand complex developing systems (as in the case of bilingual children, autistic children and Deaf/Hard of Hearing children). She is passionate about promoting and teaching students about neurodiversity-affirming and culturally responsive practices.
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Daniel Nuss - Director of Disability ServicesDaniel Nuss is the Director of Disability Services for the Sacramento campus at University of the Pacific and has more than twenty years of experience as a disability services provider in higher education. Daniel has a background in communications and is completing a Doctor of Health Sciences degree in December 2025.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Contrast deficit-based views of learning with inclusive and asset-based mindsets and its impact on success of differently abled students in CSD.
- Identify common barriers to success for college students with different abilities and discuss reasonable accommodations in clinical experiences.
- Summarize inclusive strategies and shared responsibility frameworks that support the success of students in didactic and clinical courses.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S14)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions G (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Current Challenges for PhD Programs (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions H (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Colleen Le Prell - Professor & Department HeadDr. Colleen Le Prell is the Emilie and Phil Schepps Distinguished Professor of Hearing Science at the University of Texas at Dallas. She serves as Head of the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing, and Faculty Director for the UTD Clinical and Translational Research Center. Current research programs in her laboratory include translational research programs directed at prevention of noise-induced hearing loss.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify recruitment strategies that may attract applicants to your PhD program.
- List reasons for use of standardized testing in admissions, and reasons to discontinue use of standardized testing in admissions.
- Discuss the impact of uncertainties in the federal funding landscape with peers and colleagues.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S15)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions H (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
"Did I Make it Weird?": Pedagogy for Difficult Topics (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions H (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Laura Wolford - Assistant ProfessorLaura Wolford, PhD, MS, CCC-SLP, CSE, is an Assistant Professor at MGH Institute of Health Professions and director of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Center. She teaches courses on clinical supervision, counseling, and the scholarship of teaching and learning through a social justice lens. As director of the TASSEL (Teaching and Supporting Student Experience in Learning) lab, Dr. Wolford promotes mixed-methods of improving the student experience.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize key challenges and sensitivities in teaching difficult topics within CSD.
- Identify trauma-informed and culturally responsive strategies for fostering emotionally-supportive learning environments.
- Discuss the tensions inherent in creating environments that encourage students to expend their knowledge while also promoting emotional wellbeing.
Reflect, Regulate, & Reframe: Tools to Elevate Excellence in Your Curriculum (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions H (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Carrie Axt - Assistant ProfessorDr. Carrie Axt is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Educator in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. With broad clinical experience in medical and educational settings, she brings an integrative perspective to her teaching and scholarship. Her work focuses on developing reflective, competent clinicians prepared for today’s complex practice environments. Her current research examines simulation-based learning, competency development, and reflective practice in health professions education.
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Robyn Zeltinger - Department Chair, Associate ProfessorRobyn L. Zeltinger, PhD, MS/CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor and Program Chair of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. With over a decade in higher education, she teaches courses on speech sound disorders, autism, research methods, and professional issues. Dr. Zeltinger has led program development, accreditation, and strategic planning. She serves the profession through appointments to the ND State Licensing Board for SLPs and AuDs.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the role of structured debriefing in fostering reflective thinking and professional identity development in graduate SLP education.
- Identify strategies and tools for integrating reflection into teaching, supervision, and curriculum design.
- Integrate principles of evidence-based debriefing practices to foster reflective learning across coursework, simulation, and clinical teaching.
Structured Peer Feedback: Supporting Clinical Skill Development in Graduate SLP Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions H (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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David Rehfeld - Assistant ProfessorDr. David Rehfeld, BCBA, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders within the School of Health Sciences at Kansas State University. His teaching and research focus on advancing clinical education through simulation-based learning, professional identity formation, and interprofessional education in speech-language pathology. Dr. Rehfeld’s scholarship emphasizes the integration of reflective practice, evidence-based decision-making, and values-driven clinical training to prepare students for collaborative, person-centered care.
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Ashlyn Bruns - Graduate Student
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Lakota Persing - Undergraduate StudentLakota Persing, Undergradute CSD Studtent, Kansas State University. Lakota is from Hugoton, Kansas and is currently a student at Kansas State University studying Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is involved in Blue Key Senior Honorary, Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellows, Student Alumni Board, Student Foundation, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Kansas State Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Tri-Alpha Honor Society, KSU Homecoming Committee, and Collegiate 4-H.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze how structured peer feedback interventions influence graduate students’ clinical skill development.
- Evaluate the role of scaffolded supports and peer assignment in shaping the quality and effectiveness of peer feedback.
- Design strategies for integrating structured peer feedback into clinical education to supplement supervisory input and promote learner success.>/li>
Strengthening Learning Outcomes through Collaboration: IPE and Service Learning as Educational Models (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions H (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Lisa Bowers - Associate Professor; Director, Service Learning InitiativeLisa Bowers, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at the University of Arkansas. Her research focuses on best practices in Interprofessional Education and Practice within educational settings. She also serves as Director of the Service Learning Initiative, a campuswide effort that expands service learning opportunities for students while strengthening the university’s partnerships and impact in the community.
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Valeria Matlock - Associate ProfessorValeria R. Matlock, EdD, CCC-A, is an associate professor in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Matlock currently serves as Director of Clinical Education – SLP and Student Community Engagement. Her current focus areas are SOTL, counseling, hearing healthcare disparities, and IPE/IPP. Prior to returning to Vanderbilt in 2022, Dr. Matlock was a professor/clinical audiologist at Tennessee State University for 26 years.
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Sarai Granados - Assistant Professor of PracticeSarai Granados, MS, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor of Practice for the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). Academically, her primary role is to teach didactic courses within the undergraduate Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences program. Professor Granados also supervises graduate students within the TTUHSC SLHS Clinic. Her main clinical focus is assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Illustrate how Interprofessional Education (IPE), Service Learning, and Interprofessional Service Learning (IPSL) are effective educational models in professional preparation.
- Analyze strategies for integrating IPE, Service Learning, and IPSL into academic coursework and clinical experiences to enhance student competence and achieve learning outcomes aligned with the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies.
- Outline key steps for implementing or expanding IPE, Service Learning, and IPSL in alignment with program goals and community needs.
Master Adaptive Learner Framework for AI Literacy in CSD Programs (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions H (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
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Speakers
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Melissa Randazzo - Academic Officer, Speech-Language PathologyMelissa Randazzo, PhD, CCC-SLP, is the Academic Officer for Speech Language Pathology at Evidence in Motion where she directs the development of hybrid accelerated graduate programs. Dr. Randazzo is a cognitive neuroscientist, SoTL researcher, and faculty developer who is passionate about expanding access and diversity in graduate healthcare programs through online education.
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Reem Khamis-Dakwar - Academic Program DirectorReem Khamis, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Professor in the CSD Program at Long Island University, Brooklyn, Director of the Culture, Language, and Society in SLP (CLaS in SLP) Lab, holding Professor Emeritus status at Adelphi University. Her expertise lies in language development, processing, and clinical practices, in diverse sociolinguistic contexts. A founding member of the SLHS Human Rights and Translanguaging Collective and cofounder of the JCSCD journal.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze how the history of information and digital literacy integration informs current approaches to AI literacy in CSD education.
- Design program- and course-level learning objectives that integrate AI literacy with clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- Apply the Master Adaptive Learner framework to foster adaptive expertise for AI literacy and utilization in CSD students.
Solution Focused Dialogue: Current Cultural Considerations in CSD (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions H (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Mark Guiberson - Professor & ChairMark Guiberson is a professor in the Speech Pathology and Audiology program at the University of Nevada. His research focuses on culturally responsive early interventions and the use of social media to support underserved populations. He also examines cultural competence among speech-language pathology providers, as well as holistic admissions and training approaches that strengthen cultural competence and humility in graduate education.
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Leslie Grubler - Director of Clinical Education & Clinical ServicesLeslie Grubler, EdD, CCC-SLP, is the Director of Clinical Education/Clinical Services at Lehman College CUNY. A speech-language pathologist, consultant, and family/child advocate through 28 years of practice, Dr. Grubler has presented nationally and locally and advocated for the rights of disabled individuals throughout her entire career from NYC Hall to Albany to Washington D.C. Dr. Grubler’s research and professional practice interests have been in culturally responsive and disability-affirmative practice.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Apply a solution-focused dialogue framework to explore context-specific approaches for addressing cultural and programmatic challenges in CSD programs.
- Develop actionable strategies that uphold accreditation standards professional code of ethics, and personal beliefs while aligning with the policies and realities of their institutional contexts.
- Evaluate approaches for fostering justice-centered, culturally responsive environments that promote equity, belonging, and meaningful learning within academic and clinical training contexts.
Game On! Use of Virtual Reality (VR) Simulation in Dysphagia Lessons (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions H (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Hia Datta - Associate Professor, Undergraduate & PhD Program DirectorHia Datta, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) at Molloy University and Program Director for the B.S. Speech-Language-Pathology and Audiology and the Ph.D. in CSD programs. She completed her Ph.D. in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences from CUNY Graduate Center and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Sackler Institute of Developmental Psychobiology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Her research focuses on investigating the brain bases of language processing in children and adults.
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Kaitlin Brooks - Assistant ProfessorKaitlin Brooks, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Disorders Department at Molloy University. She is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist with experience working with adults with speech, language, and swallowing disorders in various settings. Dr. Brooks' current research focuses on ways to use technology to enhance teaching and learning. She is also passionate about improving aphasia awareness and educating the community about this topic.
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Asecera Credle - Former undergraduate studentAsecera Credle is an emerging professional in the field of Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology from Long Island, NY, holding a Bachelor's degree from Molloy University in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). Her undergraduate academics allowed her to complete a research course in CSD, where she began to investigate into the impact of learning clinical skills through Virtual Reality (VR). Asecera continues to pursue a master's in Speech Language Pathology at St. John's University.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Define Virtual Reality (VR) simulations.
- Evaluate use of VR simulations in the classroom as compared to traditional learning methods.
- Summarize the impact of VR simulations for clinical content such as Dysphagia.
Unleashing Audiology’s Potential: Modernizing the Au.D. Curriculum to Support Audiology's Vision for the Future (0.10 CEUs)
April 10 - Concurrent Sessions H (4:15 - 5:15 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Erin Miller - Professor of InstructionErin L. Miller, AuD, is a Professor of Instruction and Audiology Graduate Coordinator at the University of Akron. She serves as Clinical Education Coordinator for the Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium (NOAC). Dr. Miller is a past president of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), and currently serves as audiology advisor to the AMA RUC HCPAC. She co-authored the “Diagnostic Audiology Pocket Guide: Evaluation of Hearing, Tinnitus and Middle Ear Function”.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Outline potential expansions to the audiology scope of practice.
- Discuss methods for this expanded scope to improve access, reduce costs and create efficiencies in the healthcare system.
- Identify graduate curricula and other methods needed to support the envisioned future for the profession.
Networking Nights: Audiologists
April 10 - Networking Nights
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Summary
Networking Nights: Clinic Directors
April 10 - Networking Nights
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Summary
Networking Nights: CSD Faculty
April 10 - Networking Nights
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Summary
Networking Nights: Department Chairs
April 10 - Networking Nights
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Summary
Networking Nights: New Programs
April 10 - Networking Nights
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Summary
Networking Nights: Program Directors
April 10 - Networking Nights
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Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S16)
April 10 - Networking Nights
General Session (0.15 CEUs)
April 11 - General Session (7:50 AM - 10:00 AM)
Location
Speakers
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Todd Philbrick - Chief Certification OfficerTodd Philbrick, CAE, ICE-CCP is ASHA's Chief Certification Officer and Ex Officio to the CFCC. Todd has over 20 years of healthcare certification and regulation experience and is a past Chair of the Institute of Credentialing Excellence's Board of Directors.
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Gretchen Ehret Hoshaw - Chief Accreditation OfficerGretchen Ehret Hoshaw, MA, CCC-SLP, ICE-CCP, CAE, is the Chief Accreditation Officer at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and ex-officio to the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).
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Laura Purcell Verdun - Chair, CFCCLaura Purcell Verdun, MA, CCC-SLP, is owner of Voicetrainer, LLC serving metropolitan DC; and Lecturer at George Washington University, and Visiting Lecturer at Hampton University. She is CFCC Chair, 2026.
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Shatonda Jones - Chair, CAAShatonda S. Jones serves as Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education in Speech-Language Pathology at St. Bonaventure University. She holds an MPS from Loyola University New Orleans, a PhD in Therapeutic Science from the University of Kansas, an MA in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Iowa, and a BS in Speech Pathology from the University of Tulsa. She will serve as chair of the CAA in 2026.
Summary
Plenary: CFCC/CAA Update (0.15 CEUs) Abstract: The Council for Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) and the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) have been monitoring several state and federal bills, which impact education and certification. In addition, each council is conducting their periodic knowledge and skills updates to ensure accredited education programs and entry-level certification meet current education and practice requirements, and to ensure that ASHA certification is available for all. Please join the ASHA staff from the accreditation and certification teams to receive key updates on recent and upcoming changes.
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize key changes to CAA Accreditation Standards.
- Outline key changes to CFCC Certification Standards.
- Discuss current executive and regulatory matters that may further impact accreditation and certification standards.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S17)
April 11 - General Session (7:50 AM - 10:00 AM)
CATALYST: Embedding Critical Thinking Instruction Across Undergraduate and Graduate CSD Coursework (0.10 CEUs)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions I (10:30-11:30 AM)
Location
Speakers
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David Rehfeld - Assistant ProfessorDr. David Rehfeld, BCBA, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders within the School of Health Sciences at Kansas State University. His teaching and research focus on advancing clinical education through simulation-based learning, professional identity formation, and interprofessional education in speech-language pathology. Dr. Rehfeld’s scholarship emphasizes the integration of reflective practice, evidence-based decision-making, and values-driven clinical training to prepare students for collaborative, person-centered care.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure and instructional design of the CATALYST program for embedding critical thinking into CSD coursework.
- Compare undergraduate and graduate student responses to the intervention, noting both measured gains and differences in perceptions of relevance.
- Develop strategies to adapt and integrate critical thinking instruction into participants’ own courses while addressing challenges with student engagement and buy-in.
The Reaccreditation Roadmap: From Preparation to Presentation (0.10 CEUs)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions I (10:30-11:30 AM)
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Speakers
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Erica Friedland - Assistant Dean and ProfessorErica Friedland, AuD, is Chair and Professor in the Department of Audiology and Assistant Dean in the School of Rehabilitative Sciences at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). Dr. Friedland teaches pediatric audiology, auditory/vestibular disorders, electrophysiology, and grand rounds. Dr. Friedland is member of the Professional Development Council of the American Academy of Audiology and a program reviewer/site visitor for the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE).
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the essential components of program documentation and assessment required for a successful reaccreditation site visit.
- Apply strategies for preparing faculty, staff, and students to effectively respond to questions and interact with site visitors.
- Develop a structured plan for presenting supplemental evidence and highlighting program strengths during the reaccreditation process.
To AI or Not to AI, That is the Question. AI Ethics in CSD. (0.10 CEUs)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions I (10:30-11:30 AM)
Location
Speakers
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AnnMarie Knight - Program DirectorDr. AnnMarie Knight, PhD, CCC-SLP, is Associate Professor of Speech-Language Pathology and Director of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at Oklahoma Baptist University. Dr. Knight currently serves in state and national leadership roles through SCSHA, ASHA, and CAPCSD. She is an advocate for high-quality accessible and innovative SLP academic and clinical training and for the ASHA SLP Assistant Certification (C-SLPA) program.
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Becky Jones - Director of Clinical Education, Associate ProfessorDr. Becky Jones, CCC-SLP, is Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education for the MS-SLP program at Oklahoma Baptist University. She earned her master’s from the University of Memphis and doctorate from Murray State University. Her research includes topics on simulation-based and AI-integrated SLP clinical education and uncovering healthcare disparities in Parkinson’s disease. She has presented at ASHA, the Oklahoma SLP-Hearing Association, and the Tennessee Association of Audiologists and SLPs.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Describe current ethical issues related to AI use in CSD academic and clinical settings.
- Apply the ASHA Code of Ethics to case studies involving AI use in higher education and clinical practice.
- Identify strategies and resources for integrating AI ethics into CSD curricula to motivate students to use AI responsibly and ethically in academic and clinical settings.
Preparing CSD Students for Trauma-Informed, Interprofessional Collaboration (0.10 CEUs)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions I (10:30-11:30 AM)
Location
Speakers
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Emily Weston - Assistant Professor & Externship CoordinatorMs. Weston is a pediatric speech-language pathologist, clinical educator, and faculty member passionate about empowering students and families through communication. She specializes in supporting children with complex communication needs, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and trauma-informed care. Her work blends evidence-based practice with relational connection, aiming to equip the next generation of clinicians to lead with compassion and cultural responsiveness.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify strategies for creating interprofessional education opportunities with non-traditional partners to expand beyond typical OT, PT, and ABA collaborations.
- Design interprofessional learning experiences that intentionally address student-identified needs related to trauma, professional boundaries, and systemic inequities.
- Demonstrate approaches for embedding cultural humility and application-based activities, such as case studies, into IPE training.
On the Construction of the Social Identity of LGBTQ+ People Who Stutter: Clinical Implications (0.10 CEUs)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions I (10:30-11:30 AM)
Location
Speakers
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James Mancinelli - Associate ProfessorJames M. Mancinelli, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor in the CSD Department at La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. His doctorate is from Temple University in Communication Sciences and Disorders in the area of fluency. He has 20 years of clinical experience in medical speech-language pathology. He supervises graduate students working with people who stutter across the lifespan. His research interests include the sociological aspects of stuttering, and clinical education/supervision.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Describe how the intersectional identity of LGBTQ+ people who stutter (LGBTQ+PWS) develops out of shared cognitive, affective, and cultural elements.
- Apply knowledge of the intersectional identity by making adjustments to the counseling, education, and interviewing techniques associated with clinical practice.
- Apply understanding of the socio-communicative implications of the LGBTQ+PWS identity into assessment methods and treatment planning specific to their client's social and clinical presentation.
Reaching the Peak: Strategies for Accreditation Site Visits for New SLP and Audiology Programs (0.10 CEUs)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions I (10:30-11:30 AM)
Location
Speakers
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Christina Pelatti - Division Director and Associate ProfessorChristina Yeager Pelatti, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor and director of the Division of Speech-Language Pathology at the Medical University of South Carolina. As a clinical SLP, Dr. Pelatti demonstrates teaching and research expertise in the areas of oral and written language in children, specifically Down syndrome and traumatic brain injury. She has extensive experience supervising/mentoring students, and she is an active, engaged leader.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key components and expectations of candidacy/initial accreditation site visits for new speech-language pathology and audiology programs.
- Develop a comprehensive plan for site visit preparation, including timelines, documentation, and engagement activities.
- Summarize and apply strategies in preparation for a successful site visit experience.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S18)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions I (10:30-11:30 AM)
The Business of Learning: Running a Student Clinic That Pays Off (0.10 CEUs)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions J (11:30-12:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Lauren Mann - Assistant ProfessorLauren Mann AuD, PhD, CCC-A, Assistant Professor, Department of Hearing & Speech, University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Mann has been on faculty at the University of Kansas for over 12 years acting as Clinical Director and Clinical Education Coordinator for 8 years. With her transition to research faculty and through the Business Audiology course at KU, she emphasizes actively engaging students in the financial side of clinical practice.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect both clinical and financial success in student clinic operations.
- Explain how to calculate return on investment (ROI) for services, staffing, and operational decisions within a university clinic setting.
- Apply strategies for scheduling efficiency, community marketing, and student engagement in clinic management.
Financial Literacy for Students (0.10 CEUs)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions J (11:30-12:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Victor Bray - ProfessorVictor Bray, MSC, PhD, FNAP is a Professor in the Osborne Audiology Department in the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel University in Philadelphia PA. He is a former Dean of the Osborne College of Audiology (late career), former Vice President for two start-up hearing aid companies (mid-career), and former Director of Clinical Audiology (early career). His research interest is the post-AuD state of the audiology profession.
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Robert Serianni - Chair & Program Director, Associate ProfessorRobert W. Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, FNAP is Chair and Program Director and Associate Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus, with a primary role of administration, in addition to teaching and clinical supervision responsibilities. Bob earned his Master’s degree from Loyola University Maryland, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Higher Education at Temple University focusing on underrepresented groups in graduate education.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the current debt-to-income ratio for emerging graduates in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
- Demonstrate to students ways to reduce debt-to-income ratio in pursuit of these degrees.
- Design on-campus support system(s) to rearrange their financial plan for the degree process.
Building Bridges: Developing Relationships and Resources for Affiliation Agreements and More in CSD Programs (0.10 CEUs)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions J (11:30-12:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Gail Whitelaw - Audiologist/Clinical Professor/Clinic DirectorGail Whitelaw, PhD, is a clinical professor, audiologist, and clinic director in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at The Ohio State University. She is the audiology faculty member on the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Disabilities (LEND) grant. Dr. Whitelaw is the 4th year placement coordinator for the AuD program. She currently serves on the Board of the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE).
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize the vocabulary of legal aspects related to clinical education.
- Discuss relationships with legal and clinical entities that must be developed for successful clinical placements.
- List resources available to support clinical placements from legal and regulatory guidelines.
Engaging with the Dynamic Nature of Artificial Intelligence in Communication Sciences and Disorders (0.10 CEUs)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions J (11:30-12:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Ramesh Kaipa - Associate Dean, College of Allied Health SciencesDr. Ramesh Kaipa is the inaugural Associate Dean of Community Partnerships and Impact at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Allied Health Sciences. He leads initiatives that advance community health, reduce disparities, and enhance student learning through engagement. Formerly Department Head of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Oklahoma State University, his research focused on neurogenic communication disorders and evidence-based teaching, earning multiple awards for excellence in research and education.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze current artificial intelligence tools and platforms, distinguishing their benefits and limitations for use in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- Evaluate ethical, legal, and practical challenges (e.g., data privacy, equitable access) to integrating artificial intelligence in clinical practice and education.
- Apply artificial intelligence literacy, case-based learning, and curricular innovations in speech-language pathology and audiology.
Creating Equitable Clinical Faculty Workloads (0.10 CEUs)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions J (11:30-12:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Caitlin Al-Mutawa - Assistant InstructorCaitlin Street Al-Mutawa, MS, CCC-SLP, is an assistant instructor and externship coordinator in the Master's in Speech Language Pathology program at the University of South Florida.
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Charlotte Purcell King - Assistant Professor of Instruction; Clinic DirectorCharlotte King, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS, is an Assistant Professor of Instruction and the Clinic Director at the University of South Florida Speech-Language Clinic. She completed her clinical doctorate in April 2022, completing her culminating capstone addressing a treatment comparison for acquired apraxia of speech. Her interest areas for research are treatment effectiveness for motor speech disorders, implementation science, and bridging clinical and research opportunities for students and clinicians.
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Kelli Gorajec - Assistant InstructorKelli Gorajec, MA, CCC-SLP, is employed full time as an assistant instructor at the University of South Florida. Her clinical interests include adult neurogenic communication disorders with a primary interest in mTBI/post-concussion, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s Disease and ALS. She is the primary clinical SLP for the USF SPEAK OUT!® Therapy & Research Center and a graduate of the ASHA Leadership Development Program (LDP).
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Marie Sepulveda - Speech Language PathologistMarie Sepulveda, MS, CCC-SLP, is a bilingual speech-language pathologist with over 30 years of experience serving multilingual populations in a variety of settings. She currently works with Polk County Schools and a home health agency in Florida. Previously, Marie was an Assistant Instructor at the University of South Florida, where she supervised student clinicians in the university’s clinic. Her professional interests focus on multilingual assessment and early childhood intervention.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the benefits of equitable workloads amongst clinical faculty.
- Identify methods used by presenters to collect data on the workloads of clinical faculty.
- Examine and revise a tool for creating equitable workloads for clinical faculty.
TikTalking about Clinical Education: How to Leverage Social Media-formatted Reels for Graduate Education (0.10 CEUs)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions J (11:30-12:30 PM)
Location
Speakers
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Samantha Dvorak - Clinical Associate Professor, Associate Chair for Residential Academic Programs, UG Program DirectorDr. Samantha Dvorak, SLPD, CCC-SLP, is Associate Chair for Residential Academic Programs, Undergraduate Program Director, and Clinical Associate Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Baylor University. A licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, she earned her SLPD from the University of Kansas (2018) and is pursuing an EdD in Higher Education. Her research focuses on adult learning, graduate education, parent coaching, and speech sound interventions.
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Kelcie Dao - Clinical Assistant ProfessorKelcie Dao, SLPD, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Baylor University. She earned her MS from the University of North Texas (2017) and her SLPD from Rocky Mountain University (2021). A licensed Texas SLP and ASHA & TSHA member, Dr. Dao previously practiced in public schools for five years before joining Baylor’s faculty in 2022, where she teaches and supervises graduate clinicians.
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Kacie Dolezel - Clinical Assistant ProfessorKacie Dolezel is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Baylor University. She earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Baylor University in 2017. Licensed in Texas and holding the CCC-SLP, she is an active member of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association and ASHA. She has also been recognized with ASHA’s Distinguished Early Career Professional Certification.
Summary
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize current trends and research findings on the use of social media–formatted videos in graduate-level clinical education.
- Identify best practices for designing concise, engaging, and platform-appropriate instructional videos.
- Apply practical strategies and examples to develop their own social media–styled videos for pre-professional education.
Not Attending a Session During This Time Slot (S19)
April 11 - Concurrent Sessions J (11:30-12:30 PM)
