Online Professional Development Committee

Jacqueline Towson, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders with a joint appointment in the School of Teacher Education at University of Central Florida. She completed her doctorate in 2015 at Georgia State University in the Education of Students with Exceptionalities with a focus in Early Childhood Special Education following 14 years of work in public schools. Her research broadly concerns building the capacity of individuals who work with young children experiencing language impairments and those considered at-risk and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.

Laura R. Chapman, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate 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.

Dr. Jennifer C. Friberg-Fort is the Cross Endowed Chair in SoTL at Illinois State University where 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.

Dr. Tiffany Hines is an Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at A.T. Still University, specializing in inclusive education and diverse learning needs in higher education. With a doctorate in Educational Psychology and a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology, she brings expertise in learning theory and practical application. A licensed and ASHA-certified SLP, Dr. Hines has extensive experience working with diverse learners in various educational settings. Her research focuses on child language disorders, cultural-linguistic diversity, and inclusive practices. Dr. Hines is dedicated to empowering professionals with strategies for creating equitable and accessible learning environments.

Lauren Mann is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Hearing & Speech. Her research interests include auditory and vestibular effects of concussion. She teaches graduate coursework in Auditory Processing Disorders, Tinnitus, and Business Audiology in addition to providing research mentorship for audiology students. 

Yunfang Zheng, Sc.D., M.D., CCC-A, is a full professor and audiology division director in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Central Michigan University. She was a physician and received her Sc.D. in Audiology from Montclair State University. She managed an audiology department at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Jersey for three years and was an adjunct professor at Montclair State University. Her research interests include diagnostic audiology, amplification, cochlear implants, and aural rehabilitation, with the goal of helping individuals with hearing difficulties achieve a better quality of life. She has given many scientific presentations at national and international conventions and has published her work in several internationally respected professional journals. She has also received awards and grants from university, industry, and professional associations to support her research and has mentored many doctoral research projects with different research awards/grants.

Mandie began as Director of Professional Development for CAPCSD in June 2023. Her professional background includes managing meetings, events and conferences in a destination management company, nonprofit organization, city government agency, and two professional associations, in both professional and volunteer capacities.

In 2010, she joined Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and began serving as a volunteer with the North Florida Chapter. Mandie served on the Board of Directors, and worked with other Florida chapter leaders on a statewide committee for the state's regional conference. She earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) professional designation through the Events Industry Council in 2014 and recertified in 2019 and 2024. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

Outside work, Mandie enjoys spending time with her husband and their two teenagers. The McKenzies live in Jacksonville, FL. She loves reading, watching true crime shows, creating table settings, and cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Colleen began working in the role of Professional Development Manager for CAPCSD in September. She is excited to be part of the team and will be responsible for the coordination of webinars, professional development programming, execution of exhibitors, and sponsor activities for the Annual Conference, along with assisting the CAPCSD Executive Director.

Colleen comes from the association and hospitality industry. With over ten years of hotel service, her experience includes event planning, catering, and sales. Colleen later joined the professional association market industry to lead two large associations in Colorado for the past seven years.

Colleen resides in Denver, CO with her husband and two kids. They love exploring beautiful Colorado.