Convention Presenters

Taylor Jones Adams, CF-SLP, is a clinical fellow in speech-language pathology from Hamilton, Ohio. She obtained both her bachelor of science and master of arts degrees in speech-language pathology at the University of Cincinnati, where she completed multiple voice-based clinical rotations. She gained experience treating a wide variety of voice disorders at the University of Cincinnati Voice & Swallowing Center in the department of Otolaryngology, learning from board-certified laryngologists and voice-specialized speech-language pathologists. Her master’s capstone was completed under the mentorship of Dr. Carrie Rountrey, exploring the use of objective acoustic measures to assess intelligibility of speech affected by Parkinson’s Disease. She has a special interest in working with individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and those seeking gender affirming voice care. She also enjoys being a part of the rehabilitation journey of professional voice users. Her main goal is to make her clients feel comfortable, supported and celebrated as they make improvements, both big and small. Taylor has many years of vocal performance experience in a multitude of settings. She has been trained in both classical and jazz performance but has spent most of her time singing in bands in the Cincinnati area. She writes music in her free time and enjoys singing a diverse range of genres, including country, folk, and alternative music.

Meg Adkins, AuD, is a clinical audiologist and the cochlear implant director at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center.  She earned her bachelor of science degree from the Eastern Kentucky University Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program in 1995, her master of arts in communication science (audiology) from the University of Connecticut in 1998 and her Doctorate in Audiology from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (Arizona) in 2007. Dr. Adkins professional passions are pediatric cochlear implant habilitation, adult cochlear implant and bimodal rehabilitation and promotion of the profession of audiology.

Vrushali Angadi, PhD, CCC-SLP, earned her doctoral degree in rehabilitation sciences from the University of Kentucky and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech-language pathology and audiology from the University of Mumbai, India. She is currently an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and co-director of the Laryngeal and Speech Dynamics laboratory at the University of Kentucky. Clinically, Dr. Angadi manages voice, swallowing and upper airway disorders and is the clinical education coordinator at the University of Kentucky Voice and Swallow Clinic. Her research interests include evidence-based, post-treatment voice rehabilitation in the head and neck cancer population and developing technology to improve accessibility to voice therapy services.

Maria Bane, PhD, CCC-SLP, earned her doctoral degree in rehabilitation sciences from the University of Kentucky in 2021 under the mentorship of Dr. Joseph Stemple. She completed her clinical fellowship in the acute care setting and has expertise in the areas of voice and swallowing. Dr. Bane currently is an assistant professor at Eastern Kentucky University in the Department of Clinical Therapeutic Programs, where her duties include teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels, clinical instruction and research. Her research interests include identifying the active ingredients responsible for efficacy of behavioral interventions, evidence-based practice and evidence-based education of future speech-language pathologists.

Anne Blandford, SLPD, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist at Cressman Neurological Rehabilitation and an assistant professor at University of Louisville School of Medicine – Communication Disorders where she is the director of clinical education. She also serves on the surgical team for deep brain stimulation and as a consulting therapist at the Brain Tumor Center, a collaboration of Norton Neuroscience Institute and Norton Cancer Institute. She earned her bachelor’s degree in health science at the University of Kentucky, her master’s degree at the University of Louisville and her doctor of speech pathology degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her clinical and scholarship focus is interprofessional collaboration and practice and neurogenic communication disorders.

Tim Boyd, MPH, ASHA, has served as ASHA’s Director of State Health Care and Education Affairs since 2019. Before joining ASHA, Tim worked on state policy for the National Organization for Rare Disorders and domestic policy for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Tim earned his bachelor of arts in political science from the University of California Santa Barbara and master of public health from the George Washington University Milken Institute of Public Health.

Brittany Brose, AuD, CCC-A, is a clinical audiologist working for University of Louisville Health and Norton Children’s Medical Group. Dr. Brose is the current audiology clinic director at University of Louisville Health. She is also an adjunct professor at University of Louisville where she teaches the vestibular assessment and management as well as the Medical Audiology courses. Her interests include vestibular assessment and management, adult and pediatric diagnostic assessments and hearing aids.

Alison Brown, EdD, CCC-SLP, earned her bachelor of arts degree in English from Murray State University, master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Kentucky and her doctor of education in P-20 and community leadership from Murray State University. Alison’s liberal arts background pairs well with her degree in speech-language pathology, bringing art and science together. Alison was a clinical faculty member at the University of Kentucky before joining the faculty of Sayre School in Lexington as an English teacher, and later, the director of academic services. She has enjoyed part-time endeavors in First Steps therapy, private literacy therapy and PRN work in acute care. Currently she teaches at Murray State University in the Center for Communication Disorders. Her research interests include literacy, language and voice disorders. Alison received the Sayre School’s Short Award for Teaching Excellence in 2010 and the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Pace Setter Award in 2016. Her therapeutic methods are informed by multisensory approaches to reading and spelling, including musical interventions.

Renee Brown, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist of two years who has served ages ranging from 16 to geriatric in an acute care medical setting. At the University of Louisville Hospital, she primarily treats patients with trauma, stroke and head and neck cancer using a multimodal approach including FEES and MBS. She works with patients daily who have had tracheostomies and collaborates with RN, RT, OT, and PT for in-line speaking valve placements for patients requiring ventilator support. She has research experience with two publications on topics including NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome) and PED (Post Extubation Dysphagia). She is passionate about teaching students, families, and other professionals about a speech-language pathologist’s role in the acute care setting.

Nathan Cass, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University, and his medical degree from Ohio State University, where he graduated cum laude and was elected to the national medical honor society Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed residency training in otolaryngology at the University of Colorado, where his colleagues awarded him the Resident Teaching Award. This was followed by a post-doctoral NIH research fellowship at the University of Michigan. He then completed a two-year fellowship in pediatric and adult otology, neurotology and skull base surgery at Vanderbilt University. As an otologist–neurotologist, Dr. Cass focuses on treating children and adults with disorders of the ear, temporal bone and lateral skull base. He is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. He is a member of the American Neurotology Society and the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, where he serves on several committees. Dr. Cass leads research efforts to improve patient care and outcomes and has published over 30 peer-reviewed scientific research articles and numerous book chapters within the field of otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery. Dr Cass sees children and adults with ear-related problems including hearing loss, skull base tumors (including acoustic neuroma, paraganglioma/glomus tumors, meningioma, and others), temporal bone cerebrospinal fluid leaks and encephaloceles, chronic ear infections, cholesteatoma, otosclerosis, facial nerve disorders and tumors, vestibular disorders including superior semicircular canal dehiscence and Meniere’s disease, aural atresia, ear canal disorders and temporal bone cancers, among others. Dr. Cass performs surgeries including cochlear implantation, acoustic neuroma surgery and other skull base surgeries to remove tumors, gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery, tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, ossicular chain reconstruction, atresiaplasty, ear tube placement, labyrinthectomy, superior canal dehiscence repair, among others.

Trey Cline, AuD, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and his doctorate in audiology from the University of Louisville. He is currently a clinical audiologist at the University of Kentucky.  His clinical interests involve diagnostic audiology including central auditory processing disorders and appropriate rehabilitation techniques. In addition to patient care, he is actively involved in clinical research and is pursuing his doctorate in Gerontology at the University of Kentucky with research interests in neuroaudiology and cognition in older adults.

Mary Jo Cooley Hidecker, PhD, CCC-A/SLP, is an associate professor in communication sciences and disorders at the University of Kentucky. Using her thirty years of clinical practice, she teaches and does research in evidence-based practices in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and individuals with autism, intellectual challenges and cerebral palsy. Dr. Cooley Hidecker is a co-investigator with the Teaching Age-Appropriate Learning Through Communication (TAALC) grant funded by the Kentucky Department of Education.

Lynzee Cornell, PhD, CCC-A, F-AAA, is an audiologist and chief executive officer of the Lee Specialty Clinic in Louisville, Kentucky.

Lisanne Craven, MS, CCC-SLP, received her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from University of Louisville. She spent many years in private practice where she developed a special interest in voice disorders. She has more than 15 years of experience performing videostroboscopy, voice evaluations and providing voice therapy for a variety of voice disorders. In addition to her expertise in the treatment of voice, swallowing and upper airway disorders, Lisanne has extensive experience in instrumental swallowing evaluations and in the management of motor speech disorders. She works closely with otolaryngologists around the Louisville area. Lisanne is a proud member of The Voice Foundation, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Karen Crow, MA, CCC-SLP, NM, MM, is a speech-language pathologist and voice specialist with the Louisville Center for Voice Care. She holds a master of arts in speech language pathology from the University of Memphis, where she participated in research with the Voice Emotion and Cognition Laboratory. She completed a master’s thesis in voice research with a focus on voice and self-identity and its connections with body awareness, recently published in The Journal of Voice. Karen completed additional voice training at the Summer Vocology Institute with the National Center of Voice and Speech in Salt Lake City, Utah under the direction of Dr. Ingo Titze. Karen currently works as a part of the multi-disciplinary voice team at the Louisville Center for Voice Care and provides treatments to adult and pediatric populations with voice, upper airway and swallowing disorders.

Ashley Cubberly, MA, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist based in Louisville, Kentucky at a large private pediatric practice. In addition to her master’s degree in speech-language pathology, she earned a graduate certificate in the advanced treatment of fluency disorders. Ashley is passionate about stuttering treatment, continuing to seek out ways to expand knowledge and proficiency in this area of the field. Ashley holds a Spero Ally of Stuttering Seal designation, requiring yearly continuing education and stuttering community involvement. She is a co-leader for the Louisville chapter of the National Stuttering Association and leads her own monthly stuttering support groups for children.

Holli Decker, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist that has worked with children with complex communication needs for over 20 years. She has experience working with birth to adults. She is currently working in the Ohio County Schools in Kentucky.  Mrs. Decker has specialized training in autism spectrum disorders, deaf-blind, moderate-severe disabilities, and augmentative communication.  Mrs. Decker has been working directly with Nancy Steele and presented the Communication Matrix Intervention Modules to the Ohio County Schools moderate-severe disability teachers and speech-language pathologists this past summer. She enjoys working with the Ohio County Equestrian riding program for students with special needs and supporting her daughter showing livestock.

Christina Delk, BS, NBCT, MAT IECE, is currently the supervisor of deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) services for Jefferson County Public Schools. Christina is a national board certified DHH exceptional needs specialist (Birth -21) and has done consultant and committee work for the National Boards for Professional Teaching Standards. Christina has taught for 25 years as a DHH teacher in a variety of educational settings, with her favorite group of students being deaf. Christina has organized district, regional and state events for both DHH student and educators. She has written several grants for unique student-based learning, supervised DHH student teachers from Eastern Kentucky University, served as a state DHH teacher representative for ECET2 and the Mickelson ExxonMobil’s Teacher’s Academy. In 2020, Christina won the Debbie Hayden Leadership Award, the JCPS Breaking Barriers Award and the University of Kentucky’s A Teacher Who Made a Difference Award. Christina has seven children, three who are deaf and five dogs. Her favorite is a Brittany named Sadie.

Sara Dixon, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist working at Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky. She received her undergraduate degrees in communication sciences and disorders, as well as psychology, from Appalachian State University. She received her master’s degree from University of Louisville. She enjoys working with adults in the acute care setting with all ranges of deficits, but particularly enjoys working with head and neck cancer populations as part of an interdisciplinary team.

 Mary Duncan, AuD, is a pediatric audiologist at the University of Kentucky.  She received a bachelor of arts degree in communication disorders from Truman State University in 2013, and a doctor of audiology degree from the University of Louisville in 2018.  Her clinical interests include pediatric amplification, cochlear implants and management of hearing loss in children with multiple disabilities.

Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in private practice in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1993 and her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995. Cari is a therapist, consultant, author, product developer and nationally recognized speaker who gets paid to do what she loves most—TALK! She specializes in autism, apraxia, and early intervention.

Ursula Findlen, PhD, is the director of audiology research in the Division of Clinical Therapies- Audiology Department at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor-clinical at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery.  Dr. Findlen engages in clinical practice and research endeavors related to pediatric (re)habilitative audiology, particularly in regards to a multidisciplinary team approach to family-centered care.  Her research interests include infant diagnostics and improving outcomes of children with hearing loss through systematic quality improvement and population health endeavors.

Amber Valentine Forston, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, IBCLC, CNT, is a speech-language pathologist who graduated from the University of Kentucky with her master’s in communication disorders.  She is a board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders and an international board certified lactation consultant, as well as a certified neonatal therapist (CNT).  She worked for Baptist Health Systems, Inc for eight years before moving to Florida where she worked for Wolfsons Children’s Hospital and Mayo Florida.  She is now back in Kentucky working for Baptist Health Lexington.  She has experience in adults and pediatrics with feeding and swallowing difficulties including bedside swallow evaluations, modified barium swallow studies, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and pediatric feeding evaluations including newborn intensive care unit. She has experience with head and neck cancer patient including evaluation and treatment of swallowing difficulties, prolonged medical ventilation use, and voice after total laryngectomy including tracheoesophageal puncture. She has provided guest lectures for the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Louisville on feeding and swallowing topics. She has presented at the hospital, local, state, national and international levels on pediatric feeding/swallowing and breastfeeding.

Lisa Fry, PhD, CCC-SLP, serves as adjunct faculty in the Department of Communication Disorders at Marshall University where she teaches courses on evidence-based practice and voice. Her research interests include models of student research, vocal wellness and voice therapy. Dr. Fry’s current work focuses on strengthening the research-practice link in the University’s clinic and mentoring student researchers.

Nicole Goodwin, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist of 20 years who has served birth to geriatric across the spectrum of service settings. For the last 15 years, she has focused on the adult population in primarily trauma, stroke and head and neck cancer. These populations often include patients with tracheostomy and total laryngectomy. She has worked at University of Louisville Hospital for 19 years in both inpatient acute and outpatient settings. She served in the Head and Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center for five years. In 2007, she became the supervisor of the speech-language pathology service at the University of Louisville Hospital and the manager over acute care rehab services in 2021. Nicole has participated in a variety of support groups including stroke support group and the head and neck cancer support group. She was also the facilitator for the laryngectomee community group in Louisville for six years. She has an enthusiasm for educating and serving the community. Nicole is also an educator as a gratis professor in the University of Louisville Communication Disorders Program since 2015. She has also provided many in-services and guest lectures to a variety of professional programs at UofL, University of Louisville Hospital, Eastern Kentucky University and local journal clubs.

Amy Graham, MA, CCC-SLP, is a speech language pathologist (SLP) and owner of Graham Speech Therapy, a private practice in Colorado Springs that specializes in pediatric speech sound disorders. She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communicative disorders from California State University, Fullerton and has been an SLP for more than 20 years.  Amy frequently speaks to and trains SLPs on various evidence-based practices regarding the assessment and treatment of SSD and is the creator of numerous SSD-specific assessment and therapy resources. She has been a guest on numerous SLP podcasts and has a particular interest in supporting and equipping SLPs by posting frequent therapy videos and practical therapy tips on social media platforms.

Pam Holland, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is an associate professor, chair and graduate program director at Marshall University. She is board certified in swallowing and swallowing disorders and founded the Marshal University Interdisciplinary Feeding and Swallowing Clinic in 2013. She is also the owner of Family First Feeding, LLC which provides specialized feeding and swallowing services to children and families in the West Virginia birth to three program. In addition to supervising graduate students in the feeding and swallowing clinic she is a part of a multi-agency coalition called Healthy Connections and works with multiple professions to assist in the community’s opioid epidemic and improve outcomes for children diagnosed with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. She has been a leader in the development and growth of the University’s interprofessional education initiative which started in 2013. She is one of the faculty advisors for the Interprofessional Health Student Organization at Marshall University and serves on the IPE/IPP Committee for the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Leisa Hutchison, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and clinical associate professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Western Kentucky University. She teaches coursework in language development and disorders, speech sound disorders and working with individuals with complex communication needs as well as supervising clinical practicum students in both the graduate and undergraduate programs. Leisa has served on several governor-appointed advisory committees working with individuals with significant disabilities including:  the Interagency Coordinating Council, the State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children (three terms) and the State Advisory Council for Exceptional Children, for which she was elected chair.  In addition, she serves on the advisory boards for the University of Kentucky SPEAC-IT Project, (Special Education and Communication Disorders – Interdisciplinary Training) and as key personnel for Western Kentucky University’s Project PREP, both programs designed to educate special educators and speech-language pathologists to collaborate in the development and teaching of effective communication systems/skills for students with complex communication needs.  She holds certifications in pediatric neurodevelopmental treatment and three Hanen training programs. On a personal level, Leisa and her husband David are the parents of a young adult son, Ben, who has multiple disabilities and is the light of their lives.

Alice Inman, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Louisville.  She is a clinical instructor at the University of Louisville, teaching two courses in dysphagia.  She is the moderator of a monthly journal group in the Louisville Metropolitan area and is the co-chair of the 2023 KSHA Convention.

Jacqui Kearns, EdD, directs the TAALC (Talk) communication project as well as several other communication projects at the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute.  She has an adjunct faculty appointment in University of Kentucky communication sciences and disorders. Dr. Kearns’ background expertise is in special education for students with moderate and severe disabilities.

Douglas Keefe, MS, is a speech-language pathologist with the Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky.  He also serves on the Kentucky Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiology.

Suzanne King, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-HNS and Communicative Disorders at University of Louisville and a speech-language pathologist at Norton Hospital. She earned her doctorate from University of Wisconsin-Madison and her masters from University of Central Florida. Her clinical interest and expertise are in the diagnosis and management of swallowing disorders. Her research explores the pathophysiology of dysphagia after treatment for head and neck cancer.

Jane Kleinert, PhD, CCC-SLP, is professor emeritus in communication sciences/disorders and an ASHA Fellow with research, publications and teaching/training delivery on communication services for students with severe/multiple disabilities. She has been principal investigator and co-principal investigator for multiple grants in this area at state and federal levels. Through work on the TAALC grant funded by the Kentucky Department of Education she has provided extensive training and consultation to school-based programs for students with severe disabilities.

Rebecca Klemens, RD, LD, is a clinical dietitian for UofL Health Frazier Rehabilitation Institute. A graduate of Marian University with a Bachelor of Science in dietetics, Rebecca completed her dietetic internship with Virginia State University. She started her career with a focus on nutrition for the older adult then transitioned to the acute rehab inpatient clinical nutrition arena.

Kelly Knollman-Porter, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at Miami University.  She directs the Neurogenic Language and Cognition Lab where her research focuses on the development of restorative treatments and compensatory strategies for adults with cognitive and communication deficits associated with acquired brain injury.  Dr. Knollman-Porter has more than 30 years of experience working with adults with language and cognitive disorders resulting from stroke, head injury and dementia.

Lou-Ann Land, MEd, is a technical assistance provider and product developer with the Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky, with an emphasis on supporting students with a significant disability. She is a trainer and facilitator on the TAALC Communication SPDG and the Kentucky Post-School Outcomes Center, funded by the Kentucky Department of Education.  Her overall responsibilities include preparing and conducting teacher training, with an emphasis on access to grade-specific academic content, communicative competence and indicators for successful post-school outcomes. She relies on her 19 years teaching experience in her work.

Patti Logsdon, MA, works at the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute, where she has been involved in projects focusing on peer support/peer relationships, communication, and augmentative and alternative communication, inclusion, mental health and integrated employment for people with significant disabilities. As the mom of a young adult son with autism, Patti is very passionate about meaningful inclusion for people with disabilities.

Kellie Lozano MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist specializing in infant and pediatric feeding disorders. She currently works at the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital where she enjoys serving patients in their level IV newborn intensive care unit. She also works in the aerodigestive clinic alongside University of Kentucky’s very specialized pediatric ear, nose and throat, where she performs flexible endoscopic evaluations and feeding evaluations on patients with airway involvement. Her special interests include aerodigestive anomalies and complex feeding issues in tiny babies. Kellie earned her master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Kentucky in 2012. She has taught pediatric feeding courses at the master’s level and frequently serves as a clinical supervisor for aspiring feeding therapists.

Ann Marie Luaire, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist at Baptist Health Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky. She obtained her undergraduate degrees in biology and German at Transylvania University and her master’s degree at Vanderbilt University. She specializes in evaluation and treatment of neurogenic speech, language, cognitive and swallow disorders in adults. She has experience working in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient settings. She is proficient in modified barium swallow studies (MBSS) and has certification in flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). She is certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT).

Jennifer Lutes, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist who has worked across several medical settings for eight years. She obtained her master’s degree from University of Louisville. She has worked at University of Louisville Hospital as an acute inpatient and outpatient speech-language pathologist. She holds a variety of certifications and skill sets including VitalStim, flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, NIH Stroke Scale, BLS and tracheoesophageal prosthesis modification. She is currently a member of the Head and Neck Cancer multidisciplinary team at the Brown Cancer Center. Jen’s passion is providing communication and swallowing rehabilitation to cancer survivors. She is skilled in total laryngectomy care from pre-op to outpatient. She has hosted and facilitated the local Laryngectomee Community Group and provided in services to a variety of professionals regarding head and neck cancer care. Jen is also enthusiastic about educating. She has a clinical faculty-gratis appointment from University of Louisville’s Communication Disorders graduate program and frequently serves as a graduate student preceptor. Jen’s research interests include dysphagia in the head and neck cancer and pulmonary/critical care populations. She is a board member for the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

Erin Lynch, PhD, AuD, is a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. She received her doctorate as well as clinical doctor of audiology from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Her current work investigates connections between capacity limitations of cognitive mechanisms such as working memory, attentional demands of listening scenarios and instances of auditory distraction.

Katherine Maddy, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an employee of UK Healthcare.

Sue Mahanna-Boden, PhD, CCC-SLP, earned her undergraduate degree in communicative disorders and sciences from the University of Kansas, her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Phillips University and her doctoral degree in communicative disorders and sciences at Wichita State University. While teaching in higher education at Eastern Kentucky University, her specialty areas included voice disorders, craniofacial syndromes and clinical education. Upon retirement, Dr. Mahanna-Boden enjoys time with her family and volunteering for various organizations.

Jamie Maxwell, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Disorders at Marshall University. She received both her master’s degree in speech-language pathology and her doctorate in applied language and speech sciences at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her research interests include application of qualitative methodologies to the study of social action in language and literacy learning and fluency disorders.

Marisha Mets, MS, CCC-SLP, earned her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Washington. She has worked as a school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP) and shares therapy ideas and resources on her blog (SLP Now). Marisha also developed a membership for SLPs that includes digital tools and resources to streamline evidence-based therapy.

Peter Meulenbroek, PhD, CCC-SLP, earned his doctoral degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and completed his postdoctoral training in clinical investigation at the Northwestern Medical School. He is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and director of the Social Communication and Cognitive Abilities (SCCA) Laboratory at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Meulenbroek has 20 years of experience with the adult population with cognitive-communication disorders. His research interests include characterizing clinical communication targets in the workplace, developing clinical assessments of social communication and reading deficits in persons with acquired brain injury.

Shae Morgan, PhD, AuD, joined the faculty in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Communicative Disorders in 2018.  He graduated from the University of Utah where he earned both his doctorate in speech-language pathology and audiology, and his doctor of audiology. Dr. Morgan teaches coursework in cochlear implants and other implantable devices, medical audiology and acoustics.  His research focuses on how hearing impacts social judgments we make of others (e.g., assessing someone’s emotional state, confidence, gender, etc. based on what we hear). Additionally, he is interested in clinical audiology innovation (clinical audiology simulation, automated audiometry, new treatments for otitis media, etc.). His clinical interests include vestibular testing, intraoperative nerve monitoring and cochlear implantation.

Christina Noel, PhD, is an associate professor in the School of Teacher Education at Western Kentucky University.  Her research interest are in behavioral interventions for students with autism spectrum disorder, positive behavior intervention supports, improving social skills for students with low incidence disabilities and national and international inclusion policies.  She is a board certified behavior analyst who obtained her doctorate from Vanderbilt University.  She and her husband live in rural Tennessee and have two young sons whom they adore.

Younghee Oh, PhD, joined the faculty in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Communicative Disorders in 2022. He graduated from The Ohio State University where he earned both his master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering and his doctorate in speech and hearing sciences. He also completed his postdoctoral training at the Oregon Hearing Research Center (OHRC), Oregon Health & Science University and at the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR), Portland VA Medical Center (under Dr. Lina Reiss and Dr. Frederick Gallun). Dr. Oh’s research is focused on asking how hearing loss affects auditory function and speech processing. His current studies are conducted using human subjects (healthy, normal-hearing participants and patients with hearing impairment and/or other sensory deficits) and computational model-based approaches using artificial intelligence techniques such as blind source segregation.

Christen Page, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor for the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at the University of Kentucky. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist with expertise in dementia and aphasia rehabilitation.  Her research interests and publications include interprofessional education as well as quality of life for residents in long-term care.

Judith L. Page, PhD, CCC-SLP, F-ASHA, FNAP, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders at the University of Kentucky has focused extensively on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention strategies for persons with multiple/severe disabilities and complex communication needs. Dr. Page has been active in professional service and advocacy at the state and national levels. She is currently a co-principal investigator for a statewide project that provides support to teams working with students with severe disabilities and AAC needs and principal investigator or a federal program that trains speech-language pathologists and special educators to work collaboratively to address communication needs of students with complex communication needs.

Phuong Lien Palafox, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Vietnamese Chinese bilingual speech-language pathologist, author and advocate.  Currently, her time is spent serving clients and their families, speech-language pathologists and educators across the United States. Her work has been featured in various publications including the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and content for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. With a foundation of evidence-based and human-centered practices, she is continually invested in cultural responsiveness, advocacy, narrative-based interventions and the mental health of educators.  She is the author of The Heartbeat of Speech-Language Pathology.  Attendees leave her presentations and storytelling feeling validated, refueled and re-engaged to fuel their meaningful work.

Jenna Panther, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is a speech-language pathologist practicing at Frazier Rehab Institute in inpatient rehabilitation. She primarily works with adults with acquired brain injury. She is passionate about working with patients with disorders of consciousness. Jenna has obtained certified brain injury specialist status. She earned a master’s in arts in speech-language pathology from Indiana University in 2019. Prior to becoming a speech-language pathologist, Jenna worked in the performing arts and holds a master of arts from The National Theatre Conservatory in Denver, Colorado.

Erica Person, AuD, CCC-A, has been a private practice owner since 2005.  She currently specializes in hearing aids, tinnitus management and vestibular neurodiagnostic.  She services both adults and pediatrics, while operating in an unbundled service delivery model.  Dr. Person is the host of The Unbundled Audiologist podcast as well as the creator of the unbundled audiology course.  She serves as the current VP of Audiology for the Indiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  Her greatest accomplishment is creating a life where she can serve others while still spending quality time with her husband and two small children.

Tammy Pierce, MA, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky.  She serves as the ECE Supervisor of Communication Disorders.

Katja Piscitelli, MS, CCC-SLP, is the owner of the private practice, Total Spectrum Speech Therapy Inc. Katja specializes in working with autistic students/gestalt language learners, and has found a passion in educating others about this unique language learning style. Katja has been working as a speech-language pathologist since 2020. In her free time, she enjoys lifting weights, traveling and tending to her house plants.

Lauren Pollock, AuD, FAAA, received her bachelor of science degree in communication disorders from the University of Kentucky and obtained her doctor of audiology degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine.  Additional training in tinnitus management was completed to become Tinnitus Retaining Theory (TRT) certified, as well as a certificate holder in tinnitus management (CH-TM) with the American Board of Audiology. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. Pollock holds an audiology license in the state of Kentucky.

Jo Puntil, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC, is an ASHA Fellow, past chair of CFCC and board-certified specialist in swallowing. She has specialized in managing intensive care unit patients with dysphagia/communicative disorders for more than 35 years. She has extensive experience in lecturing nationally and developing interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams throughout her career.

Travis Riffle, PhD, AuD, CCC-A, is a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. He received both his Doctor of Audiology and doctorate degrees from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Michigan Kresge Hearing Research Institute in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His research interests are in cognitive hearing science, with topics including attention, memory, cognition, distraction and tinnitus.

Jade Robinson, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor in communication sciences and disorders at Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. Robinson received her doctorate in communication disorders from Florida State University. She is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. Her primary clinical research interests include early intervention and caregiver-implemented strategies that facilitate language development. She teaches a variety of courses, including language development, language assessment, diagnostics in communication disorders, school-based services and augmentative and alternative communication.

Casey Rutledge Roof, AuD, CCC-A, is an educational audiologist at Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky. She teaches a lab course for cochlear implant technology as well as practice management at the University of Louisville where she holds an adjunct professor position. She performs part-time clinical work at Eastpoint Audiology in Louisville, Kentucky, doing cochlear implant evaluations and MAPping, hearing evaluations and device fittings, as well as vestibular diagnostics. She is a past president of the Kentucky Academy of Audiology and was a part of the team that reached advocacy goals of passing single licensure status for audiologists in 2022. She holds a position on the Kentucky Speech Pathology and Audiology licensure board and is one of ten state delegates for audiology in the country that are helping create the framework for the audiology and speech pathology interstate compact (ASLP-IC). She was part of the initial campaign to request Medicaid coverage for audiology services for recipients over the age of 21 years old and coverage was expanded for Kentucky Medicaid policyholders in 2021. Dr. Rutledge Roof was awarded the first-ever Angela Morris Award for her contributions to the field in 2019 by the Kentucky Academy of Audiology. She is an active member of the parent-teacher organization where two of her three children currently attend school and is the St. Rita Kindergarten basketball coach. She recently located to Shepherdsville, Kentucky and is a proud mom to Rowan, Hudson and Garvey.

Kelly Rutherford EdD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Specialized areas of teaching and practice include acquired communication disorders and swallowing disorders. Other interests include leadership in communication science disorders and higher education, as well as, interdisciplinary care management.

Janine Schmedding-Bartley, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Kentucky. She has expertise in early identification of children on the autism spectrum and early caregiver-implemented interventions for young autistic children. Her research focuses on developing the capacity of clinicians to identify and support autistic individuals, pre-professional clinical training and diversity, equity and inclusion issues in communication sciences disorders.

Jennifer Shinn, PhD, CCC-A, F-AAA, is the chief of audiology, professor and director of newborn hearing at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in the Department of Otolaryngology. Dr. Shinn received her doctorate from the University of Connecticut. She has broad experience in a variety of areas of audiology with particular emphasis on neuroaudiology as well as hearing healthcare disparities. She is frequently invited to lecture on various topics related to the evaluation and management of auditory processing disorders across the country. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles as well as book chapters in this area. Her presentation record in these areas includes state, national and international meetings.

Raley Smarr, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in pediatric feeding disorders. Raley received a bachelor of science in communication disorders at Murray State University and a master of science in communication sciences and disorders at the University of Kentucky. She currently works pro re nata (PRN) at the University of Kentucky, both inpatient at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital and outpatient at the speech language pathology clinic, as well as outpatient at Horn and Associates in rehabilitation. Raley is a sequential oral sensory trained feeding therapist, and a member of National Association of Neonatal Therapists who has a special interest in assisting infants, children and their families in navigating treatment for pediatric feeding disorders.

Alan F. Smith, EdD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor of Speech-Language Pathology, the Speech-Language Pathology Program Director, and the Division Chief of Communicative Disorders at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Smith is also the current President of the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association. He received a bachelor’s in speech-language pathology from Western Kentucky University, an master’s in communicative disorders from the University of Louisville, and an EdD in educational leadership from Liberty University. He balances his time between administration, teaching, advising, mentoring student research and elected clinical responsibilities. His research interests center on neurogenic communication disorders as well as the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL).

Dala Sparks, MS, CCC-SLP, has 15 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist in various fields including healthcare, early intervention and currently the public school setting. Dala has a passion for collaboration, opportunities for new learning, and providing therapy in fun and exciting ways. In her time in the public-school setting, she has worked with Arts for All of Kentucky to gain inclusion grants and facilitate student centered activities via collaboration with special educators and regular education teachers. On a personal note, Dala believes kindness is contagious and so is a smile. These two simple things will keep your students saying please take me to speech!

Mary Starks, MS, CCC-SLP, completed her master’s degree at Murray State University in 2014.  She is currently serving preschool age students in the school setting.  Mary serves as the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA) publications chair and serves as a member of KSHA’s social media team since 2019. She was a part of KSHA’s iKAN (Kentucky Advocacy Network) cohort in 2019. As a part of the iKAN cohort, she learned essential skills to be able to advocate for ourselves and the profession at the local, state and national level. In 2022, Mary was awarded KSHA’s Johanna B. Hancock Award.

Scarlett Staton, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of speech, swallowing and cognition for patients with neurological disorders and diseases including Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, dystonia, essential tremor, brain tumor, stroke and dementias within the context of outpatient rehabilitation. Scarlett has a master of science in communication disorders from the University of Louisville. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds specialty certifications in SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd and DINES/VitalStim. Additionally, Scarlett serves as the evaluating speech-language pathologist for Norton Neuroscience Institute’s Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic. Her areas of focus for treatment include dysarthria, aphasia, cognition, dysphagia, augmentative and alternative communication, and voice. Areas of special interest include Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and brain tumor patient populations.

Nancy Steele is an Educational Consultant, with expertise in children with significant disabilities. She is currently working on Communication Matrix Intervention Modules with colleagues in West Virginia. She was a project specialist for the National Center on Deaf-Blindness for 14 years. She served as the lead on the Literacy Initiative, which included development of the website, All Children Can Read. She also worked on the Open Hands, Open Access Intervener Modules. Prior to that, she taught deaf and deaf-blind children in Kentucky for 17 years. Her interests include hiking and playing with her grandchildren.

Lori Stewart Gonzalez, PhD, CCC-SLP, serves as the executive vice president and university provost for the University of Louisville. Dr. Gonzalez received her bachelor of arts degree the University of Kentucky in speech-pathology and audiology.  She received a master of arts degree in communication disorders from Eastern Kentucky University and a doctorate in communication disorders from the University of Florida.  She began her academic career at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1988.  In 1991, she returned to the University of Kentucky as an assistant professor in the communication sciences and disorders program.  She spent twenty years at the university where she served on the faculty, moving from assistant to professor and served as associate dean of academic affairs. In 2005, she was appointed University of Kentucky’s third dean of the College of Health Sciences serving in that capacity for seven years.  She served as provost and executive vice chancellor for three years beginning in 2011 at Appalachian State University and as special advisor to the senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina General Administration, the North Carolina public higher education authority during the 2015 academic year.  From 2015 until the spring of 2021, she served as the vice chancellor for academic, faculty and student affairs at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Gonzalez moved into the provost role at the University of Louisville in April 2021.

Debra Suiter, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is director of the Voice and Swallow Clinic and professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Kentucky. Her research and clinical work focus on the assessment and treatment of adults with swallowing disorders. She is a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders.

Todd Terry, MEd, is a 1995 graduate of Murray State University with a bachelor of arts degree in music with emphasis in vocal pedagogy. He later earned a master of arts in teaching degree from Murray State, World Music Drumming certification at Murray State and Orff-Schulwerk certification at the University of Kentucky. Todd’s 26 years in the music classroom include two years teaching K-5 general music at Meadow Mountain Elementary in Vail, Colorado, 15 years teaching middle school general music, choir, rock band and musical theater at Sayre School in Lexington and he is in his ninth year teaching K-5 general music at East Calloway Elementary school. In addition to teaching music at East Calloway, Todd has taught leveled reading flex groups at every grade level and initiated a two-year program called Little Laker Music Makers’ where he taught language-rich music lessons to the Calloway County Preschool. Todd received Sayre School’s Short Award for Teaching Excellence in 2001 and the Sayre Board of Trustees teaching award in 2004. Todd has been a member of Kentucky Music Educators’ Association for 25 years and was named KMEA First District Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2020. Todd is currently serving as the KMEA District 1 Elementary treasurer, Quad-State Orff treasurer and KEA building representative.

Beth Thompson, OTR/L, CBIST, earned her undergraduate degree in occupational science from Eastern Kentucky University in 2006 and master’s in occupational therapy from Eastern Kentucky University in 2008. She has been practicing occupational therapy at Frazier Rehab for 14 years and has been the lead occupational therapist for the past two years. She was awarded the Employee of the Year of KentuckyOne Health and Frazier Rehab in 2018. Beth has spent most of her career working with the stroke and acquired brain injury populations and has a passion for those with a disorder of consciousness. She has been a certified brain injury specialist for 11 years and a certified brain injury specialist trainer for the last five of those years.

Brittany Toney, MA, CCC-SLP, worked in the private sector as a licensed speech-language pathologist, providing therapy to a wide range of pediatric clients, including individuals with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder prior to joining PRC-Saltillo in December of 2019. She has developed a passion for working with individuals who require the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to communicate and interact with others. Brittany enjoys training and supporting clients, families and other professionals in ensuring communication success for all individuals across the lifespan.

Jennifer Van Dyke, RD, LD, CNSC, is the clinical nutrition manager for UofL Health Jewish Hospital and UofL Health Frazier Rehabilitation Institute.  A graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor’s in dietetics, Jennifer completed her dietetic internship with the University of Kentucky.  Jennifer started out with a focus on sports nutrition but transitioned to the inpatient clinical nutrition world due to the similarities.  While the cause of the injury is different, whether it be sport or disease, nutrition plays a vital role in the recovery process.

Sara Vank, MS, CCC-SLP, has been a speech-language pathologist for more than 10 years and primarily works with First Steps in Kentucky through the KTL agency and in the Cincinnati Public School District (CPS). She was formerly the CPS augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) coordinator but went part-time to work with birth to three in her home state. Sara believes that every person with a disability has a valued experience to share with their community and communication is the bridge. Sara primarily works with children with significant disabilities, AAC and social justice work focusing on rewriting the narrative of disability.

Robyn Wahl, MS, CCC-SLP, is the clinic director of the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at Eastern Kentucky University.  As a speech-language pathologist, she has nearly 20 years of clinical experience with children and adults and has supervised undergraduate and graduate students across multiple settings.  She serves as the Eastern Kentucky University NSSLHA advisor and is the 2022-2023 President-Elect of the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Allison Webb Brown, MS, CCC-SLP, is a school-based speech-language pathologist from Louisa, Kentucky. After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 2017, she began her career as a speech-language pathology assistant while completing her master’s degree via Western Kentucky University’s online cohort. As a former speech kid herself, Allison has a passion for working with children and meeting their unique needs within a rural setting. She currently serves as secretary for the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Thomas Webber, Jr., JD, is the Co-Founder/Chairman-CEO of Super Duper Publications, creator and publisher of the HearBuilder® Online Foundational Literacy Program and the Super Duper® Digital Library, which are referenced in his presentation. He is a 1975 graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor of arts in American studies, and a 1981 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Juris Doctor degree. He had his own law practice from 1982-1997, specializing in small business and real estate law. Thomas is Chairman/CEO of Super Duper Publications with Sharon Webber as president. For 36 years, he and Sharon have created over 1,800 unique hands-on educational materials and assessments for speech-language pathologists, special educators, teachers, and parents. Thomas has been the author of a number of these products and an editor on all of them. For 30 years, they have also donated millions of dollars of Super Duper materials to over 250 master’s level speech-language pathology programs the University Partner Program – UPP – to over 250 speech-language pathology master’s level programs throughout the world. Mr. Webber is very active in the international charitable organization with food for the Poor, which helps those in need in Central and South America/Caribbean. Thomas and Sharon have six wonderful children.

Justin White, MA, CCC-SLP, is fourth-year medical student and speech-language pathologist who began working at the Louisville Center for Voice Care in 2016. Justin received his bachelor’s in science from Northwestern University and completed his masters in speech-language pathology at the University of Iowa. As a graduate student, he received specialized training in voice disorders, completing internships at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Voice Center and the Blaine Block Institute for Voice Analysis and Rehabilitation in Dayton, Ohio.  He has been published in The Journal of Voice and in the Voice and Speech Review.

Tammy Wigginton MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, earned her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky in 1991. She is a member of the Dysphagia Research Society and a board-certified specialist in swallowing disorders. Tammy is a speech-language pathologist in the University of Kentucky Voice and Swallow Clinic. Most of her clinical time is spent at Markey Cancer Center in the Head, Neck and Respiratory Clinic evaluating and treating individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties related to head and neck cancer.

Jessica Wilmore, MS, CCC-SLP, graduated from the University of Kentucky with her master’s in communication sciences and disorders in 2014. She has worked in skilled nursing facilities/long-term care, outpatient clinic and acute care hospitals, as a speech-language pathologist and a director of rehabilitation. She currently works as a skilled inpatient care coordinator with Navihealth. Jessica has received two ASHA ACE Awards, has been LSVT LOUD certified, MBSimp certified, a certified dementia practitioner and has supervised many graduate students in clinical placement.

Kresta Wilson, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and private practice owner in Lexington, Kentucky. She earned her master of science degree from the University of Kentucky. Kresta has 14 years of experience in early intervention and nine years in private practice specializing in feeding disorders. She believes no child should be denied services due to inability to pay and co-founded a non-profit called Lexington Elevating Abilities Foundation (LEAF) to help support families across the state of Kentucky.

Kate Wood Hall is the lobbyist for the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  She has worked in Kentucky politics and government for more than 12 years and has been a member of the Commonwealth Alliances team for over two years. Prior to joining Commonwealth Alliances, she served as former Governor Steve Beshear’s Legislative Liaison and Director of the Governor’s Office of Legislative Services. During her time in this position, she was the Governor’s senior advisor on issues relating to the legislature and state legislation and worked on key policy achievements including curbing prescription drug abuse, raising Kentucky’s dropout age to 18 and addressing state government’s pension crisis. She also actively worked with the Governor and other members of his senior staff and Cabinet Officials on policy development and strategic decision making.

Janice Wright, MA, CCC-SLP, is an assistant clinical professor at Ohio University. She is the director of clinical education for the speech pathology program. Janice is one of the directors for the School of Rehabilitation and Communications Sciences and Disorders Interprofessional Study Abroad program in Botswana, Africa. She supervises students in providing evaluation and intervention for children with feeding disorders. Janice is a certified trainer in Mental Health First Aid; Bridges out of Poverty; Not a Single Drop; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Ohio Violence Prevention Program.  In addition, she is a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee for the Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a former CAA site visitor. Janice has presented on the topics of supervision, interprofessional education and practice, trauma and diversity, and inclusion in the United States, Taiwan and Africa.

David Yeager is currently an audiology student at the University of Louisville working under Dr. Lynzee Cornell at the Lee Specialty Clinic in Louisville, Kentucky.