I
am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders
at Governors State University. As a licensed and certified
speech-language pathologist (SLP), the majority of my clinical
experiences have been as a medical SLP. My clinical focus has centered
around medically complex populations: neurodegenerative diseases, trach
and vent dependent patients, and head and neck cancer.
My background as a practicing medical SLP
has shaped my current research that is clinically driven,
collaborative, and interdisciplinary in nature. I prioritize involving
undergraduate and graduate students in my research to promote their
interest and exposure to clinical research and interdisciplinary
collaboration. I enjoy mentoring undergraduate and graduate research
projects. My research interests include interdisciplinary dysphagia
management, interprofessional education and curriculum implementation,
and ethical clinical decision-making.
My
clinical research and outreach endeavors are founded in serving my
community: I grew up and currently live in the southwest Chicago
suburbs. Professionally, I enjoy volunteering for the Illinois
Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ISHA). I am currently the Vice
President for the Division of Professional & Consumer Communication
and I am a member of the Ethics Education Committee. I also volunteer
for the Oral Cancer Foundation.
Frequently Taught Courses:
CDIS 7200: Voice & Resonance Disorders
CDIS 7700: Motor Speech Disorders: Differential Diagnosis & Treatment
CDIS 7800: Dysphagia in Adults & Children
CDIS 8200: Foundations of Clinical Practice
CDIS 8900: Graduate Thesis Project