What area do you teach?

Normal Language Development, Articulation and Phonology, Language and Culture of the Deaf and Clinical Practicum

Education/Degree(s)

MA, Communication Disorders, Southeast Missouri State University
BS, Communication Science Disorders, Missouri State University
Graduate Certificate for the Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Missouri State University

What is your philosophy of teaching?

Classroom experiences should integrate real-life clinical experiences with course content. It is my responsibility as an educator to deliver information in an engaging manner, meeting the needs and learning styles of each student in the classroom. As a clinical supervisor, my role is to encourage and guide clinicians to pursue evidence-based, person-centered care. Pushing students to develop strong critical thinking skills establishes a strong foundation to serve as an effective speech-language pathologist.

Why did you decide to teach?

Early in my career, I worked as a speech-language pathologist in both outpatient and educational settings (Early Childhood Special Education and K-12). I had the opportunity to teach in an adjunct capacity at Southeast while still working in the schools, supervising a graduate student in their clinical externship. These opportunities and experiences were invaluable to me. I found myself in love with teaching, mentoring, and guiding other students and young clinicians. I enjoy the challenge of presenting information in an engaging manner, meeting the needs of students with diverse learning styles. Students in our undergraduate and graduate programs are the future of our field and I am honored to be a part of their journey towards giving others a voice.

Credentials/Career Path

• Certificate of Clinical Competence, American Speech-Language Hearing Association
• State Licensure, Missouri Board of Healing Arts

Professional Highlight

Seeing the success of students upon entering the field of speech-language pathology

Awards/Honors/Recognitions

• College of Education, Health & Human Studies Award for Teaching Nominee

Organizations with which you are involved

• American Speech-Language Hearing Association

Best Advice for Students

Don't give up if things don't go as planned. Sometimes the bumps in the road lead you down a path you might not have considered exploring!