ABOUT ME
I am a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist with over 20years of experience serving children and families on their journey to connection and communication. I have a passion for supporting communicators with the most complex needs and in meeting families where they are. Over the past 10 years. I have expanded my skills beyond clinical work to include curriculum development and teaching for higher education and professional learning organizations. My most recent professional projects stem from my core values, aiming to reduce the barriers to communication access for individuals who rely on the support of technology to effectively participate in their lives. Being a person living with a disability myself, I understand firsthand the life-changing impact afforded by appropriate and accessible technology and support services. Through service, innovation, and collaboration, I aim to make a lasting positive impact on children, individuals, and families living and thriving with disability.
MY COACHING APPROACH
As an AAC and child development coach, I believe that communication begins with connection—and that every child deserves the chance to be heard, understood, and celebrated. I specialize in supporting families of children with complex communication needs who may be struggling to find meaningful success with AAC systems. My approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and the understanding that effective communication is built on a strong foundation of social-emotional connection.
With over 20 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist and national presenter, I bring a wealth of clinical and coaching expertise to each family I serve. I partner with families to uncover their child’s unique strengths and needs, helping them nurture emotional regulation, shared engagement, and joyful interaction—key foundations for successful AAC use.
My work goes beyond the device. I support the whole family within the whole system—helping caregivers navigate care coordination, align goals across educational and therapeutic teams, and advocate effectively in IEP development and implementation. My doctoral training allows me to integrate a mental health-informed lens, ensuring that our work honors the emotional well-being of every family member.
Whether you are just beginning your AAC journey or feeling stuck with tools that don’t seem to be working, I’m here to walk alongside you—to listen, collaborate, and create a path toward authentic, fulfilling communication that fits your family’s life.
SERVICES
How can I help you on your AAC journey?
Coaching
I offer AAC mentoring for professionals & coaching for families.
Consulting
I support organizations and school districts to build AAC capacity.
Speaking
Book me for an online or onsite AAC-related speaking engagement or training.
BOOK ME
Reach out here for a free, initial consultation on one of my services.
You can also inquire about my services via my social links below.
EXPERIENCE
AAC CONSULTANT & FAMILY COACH
September, 2015 - present
I offer online consultations, coaching, and tutoring related to child development, parenting, early childhood education, academic success, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). I also help families build collaboration between their team members and navigate the complexities of education and care for their children.
NONPROFIT DIRECTOR, AACCESSIBLE FOUNDATION
September, 2020 - present
I serve as the founding director of AACcessiible Foundation, a nonprofit with the mission to bring quality professional education on AAC to professionals and to reduce technology and service barriers for children and families. I drive foundation mission, manage day-to-day and project development, and produce learning and marketing content.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
November 2024- Present
I work with an incredible research team at the Marsico Institute for Early Learning to improve inclusive early education for children of all abilities.
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
June 2022 - March 2024
I served as a graduate level clinical instructor for the speech and hearing sciences department, I also created and delivered the didactic coursework for the pediatric sections of the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) course taken by all first year students in the program.
DOMAIN SPECIALIST FOR PRODUCT DESIGN,
GOALLY
January 2022 - January 2023
At this progressive assistive tech startup, my main roles included UX design collaboration, content creation, domain expertise consulting, product development planning and execution, and marketing assistance. I contributed to products aimed to support neurodiverse individuals and their families, including educational apps designed to teach language, self-care, and social skills.
ASSISTANT TEACHING PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
September 2018 - December 2021
I was a clinical instructor for pediatric assessment and intervention practicum coursework in the Speech and Hearing Sciences Department at the University of Washington. NSSHLA co-chair, Admissions committee member.
CONTINUING EDUCATION SPECIALIST, SLP, UW AUTISM CENTER
July 2017 - September 2018
Speech-language pathologist on a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and behavior professionals supporting children at the University of Washington Autism Center. Provided assessment and treatment services, consulted with local school districts, offered professional and caregiver trainings related to supporting communication skills development through the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). I supervised SLP interns and clinical fellows, mentored junior clinicians.
AAC CONSULTANT & EI SLP, NW ABA DEVELOPMENT CENTER
September 2015 - July 2017
Speech, language, and augmentative communication consultant for a team of behavior professionals at Northwest ABA Development Center, supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in an intensive academic and therapy classroom.
EARLY INTERVENTIONIST, BIRTH TO THREE DEVELOPMENT CENTER
September 2015 - July 2017
Participated in team evaluations in an early intervention setting (Birth to Three Development Center) to assess the speech, language, and related skills of young children, birth through three years. I also provided consultations for the team regarding children with augmentative communication needs.
SITE LEAD, SLP, CHILDREN'S THERAPY CENTER
January 2012 - September 2015
Managed a multidisciplinary team of therapists and administrative staff at a large, nonprofit therapy clinic (Children's Therapy Center). I also maintained a part-time caseload serving children birth through adolescence. I participated in project development and mission related work with the organization administration team. I supervised SLP interns and clinical fellows, and mentored junior clinicians.
SLP & EARLY LEARNING TEACHER, PEDIATRIC THERAPY ASSOCIATES
February 2008 - October 2011
Provided assessment and intervention for children across speech and language domains in a private practice setting (Pediatric Therapy Associates). I also provided intensive therapy services for international patients and was lead teacher of a developmental preschool classroom for children with complex communication needs. I assisted with program development and supervision of interns/clinical fellows.
SLP INTERN, BROWARD GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER
SLP INTERN, DAN MARINO AUTISM CENTER OF MIAMI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
July 2007 - October 2007
March 2007- June 2007
Intern in speech-language pathology at Broward General Medical Center, supporting children and adults across inpatient, ICU, and NICU settings under direct supervision. Performed MBS and tach/vent services. Assisted in feeding support in NICU and PICU.
2004 - 2007
2004 - 2007
MS, NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
MS, NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Assessment and treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder as an SLP intern at the Miami Children's Hospital Dan Marino Center.
Obtained a Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Specialized coursework and clinical experiences included augmentative communication with children and adults, voice and resonance evaluations and treatment, participation on a cleft-craniofacial team. Presented as a student clinician on topics related to cleft-craniofacial and AAC at local professional conferences. Other roles included NSSLHA president, student honors recipient, and a graduate assistantship in the AAC/AT lab with Dr. Carole Zangari.
Obtained a Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Specialized coursework and clinical experiences included augmentative communication with children and adults, voice and resonance evaluations and treatment, participation on a cleft-craniofacial team. Presented as a student clinician on topics related to cleft-craniofacial and AAC at local professional conferences. Other roles included NSSLHA president, student honors recipient, and a graduate assistantship in the AAC/AT lab with Dr. Carole Zangari.
EDUCATION
May 2023 - present
PHD, FIELDING GRADUATE UNIVERSITY
I am currently a doctoral candidate in Infant and Early Childhood Development with a focus on infant mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders. My program of study also includes a concentration in reflective practice and supervision. My dissertation focuses on understanding the role of parental reflective functioning in the communication and social-emotional development of young, non-speaking children with neurodevelopmental differences.
2023- 2024
MA, FIELDING GRADUATE UNIVERSITY
Obtained a pathway Master of Arts Degree in. Infant and Early Childhood Development with a focus on Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health and Developmental Disorders. Coursework included theory, practice, and research methodology pertaining to infant and early childhood development, social-emotional development, mental health, family systems, developmental disabilities, quantitative research design, and statistics.
2004 - 2007
MS, NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Obtained a Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Specialized coursework and clinical experiences included augmentative communication with children and adults, voice and resonance evaluations and treatment, participation on a cleft-craniofacial team. Presented as a student clinician on topics related to cleft-craniofacial and AAC at local professional conferences. Other roles included NSSLHA president, student honors recipient, and a graduate assistantship in the AAC/AT lab with Dr. Carole Zangari.
2002 - 2004
BS, NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Applied Professional Studies. Member of the Alpha Chai Honors Society.
2000 - 2002
AA, BROWARD COLLEGE
Obtained an Associate of Arts degree in Biology as a Florida Bright Future's Scholar.
LICENSURE
WA
WA State SLP License
CO
CO State SLP License
NY
NY State SLP License
GA
GA State SLP License
ASHA
ASHA CCC - SLP
CERTIFICATIONS
2023
Completed the AT Consultant Training Program at the University of Colorado Denver (Center for Inclusive Design & Engineering) through their Tech for Tykes Program.
2016
Hanen
Completed a three day Hanen Trainer workshop for Hanen's "It Takes Two to Talk" program.
2013
CVI Range
Completed a three-day training retreat on the CVI Range with Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy.
2017
TouchChat Trainer
Completed the PRC-Saltillo TouchChat Trainer certification.
2015
PODD
Completed a three day PODD workshop with Linda Burkhart.
2011
LAMP
Completed a two day training on the LAMP Approach, hosted by the Center for AAC and Autism.
MEMBERSHIPS
SKILLS
TEACHING
Curriculum design and instruction for higher education and professional development via traditional and virtual formats.
DEVELOPMENT
Curriculum and program development for education and therapeutic goals using UDL, DIR, and other evidence-based, neuroscience-rooted approaches.
COACHING
Offering reflective supervision to professionals and coaching to families supporting individuals with complex communication needs.
LEADERSHIP
Leading clinical, education, and business teams in socially-focused, sustainable, and innovative projects.
ADVOCACY
Special education navigation, family advocacy, and research, policy, and practice aimed at improving opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.
INTERESTS
AAC & AT
Direct service and consultation to optimize participation for individuals with disabilities through augmentative communication and assistive technology.
ASD
Partnering with children on the autism spectrum and their families as they navigate the joys and challenges of their journey.
EI
Contributing to research, policy, and practice to optimize the outcomes of early intervention for children with complex needs.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Contributing to research, policy, and practice to optimize the educational opportunities and outcomes for children with complex learning needs.
DIR
Integrating the bio-psycho-social wisdom of the developmental, individual-differences, relationship-based (DIR) model into my research, policy, and practice.
PRESENTATIONS
Here are a few of my most recent presentations and courses. You can find a complete list of my teaching and training experience below the gallery.
JOIN ME AT ASHA 2024!
PASSION PROJECTS
PODCASTS
Learn about my work on one of these great podcasts.
