When did you start at UMD?
I started working at UMD part-time in 2018 and transitioned to a full-time role in the fall of 2019, coming from a medical system.
Why did you choose to work at UMD?
I chose UMD because of its strong commitment to student-centered education and its supportive community. The opportunity to collaborate with talented colleagues and students, develop innovative programs like the SLPA track, and bring hands-on training in areas like fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videostroboscopy to the classroom and clinic made it an ideal fit for my professional goals.
What do you like most about your job?
What I love most about my job is working with students and seeing them grow into confident, skilled professionals. Whether it's mentoring them in clinical settings, being a supportive role in their research, or helping them develop creative solutions for challenges in the field, their success is incredibly rewarding. I also value the opportunity to create innovative learning experiences, such as gender-affirming voice therapy and AAC training, that prepare students for real-world clinical work.
What is your research or teaching focus?
My work centers on clinical education in speech-language pathology, with a particular emphasis on hands-on training. I am passionate about gender-affirming voice therapy, diagnostic swallowing assessments using FEES, videostroboscopy, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and developing speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) pathways for students. Recently, I have begun exploring how social media can enhance recruitment and retention in communication sciences and disorders programs. Additionally, I am deeply interested in understanding the factors that drive students to choose specific programs and finding ways to enrich their clinical educational experiences.
Do you have any advice for students?
Be curious and embrace every learning opportunity—curiosity is one of your most valuable tools. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re a natural and necessary part of growth. Take ownership of your education by engaging deeply with your coursework, seeking mentorship, and reflecting thoughtfully on your clinical experiences. Build a strong support network of peers, mentors, and colleagues—collaboration will help you go further than you might alone. Finally, approach challenges with resilience and flexibility, as these qualities will serve you well in both your personal and professional life.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy reading, gardening, and swimming. I recently joined the "Learn to Curl" program with my husband at the Duluth Curling Club, which has been a lot of fun. I also have two children, ages 10 and 6, who keep me active with various activities all year long!