Mission
To inspire joy and fearlessness by bringing the power of listening, speaking, reading, and writing to ALL students.
About Me
I am a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Central Michigan University. I am also a Fellow of ASHA and a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language. My professional passion is to bring the power of listening, speaking, reading, & writing to ALL students, especially those with complex learning needs (CLN). My expertise is in literacy assessment and instruction, with a special emphasis on writing, especially for those who use AAC.
Make an Impact
I believe it is critical that instruction and interventions for students with Complex Learning Needs (CLN) be driven by science so that we optimize language and literacy outcomes. My dream is that students with CLN will get access to best practices of literacy instruction, every day, from the first moment they enter school. The following thoughts anchor my thinking during each moment in a classroom. My hope is that they will anchor yours as well -
defy old assumptions and embrace new perspectives from research
challenge students and keep them safe
be fearless and create students who are fearless
AND, most importantly, be joyful!
Areas of Specialization
· Students with Complex Learning and Communication Needs
· Formative and Summative Literacy Assessments
· Science-Based Literacy Instruction
· Augmentative and Alternative Communication