Division of Speech-Language Pathology
Discover clinical and research opportunities that deepen knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and foster interprofessional collaboration.
Christina Pelatti, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Division Director
Associate Professor, Rehabilitation Sciences
Dr. Christina Pelatti’s research expertise is in the areas of oral and written language in children, and she is particularly interested in examining factors that impact children with developmental (e.g., Down syndrome, DLD) and acquired (e.g., traumatic brain injury) disorders. Her work is interprofessional in nature, and her goal is to answer questions that are clinically applicable to professionals, children, and their families.
Our Faculty
Jenny Alderson, MS, CCC-SLP
Instructor, Division of Speech-Language Pathology
Lori-Ann Ferraro, Ph.D., MA, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor, Division of Speech-Language Pathology
Director, Clinical Education, MS in Speech-Language Pathology Program
Sabrina Horvath, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Associate Professor, Division of Speech-Language Pathology
Dr. Sabrina Horvath’s research focuses on how children develop language during the preschool years. She is particularly interested in whether children who have or who are at risk for developing language disorder, such as late talkers, use the same strategies to learn language as typically developing toddlers. Long-term, this research will be used to support earlier identification of and more efficacious interventions for children with language disorder.
Kelly Richardson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Associate Professor, Division of Speech-Language Pathology
Dr. Kelly Richardson is an Associate Professor in the Division of Speech-Language Pathology. Her research aims to assess the impact of speech and voice interventions on adults with neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, she seeks to understand the physiologic and psychosocial impact of behavioral and prosthetic treatments on individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Janina Wilmskoetter, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Associate Professor, Division of Speech-Language Pathology
Dr. Janina Wilmskoetter is dedicated to advancing the field of language (aphasia) and swallowing disorders (dysphagia) following brain injury. In her research, she primarily investigates the intricate neuroanatomical foundations of aphasia and dysphagia after strokes, seeking to elucidate the underlying factors contributing to the varying degrees of recovery observed among individuals. Dr. Wilmskoetter’s goal is to pioneer evidence-based, neuroanatomically informed, personalized interventions, with the aim of optimizing recovery outcomes for individuals with a stroke.
Our Staff
Shannon Browning
Program Coordinator
Lauren Dickerson
Assistant Director, Student Services
Student Services Coordinator, MS in Speech-Language Pathology and Doctor of Philosophy in Health & Rehabilitation Science Programs
Programs Supported:
Ph.D. in Health & Rehabilitation Science (Ph.D.)
Speech Language Pathology (SLP)
Our Strategic Plan
Executive Summary
The Division of Speech-Language Pathology Strategic Plan outlines our priorities for advancing excellence in education, clinical practice, research, and community engagement. Developed collaboratively with faculty, students, clinical partners, alumni, and university leadership, the plan aligns with institutional priorities and reflects our commitment to preparing future speech-language pathologists while advancing research and improving the lives of individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.
The plan focuses on four strategic priorities: advancing student learning and clinical education; strengthening research, scholarship, and faculty excellence; expanding partnerships and innovation; and fostering continuous quality improvement.
Measurable objectives and ongoing assessment guide implementation, ensuring accountability and allowing the Division to adapt to the evolving needs of the profession, healthcare systems, and the communities we serve.