Education & Experience

I have been a speech language pathologist for over 13 years, specializing in infant and pediatric feeding development. I received my bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and sciences as well as psychology from the University of Oregon. I went on to receive my Master’s degree in communication disorders and sciences from Tennessee State University.  I hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech and Hearing Association and I am a three time recipient of the Award for Continuing Education, which recognizes “professionals who have demonstrated their commitment to lifelong learning earning a minimum of 70 professional development hours within a 36-month period.” I will always consider myself a lifelong learner and take any opportunity I can to advance my knowledge and skills in order to better serve my families and clients.

I started working in the NICU 12 years ago on a consultative basis, however because of my passion and knowledge of neurodevelopment, importance of early intervention and protecting the developing brain, I began advocating for a full time therapy team, which led to my full time position in 2016. I was the fourth speech language pathologist in the state of Oregon to receive the Neonatal Therapy Certification. I have worked in both the inpatient and outpatient settings focusing on pediatric speech and language disorders, feeding disorders and dysphagia. I have participated in educating professionals, including doctors and nurses, on feeding skill development, tongue tie assessment and management and how to best support infants demonstrating difficulties with feeding progression. In addition, I guest lecture at the University of Oregon on embryology, feeding development in infancy and the role of the speech-language pathologist in the NICU. I have also mentored and supervised speech language pathology assistants and students.

I am a licensed speech-language pathologist in the state of Oregon, a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association as well as the National Association of Neonatal Therapy.

I am a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and working towards becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Counselor (IBCLC).  I have taken courses and received specialized training in pediatric feeding disorders, including the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding and Feed the Peds. I am also passionate about accurate assessment and management of tethered oral tissues (tongue and lip tie) and their impact on feeding and speech development. Additionally, I am excited to be expanding my knowledge in orofacial myology treating orofacial myofunctional disorders in order to better serve my clients and community.