Professional Background
Throughout my career, I’ve had amazing opportunities to work with AAC users and their families through my school SLP position, university clinical supervision, private practice, and as a statewide AT/AAC consultant through an IDEA grant. I’ve spent the biggest chunk of my career working in early childhood, setting up AAC systems for young students. Most recently, I’ve transitioned back into a school SLP position working to support AAC users in an inclusive school setting. I love play-based therapy and you can often find me on the floor with a pile of toys around me (and an AAC device, of course!)

Passion for AAC
AAC was not something I was interested in early in my career - however, like so many of us, I was introduced to a potential AAC user early on who helped me fall in love with AAC and complex communication. This fourth grade student had not had access to AAC before, but was showing incredible interest and receptive language skills, even though most assumed she was significantly cognitively impaired. We loaned a high-tech device for her, and within the first twenty minutes of figuring it out, she said ‘I want to go to the mall and buy a blue dress!’ The amazement from both the student and staff was tangible, and I was hooked.

Fun Fact
I absolutely love being outside and believe strongly in the power of nature! I try to incorporate nature into my sessions as much as possible, whether we are going outside for a scavenger hunt or filling a sensory bin with leaves. I’m a mom of two young boys and live in Central Michigan with my amazing partner, Bo. When I’m not programming AAC devices or enabling guided access at work, I also love photography and volunteering with Special Olympics Michigan.