As a speech-language pathologist (SLP), can you tell us what SLPs do, and generally speaking, about the kind of work you do in the lab? 

SLPs are allied health professionals who work with people of all ages to diagnose and treat communication disorders related to speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing.

As a research SLP in the Speech Neurophysiology Lab, I have the pleasure of interfacing directly with all of our child and adult participants throughout their involvement in our studies. My main role in the lab is to collect, interpret, and organize speech related data and to ensure our participants have an engaging, informative, and positive experience!

Speech-language pathologists can work in different areas, and not all speech-language pathologists go into research. What made you choose stuttering research for your career path?

Throughout my career, I’ve worked across various areas of speech-language pathology, including both hospital and school settings. While I truly enjoyed my time as a clinician, I often felt limited by the lack of evidence-based information available for treating many speech and language disorders. That frustration led me to research, where I can assist in exploring the deeper questions—the “why” and “how” behind stuttering—and contribute to evidence-based approaches that make a real difference in people’s lives. It’s a field full of unanswered questions, and that ongoing curiosity is what keeps me motivated and inspired.

You’ve been hosting stuttering-focused in-services for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who work in schools. Can you tell us more about this? What led you to start hosting these sessions?

While many SLPS are well-equipped to treat speech-language disorders, stuttering often isn’t given the same level of attention or specific training. This can lead to frustration for both clinicians and students. What inspired me to start hosting stuttering-focused in-services for school-based SLPs was the desire to equip clinicians with updated evidence-based information to better support students who stutter.

These in-services cover everything from the latest research advances in stuttering to practical, evidence-based methods for the effective treatment of stuttering in the school aged population. The goal is to enhance SLPs’ understanding of stuttering—not just from a clinical perspective, but in terms of its social, emotional, and educational impact on students. By providing this ongoing professional development, I hope to help SLPs feel more empowered and confident in addressing stuttering, and ultimately, to improve outcomes for students who stutter.

Can you tell us what the in-services are like for those who attend? What topics are discussed?

The 1-hour stuttering in-service takes place virtually and is designed to be both informative and practical. The goal is for attendees to leave with a better understanding of current research updates in the area of stuttering and a toolkit of practical evidence-based strategies they can apply in their daily work with students who stutter. 

Is there anything you’ve learned about school-based speech services that’s surprised you, either from running these in-services or in talking with school SLPs?

One of the most insightful things I’ve learned through running these in-services and talking with school-based SLPs is how complex the role of an SLP can be, especially when it comes to stuttering. While SLPs are experts in speech and language, many report feeling underprepared to address the nuances of stuttering, particularly in a school setting where time and resources are limited. There’s a clear need for more specialized training and support to bridge this gap, so that SLPs can feel confident in providing the most effective, evidence-based treatments for their students.

If an SLP wants to attend an in-service or request one for their school, is that a possibility?

Absolutely! Any SLP interested in attending an in-service or organizing one for their school can reach out via email at cwsbrains@umich.edu.

If there was one thing you could do overnight to improve the lives of people who stutter, what would that be?

If I could improve one thing overnight to benefit people who stutter, it would be to implement universal access to evidence-based interventions and ensure early intervention is widely available. Stuttering therapy is most effective when tailored to the individual’s needs, but far too often, people don’t have access to specialized care. By making evidence-based treatment more accessible, along with increased public education and awareness, we could reduce the social and emotional impacts of stuttering, leading to better outcomes in communication and overall quality of life.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to be a speech-language pathologist?

The field of speech-language pathology is always evolving. New research, treatment techniques, and technologies are constantly emerging. What you learn in graduate school is just the beginning—you’ll keep growing through continuing education, clinical experience, collaboration with colleagues, and even learning from your clients. The best SLPs I’ve met are the ones who remain lifelong learners—they read journal articles, attend workshops, stay up to date on evidence-based practice, and keep refining their skills.

Whether you're working in a school, hospital, or research lab, staying curious helps you stay engaged, creative, and better equipped to make a meaningful difference.

Is there anything else you’d like to say or share?

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated SLPs who have attended our in-services so far—your engagement and commitment to supporting individuals who stutter is inspiring. And to the families who participate in our stuttering research, we are deeply grateful for your time and invaluable contributions. Your involvement helps move the field forward in meaningful ways.