Meet the Mentors of the MedSLP Collective
MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
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CREATOR OF THE MEDSLP COLLECTIVE
“Dysphagia, I am obsessed with food, all of it. I am passionate about advocating for our patients and educating them about swallowing. I am also passionate about educating my fellow SLP colleagues about how really cool this field is.”
Why have you decided to participate in this unique group?
Well, I was bored.. haha but really I saw a HUGE need for supplemental education in this field. I don’t like to sit and complain about things but rather do something about it, so I did!
If you could only give one piece of advice to others in our field, what would it be?
You and you alone are responsible for your career and your patients. Invest in yourself and your education.
Is there a research paper, technique, class, or moment in your career that was a “game changer” for you?
Susan Langmore’s Predictors of Aspiration Pneumonia.
What’s your go-to beverage?
Any and all wine 😉
MS CCC-SLP
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EXPERTISE: Trach, vent, speaking valves, complex medical status, critical illness, aspiration pneumonia, instrumental studies, risk assessments and risk management.
Why have you decided to participate in this unique group?
When I first entered the medical field, I was passionate about speech pathology but felt unprepared. Graduate school simply did not prepare me for the clinical decision-making required of the position. Unfortunately, this was long before the Medical SLP Collective was even a twinkle in Theresa’s eye so I had to bridge the gap through expensive CEU’s, consistent networking, and hours and hours of reading. The Medical SLP Collective gives you the option of bypassing all of that time and effort by providing you with the resources and network you need to be prepared and effective in your medical setting. The Medical SLP Collective is the bridge between academia and clinical practice- ultimately helping us improve the lives of the patients we serve. I am thrilled to be able to support SLPs in the field through this innovative platform.
If you could only give one piece of advice to others in our field, what would it be?
You are a speech pathologist, not a therapist. “Therapist” is not on our license or certification cards for a reason. It may seem like simple semantics, but it’s much more than that. We are medical professionals on the same playing field as other mid-level practitioners. Doctors directly use our knowledge and expertise to make larger medical decisions. They rely on us to know our stuff. Yes, we do therapy, but we also diagnose, manage risk, provide detailed clinical recommendations, train other medical professionals, and work with the medical team to make important decisions that directly impact the patient’s overall care. You are a speech pathologist- wear that title with pride!
Is there a research paper, technique, class, or moment in your career that was a “game changer” for you?
The 1998 and 2002 Langmore studies on aspiration pneumonia. Typical, I know. But I was OBSESSED. I used to put actual quotes from the paper in my documentation notes (true story). I still re-read the papers every year to remind myself of the complexity involved in our decision making.
What’s your go-to beverage?
Ice cold beer preferably paired with pizza or a cheeseburger. More importantly is my goal in life, which is to provide every patient I see with THEIR go-to beverage and meal. This is what truly makes being an SLP my dream job.
CRAIG CLARY
MS CCC-SLP
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EXPERTISE: Voice, Dysphagia, head/neck cancer, MBSImp, student training
Craig Clary (M.S., CCC-SLP) is a Speech-Language Pathologist in clinical practice at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, where his areas of clinical specialty include voice disorders, swallowing, and the management of patients with head/neck cancer. He is also an Adjunct Professor at New York University, teaching courses in dysphagia and instrumental assessment/treatment methods, and currently serves as a Clinical Supervisor for graduate students at Georgia State University and the University of Mississippi. He holds an M.S. from New York Medical College and has practiced in acute care, outpatient clinics, subacute rehab, and long-term acute care hospitals in Georgia, New York, and New Jersey.
Why have you decided to participate in this unique group?
It’s vital that we continue to learn, and to re-learn. Patient care should always be evolving, and there are often different and better ways to be doing what we do. Any forum that helps us discover and share that information will help us to help our patients.
If you could only give one piece of advice to others in our field, what would it be?
No matter how much you think you know, keep reading research (not just the abstract). Also, still find time to sleep.
Is there a research paper, technique, class, or moment in your career that was a “game changer” for you?
Plenty of people have mentioned Susan Langmore’s “Predictors of Aspiration Pneumonia”, so I’ll go with another from her: “Efficacy of Exercises to Rehabilitate Dysphagia: A Critique of the Literature”. It’s as much about what we don’t know as what we do. My favorite bit:
“The field is still unclear on how much, how often, and how intense the exercises should be. An expert panel at the 2011 ASHA conference clearly stated, ‘We don’t know!’ Studies report varying degrees of dosage, ranging from once a day, three times per week, to three times a day, 7 days per week.”
So… there’s work to be done.
What’s your go-to beverage?
Water, water, coffee, water
M.A., CCC-SLP
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EXPERTISE: LSVT LOUD, LSVT LOUD for LIFE, SPEAK OUT!, behavior change, student supervision, cognitive-communication, dysarthria, longevity in the field
Throughout my 35-year SLP career, I have worked across the adult medical continuum of care. My clinical experience spans acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, long-term acute care, skilled nursing facilities, home health, outpatient services, and mobile MBS diagnostic units.
My current clinical experience centers on neurogenic communication disorders, with specialized focus in Parkinson’s disease management, motor speech rehabilitation, cognitive-communication interventions, and behavior change methodologies. I integrate my certifications in behavior change psychology to facilitate sustainable therapeutic outcomes, particularly for patients navigating progressive neurological conditions.
Why have you decided to participate in this unique group?
The collaborative culture of this group provides both professional growth and personal connection. Witnessing colleagues share successes, demonstrate vulnerability, and exchange knowledge in a respectful environment aligns perfectly with my professional values. This community has enabled me to maintain current knowledge in my specialty areas of Parkinson’s Disease and motor speech while expanding my understanding of complementary fields. The meaningful professional relationships I’ve developed here have enhanced my practice and enriched my approach to patient care.
Is there a research paper, technique, class, or moment in your career that was a “game changer” for you?
A pivotal advancement in my clinical practice was integrating motivational interviewing techniques. This evidence-based approach transformed my therapeutic interactions by shifting from the traditional medical model to a person-centered framework that honors patient autonomy. Motivational interviewing has significantly enhanced treatment adherence and outcomes, particularly for my patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Beyond improving clinical metrics, this approach has allowed me to incorporate trauma-informed principles, creating a therapeutic environment where patients feel empowered to participate actively in their rehabilitation journey rather than simply receiving prescribed interventions.
If you could only give one piece of advice to others in our field, what would it be?
Embrace continuous learning while practicing self-compassion. Our field constantly evolves with new research and methodologies. As Maya Angelou wisely stated, “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” Professional growth requires both dedication to evidence-based practice, the flexibility to adapt your approach as the science advances, and remembering that the patients’ values/preferences are part of the evidence-based triad.
What’s your go-to beverage?
My go to beverages are water and my daily protein and veggie-packed smoothie.
MICHELLE HOEFNAGEL
M.S., CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS
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EXPERTISE: ANCDS Board Certification, EMST, EPIC EMR, FEES, MBSiMP, Myofascial Release for Dysphagia, Response Elaboration Training, SPEAK OUT!®, head and neck cancer, laryngectomy care, TEP/stoma management, dysphagia, trismus, voice, chronic cough, motor speech, expressive and receptive language, cognitive-communication, social communication, pragmatics, student and clinical fellow training/mentoring, interdisciplinary care, and research
Michelle Hoefnagel has nearly 17 years of clinical expertise as a speech language pathologist. She currently works at the UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., Brain Wellness Program in Florida where she collaborates with an extensive interdisciplinary team in evaluating and treating military veterans and first responders who have experienced a mild-moderate traumatic brain injury. This program is one of 6 academic sites nationwide participating as a part of the Avalon Action Alliance. She is honored to provide care within her role to give back to this incredible population to improve their cognitive-communication and quality of life. She completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Theoretical Linguistics with a Minor in French giving her a unique and skilled perspective on language. She then went on to receive her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Utah. Michelle has extensive experience across the continuum of healthcare providing skilled services to people with various difficulties including swallow, voice, speech, language, pragmatics, communication, and cognition. She has been a primary investigator in research in collaboration with Georgia Tech. She spent five years as a member of a multidisciplinary head and neck cancer team at the Wilmot Cancer Center in Rochester, NY. She is pleased to have earned her ANCDS Board Certification in 2024.
Why have you decided to participate in this group?
I am honored and excited to be joining the Medical SLP Collective as a mentor. Through mentoring, pondering questions, and formulating responses there is endless opportunity for continued personal and professional growth. I look forward to sharing my expertise and connecting with other medical SLPs.
If you could only give one piece of advice to others in our field, what would it be?
My advice is “embrace what you don’t know.” Recognize areas for growth as this is a strength and a catalyst to improve.
Is there a research paper, technique, class, or moment in your career that was a “game changer,” for you?
Sitting in Dr. Julie Wambaugh’s graduate level aphasia course when I recognized that I needed to devour and retain all of the material. Not to pass a test, not to get a grade, but to build a foundation of knowledge to help the patients I would encounter in the future.
What is your go-to beverage?
I’d have to say coffee. I only have one cup of delicious black coffee in the morning, but I take my time and enjoy every sip to start my day off on a good note.
KARA LARSON
MS CCC-SLP
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EXPERTISE: Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFD) Infanta and Pediatric Swallowing Disorders and Oropharyngeal dysphagia
Cleft Lip and Palate and Craniofacial Disorders
Tethered Oral Tissues
Aerodigestive Disorders/Airway Anomalies/Laryngeal Cleft
Mentoring and Supervision
I am a speech language pathologist specializing in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders with a concentration in Aerodigestive Disorders. I have nearly 30 years experience in the field. I currently serve as the Director of the Feeding and Swallowing Program at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Co-Director of the Center for Communication Enhancement at Boston Children’s Hospital, I teach a graduate level course in Craniofacial Anomalies at Boston University and I am currently the Vice President of the Aerodigestive Society and first non-MD to hold this position! 🙂
Why have you decided to participate in this unique group?
To help educate our next generation of SLP’s. to mentor SLP’s in the field, to promote critical thinking skills and support clinician’s to use evidence based practice and improve their clinical and counseling skills in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders.
If you could only give one piece of advice to others in our field, what would it be?
Be patient with yourself in your clinical journey– seek mentorship, read articles and listen to your patients families.
Is there a research paper, technique, class, or moment in your career that was a “game changer” for you?
I am most proud of our paper with my group from Boston Children’s Hospital on Systematic Weaning from thickened liquids, I do feel this has changed practice in pediatric dysphagia.
Wolter NE, Hernandez K, Irace AL, Davidson K, Perez JA, Larson K, Rahbar R. A Systematic Process for Weaning Children With Aspiration From Thickened Fluids. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018 Jan 1;144(1):51-56. doi: 10.1001/jamaoto.2017.1917. PMID: 29121147; PMCID: PMC5833593.
What’s your go-to beverage?
Coffee- always coffee, hot, iced, day or night
ISABEL LAWTON
M.S. CCC-SLP
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EXPERTISE: dysphagia, trachs/speaking valve, anything pediatrics, infant feeding, brain injury, disorders of consciousness, cog rehab, bilingualism, prosdy training/voice, accent modification, medically complex adults/peds, advocacy, professional issues, resume & interview, grad school applications, public speaking, student life, counseling, crucial conversations, planning/project management
Settings:
acute care, inpatient rehab, private practice, NICU, schools
I have been practicing for a little over 10 years in a variety of settings across the lifespan. Currently based in Jacksonville, FL, I work as a PRN acute care therapist and an adjunct professor, and I also own a private practice. Fun fact: speech therapy is my second career. I have two bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Marketing. These have served me well in the professionalism, leadership, marketing, and program management aspects of my career as an SLP.
Why have you decided to participate in this group?
Empowerment and support for my colleagues have always been great passions of mine. I strive to share information that could help elevate clinical practice whenever possible. When invited to join the Collective as a Moderator and Group Expert, I could not pass up the opportunity. This role allows me to check all of the boxes of collaboration, growth, development, and giving back to the field.
If you could only give one piece of advice to others in our field, what would it be?
You are the expert in your domains. As such, you must own the responsibility of ensuring you are always at the top of your game for the sake of the people you serve. With that, it’s ok to make mistakes. Failing is such an important part of the learning process. Embrace that while you’re never going to know everything…you know where to get the information you need to do the best job you can.
Is there a research paper, technique, class, or moment in your career that was a “game changer,” for you?
In graduate school, I worked with a child with severe cerebral palsy. Their mother was told many times that the child was not a candidate for AAC. My professors agreed to let me try. I immediately focused on adding salience to their therapies. Not only was the child a candidate, but they also became a PRO at using their speech-generating device. It completely changed their life. They were able to advocate for themselves, express preferences, and participate in their life. What an incredible lesson early on in my career… NEVER underestimate your patient’s will or ability.
What is your go-to beverage?
Go-to beverages as follows: To get me going – espresso-based coffee; Wedding/Parties – 7&7; Beach/Summer – frozen daiquiris and coladas; Weekends – chilled white wine; Sporting events – IPAs and ciders. Cheers!
ANNA MARIE LOZIER
SLPD, CCC-SLP
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EXPERTISE: dysphagia, voice, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dysarthria, VCD/EILO, EMST, chronic cough, SPEAK OUT!, aphasia, FEES training, clinical doctorate, acute care, LTAC, outpatient, inpatient rehab, Manual Therapy, stroboscopy, MBSiMP, caregiver counseling, productivity
I entered the field inspired by my now late grandpop’s experience with his stroke and chronic severe expressive aphasia which progressed to the development of dysphagia and recurrent PNA at the end of life. This feels full-circle because my interests ended up aligning with his medical timeline. Initially interested in the stroke population, I started my CF in a voice/swallowing specialty private practice where I fell in love with the Parkinson’s community, now volunteering with our local nonprofit pdLIFE. After my graduate clinical experiences at an outpatient swallowing center, and my CF, dysphagia and FEES quickly consumed my interest. I experienced a year in LTAC with a heavy trach/vent population, then transitioning into my current acute care position. I’ve had the opportunity to assist in the inpatient rehab units at both the LTAC and acute hospital, where I also began training others in FEES. I’ve been working on my clinical doctorate in the meantime, with research focusing on dysphagia intervention and stroke in the acute care setting. I’m eternally grateful for the mentors that believed in me and provided me with endless opportunities to continue developing my preferred skill sets.
Why have you decided to participate in this unique group?
I enjoy receiving mentorship as much as mentoring to assist others in feeling more confident in their skills. I sense this experience will provide the opportunity to continue learning myself. One of the best ways to strengthen your understanding of a topic is to help others do the same.
Is there a research paper, technique, class, or moment in your career that was a “game changer” for you?
Throughout my doctorate program, a couple of my courses on evidence-based practice have equipped me with the immeasurable skill of interpreting literature with thorough dissection of limitations and strengths for effective clinical application.
If you could only give one piece of advice to others in our field, what would it be?
You will always feel valued and supported in your career endeavors if you adopt a mindset that every SLP has personal strengths and areas for growth, and that we’re fortunate to be such naturally effective communicators for ongoing lifelong teaching and learning.
What’s your go-to beverage?
Matcha with almond milk. Every day. Iced or hot.
BRETT MCCARDEL
MS, CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS
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EXPERTISE: Aphasia, Apraxia of Speech
Why have you decided to participate in this unique group?
Client Perspectives, Best Available Evidence, and Clinical Expertise are the three pillars of Evidence-Based Practice that we all know and love, and this group embodies that. Many of the conditions that we work with as SLP’s can seem confusing and overwhelming to everyone involved (including clients, family/friends, and providers), and having a place where we can discuss different clinical considerations is invaluable. I’m looking forward to sharing what knowledge I have, along with learning from everyone else in the group!
If you could only give one piece of advice to others in our field, what would it be?
Don’t undervalue your expertise—many things that we take for granted as SLP’s are NOT obvious to people who do not have our training. Providing both strong rationales for your decisions and consistent education on strategies and supports (no matter how seemingly basic to us) can make huge differences in your clients’ outcomes.
Is there a research paper, technique, class, or moment in your career that was a “game changer” for you?
The two biggest impacts on my development as a clinician have been learning about the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia and studying cognitive neuropsychological models of language processing. These two approaches complement each other wonderfully—by better understanding a client’s cognitive-linguistic profile, we can more comprehensively target the language skills needed for the meaningful and functional activities that the client wants to return to doing. By combining both approaches, we can create treatment plans that are client-driven and that have strong theoretical rationales.
KRISTEN WEST
Ed.D. CCC-SLP
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Kristen M. West MA CCC-SLP is a Speech Pathologist with experience in a variety of pediatric settings. She has experience in birth to 3 early intervention, pediatric acute care, NICU, CICU, PICU, transitional care, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient pediatrics. She has also served as adjunct faculty at the University level. Currently, she is a safe feeding consultant for a local educational agency .
What areas of our field are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about pediatric dysphagia and children with complex medical histories. I am also passionate about ensuring these clients have appropriate access to services not only in the acute care and outpatient setting but in community based settings such as early intervention, schools and home health.
Why have you decided to participate in this unique group?
I love that the collective is filled with professionals with want to grow and learn. It is a support group who are passionate about EBP and I love that!
If you could only give one piece of advice to others in our field, what would it be?
Never stop learning!
Is there a research paper, technique, class, or moment in your career that was a “game changer” for you?
My game changing moment is when I first started practicing in the field and realized that not everyone understands and utilizes EBP, It really was an eye opener out of grad school and I wanted to make sure I was a person who advocated for EBP for the clients we serve and who never stopped striving to be the best SLP I could be for my patients. I would also say some of my best game changing moments have come from families I have been able to help by providing appropriate interventions targeted at their child’s individual needs, that are evidence based, and hearing from them that I had a positive impact on their lives.
What’s your go-to beverage?
Depends, in the morning coffee with cream, but I also love a good dry red wine or a hoppy IPA.
Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you?
Life is a Journey not a a destination.