More than Lip Service: Bringing Awareness to Racial Barriers in Speech Pathology

Leigh Ann Porter earned her master’s in Communication Sciences from the University of Central Florida in 2013, and has enjoyed being an SLP ever since. While at UCF, Leigh Ann was part of a grant to prepare SLPs to work with English Language Learners, earning a graduate certificate of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Leigh Ann now resides in Kansas City where she divides her time working across outpatient, acute, and inpatient rehab settings. She has presented courses registered for ASHA CEUs to regional SLPs on topics such as how the respiratory system and cough influence dysphagia, a review of the literature on dysphagia exercises, and generating measurable dysphagia goals. For multidisciplinary continuing education with PTs and OTs, Leigh Ann has presented on topics such as Cognitive Retraining with an emphasis on memory strategies, and the SLP’s scope of practice & making appropriate patient referrals to the SLP.

Marilouise E. Nichols is a medical Speech-Language Pathologist, who has focused her career on dysphagia and neurogenic communication disorders in adult inpatient rehabilitation and acute care. She currently works full-time in adult acute care—evaluating and treating neurogenic communication disorders and dysphagia in patients with a variety of acute and complex medical diagnoses. As an Early Career Professional, Marilouise is passionate about mentoring students and pre-professionals in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, as not too long ago, she once faced similar challenges and had many of your same questions. She is an active member of National Black Association of Speech Language and Hearing (NBASLH), serves as a discussion leader for my local community stroke support group, supervises and mentors graduate clinicians, and is the founder and writer of a professional blog, www.MEtheSLP.com, aimed to empower and engage young minorities in the field of Speech-Language Pathology.

Stephanie O'Silas is a medical speech language pathologist and business development expert. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences from Case Western Reserve University. She received her master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from MGH Institute of Health Professions. She is the founding director of Champion Rehabilitation and Support Services PLLC in Dallas, TX. Her company specializes in direct-bill outpatient services and high-volume, managed interdisciplinary therapy services. Stephanie is currently a member of the Business Management Committee of TSHA. She has presented on numerous topics including ethical dilemmas in business, quality reporting throughout the post-acute continuum, and leadership pathways. She formerly served ASHA’s Committee on Leadership Cultivation and Next Generation Committee. Stephanie is also an MSLP alumna of ASHA. Her clinical interests include leadership/administration and treatment for dysphagia, cognitive-communication, voice, and language disorders in adults and children.