I am a research scientist at the Maryland Initiative for Literacy and Equity and a former school speech-language pathologist (SLP). A lover of all things language, my research is inspired by my experiences as a school SLP and focuses on oral and written language connections. Specifically, I am interested in how we can leverage connections between oral and written language to inform school-based practices in language and literacy and ultimately, drive better outcomes for students with disabilities. Though most of my work has focused on students with language-based learning disabilities (e.g., developmental language disorder, developmental dyslexia), I also maintain interests in improving school-based language and literacy services for students with complex communication needs.

The majority of my research has focused on leveraging assessment techniques used by SLPs (language sample analysis) and special educators (writing curriculum-based measures) to inform more comprehensive practices in school-based language and literacy. I also maintain interests in translational and implementation science for language and literacy intervention.

I earned my PhD in educational psychology | special education from the University of Minnesota. I earned my MS in speech, language, and hearing sciences from the University of Arizona. I hold BS degrees in speech and hearing science and family and human development from Arizona State University.  Additionally, I am an ASHA-certified SLP.