University of Arkansas - Communication Sciences and Disorders

04/17/2026

This spring CSDI graduate students are showcasing the engaging and meaningful clinical learning experiences they’re participating in throughout the community!

PaVoua Her pictured with clinical supervisor Sarah Canada at Holcomb Elementary:
“Some of the best growth moments from this semester with Sarah have been learning to step into who I am with a gentler sense of confidence. Her steady presence, her patience, and the space she creates for honest reflection have helped me understand the clinician I am becoming. I am also grateful for the students I have had the privilege to work with this semester. Their curiosity, their small steps forward, and the trust they place in me have shaped my growth in such meaningful ways. And truly, Sarah is the “minimal” to my “pair”, a partner who brings clarity, balance, and warmth to every step of this journey.

Trinity Hall pictured with clinical supervisor Lighla Whitson at Post Pediatric Therapies in Rogers:
“I am learning so much from Lighla! One thing I’ve learned is to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, especially in child-led/play based Therapy. She is teaching me so much about Gestalt Language Processors and behavior management. She also really makes sure you’re thinking through the ‘why’ of therapy and makes sure you are truly learning. Cannot say enough about how awesome Lighla is!”

Madelynn Ash pictured with clinical supervisors Megan Whelan and Nina Riethmaier at Flight Speech Therapy
“I have truly loved being back at Flight Speech Therapy this semester! Megan and Nina have been wonderful supervisors who have gone above and beyond to support my growth and build my confidence as a clinician. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to learn practical tips and creative strategies from each of them to strengthen my therapy techniques and enhance my
evaluation skills.”

Thank you to our clinical supervisors for the valuable learning opportunities they share with

04/16/2026

🏆Check out the fabulous COEHP Award Winners from CSDI! Dr. Holyfield won the Impactful Research Award and Mrs. Danley won the Teaching Award. 🏆Congratulations!!🎉

Congratulations to our 2026 outstanding faculty award winners! 🏆

We’re so grateful for each of our awardees' dedication and contributions to our college, university, and community. ❤

Learn more:
https://news.uark.edu/articles/81117/college-of-education-and-health-professions-announces-2026-outstanding-faculty

04/16/2026

🗣️Happy World Voice Day from the UA Speech and Hearing Clinic!🌎

In celebration of this year’s theme, “Caring for Our Voices,” our graduate assistants, PaVoua and Alexis, shared voice care "treats" across campus to raise awareness for vocal health. Clinic director, Jessica Danley, and voice scientist, Dr. Zoe Thijs also recently shared their perspectives of vocal health and upcoming voice initiatives in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Click the link to learn more!

https://news.uark.edu/articles/81111/u-of-a-speech-and-hearing-clinic-highlights-the-importance-of-vocal-health-on-world-voice-day

04/13/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Our Honors Thesis Defenders! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Rosa Aldana on the successful defense of her Honors Thesis, mentored by Dr. Loyd. Her thesis, “School‑Based Hearing Screenings in Arkansas: Implementation, Resources, and the Role of the School Nurse,” highlights important insights into school health and hearing services.

We also extend our congratulations to Margaret Duncan for her successful Honors Thesis defense, “SWOT Analysis of a Community Hearing Screening Program,” also under the mentorship of Dr. Loyd.

Outstanding work by both scholars! Your dedication, research, and accomplishments are truly commendable! 👏✨

04/10/2026

This spring CSDI graduate students are showcasing the engaging and meaningful clinical learning experiences they’re participating in throughout the community!

Kelsey Pickett pictured with clinical supervisor Laura Loyd at Wood Pig Speech Therapy.
“This semester has been so much fun with Laura! She has created a very supportive environment and provides constructive feedback that has helped me become a better clinician. I'm so grateful for her guidance and the knowledge she has provided me with!”

Mikayla Johnson pictured with clinical supervisor Amanda Carter at Jerry “Pop” Williams Elementary
“Amanda has been the best supervisor ever! She allows me to be independent, but always there to support me. One major growth moment this semester has been developing greater independence as a clinician. In the elementary school setting, I’ve learned how to independently plan sessions, manage groups with varying goals, and adjust in real time when lessons don’t go as planned. My supervisor has helped me refine my clinical reasoning by asking reflective questions that push me to think about the “why” behind my therapy decisions. This has strengthened my confidence and helped me feel more prepared to transition into independent practice.”

Lila Mays pictured with clinical supervisor Emily Parker at Kids Spot Downtown Springdale
“I am at Kids Spot this semester with Emily as my supervisor, and it has been such an amazing experience.! Her knowledge in AAC has taught me so much, and her passion for helping kids communicate is incredible to see. She is truly inspiring and someone I look up to. I know I can always go to her with questions or ask for feedback, and she is incredibly supportive. We also have so much fun while treating kids, and those moments remind me why this field is so rewarding. She inspires me to be better and motivates me every day. I am so thankful to have Emily guiding me this semester!”
Thank you to our clinical supervisors for the valuable learning opportunities they share with !

04/10/2026

🏔️ This week UA CSDI faculty are in Denver attending the 2026 Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders Annual Conference.

What an amazing opportunity to join our fellow Arkansan CSD programs to collaborate, connect, and explore ways to move the profession forward in the Mile High City!

04/08/2026

This spring CSDI graduate students are showcasing the amazing clinical learning experiences they’re participating in throughout the community!

Christena Matzeder is with Tricia George at Therapy Services of Northwest Arkansas
☀️“This semester has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve loved diving into thematic therapy sessions, gaining independence, and collaborating with other professionals. Seeing my kids’ progress each week and building therapy plans with caregiver input has been the highlight of this experience. I’m so thankful for my supervisor who is always willing to share her knowledge and works tirelessly to meet the needs of each child she serves!”

Hadden Henley is with Paige Cervantes at Arkansas Regional Therapy Services
🌷“One of my favorite parts of this semester has been implementing the Cycles Approach. I love getting to target a new sound, see it carry over, and watch clients have so much fun they don’t even realize they’re learning. Doing
teletherapy for the first time has been a great learning experience, as well. It has given me the opportunity to plan engaging activities while also meeting the demands of virtual environments. I’m so grateful for Ms. Paige’s mentorship. She consistently challenges me to grow while supporting my
ideas every step of the way!”

Olivia Hayden is with Krista Kjorlaug at NWA Sunshine School
📚 "So grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an amazing SLP! I’ve loved spending time at NWA Sunshine School and getting to learn from Krista each
day. Her knowledge, patience, and dedication to the students make every day a great learning experience.”

Thank you to our clinical supervisors for the valuable learning opportunities they share with !

04/07/2026

04/06/2026

This spring CSDI graduate students are showcasing the engaging and meaningful clinical learning experiences they’re participating in throughout the community!

Abby Olmstead pictured with clinical supervisor Amy Scarpa at Pathfinders, Inc.
🌷“Being at Pathfinder has been an amazing experience, every day is an adventure! I have learned so much about working with adults, gained valuable experience, and met so many wonderful individuals. I would like to thank my supervisor, Mrs. Amy, and the other on-site SLP, Mrs. Leslie, for sharing their knowledge and kindness with me!”

Cole Burton pictured with supervisors Dana Hiatt and Marian Knaust at Watson Primary School and Huntsville Intermediate School
📚“I am very thankful that these two clinicians are my supervisors this final semester. I had been searching for my niche the past few semesters, and just couldn't seem to find it. When I came here, these supervisors helped me realize that I am meant to work as a school-based SLP. They make sure and take the time to expose me to the different roles/responsibilities of a school-based therapist, and allow me to participate in those. Because of this clinical
rotation and these supervisors, I finally feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be.”

Madison Cox pictured with supervisor Laura Loyd at Woo Pig Speech Therapy
☀️“Just having a ball learning to be a SLP with the best supervisor!!! So far, I have been working with kiddos mostly from 2-5 years old (and a few older). I am absolutely loving this placement and really have been learning so much
from Laura. I have learned a lot about working with kids with autism as well as working with different kinds of behaviors. This site has shown me how much I love this age range of kids and would love to work somewhere like this in the future!”

Thank you to our clinical supervisors for the valuable learning opportunities they share with !

04/01/2026

April is National Internship Awareness Month! To celebrate, CSDI graduate students are showcasing the engaging and meaningful clinical learning experiences they’re participating in throughout the community!

Skyler Roth pictured with supervisor Jasmine Minero at NWA SunshineSchool
☀️“Working with Jasmine at NWA Sunshine School this semester has been such a valuable learning experience! As someone who has been through the program herself, she is always willing to answer any questions and knows how to best prepare me for success throughout our caseload. It is such a joy to work with her and these kids each week!”

Rachel Siemens pictured with supervisor Jennifer Turley at Springdale Health and Rehabilitation
🌷"I have had the best time learning from Jennifer! She has been an incredible mentor and has taught me so much about working with individuals with dementia, dysphagia, and cognitive-communication deficits while creating
individualized, functional treatment plans. I’ve also loved gaining more learning experience with FEES and aural rehabilitation!”

Elizabeth Hewett with Natalie Baggs and goldendoodle Hazel Newton at Westwood Elementary
📚 “Mrs. Natalie Baggs has created a welcoming, engaging, and inspiring environment that has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally as a school-based SLP. She is truly amazing, and the staff and students at Westwood elementary have consistently made me feel appreciated and
supported throughout my internship this semester.”

Thank you to our clinical supervisors for the valuable learning opportunities they share with
!

03/30/2026

We’re proud to celebrate a student from our CSDI program, Rosa Aldana, who has been selected for a state leadership role with the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA)! 🎉

In this role, she will represent Arkansas, connect with speech-language pathology students across the state, and help share resources and leadership opportunities within the profession.

Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement and for representing our program so well! 🐗❤️

Read the full story: https://news.uark.edu/articles/80919/csdi-student-selected-for-state-leadership-role-with-national-nsslha

03/23/2026

Some of our undergraduate students in CSDI had the joy of volunteering at Promtastic on Friday, March 13th. Promtastic is a special prom experience for individuals with special needs, ages 14–100—a night to dress up, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories.

We are so proud of our students for choosing to be part of such an incredible event and for their heart to serve our community.