ANCDS, 2345 Rice Street, Saint Paul, MN (2026)

01/23/2026

🌟 Fellow Friday Feature 🌟

Meet Olivia Thompson, a 2nd-year MS-SLP student at Saint Louis University! Olivia is passionate about adult neurogenic communication disorders, with a special focus on post-stroke and TBI rehabilitation.

With 3 years of research experience in aphasia laboratories and hands-on work as a rehab therapy technician at an acute care hospital, Olivia brings both scientific knowledge and clinical compassion to her work. Her research has explored cognitive communication and language outcomes at the neural level.

Olivia's goals? To become a skilled medical SLP specializing in neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders, and to pursue ANCDS board certification!

We're excited to spotlight her dedication to advancing the field of neurogenic communication disorders. Welcome to the ANCDS community, Olivia! 💙

01/16/2026

Fellow Friday: Alicia S. Smalls 🌟

Meet Alicia S. Smalls, MA, MPH, CCC-SLP, CBIST, CDP, LSVT-C—a doctoral candidate in Exercise Science (Rehabilitation Science & Neuroscience) at the University of South Carolina and 2025 ANCDS Student Fellow. Alicia is pioneering new approaches to concussion and TBI assessment by integrating functional neuroimaging, dual-task paradigms, and cognitive-communication science.

🔬 Breaking New Ground: Alicia leads the C.L.E.A.R. Study, a novel fNIRS project examining cerebral oxygenation and executive functioning after concussion. Her research explores neuroauditory processing, autonomic dysregulation, and multimodal biomarkers of recovery—work that's reshaping how we diagnose and treat brain injuries.

🏥 Clinician-Scientist in Action: Beyond research, Alicia is a practicing medical SLP specializing in cognitive-communication rehabilitation and functional neurorehab for individuals with TBI across the continuum of care.

🤝 Leading the Field: Alicia serves as an active Board Member of both the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina (BIASC) and the International Society for Cognitive Rehabilitation (ISCR), championing evidence-based neurorehabilitation.

💡 Her Vision: To establish the C.L.E.A.R. Lab, develop scalable neurodiagnostic tools using fNIRS, VR, and multimodal imaging, and expand access to high-quality concussion care—especially for underserved and high-risk populations. She's committed to mentoring the next generation of clinician-scientists and integrating cutting-edge science with patient-centered care.

01/12/2026

Passionate about neurogenic communication disorders? Previous SIG 2 member? There's a place for you. 🧠

ANCDS (Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences) is a thriving community advancing clinical practice, research, and education in our specialty.

Member benefits include: 💡 Access to our peer-reviewed quarterly journal 🎓 Professional development opportunities year-round 🤝 Networking with top researchers and clinicians ✨ Exclusive clinical resources and tools 🌟 Chances to contribute to the future of the field.

Whether you were part of ASHA SIG 2 or simply dedicated to neurogenic communication disorders, ANCDS offers the support and resources to advance your practice.

Discover what ANCDS can do for your career - join us today! https://buff.ly/VNTpOK5

01/09/2026

Fellow Friday: Kelly Ann Peña 🌟

We're excited to highlight Kelly Ann Peña, MS, CCC-SLP—a bilingual speech-language pathologist and doctoral student at Rutgers University whose work is transforming care for bilingual and immigrant communities affected by brain injury.

Kelly brings extensive clinical experience across the full continuum of care, from NICU and ICU to outpatient services at institutions including Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, NYU Rusk Rehabilitation, NewYork-Presbyterian, and Jersey City Medical Center. She previously served as Assistant Clinic Director at Rutgers, leading bilingual clinical services and supervising graduate clinicians.

🎓 What's Next: Kelly will join the University of Pittsburgh as an Assistant Professor in Speech-Language Pathology in Spring 2026, transitioning to Pitt's PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences in Fall 2026.

🔬 Research Focus: Her work centers on trauma-informed and culturally responsive assessment and intervention for individuals with traumatic brain injury, with special attention to how disability, language, and documentation bias shape outcomes for bilingual, immigrant, and system-involved youth.

💡 Her Vision: To build interdisciplinary research and clinical frameworks that advance equity across healthcare, education, and juvenile justice settings—ensuring that culturally and linguistically diverse individuals with brain injury are accurately recognized, supported, and valued.

01/05/2026

📘 Member Monday - Publication Highlight!

We are excited to share a new study that delves into the impact of aphasia on friendships and how to better support these vital relationships!

🧠 Through semi-structured interviews with friends of individuals living with aphasia, this research uncovered key challenges and strategies:

- “I don’t know what to do”
- “It’s hard to see the changes”
- “Here’s what worked”
- “Just do it”

✅ The findings emphasize the need for enhanced education and training for friends, focusing on effective communication techniques and understanding the journey of recovery. Incorporating friends into aphasia rehabilitation can strengthen these connections and foster resilience.

Discover more about the insights and recommendations in our latest publication!

01/02/2026

Were you an ASHA SIG 2 affiliate passionate about neurogenic communication disorders? 🧠

Join the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences (ANCDS) and expand your impact! We're a community dedicated to advancing research, education, and clinical practice in neurogenic communication disorders.
Why join us? ✨ Access to cutting-edge research in our quarterly journal 🎓 Professional development through webinars & conferences 🤝Networking with leading researchers and clinicians 💡 Exclusive resources and clinical tools 🌟 Leadership opportunities to shape the field

ANCDS membership complements your ASHA SIG 2 involvement and deepens your expertise in serving individuals with neurogenic communication disorders.

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Learn more and join today! https://buff.ly/VNTpOK5

01/01/2026

🌟 As we step into a new year, we are filled with hope and excitement for what lies ahead! 🎉

May this year bring you countless opportunities for growth, learning, and discovery. Let's strive to achieve not only our professional goals but also to expand our knowledge and skills in our respective fields. Together, we can make meaningful strides in our clinical practices, positively impacting the lives of those we serve.

Here’s to embracing challenges and celebrating successes, big and small! Cheers to a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead, filled with collaboration and inspiration. Wishing you all the best from everyone at ANCDS! ✨

12/15/2025

🚨 Member Publication Highlight!

We’re excited to spotlight a new publication that explores the long-term sustainability of Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs (ICAPs)- an evidence-based, multidisciplinary model that supports individuals with aphasia through intensive therapy.

🧠 In this international qualitative study, seven ICAP leaders shared their experiences sustaining programs across diverse healthcare contexts.

Key findings reveal that:
- Structural factors like program setting and staffing infrastructure are central to sustainability.
- Success relies on clear operational procedures, continuous improvement, and passionate leadership.
- Major barriers include limited evidence, resource constraints, access issues, and funding challenges.

💡 The authors conclude that ICAPs are truly complex interventions, and sustaining them requires commitment, innovation, and systemic support.

📖 Read the full article to learn more.

12/12/2025

🌟 Thinking about ANCDS Board Certification?

ANCDS Board Certification is your opportunity to be recognized for advanced clinical expertise in neurogenic communication disorders. It’s more than a credential; it’s a path for growth, reflection, and professional pride.

Learn more about the process and hear from members who have advanced their careers through certification.
👉 https://buff.ly/F8k02rT

12/10/2025

🌟 New Board Certified Member! 🌟

Congratulations to Busisiwe! 🎉 We're proud to celebrate your incredible achievement of receiving board certification from the ANCDS! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in your field have truly paid off. This is a testament to your skills and passion for advancing your profession.

Busisiwe is a board-certified and dually qualified Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist with over 20+ years of experience across schools, community rehabilitation, and hospital-based care. She has worked extensively with both pediatric and adult populations, but finds her greatest fulfillment in guiding children and their families through complex rehabilitation journeys. She specialises in pediatric neuro-rehabilitation, with a focus on acquired brain injury, progressive degenerative diseases, and movement disorders. She has received nominations for the Patient-Family Centered Care and Allied Health Clinical Excellence awards. In addition, she is also a dedicated clinical supervisor, known for her emotionally intelligent, family-centred approach and leadership in interdisciplinary care, empowering families through recovery and shared decision-making. Her leadership in quality improvement, visual communication, and emotionally intelligent care continues to shape the future of neuro-rehabilitation. She holds a recent board certification through the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences, recognizing her advanced expertise in communication neurosciences, neuroanatomical reasoning, and complex case management.

Congrats again, and thank you for all that you do!

12/05/2025

🎉 Exciting news to share! The VA Pittsburgh Speech Pathology Residency Program has officially received accreditation by the Board of Residency Education!🌟 This remarkable achievement is a testament to their commitment to creating and sustaining a vibrant and effective training program.

A huge congratulations to the entire VA Pittsburgh Speech Pathology team for this significant milestone! Your dedication to learning and improving shines through, and we can’t wait to see all the great things ahead! 🙌✨

12/01/2025

📘 Member Publication Highlight!

A new study explores how different service delivery models impact recovery and well-being for people with aphasia following stroke.

🧠 This Phase I pilot study compared three approaches:

- Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (ICAP) – 4 weeks, 84 hours

- Modified ICAP (mICAP) – 2 weeks, 24 hours

- Usual Care (UC) – 8 weeks, 24 hours

✅ Results showed that participants in the ICAP and mICAP groups made greater gains in language, communication, and psychosocial well-being compared to those receiving usual care.

Read more on JSLHR!

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