Master of Science in Communicative Disorders (CDS) - Faculty

Michael Biel, CScD (Doctor of Clinical Science)
CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology)
ANCDS-BC (Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences Board Certification)

Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences

• CD 501: Interviewing and Counseling in Communicative Disorders
• CD 659: Neurogenic Disorders of Cognition and Language
• CD 663: Adult and Pediatric Swallowing/Feeding Disorders

michael.biel@csun.edu

Biel earned his M.S. Communicative Disorders from CSUN and his clinical doctorate degree (CScD) in Medical Speech Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh.  He brings to his courses a focus on how to diagnose and treat individuals with neurologically based communication disorders and swallowing difficulties. Biel applies his personal experience as an SLP to helping students understand what real-world practice looks like and how to succeed as a therapist.

He dedicates much of his effort to understanding the science of motivation and how to translate well-established theories in psychology to clinical practice. Biel also has an interest in the role of the arts and humanities in adult neurorehabilitation, and he started a book club for persons with aphasia.

Biel worked as a full-time SLP for the VA Healthcare System and UCLA Medical Center for about 20 years and continues to see clients with neurogenic communication disorders on a part-time basis. He specializes in working with those with aphasia, but he also has significant experience with other conditions seen in a medical setting (e.g., dysphagia). He is board certified in neurologic communication disorders from the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders (ANCDS).  He developed a mentoring program for SLPs working towards board certification.  Biel brings his education and work background to his courses.

Sarah Cathcart, MS, CCC-SLP

Office: (818) 677-4856
sarah.cathcart@csun.edu

Sarah Cathcart graduated from the CDS Master's program at CSUN and has worked as a medical speech-language pathologist throughout her career. Ms. Cathcart’s clinical expertise is in the area of neurogenic based disorders of language, speech, and cognition. Ms. Cathcart has lectured and presented at conferences in the areas of rehabilitation and interprofessional education.

Ms. Cathcart worked for the residential CDS program at CSUN as the externship coordinator, a clinical supervisor, researcher, and course instructor before joining the Distance Learning faculty this past August. Prior to coming to CSUN, Ms. Cathcart worked in intensive early intervention programs, with school age children in private practice, in day-treatment rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation. In addition to her work with CSUN, Ms. Cathcart works per diem at the UCLA Speech Pathology Clinic and consults as an executive coach.

Scott Dailey, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

scott.dailey@csun.edu

Dr. Dailey is the Director of Speech and Swallowing Service, coordinating with services throughout Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He directs clinical services of the 10 staff speech-language pathologists for outpatient and inpatient services and serves as functional supervisor to staff speech-language pathologists and fellows including completing performance evaluations, coordinating time off and clinical coverage. He also serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa.

Reed Elliott, M.A., CCC-SLP

• CD 500: Leveling in Communication Disorders and Sciences
• CD 469O: Observation in Communication Disorders

reed.elliott@csun.edu

Reed Elliott is a specialist in the area of speech, reading and writing instruction. He is an associate professor for the Communication Disorders and Sciences Department of California State University at Northridge, where he specializes in children's language development.

Professor Elliott has served people with communicative handicaps all his adult life. During the past 35 years he worked primarily with children and young adults with mental retardation and autism, adolescents withmental illness, and young men and women imprisoned because of severe criminal behavior. In addition, he has worked as a speech/language pathologist in private practice and as a consultant to group homes serving people with developmental disabilities. He has received grants and awards for research and program development, has published numerous scientific papers, co-authored a self-help book with psychologist Tom Prinz, and developed educational software programs used both in primary and secondary grades throughout California. He is a frequent presenter and panelist at conferences and training seminars, has served on the Ventura County Mental Health Advisory Board, and has been honored by the California Department of Developmental Services, the California Youth Authority, and the California State University at Northridge. Recently he was named a Fellow of the South Coast Writing Project at the University of California in Santa Barbara.

Sherry Foldvary, MBA, M.A.,
CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology)

Coordinator for Distance Education, Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences

• CD 672A: Advanced Clinical Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology I
• CD 672C: Advanced Clinical Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology II

Office: (818) 677-2880
sherry.foldvary@csun.edu

Foldvary’s Master of Arts Communicative Disorders and CCC-SLP, as well as many years of work in this field, give her in-depth understanding of clinical practice.  She served as director of rehabilitation and diabetes services at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she managed operations for inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, occupational medicine services, the neurodiagnostic (EEG) department, and the East Los Angeles Center for Diabetes. Foldvary had responsibility for 15 programs/cost centers and a staff of 100 therapists, therapy assistants, nurses, technicians and support personnel.

She has displayed her clinical and managerial expertise throughout her career, including working at Glendale Adventist Medical Center as a staff therapist and manager for the Communication Disorders Department. Her clinical expertise focuses on pediatric and adult brain injury, stroke and dysphagia. She also has supervised beginning and advanced diagnostic clinics at CSUN.  Foldvary has lectured and presented at conferences and seminars in the areas of brain injury, pediatric dysphagia and administrative issues in rehabilitation. She also served on the governing board of the California Rehabilitation Association/Western Alliance for Rehabilitation and as vice chair for the California Hospital Association, Center for Medical Rehabilitation Services advisory board.

Foldvary oversees the clinical practicum coursework, essential in helping students take the theory learned in their academic coursework and applying it to working with clients/patients. The experiences throughout the program provide students with the ability to apply principles of evidence-based practice to developing assessment and treatment plans for clients. The interaction with a variety of client/patient populations of all ages helps them gain basic clinical competency that they will develop and hone throughout their careers.

Lisa Guerette, M.A. CCC-SLP, M.H.A., Au.D. CCC-A
Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences

• CD 674: Pediatric Audiology

lisa.guerette@csun.edu

Guerette has worked in the field of audiology and speech pathology for more than 25 years, with a focus on the pediatric population. For 15 years she ran the largest pediatric speech therapy and audiology private practice in the State of Alaska. In 2013 the world-renowned House Children's Hearing Center of UCLA hired her as director of audiology. In this position she had responsibility for pediatric audiology care for children from birth through the age of 21, with a special focus on pediatric hearing aid fitting, diagnostics and cochlear implants. Her previous experience also includes work in school, early intervention, home health, skilled nursing and hospital settings.

She earned an Au.D. (doctor of audiology) from Salas University and M.A. Speech Pathology from the University of Northern Colorado. Students learn about the unique skills it takes to diagnose and treat a hearing loss, including significant advances in technology such as cochlear implants, hearing aids, hearing aid technology and bone anchored hearing devices. They also learn the skills needed for those working with children with hearing loss, including understanding childhood hearing disorders, treatment, counseling and aural rehabilitation. Those interested in speech pathology and who work with children with hearing loss will get practical information from an instructor immersed in this area.

Delia Karahalios, Au.D., CCC-A

delia.karahalios@csun.edu

Delia Karahalios is honored to serve as the Chief of Audiology for the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System. Dr. Karahalios received her B.A. and doctoral degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. She has been named a Clinical Program Specialist in Tinnitus Management and Vestibular Disorders by the Veterans Affairs Professional Standards Board, and serves as a Tinnitus and Vestibular provider for VA Greater Los Angeles. Dr. Karahalios’s commitment to the interdisciplinary management of Veterans with auditory and vestibular disorders extends to her academic and professional presentations. She has presented as an invited faculty member on topics such as “Auditory & Vestibular Disorders in the Blast Injured Veteran”, Assistive Technology for the Hearing Impaired”, and “Central Auditory Processing Disorders”. Dr. Karahalios leads the Aural Rehabilitation classes for Greater Los Angeles, and is currently part of a VA IRB approved study focussing on CAPD and cognition. Delia trains and supervises 4th year doctoral externs, and has been teaching as a member of the CSUN Communication Disorders and Sciences team for 7 years. She is proud to be part of the education of the future of the CDS field.

Karen Kochis-Jennings, Ph.D.
CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology)
Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences

karen.kochis-jennings.32@csun.edu

• CDS 661: Voice and Disorders of Voice
• CDS 558: Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Speech, Language and Hearing

Kochis-Jennings has a Ph.D. Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Iowa, M.A.  Communicative Disorders from California State University, Fullerton, and a CCC-SLP designation. Her education and intensive work in this field includes more than 16 years of practice in the area of voice assessment and voice therapy in private practice and at the Cedars Sinai Voice and Swallowing Clinic. She has more than 30 years of vocal pedagogy experience, and a degree in vocal performance from Berklee College of Music, making her uniquely qualified to teach the graduate level voice course. She also has extensive experience in both perceptual and instrumental voice assessment, including videostroboscopy, and acoustic and aerodynamic voice analysis; and in all areas of voice therapy, including treatment of the professional performance voice and transgender voice training. Her doctoral research involved electromyographic (EMG) measurement of laryngeal muscle activity during singing. She supervised the CSUN Communication Disorders and Sciences Voice Clinic and has expertise in performance voice assessment and treatment. She has been president of the Southern California Voice Foundation Chapter since 2016.

Kochis-Jennings has a strong interest in the basic sciences foundational to the study of communication disorders, such as speech acoustics, speech anatomy and physiology, and neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. During her doctoral studies she taught neurology labs, and she has taught neuroanatomy courses. Her clinical experience includes treating patients with different aphasias and motor speech disorders in an outpatient clinic setting.

CDS 661 offers CDS students an opportunity to learn about voice disorders, voice evaluation and voice therapy from a speech-language pathologist who is an expert in voice disorders. Students learn to perform different voice evaluation tasks and how to accurately model voice therapy techniques, with feedback from the instructor. Assignments in this course have high clinical.

In CDS 558 Kochis-Jennings provides a foundation in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology to understand neurological speech and language disorders such as aphasia and apraxia of speech, as well as the effects of disorders such as Parkinson's Disease and multiple sclerosis on speech, language and swallowing. Students will benefit from her expertise in understanding the neuroanatomical structures and neuromechanisms responsible for speech production, language formulation and comprehension, hearing and swallowing.

Kyle Mamiya, M.S.
CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology)

• CD 501: Interviewing and Counseling in Communicative
• CD 661: Voice and Disorders of Voice

kyle.h.mamiya@csun.edu

Mamiya co-teaches CD 661, which provides a fundamental understanding of the diagnostic and therapy rationales for, and techniques used, to help those with voice disorders. He gives students a thorough grounding in various problems that impact vocal function and those involved with these issues. He also co-teaches CD 501 with Dr. Biel. With an M.S. Communicative Disorders from CSUN, CCC-SLP designation, and B.S. Biology from UCLA, he has an intensive background in this field. He emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning and demonstrating knowledge for assessment and intervention methods. Students will benefit from the approach of a professional determined to help others optimize their skills and craft.

Rosie Quezada, M.A.
CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology)

Lecturer, Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences

• CD 567 Clinical Practice in Speech Pathology III
• CD 672C: Advanced Clinical Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology I and II

Office: (818) 677-2258
rosie.quezada@csun.edu

As a practicing speech and language pathologist, Quezada brings to class her M.A. Speech and Language Pathology from Northwestern University and CCP-SLP designation, as well as an extensive clinical background working with clients.  Students not only gain the benefit of her education and experience but also learn about clinical thinking.  Quezada worked at the Elliott Institute, a school and agency specializing in serving children with autism. She serves as an advocate for clients in the world of Individualized Education Programs (IEP).  She also worked as a therapist at Glendale Adventist Medical Center and at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles as a clinical coordinator of the Speech-Language Pathology departments.  She brings to clinical practice courses her background in supervising speech therapy staff, coordinating supervision of SLP and Speech-Language Pathology Assistant students, interacting with clients and keeping staff up to date in the field.

Carol Szymanski, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

carol.szymanski@csun.edu

Dr. Szymanski is an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Lewis University, Romeoville, IL. Dr. Szymanski is also a Tele-supervision instructor with Simucase. Dr. Szymanski has current research and publications in areas such as best practices in simulations and telehealth/telesupervision. She holds Honors of the Association, Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association and was named a Fellow of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Dana Tappen, SLPD, CCC-SLP

Dr. Tappen is has been an owner of a private practice since 2009. Her areas of specialties include providing diagnostic, treatment, and parent training services to children and their families with a variety of communication disorders. She provided presentations in the topics of social language deficits and social behavior mapping at professional conferences such as the California Speech, Language Hearing Association and Global Social Thinking Provider’s Conference.

Andrew Vermiglio, Au.D., CCC-A

• CD 502 Research in Communication Disorders

andrew.vermiglio@csun.edu

Dr. Andrew Vermiglio is an audiologist and faculty at East Carolina University. He has worked as a Senior Research Associate at the House Ear Institute (HEI) in the Department of Human Communication Sciences and Devices. At HEI, Dr. Vermiglio was involved in the development of the Windows-based Hearing in Noise Test (HINT), the development of the Source Azimuth Identification in Noise Test (SAINT), and FDA trials of the Bone Anchored Hearing Appliance (BAHA) device for patients with single-sided deafness. Additionally, he was involved in the study for the development of hearing guidelines for the California Commission for Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). Dr. Vermiglio worked as a clinical audiologist at the House Ear Clinic and the VA Medical Center in Long Beach. He has also worked as a research associate in the Department of Auditory Electrophysiology at HEI.

Dr. Vermiglio has given lectures on hearing and hearing conservation for the LA Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society, the Piano Tuners Guild, KoSA International Percussion Workshop, United States Institute for Theater Technology Conference and Stage Expo, the USC School of Music, and the American Academy of Audiology. He has appeared on Good Morning America, Fox News, CBS News and in the documentary "The Heart is a Drum Machine" with engineer and producer Eddie Kramer.

In addition to his professional experience in the fields of audiology and hearing research, Dr. Vermiglio is a former U.S. Navy musician and drum instructor for the U.S. Armed Forces School of Music. He has performed and recorded music with a long list of talented artists and continues to play the drums as a freelance musician.

Elizabeth G. Weber, Ph.D.
CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology)

Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences

• CDS 552: Language disorders II
• CDS 662: Seminar in Developmental Language Disorders
• CDS 668: Advanced Diagnostics in Speech and Language Pathology

elizabeth.weber@csun.edu

Weber has worked clinically with children who have language disorders across a variety of diagnostic populations since 1989.  She brings an educational background and experience to her classes.  Weber earned a Ph.D. Linguistics from UCLA.  She also has a master’s degree in communicative disorders from CSUN and an M.A. Philosophy from Queens College, City University of New York.  Weber provides students with the basic knowledge and analytic techniques needed to assess and provide intervention for children with language disorders.  Her experience includes a private practice working with children with diagnoses of specific language impairment, language/learning disability, autism and phonological disorder.  She also co-leads social communication groups provided through the UCLA Family Support Program. 

Kristina Wilson, Ph.D.
CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology)

• CD 660: Structural and Neurogenic Speech Disorders

kristina.wilson@csun.edu

Wilson holds a Ph.D. Speech and Hearing Sciences University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Arts Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University, and the CCC-SLP designation. She brings her experience and knowledge to the classroom, including serving as a senior speech-language pathologist and clinical researcher on the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Teams at Texas Children’s Hospital since 2005. Her clinical interests focus on speech production skills and velopharyngeal function in patients with cleft palate, craniofacial anomalies, and velopharyngeal dysfunction. In addition to teaching, she has extensive involvement in the field.  Wilson was elected to the board of directors for the American Cleft-Palate Craniofacial Association (2016-2019) and served on the coordinating committee for ASHA's (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Special Interest Group 5: Craniofacial and Velopharyngeal Disorders.

Wilson provides students with in-depth understanding of the relationship between oral-pharyngeal structures and speech/resonance. The skills they gain will help them provide improved care to patients in schools, private practice and medical settings.

Janice Woolsey, M.S.
CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology)

Clinic Coordinator, Language, Speech and Hearing Center, CSUN

• CD 565: Clinical Practice in Speech Pathology I
• CD 566: Clinical Practice in Speech Pathology II

janice.woolsey@csun.edu

Woolsey has practiced as a speech-language pathologist since 1991 and is immersed in clinical practice.  She earned her M.S. Communicative Disorders from CSUN and her CCC-SLP designation, giving her specialized knowledge in this field.  She also serves as clinic coordinator for CSUN’s Language, Speech and Hearing Center, a nonprofit clinical facility on the CSUN campus that provides diagnosis and therapeutic services to children and adults with communication disorders.  The Center annually averages more than 12,000 patient visits of all ages, from culturally diverse backgrounds.  In addition to her duties as clinic coordinator, she has been published in the areas of clinical supervision and is the former director of research for the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

The skills and competencies students acquire in CD 565 and 566 will help them practice successfully in their careers as speech-language pathologists.  Learning the practice of speech-language pathology is a process.  Experts in the field start the same way – with others mentoring and supporting them until they become. independent enough to help others. Woolsey guides students through this experience, making it a positive, forward-looking journey.

Vickie Yu, Ph.D.
CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology)

Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences

• CD 502 Research in Communication Disorders
• CD 660 Structural and Neurogenic Speech Disorders

vickie.yu@csun.edu

Yu has a background that focuses on neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of speech, language and hearing.  She earned her Ph.D. Communication Sciences and Disorders from Wayne State University in Michigan.  She was a senior postdoctoral research fellow in the Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and postdoctoral research fellow for the Infant and Adult Speech Acoustics Laboratory, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Wayne State University.  Her publications include the. Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Division 2.

She brings her education and experience to CD 558.  The course provides fundamental concepts and knowledge of human neuroanatomy, with an emphasis on the neuroanatomical and neurophysiologic aspects of the brain, including the cortex, lobes, subcortical structure, basal ganglia, cerebellum, brainstem and neuropathways. This information serves as a foundation for students to advance their knowledge required for CDS courses, including neurogenic communication disorders of cognition and language, motor speech disorders, voice disorders and dysphagia.