In This Issue...

1. President's Message
2. Student Fellow Spotlight: Olivia Thompson
3. 2026 Student Fellowship Awards
4. Committee Updates
5. ASHA Announcements
6. Aphasia Access Announcements
7. Opportunities for Research Collaboration with the NAA
8. Upcoming Meetings and Conferences
9. Member Accomplishments

ANCDS Board/Officers 

Catherine Off, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
President

Michael de Riesthal, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
President-Elect

Miriam Carroll-Alfano, Ph.D.
Secretary

Neila Donovan, Ph.D., CCC‐SLP
Treasurer

Melissa Duff, Ph.D.
Immediate Past President

Jennifer Lundine, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS
Executive Board Member

Jamila Minga, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Executive Board Member

Adele Raade, Ph.D., BC-ANCDS
Executive Board Member

Ramani Voleti, M.S., CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS
Executive Board Member

Stacie Raymer, Ph.D.
ANCDS Archivist 

Audra Yetter, M.S., CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS
Chair, Board of Clinical Certification

Janet Patterson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Chair, Board of Residency Education

Sheryle Hazard, CAE
Executive Director

ANCDS Board Certification

Why become Board Certified?

- Recognizes your advanced clinical knowledge and skills

- Enhances your confidence in your clinical knowledge and skills

- Enhances consumer and referral source confidence in the care you can provide

- Encourages professional growth through the continuing education required for the maintenance of board certification

- Provides a respected credential to support professional advancement

Click here to learn more about the application and certification process.

Welcome New Members!

Full Members 

Tiffany Atkinson, M.S., CCC-SLP
Jessica Brunsvold, M.S., CCC-SLP
Cristina Castro, M.S., CCC-SLP
Lauren Claeys, M.S., CCC-SLP
Elisabeth (Lisa) D'Angelo, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Madeline Dunne, M.S., CCC-SLP
Evangelia Efstratiadou
Kristina Muscolino, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIS
Sophia Roberts, M.S., CCC-SLP
Lyssa Rome, M.S., CCC-SLP
Kristin Schaffer Mendez, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Brielle Stark, Ph.D.
Taylor Sustarsic, SLPD, CCC-SLP. CBIS
Monique Vasquez, CCC-SLP

Clinical Fellow and Student Members

Tasha Anslyn
Diana Cataldi, DMA, M.S.
Lauren Conner
Sydney Frederiksen
Vanessa Hunt
Gage Johnson
Olivia Lemert, B.A.
Senthil Rahavan, MSLP
Elysium Sheridan
Hannah Tjelle

Congratulations to the New Board Certified Clinicians!

Patricia Liu, CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS
Brett McCardel, M.S., CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS

On-Demand CE Offerings (Expiring 12/31/26)

Webinar: Hearing the Patient's Voice: Cases with Speech Pathology and Palliative Care

Webinar: Supporting Older Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

2025 Annual Scientific Meeting Lecture Recordings

REDI Self-Study Course: Freedom of Discomfort

ANCDS members have access to view past webinar recordings (no longer available for ASHA CEU credits) at your convenience.

ANCDS Merch

Show your ANCDS pride at your office, home, and everywhere you go with exclusive ANCDS logo items! From coffee mugs to t-shirts, ANCDS merch makes for great gifts for colleagues, employees, friends, family, and yourself!

Start Shopping!

Contact Us

ANCDS
2345 Rice Street, Suite 220
St. Paul, MN 55113
Online: www.ancds.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-925-5528
Fax: 651-317-8048

Have feedback or suggestions for the newsletter? Contact us here!

President's Message

Dear Members and Future Members of ANCDS,

It is an incredible honor to serve as the 2026 President of the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences, and I am delighted to share our vision for the exciting chapter that lies ahead.

ANCDS has long stood at the forefront of advancing knowledge, clinical excellence, and professional community building in the field of acquired neurologic communication disorders. As we look to the near future, I believe our greatest opportunities lie in opening our doors wider, deepening our connections, and building the kind of momentum that will carry us to a milestone worth celebrating together. Our strategic vision for the next few years is anchored in three commitments to our members and to the field.

First, we are dedicated to increasing visibility, access, and inclusion for all those who share a passion and curiosity for acquired neurologic communication disorders—across the lifespan. Whether you are a new or seasoned clinician, an experienced or emerging researcher, a student exploring career pathways or professional networks, or a practitioner seeking board certification, ANCDS is committed to creating clear, welcoming pathways to specialization. This year, we have already revisited how we describe our membership categories to foster a welcoming community and we will soon be refreshing our website and elevating the visibility of our members, our Board-Certified Specialists, and our Board-Recognized Externship sites to better reflect the breadth and depth of our community. We are excited to share that we have successfully negotiated a partnership with the Conference for Motor Speech, and we are looking forward to expanding our professional partnerships to create synergy with others in the field of acquired neurologic communication disorders.

Second, we are investing in member and non-member engagement in meaningful, collaborative, and sustained ways. We are developing a new vision for what continuing education resources look like—optimizing access to field specialization through high-quality content led by clinical experts. We will develop a rich library of resources—organized thematically with clustered webinar series, podcasts, and tutorials. To better engage members who want to get involved or develop their leadership portfolio, our new Volunteer and Engagement Committee will serve as a connective thread across committees, fostering collaboration and ensuring that our collective efforts are synergistic, purposeful, and coordinated as we advance our strategic priorities.

Finally, and perhaps most exciting of all, we are building strategic momentum toward our 40th Anniversary in 2028. We are investing intentionally in in-person gatherings in 2026, 2027, and 2028, with each annual meeting carefully designed to align its theme, content, and speakers with the expertise and energy of the conference location. We look forward to engaging with you in Indianapolis, New Orleans, and Denver—where we will celebrate our 40th anniversary celebration. A dedicated Ad Hoc 40th Anniversary Committee has been formed to coordinate this vision, working hand-in-hand with all of our committees to ensure that this milestone year is both a celebration of where we’ve been and a bold declaration of where we are going.

None of this happens without you. ANCDS is its members—your curiosity, your clinical and research expertise, your commitment to serving those living with neurologic communication disorders, and your willingness to engage, volunteer, and lead. I invite you to get involved, reconnect, or join us for the first time. Together, we will shape the next chapter of ANCDS.

With gratitude and great enthusiasm for the work ahead,

Cathy Off, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
President, ANCDS
[email protected]

Student Fellow Spotlight: Olivia Thompson

Name: Olivia Thompson
Program of Study/Year in Program: 2nd year in SLP program (graduating May 2026)
University: Saint Louis University
ANCDS Fellow Mentor: Dr. Tepanta Fossett
Area(s) of research, teaching, and/or clinical interest: Innovative treatment methods and assessment approaches in Aphasia and for TBI recovery, including technology-assisted interventions

ANCDS: Why were you interested in the ANCDS student fellow program?

OT: I was interested in the ANCDS fellowship program because it aligned with my academic and clinical interest in neurogenic communication disorders. The fellowship offered a unique opportunity to engage with both researchers and clinicians, gain exposure to more evidence-based practice approaches, and deepen my understanding of cognitive-linguistic treatment approaches in a collaborative, research-driven environment.

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2026 Student Fellowship Awards

The Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences (ANCDS) Membership Committee is pleased to announce that awards will be offered for twelve (12) students to attend the 2026 ANCDS Annual Scientific Meeting.

The 2026 Student Fellowship is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Full-time speech-language pathology master's and doctoral students enrolled in graduate-level courses during the Spring 2026 semester
• Full-time students specializing in clinical neurologically-based communication disorders and sciences (e.g., neuroscience, linguistics) enrolled in graduate-level courses during the Spring 2026 semester

Students do not need to be members of ANCDS to apply for the ANCDS Student Fellowship Award. Students who are not members of ANCDS are encouraged to apply.

The 2026 ANCDS Student Fellowship Awards include the following:

• A one-year ANCDS Membership for 2027
• Free registration for attendance at the 2026 ANCDS Annual Scientific Meeting in November
• An invitation to attend “Fellow-Mentor Networking” events during 2026 ANCDS Annual Scientific Meeting

Each 2026 ANCDS Student Fellowship winner will be matched with an ANCDS member who has similar research and/or clinical interests. The ANCDS member will act as a mentor and offer opportunities to discuss research and clinical interests.

The application deadline is Friday, June 12, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Central).

Learn More and Apply

Committee Updates

Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Committee

The ANCDS REDI Committee’s self-study course, Race, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Self-Study: Freedom of Discomfort, is now available for 2026 and can be ordered here.

This self-study course is available for 0.6 ASHA CEUs with an optional additional 0.2 ASHA CEUs for a total of 0.8 ASHA CEUs possible. You’ll have until December 31, 2026 to submit your completed materials!

This course is open to ANCDS Members and Non-Members, so feel free to share with colleagues and students.

Testimonials:
“This was an eye-opening, well thought out educational endeavor for me. Thank you for the new path of learning and perspective.”

"I gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse perspectives and experiences that shape our society. The program's structured approach not only challenged my assumptions but also empowered me to take meaningful action towards fostering inclusivity and equity in both personal and professional spheres."

View All Committees and Get Involved

 

ASHA Announcements

NEW to ASHA’s Evidence Maps: ASHA has re-organized its Evidence Maps to highlight a variety of treatment outcomes for SLP and audiology treatments. Visit the Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury Evidence Maps and other Map topics to explore outcomes spanning functional performance, psychosocial well-being, cost- and safety-related measures, and more. Check out the updated Evidence Maps today!

Research Funding: Are you interested in demonstrating the cost-saving potential of SLP or audiology services? The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHFoundation) is offering designated funding for research studies that investigate the monetary impact of SLP and audiology services. Examples of possible outcomes include total cost of care, length of stay, readmission rates, discharge disposition, preventable adverse events, and savings from discontinued medical interventions. Studies across all populations and healthcare settings are welcome, with priority given to outpatient services and developmental disorders. Apply for a research grant today!

Aphasia Access Announcements

Aphasia Access, a professional membership association, is a welcoming and needed antidote to the increasing obstacles today’s professionals face in healthcare, research, community, and academic environments. At Aphasia Access, you’ll find like-minded colleagues, resources, and evidence-based knowledge to practical “how to” solutions through the framework of the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia.

Here’s What’s New!
In April 2026, Aphasia Access hosted its first virtual conference, the Aphasia Access Chautauqua. A Chautauqua is an educational gathering designed to inspire learning and community dialogue by blending education, inspiration, and community exchange. Registrants received a total of 1.2 CEUs across four days of flexible and inspiring programming. Registrants shared that they felt a strong sense of community and connection with strong praise for featured presenters and high-quality content.

As part of our strategic plan, we are excited to announce a new benefit open to members only: our Communities of Practice program! This year we are piloting two Communities of Practice: Community Aphasia Centers and Programs and Acute Care and Inpatient Rehabilitation. These communities will allow members to receive virtual ongoing learning, support, networking, and collaboration with other leading members of Aphasia Access within each focus area. Interested in joining a Community of Practice? Fill out the form here.

Stay Tuned!
Aphasia Access Leadership Summit occurs every two years, bringing together aphasia clinicians, researchers, and advocates across numerous settings. We will meet for the seventh time in Louisville, KY, March 11–14, 2027, at the historic Seelbach Hotel. The call for papers is open now and closes July 31, 2026. Proposal formats include featured presentations, roundtable discussions, posters, and lightning talks that showcase ideas for implementing life participation approaches in clinical settings.

Our next Virtual Brag & Steal will be hosted by the Resource Exchange Committee this June in honor of Aphasia Awareness Month! These short, virtual presentations showcase ideas for implementing the life participation approach so attendees can “steal” it. Our upcoming session in June will spotlight “Jumping into Life after Aphasia” where we invite presenters with aphasia to share practical and meaningful ways they have re-integrated into their communities and modified or embraced previous enjoyed activities. The submission portal can be found here.

The Good Stuff Doesn’t Stop Here!

Premier Continuing Education
Person-Centered Care: the LPAA Knowledge and Practice Courses offer a comprehensive road map for clinicians and students to obtain the knowledge, skill, and ability to implement LPAA in clinical practice—from concept through documentation and billing. These video, case-based modules offer the translation of clinical research to practical application.

• Person-Centered Care: the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia – KNOWLEDGE Certificate – .25 ASHA CEUs
• NEW! Person-Centered Care: the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia – PRACTICE Certificate – .55 ASHA CEUs

The courses are available individually, to university classrooms (with special student pricing), and to professional groups as shared here by Jodi Morgan, M.S., CCC-SLP, with Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital.

Valuable Resources

• State of Aphasia: A Global Perspective – a one-stop, comprehensive report for anyone looking to set aphasia research, service priorities, or grab the attention of grant funders, policymakers, healthcare administration, and the media. Filled with the latest data on aphasia frequency, the demographic, clinical, and sociological aspects of aphasia care, populated with compelling stories of those living the experience.
• (LIV) Cards – evidence-informed tool kit that promotes client self-determination
• Aphasia Access Conversations – Podcast Series: This publicly available, free programming brings listeners current resources, tips, and valuable reflections from clinicians and researchers focused on the life participation approach to aphasia.

Many members of the Aphasia Access family are mobilizing on exciting new avenues to achieve our mission and vision. If you’d like to explore a fit for your time and talents, reach out to Executive Director Tissy Greene at [email protected] or the leadership team.

Opportunities for Research Collaboration with the NAA

Research will always play an important role in “a world where there are no barriers to living fully with aphasia”—the National Aphasia Association’s vision. As research becomes more collaborative, the NAA is here to help connect stakeholders to foster research that improves the lives of people living with aphasia.

1. Identifying the Core Impacts of Aphasia in the US: The NAA received a 2-year, $300,000 contract from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to build capacity for research. The project will use several ways to gather the perspectives of people living with aphasia, their families, clinicians, and researchers. At the end of the project, the NAA will share a Patient-Centered Core Impact Set that will be used to guide research priorities and other activities.

What You Can Do: Watch for your chance to participate as a clinician or researcher in the Core Impact project, coming soon in Summer 2026! https://aphasia.org/core-impact/

2. Funding Aphasia Research: The NAA currently offers 3 research grants each year, the Barbara Martin Research Grant (2 awards), sponsored by the NAA and the Academy of Aphasia, and the Outdrive award (focused on Primary Progressive Aphasia). These awards are a great opportunity to gather pilot data on a project that is consistent with the NAA’s mission and priorities.

What You Can Do: Watch for proposal due dates coming soon for 2026!
https://aphasia.org/barbara-martin-aphasia-research-grant/

3. Connecting Researchers and People with Aphasia: We have launched a brand new, accessible way for you to list your research studies. Use our online listing to post a study or help your clients find a study.

What You Can Do: Check out our newly updated research search tool.
https://aphasia.org/join-a-study/

BONUS: Access our aphasia-friendly research summaries on the NAA website.

There’s all this and more at: www.aphasia.org!

Upcoming Meetings and Conferences

SINR 2026 (Saugatuck Institute for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation)
June 2–5, 2026
Saugatuck Women's Club, Saugatuck, Michigan, USA
Theme: "Rehabilitation of Identity after Brain Injury"

International Aphasia Rehabilitation Conference (IARC)
July 1–3, 2026
Athens, Greece

Dr. Anna Volkmer and Dr. Maya Henry are excited to announce the first ever International Conference on PPA! The hybrid meeting will be held July 16–17, 2026—just after AAIC—in London, UK.

2026 ANCDS Annual Scientific & Business Meeting
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Indianapolis, IN
"Motor Speech Disorders Across the Lifespan: From Foundational Perspectives to Practice Innovations"
Save the date and watch for more information, coming soon!

Member Accomplishments

Member Publications:

Yu, V., Huang, T., Chen, Y-W. & Chiou, H.S. (2025). Bridging lived experiences and cultural responsiveness for Asian speech-language pathologists in the U.S. In A. P-H. Kong (Ed.), Educating, Supporting, and Empowering Speech-Language Pathologists and Related Healthcare and Educational Professionals in the Asian Context. Taylor & Francis. UK.

Duffy JR. Motor Speech Disorders: Substrates, Differential Diagnosis, and Management. Fifth Edition. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2027. (available March 2026).

Keator, L. M., Johnson, L., Newman-Norlund, R., Spell, K., Nemati, S., Spell, L. A., den Ouden, D. B., Rorden, C., & Fridriksson, J. (2026). Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation as an Adjuvant for Nonfluent Aphasia: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Bioengineering, 13(3), 372. https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13030372

Nichols, S., Ciccia, A., & Lundine, J.P. (2025). Assessing the validity of caregiver-rated severity in pediatric TBI: A comparative analysis with the Glasgow Coma Scale. Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. Epub before print. https://doi.org/10.1177/18758894251385506

Viola, N., Nemeth, J., Hinton, A., & Lundine, J.P. (2025). Profile of executive functioning and lifetime history of acquired brain injury in young adults experiencing homelessness: A pilot study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(5):790. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050790

Cao, K., Madden, E. B., & Graven, L. J. (2026). Caregiving Burden and Depressive Symptoms in Aphasia Caregivers: The Moderating Role of Friendship Support. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 1-13.

Schaffer Mendez, K., Evans, W. S., Dutcher, C. D., Philburn, C., Wauters, L. D., Young, M. M. & Henry, M. L. (2026). “Doing the best I can”: Qualitative outcomes and participant feedback from a combined communication and counseling treatment for primary progressive aphasia. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 61(2), e70200. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.70200

Bush, E. J., Strong, K. A., & Hinckley, J. J., & The Picturing Quality of Life Group (2026, February). Picturing Quality of Life: Exploring the perceptions of people living with stroke and traumatic brain injury through virtual Photovoice. Journal of Interactional Research in Communication Disorders, 16(2-3), 253-280. https://doi.org/10.3138/qrcdd-2024-0012

McMahon, M., Azios, J. H., Archer, B., Douglas, N. F., Strong, K. A., Simmons-Mackie, N., & Worrall, L. (2025, December). Using digital technology to stay connected with friends after aphasia. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 34(6S), 3593-3610. https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_AJSLP-24-00395

Combs, C., & Venkatesh, M. Preserving Connection: The Vital Window of Speech-Language Therapy Intervention in Dementia Care—A Case Study. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. https://doi.org/doi:10.1044/2025_PERSP-25-00125