Dr. Jie Yang has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in phonetics, speech science, speech-language development and speech sound disorders. She has worked as a bilingual speech-language pathologist in public schools and private clinics. Additionally, she has received a research grant from the National Science Foundation and has presented at national and international conferences. Dr. Yang’s
Before joining the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2024, Dr. Casey Keck worked as a clinical speech-language pathologist on interdisciplinary neurorehabilitation teams in pediatric outpatient settings. Her primary teaching interests are cognitive and communication skills across the lifespan, particularly after acquired brain injuries. In her courses, she employs active learning strategies such
Monica Putt earned her Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies from the University of Arizona in 2007 before pursuing her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from New York University, graduating in 2011. In June 2023, she received international board-certified lactation consultant certification through the University of California San Diego. This milestone equipped
Dr. Lekeitha R. Morris is a speech-language pathologist certified through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association with more than 20 years of clinical experience providing services to children and adults to enhance communication skills. A transformational educator, administrator and researcher, she began her higher education experience in 2011. At Delta State University, she served as a department
Dr. Ellie Cooper is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Listening and Spoken Language Specialist. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Arkansas and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Fontbonne University. As a practicing SLP, Dr. Cooper provided intervention to deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH)
Dr. Grzina, who joined the University in April 2024, has worked in pediatric medical settings, including the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit, acute care and outpatient, and has served on cleft and craniofacial anomalies teams. She has specialized in working with infants and children with feeding and swallowing disorders, cleft lip and
A physical therapist, healthcare consultant and instructor, Dr. Warren McAdams integrates his background in psychology to provide a comprehensive approach to healthcare. He joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in April 2024. His leadership as vice chair of the Texas Physical Therapy Association’s Capital Area District and active participation in physical therapy
Dr. Kristine (Kristi) Hanks received her Bachelor of Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Master of Science and Transitional doctorate degree in physical therapy from Marymount University, and Doctor of Health Sciences (Education) from Radford University. As a practicing physical therapist, she has experience in multiple settings for 25 years, including acute care,
Dr. Mohamed Kamel is a physical therapist with 25 years of academic and clinical experience in the field. His background and training include pediatric physical therapy, geriatric physical therapy, home health, outpatient physical therapy, neurological rehabilitation and musculoskeletal physical therapy. He earned his bachelor’s degree (1997) and master’s degree (2003) from Cairo University and has
Dr. Cynthia (Cyndi) Haynes is a pediatric therapist with more than 20 years of experience. She has worked as a clinician and director across diverse settings, including a regional pediatric hospital, pediatric rehabilitation facility, outpatient clinics, early intervention and community preschools, as well as home- and school-based services. As occupational therapy regional director with Employer
Brooke Weber earned her Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University in Boston, MA. With more than five years of experience, she has dedicated her career to diverse pediatric environments, encompassing home health, schools and outpatient clinics. Weber specializes in serving children with Autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,
Dr. Justine Faghihifar joined the University in 2023 and serves as an Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy (OT) programs on the Dallas, TX campus. She holds a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and a Master of Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University . Specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental health, pediatrics, school systems and sensory