Dr. Claryssa (Clary) Montgomery joined the University in 2023 as a clinical educator and transitioned to her current position in October 2024. Her experiences as a medical speech-language pathologist (SLP) navigating the healthcare systems in Texas and New York have influenced her approach to patient care and clinical mentorship. Dr. Montgomery’s areas of clinical expertise
With nearly three decades of experience in speech-language pathology, Kathryn Flurry Mercer has worked in a variety of adult and pediatric healthcare settings, as well as diverse educational environments. She joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in 2019 and works as the clinical coordinator of the MS-SLP program on the Dallas,
Amanda Eaton, PhD, CCC-SLP specializes in adult medical speech-language pathology and is committed to advancing the education of future clinicians and the understanding of communication, cognitive and swallowing disorders in adults. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy with a specialization in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where she developed a foundation in
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
Dr. Hilchey is a speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience. She has worked extensively with medically complex adults, children and veterans in various settings, including home health, inpatient and outpatient hospitals, private practice, schools and skilled nursing facilities. She holds a doctorate in speech-language pathology and joined the University in 2024.
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
Kristyn King joined the University in May 2024. She earned her master’s degree in communications and sciences disorders from Chapman University in 2015 after working as a behavioral therapist in pediatrics. King has worked primarily in hospitals with adults in the acute, acute rehabilitation and outpatient settings. She holds certifications in McNeill Dysphagia Therapy, Vital
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
Based at the Austin, TX campus, Rossana Ramires joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences as a Clinical Educator in January 2024. She has experience in clinical instruction, having worked in various settings with children and adults as a speech-language pathologist since 2002. Her main focus as a professional is to provide individualized