Briona Daugherty’s (MS-SLP ’22) speech-language pathology (SLP) path began on board a cruise ship. Daugherty graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in theatrical performance. She studied opera and musical theater, originally wanting to be a touring singer for Broadway-style shows. After spending time as a professional singer in Las Vegas and New York City, she began a career performing on cruise ships, including five years in China, Japan, Korea and Thailand. The longer she worked on cruise ships, the more she aided other vocalists in adjusting to life onboard. This included helping entertainment employees maintain their voices for more than two hours a night in a 2,000-seat theater. After witnessing Read more
USA Co-Sponsor Directly Impacted by Missouri Tornadoes


It was sad to hear of the devastating weather affecting so many areas of the country over the past several months. The University has had a long-standing relationship with a health system in Springfield, MO, which is located approximately an hour and half from the hard-hit Joplin, MO, area. The St. Johns Health/Mercy Hospital system stretches over the southwest area of Missouri and was directly impacted by the devastation.
After inquiry, we received word from Mark Huslig, PT, that their health system suffered extensive physical damage which led to displaced co-workers.
“Clean up activities continue to progress on schedule and the ongoing relief needs for displaced individuals is financial assistance. As the date since disaster lengthens peoples needs arise even more as disaster relief organizations begin to exit.” – Mark Huslig, PT
Mark shared with us that in addition to several PTs and many others losing their homes, the condition of the Joplin area hospital made it necessary to treat in unusual places, including hallways and the cafeteria. The immediate impact of the storms was felt all over the area.
Just recently the local shelter was closed, and those individuals without homeowners insurance, have little or no opportunities. If you would like to donate to the relief efforts, please contact Mark Huslig via email at [email protected]