Holly K. Craig, Ph.D.
CCC-SLP
Director, Research Professor, Professor of Education
Holly has taught in the areas of language acquisition and language disorders at the University of Michigan for more than 30 years and held the position of Director at the Center since 1987. She is a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a past Editor for Language of the Journal of Speech-Language-Hearing Research. Holly has published more than 65 journal articles and book chapters on children’s acquisition of language and literacy skills and presented many scholarly papers at national meetings. Her research program focuses on the relationships between oral language and achievement, with specific projects examining behavioral profiles of dyslexia, adult economic well-being and dialect usage, and the contribution of oral language skills to narrowing the Black-White Achievement Gap for reading. These projects are funded by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Education.

Joanne Marttila Pierson, Ph.D.
CCC-SLP
Associate Director
Joanne received her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Language, Literacy, and Learning Disabilities from the University of Michigan. She is responsible for providing direction to the clinical programs, business operations, public relations, and development work of the Center. Joanne provides leadership in the area of clinical diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia and of the Center’s newest website, dyslexiahelp.umich.edu.

Mimi Block, M.S.
CCC-SLP
Clinical Services Manager
Mimi is a graduate of the University of Michigan. As a speech-language pathologist, Mimi has specialized in working with adults with aphasia at the University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP) for over 15 years. As Clinical Services Manager, she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the clinical programs for adults and children.

Lynn LaRue Chenoweth, MT-BC, NMT Fellow
Music Therapist-Board Certified
Lynn is a graduate of University of Illinois (BS), Eastern Michigan University (Bachelor of Music Therapy), and has completed advanced training in neurologic music therapy (NMT) at Colorado State University. Lynn has had a private practice, Music Therapy Rehabilitation Services since 1993. Her clients have included pre-school children, children with speech and language delays, and adults with a variety of acquired speech, language, and physical challenges related to stroke, TBI, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurogenic disorders. Lynn began facilitating group and individual music therapy for the University of Michigan Aphasia Program in 2005.

Jennifer Corey, M.Sc.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Jennifer completed a B.Mus. in vocal performance at Memorial University of Newfoundland and received a M.Mus. from McGill University in Montreal, Canada.  In 2003, she earned her M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology from McGill University.  Before joining UCLL, she worked in an acute care hospital with adult inpatients and adult and pediatric outpatients. She has also worked in a subacute rehabilitation facility. Jennifer has experience working with speech, language, cognitive, voice, and swallowing disorders.

Anna Davis, B.A.
Research Assistant
Anna has been a research assistant with UCLL since November 2008. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2008 with a B.A. in linguistics and psychology and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology at Eastern Michigan University. Anna is involved in research for the University of Michigan Aphasia Program.

Anna DeJesus, M.A.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Anna received a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Education from Eastern Michigan University, and continued on to earn her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Eastern Michigan University. She became a member of UCLL in January 2008 as an intern working with UMAP clients. She recently completed her Clinical Fellowship year at UCLL. She enjoys being a member of the UCLL staff because she has the wonderful opportunity to work with individuals across the lifespan.

Stephanie Hensel, M.A.
Research Specialist
Stephanie holds a B.A. in Linguistics and Communications Studies and an M.A. in Educational Studies from the University of Michigan. Her role at UCLL has been to lead the research team in transcribing and coding the language samples that are collected from local schools, and then prepare research results for publication in reports, papers, journals, books and other media. She also analyzes outcome data from the Center’s clinical programs.

Annie Kennedy, M.A.
CCC-SLP
Associate Clinical Manager
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Annie completed her undergraduate work at Michigan State University and then graduated with her Master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1998. Her prior work experience includes working with adults and children with traumatic brain injury. She has supervised the practicum assignments of students working towards their Master’s degrees at the University of Washington, in the area of adult neurogenics. Annie currently works with adults in the University of Michigan Aphasia Program.

Jennifer Kohl, B.A.
Research Assistant
Jennifer joined UCLL in 2008 after a year of post-bachelor courses at Wayne State University in Speech-Language Pathology. She graduated from Miami University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. Her roles at UCLL include leading the field research in the Flint and Jackson school districts, preparing reports and data presentations, and providing support to externally funded grant projects.

Rachael Kohl
Research Assistant
Rachael is completing her senior year at the University of Michigan, focusing on Sociology, Spanish, and Linguistics. She joined the UCLL research staff in 2009. As a research assistant, she enjoys working on the Center's diverse projects, especially the dyslexia research project.

Gordon Krainen, Ph.D.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Gordon has worked as a speech-language pathologist for 26 years. His employment has included a variety of settings from public to special education, acute and rehabilitation hospitals, home health and skilled nursing centers, and some college teaching. Gordon received a B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Wayne State University.

P. Lisa Kraus, B.S., T.R.D.
State Certified in Therapeutic Recreation
Client Services Coordinator
Lisa is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. Lisa has been at UCLL for 3 years working with clients and family members of the University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP). Lisa plans and implements recreational activities, coordinates routine medical services, and assists in facilitating the UMAP Family Support Group meetings.

Cassandra Malis
Research Assistant
Cassandra is an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, with a major in English and a double minor in Art History and Women’s Studies. She started as a research assistant in July of 2010, and particularly enjoys working with the longitudinal data. After she graduates, Cassandra plans to teach English abroad to elementary students, as well as attend graduate school.

Judy L. Nantau, M.A.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Judy brings high-quality, competency based intervention services to all of the clients who come to UCLL. In addition, she coordinates the Research Outreach programs to the public schools. She is a graduate of Valparaiso University and has an M.A. from Western Michigan University.

Heather Parzynski, M.A.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Heather earned her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Illinois in 1998, after completing her B.A. in English at Missouri State University. Before joining UCLL, she worked in an acute rehabilitation unit (treating adults with communication and swallowing disorders). She has also worked as a speech-language pathologist in skilled nursing facilities and the public school system.

Rochelle Peterson, M.A.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Rochelle is a graduate of Wayne State University. She joined the UMAP in September, 2004. Rochelle previously worked as director of speech therapy services for Easter Seal Society in Richmond, Virginia. She has also worked in private practice and as a speech pathologist consultant for hospitals in the Detroit area.

Beth Salz, M.S.
CCC-SLP
Associate Clinical Manager
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Beth received her undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and her Master’s degree in communication disorders from Boston University. Prior to joining the staff at the UCLL in 2007, she worked in acute care inpatient and pediatric outpatient rehabilitation settings. Beth enjoys working with both adult and pediatric populations.

Rachel Schachter, Doctoral Student
Graduate Student Research Assistant
Rachel is doctoral student at the University of Michigan, School of Education, in the Teaching and Teacher Education Program and holds a Master’s Degree in Language and Literacy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her previous research experience is in the area of early childhood vocabulary development.

Karen A. Wasco, M.S.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Karen received her B.A. in English Literature from John Carroll University and in 2004, received her M.S. from Gallaudet University. She came to UCLL as a summer intern and returned to complete her Clinical Fellowship with us. She works in the University of Michigan Aphasia Program and provides speech, language, and literacy intervention to school-age children. Karen leads Six Steps to Academic Success (SSAS), a workshop designed for University of Michigan students with dyslexia and other language-related learning disabilities, and she provides expertise to the dyslexiahelp.umich.edu website.

Lisa Whitehead, M.S.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Lisa received her M.S. in speech-language pathology in 1987 from the University of Michigan. Her prior work experience focused on serving neurologically impaired adults in hospital settings. She has always had a special interest in working with clients with aphasia, and joined the University of Michigan Aphasia Program in 2007.

Margaret Wielbut
Art Therapist
Margaret received her Master's degree in Education from Warsaw University in 1982. She came to the United States with a strong motivation to graduate in art therapy. In 2006, she became an art therapist after obtaining her Master's at Wayne State University. Currently she specializes in working with individuals with different brain pathologies using art as a medium of communication and expression.

Maria R. Wyche, M.A.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Maria earned her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Wayne State University. She provides speech, language, and literacy intervention to adults in the University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP) and to school-age children and teens. Maria is one of the contributing authors to the dyslexiahelp.umich.edu. She enjoys implementing state-of-the art technology to create custom solutions for clients with communication disorders and dyslexia. Maria enjoys providing conversational training to enhance the communicative experience for our clients with aphasia and their families and friends.

Dinah M. Young
Assistant Clinical Services Manager
Dinah joined UCLL in 2007 to provide project management for It’s a Rap: Celebrating 60 Years of the University of Michigan Aphasia Program Gala Event. Her background combines over 20 years of administrative experience, including 7 years in the non-profit sector as the Grants Coordinator for the Association for Asian Studies in Ann Arbor. Dinah facilitates the client intake process by providing program descriptions, fee schedules, session orientation, and assisting with logistical arrangements for out-of-town clients.

Cynthia Magrum
Office Supervisor / Children’s Services Assistant
Cynthia joined the UCLL team in October of 2008. She comes to us with 20 years of experience in Office Management. The last 15 years were spent in the field of Chiropractic as an Office Administrator and X-ray Technician. As the Children’s Services Assistant Cynthia provides program descriptions and fees to the families of prospective clients. Cynthia prepares weekly schedules for children’s therapy, takes inquiry calls, and enjoys communicating with the clients when they check in. Cynthia is currently pursuing her degree in Business Administration.

Randy Meyer, B.B.A.
Business Manager
Randy received his degree in business administration from Eastern Michigan University, where he majored in Accounting. He joined the business office at UCLL in 2006 and brings with him over 17 years experience within the University environment. As the business manager, Randy’s responsibilities are to ensure that all business transactions adhere to University guidelines.

Toshia Watkins
Accountant
Toshia joined UCLL in 2008 to provide a sound approach to the financial structure of UCLL. Prior to joining UCLL from Chicago, Toshia’s 20 years of Global Corporate Accounting, Banking, and Higher Education has served her well. At UCLL she hopes to plan and develop a more comprehensive view of the work our Speech-Language Pathologists perform daily.

La Shawn Denise Westbrook
Client Account Representative
La Shawn received her Certification in Medical Assisting in 1995. She is currently in junior status pursuing a B.A. in Social Work at Eastern Michigan University. La Shawn has worked within the administrative aspects of the medical field for many years, including billing and collections. She has been an employee of the University of Michigan Health Systems since 2001.