At University of Michigan Health, Michigan Medicine, our certified Speech-Language Pathologists have one central goal: to work closely with patients and families to improve quality of life through enhanced communication and swallowing skills.
Adult Dysphagia
Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing food or liquids. There are many causes, including problems in the coordination or strength of the swallowing muscles, inflammatory conditions, benign narrowings of the esophagus called strictures, and cancers. Our dedicated staff members who have broad experience in diagnosing and treating dysphagia, use comprehensive diagnostic testing and engage in robust clinical research programs.
Adult Hospital:
- Adrianna Spiteri, SLP-D, CCC
- Alexis Bailey, MS, CCC
- Brooke Ingraham, MA, CCC
- Dana Hanifan, MA, CCC, Manager
- Karen Kluin, CCC, BC-ANCDS, Adult Supervisor
- Katherine McConville, MA, CCC
- Kelly Jones, MA, CCC
- Kourtney Main, MA, CCC
- Lucy Finkel, MA, CCC
- Margaret K. Tiner, MS, CCC, BCS-S
- Sarah Russell, MS, CCC, BCS-S
- Sheila Harkaway, MA, CCC
- Thomas Singer, MA, CCC
Brighton Center for Specialty Care:
- Jennifer Gostlin, MA, CCC
- Katherine McConville, MA, CCC
- Lauren Wiltsey, MA, CCC
Canton Health Center:
- Michelle Shenton, M.Ed., CCC
MedRehab:
- Jenny Santer, MA, CCC, CBIS
- Lauren Wiltsey, MA, CCC
- Liz Bizer-Cox, MA, CCC
- Michelle Shenton, M.Ed., CCC
Taubman Center Otolaryngology:
- Anna Blakely, MA, CCC
- Madison Ambrose, MA, CCC
- Teresa Lyden, MA, CCC
Adult Head/Neck Cancer and Voice Disorders
Adult Hospital:
- Katherine McConville, MA, CCC
- Kelly Jones, MA, CCC
- Lucy Finkel, MA, CCC
- Margaret K. Tiner, MS, CCC, BCS-S
Brighton Center for Specialty Care:
- Katherine McConville, MA, CCC
- Teresa Lyden, MA, CCC
Taubman Center Otolaryngology:
- Anna Blakely, MA, CCC
- Madison Ambrose, MA, CCC
- Marci Rosenberg, MA, CCC
- Teresa Lyden, MA, CCC
Adult Neurogenic Disorders
Adult Hospital:
- Adrianna Spiteri, SLP-D, CCC
- Alexis Bailey, MS, CCC
- Brooke Ingraham, MA, CCC
- Ciara Cheney, MA, CCC
- Dana Hanifan , MA, CCC, Manager
- Karen Kluin, MS, CCC, BC-ACNDS, Adult Supervisor
- Kourtney Main, MA, CCC
- Sarah Russell, MS, CCC, BCS-S
- Sheila Harkaway, MA, CCC
- Thomas Singer, MA, CCC
Brighton Center for Specialty Care:
- Jennifer Gostlin, MA, CCC
- Lauren Wiltsey, MA, CCC
Canton Health Center:
- Michelle Shenton, M.Ed., CCC
MedRehab:
- Liz Bizer-Cox, MA, CCC
- Jenny Santer, MA, CCC, CBIS
- Michelle Shenton, M.Ed, CCC
- Lauren Wiltsey, MA, CCC
Augmentative/Alternative Communication
Adult Hospital:
- Brooke Ingraham, MA, CCC
- Dana Hanifan, MA, CCC, Manager
- Sheila Harkaway, MA, CCC
Brighton Center for Specialty Care:
- Jennifer Gostlin, MA, CCC
Canton Health Center:
- Michelle Shenton, M.Ed., CCC
MedRehab:
- Liz Bizer-Cox, MA, CCC
- Michelle Shenton, M.Ed., CCC
Pediatric Rehabilitation Center:
- Hanna Ammons, MA, CCC
- Stacy Lecznar, MA, CCC
Pediatric Developmental and Neurogenic Communication Disorders
Briarwood Pediatric Rehabilitation Center:
- Ana Molloseau, MA, CCC
- Angelica Taylor, MA, CCC
- Kristin Morgan, MA, CCC
- Lennie Bowen-Graham, MS, CCC
Brighton Center for Specialty Care:
- Lennie Bowen-Graham, MS, CCC
- Lindsay Laycock, MA, CCC
Mott Hospital:
- Elizabeth Mekler, MA, CCC
- Emily Zezas, MA, CCC
- Erica Wisnosky, MA, CCC
- Marissa Habeshy, MS, CCC
- Samantha Kliman, MA, CCC
Northville Health Center:
- Jamie Brunner, MA, CCC
- Laura Scott, MA, CCC
- Maria McElmeel, MA, CCC
Pediatric Rehabilitation Center:
- Ana Molloseau, MA, CCC
- Ann K. Comstock, MS, CCC, Pediatric Supervisor
- Anna Davis, MA, CCC
- Emily Hicks, MA, CCC
- Emily Johnson, MA, CCC
- Erin Papcun, MA, CCC
- Hanna Ammons, MA, CCC
- Lindsay Reilly, MA, CCC
- Santia Sims, MA, CCC
- Stacy Lecznar, MA, CCC
West Ann Arbor Health Center-Parkland Plaza:
- Emily Johnson, MA, CCC
Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
Briarwood Pediatric Rehabilitation Center:
- Angelica Taylor, MA, CCC
Brighton Center for Specialty Care:
- Lindsay Laycock, MA, CCC
Mott Hospital:
- Elizabeth Mekler, MA, CCC
- Emily Zezas, MA, CCC
- Erica Wisnosky, MA, CCC
- Marissa Habeshy, MS, CCC
- Samantha Kliman, MA, CCC
Northville Health Center:
- Jamie Brunner, MA, CCC
- Maria McElmeel, MA, CCC
Pediatric Rehabilitation Center:
- Anna Davis, MA, CCC
- Emily Johnson, MA, CCC
- Erin Papcun, MA, CCC
- Lindsay Reilly, MA, CCC
West Ann Arbor Health Center-Parkland Plaza:
- Emily Johnson, MA, CCC
Make an Appointment
Adult Hospital and Mott Hospital: 734-763-4003
Brighton Center for Specialty Care, Taubman Center and West Ann Arbor Otolaryngology: 734-936-8051
Brighton Center for Specialty Care, Briarwood Pediatric Center, Canton Health Center, MedRehab, Northville Health Center, Pediatric Rehabilitation Center, West Ann Arbor: 734-936-7070
Graduate Students
The Speech-Language Pathology Department accepts a limited number of graduate student interns each year, pediatric and adult. Prospective interns typically apply 12 to 18 months in advance of the last-semester placement. Information on the application process is available from Sarah Russell MS CCC, Graduate Student Internship Manager: srusse@med.umich.edu
The Speech-Language Pathology Department also accepts requests from current graduate students for a one-day, three-hour clinical observation. Pediatric and adult observations are available. Please contact Samantha Kliman , the Student Observation Coordinator: klimans@med.umich.edu to request an observation.
Referrals
Research & Education
Speech-Language Pathology staff members present in-services and educational programs at a variety of state and national conferences as well as for community groups. Staff are also available to participate in medical grand rounds and medical student and resident lecture programs.
Educational Topics
- Adult Dysphagia: Assessment and Treatment
- Overview of Communication and Swallowing Disorders
- Aphasia, Apraxia and Dysarthria: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment
- Augmentative/Alternative Communication
- Cognitive-Communicative Disorders
- Communication Disorders in Patients with Acquired Brain Injury
- Laryngectomy Rehabilitation
- Learning Strategies for Children with Brain Injury
- Managing Tracheostomy Tubes to Enhance Speech Production
- Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement: Assessment and Treatment
- Pediatric Dysphagia: Assessment and Treatment
- Swallowing Rehabilitation following head/neck cancer surgery
- Typical Speech, Language and Swallowing Development in Children
- Velopharyngeal Dysfunction: Assessment and Management
- Voice Disorders: Assessment and Treatment
To schedule an in-service or educational presentation, please email: Speech-Pathology@med.umich.edu
Clinical Research
Speech-Language Pathologists at University of Michigan Health, Michigan Medicine, are involved in a variety of research projects designed to improve understanding of communication and swallowing disorders and their treatment. Areas of interest include:
Karen Kluin, MS, CCC, BC-ANCDS
- Functional brain mapping (intraoperative & extraoperative): Motor speech & language evaluation & outcome in patients with medically refractory epilepsy & brain tumors.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery: Motor speech & language evaluation & outcome in patients with Parkinson’s disease & essential tremor.
- Neurodegenerative diseases (such as PPA, PPAOS, SCAs, MSA, PSP, CBS, ALS, PLS): Motor speech & language disorders
Margaret K. Tiner, MS, CCC, BCS-S
- Use and effectiveness of teletherapy for patients with dysphonia.
- Trust and relationship between Laryngologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
- Respiratory retraining therapy for treatmetn of functional dyspnea
- Feasibility and efficacy of maxillofacial prosthetics
- Functional outcomes in partial glossectomy
External Resources
- A is for Aphasia Support Group
- American Cancer Society Homepage
- American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association
- American Speech-Language Hearing Association
- Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (AACIL)
- Aphasia Community Friendship Center
- Autism Society of Michigan
- Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
- Brian Injury Association of Michigan
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Cleft Palate Foundation
- Michigan Speech Language Hearing Association
- National Aphasia Association
- National Spinal Cord Injury Association
- National Stroke Association
- Think First - National Injury Prevention Foundation
- Webwhispers Nu-Voice Club
- Your Child: Development & Behavior Resources, A Guide to Information & Support for Parents