Teletherapy Conference: Continuing the Journey

Sarah James is an experienced speech-language pathologist, seminar leader and consultant. Working in urban, suburban and rural public schools, Sarah’s area of specialty is the relationship between speech-language skills and academic development and how cutting-edge technology can enhance speech-language programs. She has wide-ranging experience helping SLPs make connections between communication skills, classroom expectations, curriculum targets, and state standards. Sarah has been called on as a consultant for school districts around the country where she has offered speech-language pathologists practical and effective strategies for therapy. Sarah has served as president of her state’s speech-language hearing association and in 2010 they awarded her the Honors of the Association.

Theresa H. Rodgers, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, ASHA-F, EdS (LD), is a speech-language pathologist and special education consultant with more than thirty years’ experience in public schools. She is ASHA's Immediate Past President, a former government CAO, and has served as president of the Council of State Association Presidents as well as the National Council of State Boards of Examiners (NCSB). Theresa has served as ASHA’s VP for Government Relations and Public Policy and chaired the Council for Clinical Certification as well as the Board of Ethics. Theresa served several terms on the Louisiana licensure board, co-authored a Code of Ethics for SLP Assistants, has been instrumental in revisions of the Louisiana licensure law and regulations, has chaired disciplinary hearings, and has provided NCSB’s annual training for board members for more than a decade. She co-presented a master class on ethics at the 2019 ASHA convention and presents extensively on the topic at state, national, and international conventions.

Anna Vagin, PhD, is a licensed speech/language pathologist with over 30 years experience. Currently in private practice in Marin County, she provides individual sessions and social learning groups to families and children 6 months through young adulthood. Her particular interest is using media to support social thinking in students with diagnoses such as ASD, ADHD, NVLD, Language Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Social Communication Disorder or Twice Exceptional.

Genevieve Richardson is the driving force behind LIFE Speech Pathology®, a private practice located in Austin, Texas and LIFE Aphasia Academy®, an educational and support hub for individuals and families living with aphasia. With nearly three decades of experience in adult rehabilitation, Genevieve is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with aphasia and their families. LIFE Speech Pathology is at the forefront of telepractice, bringing expert speech therapy directly to clients across twelve states. Specializing in chronic aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, and cognitive-communication evaluation and treatment, Genevieve's practice extends beyond geographical boundaries and can meet the treatment needs of those just starting outpatient treatment to individuals months or years after the onset of aphasia. Complementing her practice, the "Listen for LIFE Aphasia" podcast is designed to inspire, support, provide resources, and offer crucial information for persons with aphasia (PWA) and their families as they navigate their journey with aphasia. Genevieve hosts "Welcoming the Unwelcome Guest Called Aphasia During the Holidays," a comprehensive 5-part video training series available to all. She offers a free masterclass titled "From Challenge to Cheer: Crafting Aphasia-Inclusive and Supportive Holiday Gatherings." These programs equip participants with valuable strategies and action plans to decrease stress and enhance connection during the holiday season, despite the challenges of aphasia. Genevieve’s mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by aphasia through training speech language pathologists seeking innovative telepractice solutions as well as families touched by aphasia. Genevieve welcomes all to be a part of this journey toward improved communication, inclusion, and support through DoLIFESpeechPathology.com.

Angelina is passionate about utilizing the tools of yoga to foster healing in a traumatized world. Angelina holds a Master of Science degree in counseling psychology and has worked as both a middle & high school counselor for the past 14 years. She combined her background in mental health and yoga to start a weekly yoga class for incarcerated youth in the San Bernardino county detention center.