UWG Speech Language Pathology Program

Congratulations to the B.S.Ed. SLP Class of 2026! 🎓🖤

So proud of this group and all the hard work they’ve put in over the years. Excited to see what’s next for each of you.

Go Wolves! 🐺

Class of 2026, M.Ed. SLP 🎓

What began as a group of students became a cohort of clinicians, advocates, and future colleagues. From tough classes to comprehensive exams to MBSImP trainings, clinic, externships, and long nights together, this group worked hard for every moment of today.

Wherever they go next — schools, medical settings, private practice, and beyond — we know they will make a difference in the lives of others.

Congratulations, graduates. Go Wolves. 🖤🐺

Scholar’s Day at UWG! 🐺📚🧠

So proud of our students and the work they’re doing.

Madison Brooks (SLP) presented her Honors thesis on SLPs’ experiences with Auditory Neuropathy Disorder under the mentorship of Dr. Aleah Brock.

Ja’Niyah Dunn (SLP) and Elizabeth Becerra-Turner (SPED) shared IGNITE—a social communication playgroup focused on caregiver coaching, developed in collaboration with Dr. Brandy Locchetta (SPED) and Dr. Aleah Brock (SLP).

Student-led scholarship with real clinical impact.

From grant funding to hands-on learning 👏

Congratulations to Mrs. Brittany Janowski for securing the technology grant that made this possible. Today, Samantha Kuetner from PatCom Medical traveled to Carrollton to lead a tutorial on our ✨NEW✨ portable Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) unit—expanding dysphagia training opportunities at UWG.

Real tools. Real training. Go West. ✌️

UWG SLP Grad Student Spotlight ✨

Congratulations to Valencia Valestin, recipient of the GSHA Student Success Graduate Scholarship and the GSHA Foundation Scholarship.

At GSHA 2026, she co-presented an AAC project on expanding communication access and led a student forum connecting programs across the state. She also recently completed the Georgia Mentor Leadership Academy.

Proud to see Valencia representing UWG SLP.

GSHA 2026 🤍

UWG SLP had a weekend. Students presenting, stepping into leadership roles, and connecting with SLPs across the state.

And faculty absolutely delivered—Dr. Ofoe, Mrs. Thompson, and Mrs. Gordon presented their work on a pediatric feeding screening program through a university preschool collaboration. The kind of work that truly makes a difference.

GO WEST 💃🕺

Graduate Student Spotlight: Casei Burkhalter ✨

Our graduate clinicians continue to gain valuable real-world experience through externship placements across the region. This week we are highlighting Casei, who is completing an externship at Atrium Health Floyd Outpatient Rehabilitation.

During her placement, Casei has worked with a diverse caseload while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of physical and occupational therapists. Her clinical experiences have included supporting adults with aphasia, dysphagia, dysarthria, voice disorders, and cognitive-communication impairments, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. She has also worked with pediatric clients with communication delays.

Casei shared that the setting has allowed her to grow her clinical skills through both evaluation and treatment experiences. She has conducted assessments such as the CLQT and swallowing evaluations while implementing a variety of intervention approaches.

“In this setting I have primarily served adult patients with aphasia, dysphagia, dysarthria, voice disorders, and cognitive-communication impairments while working collaboratively on an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team,” she explained. “My treatment experience includes play-based therapy, melodic intonation therapy, oral motor exercises, and compensatory swallowing strategies.”

We are proud of the work Casei is doing and the clinical growth she is demonstrating as she prepares for the next stage of her career in speech-language pathology.

UWG SLP students had the opportunity to hear from guest speaker Brooke Terrell, founder and owner of WBT Therapy Works, during staffing today. Brooke shared insights on professionalism in speech-language pathology, how to navigate the hiring process, and the growing role of telehealth services in our field.

We are grateful for professionals who take the time to mentor and prepare the next generation of SLPs for the transition from graduate school to clinical practice.

The University of West Georgia’s Education Learning Center is now accepting applications for Pre-K open enrollment! Community enrollment runs from February 23 through March 13, with student placement determined by lottery during this window. Families can find more information and complete all required forms at https://www.westga.edu/prek/

Graduate Student Spotlight: KJ Farmer 🎓

KJ currently completing his school-based externship with Carroll County Schools across two clusters in Bowdon and Mt. Zion, supporting students in six schools alongside his mentor, Sarah Barron (UWG alum).

Working with learners across grades K–12, KJ is gaining hands-on experience navigating diverse communication needs, collaborating with school teams, and supporting students through the IEP process.

This externship is strengthening his clinical decision-making, advocacy skills, and understanding of the teamwork required to serve students effectively in school settings.

We are proud to see our students growing as clinicians and leaders in the field while making an impact across West Georgia communities. Great work, KJ!

It’s that time again! IGNITE registration for Spring semester is now open! If you’ve been searching for ABA and communication services for your little one and you live in the West GA area - this is for YOU! Please share freely with those you know who may be interested. Spaces are limited and fill quickly! Regustraion link in comments.

Dr. L 🌈🫶🏼