Speech-Language Pathology, Nevada State University

Commencement throwback = nonstop smiles 🎓😄

Smiling a little extra as we look back at commencement. Celebrating our incredible SLP students and this unforgettable milestone! 🎉👏🏾🦂

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We celebrated an incredible milestone for our School of Education undergraduate and graduate Speech-Language Pathology students at our Pinning & Hooding Ceremony! 🎓

Your dedication, compassion, perseverance, and passion for helping others communicate have brought you to this moment, and we could not be prouder. From long hours of studying and clinical placements to the meaningful connections you’ve built along the way, each of you has demonstrated what it means to lead with both knowledge and heart.

Congratulations to our students as they take the next step in their journey of changing lives!

We are proud to recognize our second spotlight student from the speech-language pathology program!

These students demonstrate the spirit and mission of Nevada State University through achievements such as overcoming obstacles, moving on to graduate school to pursue additional education, and/or serving and inspiring the greater community through volunteerism, internships, or other significant roles.

Jaidaella Rich is a first-generation college student graduating from Nevada State University with a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and a minor in Psychology. She was inspired to pursue this career after watching compassionate speech-language pathologists support her brother with autism and help him build confidence in communication. Professors note that Jaidaella’s energy and enthusiasm brighten the classroom, describing her as an “astute learner” and “a joy to be around.” They have also witnessed her resilience and perseverance following the recent loss of her father to esophageal cancer—an experience that deepened her interest in the medical side of the field. Jaidaella shares that seeing her father navigate his diagnosis highlighted how vulnerable medical spaces can feel, and how meaningful it is when someone takes the time to truly listen.

These experiences have shaped her commitment to advocating for patients and families with empathy—meeting people where they are and helping them feel heard. Jaidaella plans to continue her education in graduate school by pursuing a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Nevada State is proud to have her as an alumnus and are excited to see her journey with us continue.
Congratulations, Jaidaaella! 🎓🎉🦂

We continue to recognize students who made meaningful contributions to our program. Two of our full-time graduate students became the first in the university's history to complete and defend a master's thesis!

Congratulations to our full-time Speech-Language Pathology graduate student, Joey Lamberti, on the successful defense of his thesis on April 23, 2026, “Advancing Stuttering Coursework: An Examination of Graduate Student Comfort in Clinical Management of Individuals Who Stutter.” This milestone marks an extraordinary achievement—both personally and programmatically—as he is one of the first graduate student in our SLP program, and in the university’s history, to complete and defend a master’s thesis. His work makes a meaningful contribution to the broader dialogue on graduate training and clinician preparedness in the area of stuttering, and we look forward to his continued contributions to the field in the future.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to his thesis committee for their guidance, mentorship, and support throughout this process: Dr. Sheri Bayley (Thesis Committee Chair), Dr. Andre Lindsey (Thesis Committee Member) and Dr. Katrina Nicholas (Thesis Committee Member).

Congratulations, Joey! 🎉🦂👏🏽

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We continue to recognize students who made meaningful contributions to our program. Two of our full-time graduate students became the first in the university's history to complete and defend a master's thesis!

Congratulations to full-time Speech-Language Pathology graduate student, Karin Bolster, for completing and passing her thesis. This milestone marks an extraordinary achievement—both personally and programmatically—as she is one of the first graduate students in our SLP program, and in the university’s history, to complete and defend a master’s thesis.

Her thesis, “Interprofessional Education (IPE) among BSN and MS-SLP students in High-Fidelity Simulations at Nevada State University,” explored how simulation-based learning helps Nursing and Speech-Language Pathology students work together more effectively. Through hands-on healthcare simulations, students strengthened their communication, teamwork, and understanding of each other’s roles in patient care.

The results were incredibly encouraging. Students not only built stronger collaboration skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of teamwork in real clinical settings.
A special thank you to her thesis committee: Dr. Fleck, Dr. Lindsey, and Dr. Curtis.

Congratulations, Karin! 🎉🦂👏

This May, we are proud to recognize our student spotlights in the speech-language pathology program!

These students demonstrate the spirit and mission of Nevada State University through achievements such as overcoming obstacles, moving on to graduate school to pursue additional education, and/or, serving and inspiring the greater community through volunteerism, internships, or other significant roles.

Chantell Frecsko, like many Nevada State students, is an individual who has worn many hats. She is a professionally trained dancer who has performed across the country. And now, she is about to begin her new journey as a speech-language pathologist. When asked to reflect on her recent experiences, Chantell said: A meaningful part of my graduate journey has been my clinical work in feeding and swallowing across the lifespan, particularly with infants and medically complex children. I am especially passionate about dysphagia and supporting individuals and families through evidence-based, functional intervention that improves quality of life. I also truly value collaboration with my cohort and interdisciplinary teamwork with professionals such as physical therapists and occupational therapists. Building strong team relationships and supporting families in a compassionate, practical way is something that is very important to me as a clinician.

In many ways, Chantell will depart Nevada State the same way she came in, intelligent and strong-willed with a persistent desire to learn, and even stronger desire to apply what she has learned to bring joy to others. Nevada State is proud to have her as an alumnus. Congratulations, Chantell! 🎓🎉🦂

Our Speech-Language Pathology faculty recently traveled to Denver for the CAPCSD conference! ✈️

They had a great time connecting with colleagues from across the country, sharing ideas, and exploring the latest in teaching, clinical education, and innovation. Experiences like this help us continue strengthening our program and enhancing the support we provide to our students and communities. We’re excited to see these new insights in action!

Earlier this year, we shared that we were conducting a research project on Interprofessional Education (IPE), bringing together speech pathology and nursing students to strengthen collaboration, communication, and patient care.

We are excited to announce that our Simulation Center team member, Karin, will be defending her Master's thesis on April 30th at 9:30 AM. 🎓

All are welcome to attend!

We are grateful for everyone who supported, encouraged, and contributed along the way!

Summer speech therapy is here!

Nevada State University is offering summer speech & language therapy at two convenient locations — for both pediatric and adult clients! Services are provided under licensed speech-language pathologists in a fun, engaging environment in group or individual sessions.

Group options include:
• Language Group (communication & feeding support)
• Speech & Literacy Group (speech + early literacy skills)

Contact us to learn more!

If Interested, please contact: Loni Berbaum, M.S. CCC-SLP at [email protected]
or our clinic at [email protected]
Clinic main line: (702) 992-2513

Congratulations to Dr. Katrina Nicholas for receiving the NSHE 2026 Jason Geddes Regents’ Rising Researcher Award! 🎉 This prestigious honor celebrates her outstanding work and dedication to advancing treatment techniques for children with late language emergence and developmental language disorders. Her innovative research and role on the Editorial Board for ASHA’s Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research truly set her apart. We are so proud of you, Dr. Nicholas!