Faculty and Staff

Elena Dukhovny, Ph.D.

• U.C. Berkeley and San Francisco State University
• Associate Professor and Department Chair
• Areas of Interest: Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Working Memory, Bilingualism
• Office: MB 2115
• Phone: (510) 885-2631
• E-mail: elena.dukhovny@csueastbay.edu 
• View Faculty profile

Dr. Elena Dukhovny is an Associate Professor in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She received an M.A. in CSD from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. in Cognition and Development, with emphasis in Special Education, from University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Dukhovny is a licensed clinical speech-language pathologist who has worked in school-based, private practice, non-profit and university settings since 2002, with a focus on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Her recent research has focused on developing effective support systems for para-educators who work with users of speech-generating devices (SGDs).  Previously, she has also explored the effects of SGD interface design on procedural learning and therefore on fluency of language production via SGD.   

Michelle Gravier, Ph.D.

• San Diego State University
• Assistant Professor
• Program Director
• Areas of Interest: Aphasia Rehabilitation, Neuroplasticity/Neuromodulation, Neuroimaging
• Office: MB 2121
• Phone: (510) 885-3215
• E-mail: michelle.gravier@csueastbay.edu 
• View Curriculum Vitae
• NRRL (Neurocognitive Research on the Rehabilitation of Language) Lab

Dr. Michelle Gravier received her M.A.-SLP and Ph.D. from San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. Her clinical experience and research focus are in adult acquired language disorders with a specialty in neuroimaging.  She has practiced in a variety of medical settings, most recently VA Pittsburgh’s Program for Residential Aphasia Treatment and Education (PIRATE). Dr. Gravier’s research aims to: (1) identify factors that determine which individuals with aphasia are good candidates for restorative language treatments and non-invasive brain stimulation, and (2) examine the relationships between structural and functional brain plasticity, language treatment, and aphasia recovery.

Eve Higby, Ph.D.

• City University of New York
• Assistant Professor
• Areas of Interest: Bilingualism, Language Production, Neurolinguistics, Psycholinguistics, Cognition, Aging
• Office: MB 2113
• Phone: (510) 885-4372
• E-mail: eve.higby@csueastbay.edu 
• View Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Eve Higby directs the Multilingualism Lab at Cal State, East Bay, and mentors a number of undergraduate and graduate students in research projects. She completed a B.A. in Spanish, with certificates in Linguistics and in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, from Florida International University and a Ph.D. in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, with a concentration in Cognitive Science, from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, followed by a three-year postdoctoral fellowship in Psychology at the University of California, Riverside. Her research sits at the intersection of linguistics, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and communication disorders. She studies language production and comprehension in bi/multilinguals and older adults, the role of cognition in regulating language, and the neural underpinnings of language and cognitive processes. 

Shubha Kashinath, Ph.D.

• Florida State University
• Professor
• Areas of Interest: Autism, Family-Centered Early Intervention, Personnel Preparation, Disability Justice
• Office: MB 2109
• Phone: (510) 885-3090
• E-mail: shubha.kashinath@csueastbay.edu
• View Faculty profile

Dr. Shubha Kashinath is Professor in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and the Department’s Continuing Education Administrator. She is a Research Development Faculty Fellow at the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and is Co-Director for the Center for Disability Justice Research: Health Equity, Education, and Creativity. She received an M.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Arizona and a Ph.D. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University. Dr. Kashinath's research is focused on individuals with autism across the lifespan, family centered early interventions, personnel preparation in speech language pathology and issues related to disability justice.  She has over 24 years of clinical experience serving families of young children with disabilities.

Ginger Collins, Ph.D.

• Louisiana State University
• Lecturer
• E-mail: ginger.collins@csueastbay.edu 

Dr. Ginger Collins has joined the SLHS faculty at Cal State East Bay this year to teach Fluency Disorders. Although her primary research interests involve adolescent language and literacy interventions with an emphasis on morphological awareness, she also conducts research on school-based SLP practices regarding intervening with children and adolescents who stutter, particularly postsecondary transition planning. Dr. Collins is also enthusiastic about evidence-based teaching.

Julie Hicks, M.A.

• University of Florida
• Lecturer

Julie Hicks, M.A. CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist at the Stanford Neuroscience Health Center.  Her clinical and research interests include management of communication and swallowing disorders associated with neurodegenerative conditions.  Julie completed her undergraduate degree in Linguistics and Psychology at UCLA and her graduate degree at the University of Florida.  She has previously worked for the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System and Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases in Gainesville, Florida.  She has presented at state, national and international conventions on rehabilitation for patients with movement disorders. She has supervised clinical interns and student volunteers since 2015.

Anna Krajcin, M.S.

• Missouri State University
• Lecturer
• E-mail: anna.krajcin@csueastbay.edu

Anna Krajcin received both her Bachelor and Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Missouri State University. She has extensive experience providing pediatric speech and language therapy to children with a variety of disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Anna has provided hundreds of instructional workshops to professionals and families throughout the U.S and in Eastern Europe, where she has established three preschools in Bosnia that continue to provide speech, language and behavior intervention to children. In 2016, she became a dually certified Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Stacey Landberg, M.S.

• Florida State University
• Lecturer
• E-mail: stacey.landberg@csueastbay.edu 

Stacey Landberg has been practicing as a speech-language pathologist for 18 years, primarily in Los Angeles, California. Her areas of interest include early intervention, trauma-informed practice, and childhood apraxia of speech. Stacey is a national guest lecturer since 2015. She presently works in private practice and with teams and learning communities to build capacity for early intervention providers across various disciplines. 

Heather Starmer, M.A.

• University of Pittsburgh
• Lecturer
• Email: heather.starmer@csueastbay.edu 

Heather Starmer, M.A. CCC-SLP, BCS-S is an Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Stanford University and the Director of the Head and Neck Cancer Speech and Swallowing Rehabilitation Program at the Stanford Cancer Center.  Her clinical and research interests include prevention and rehabilitation of speech, voice, and swallowing deficits associated with head and neck cancer.  Heather completed her undergraduate training at San Francisco State University and her graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh.  She is a board certified specialist in swallowing disorders.

Carmen White, M.S.

• Mercy College
• Intermittent Clinical Supervisor 
• Lecturer
• Office: MB 1099
• Phone: (510) 885-3241
• E-mail: carmen.white@csueastbay.edu 

Carmen is a PhD candidate at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences program. She graduated from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, with a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She has diagnosed and treated disorders related to receptive, expressive, and social language disorders, cognitive disorders, speech sound disorders, fluency disorders, and voice disorders in preschool children, school-aged children, and adults. Carmen is an advocate for diversity and is passionate about educating herself and others in the health sciences fields on diversity, equity, and inclusivity within higher education and the workplace. 

Carmen holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to practice in California, Florida, New York, and Texas.

Nabonita Dutta, SLP.D., CCC-SLP

• Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
• Lecturer
• Areas of Interest: Voice Intervention, Swallowing Disorders, Gender-Affirming Voice Care
• Email: nabonita.dutta@csueastbay.edu

Dr. Dutta began teaching at California State University, East Bay in 2023. She has over 20 years' expertise in healthcare as a licensed speech-language pathologist and is currently a senior speech therapist at Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Dutta's research focus and interests are gender-affirming care and tele-speech therapy. She has extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of adult speech, language, cognitive, voice, and swallowing disorders. Dr. Dutta is passionate about equity, inclusion, diversity, and high-quality patient care and professional development. Clinically relevant content, evidence-based practice, and storytelling are key components to her teaching style.

Jenan Maaz, SLP.D, CCC-SLP, CBIS

• Northwestern Univeristy
• Lecturer
• Areas of Interest: Dysphagia and DEI
• Email: jenan.maaz@csueastbay.edu

Dr. Jenan Maaz is a medical speech-language pathologist with primary interests in dysphagia and DEI. She has experience across the healthcare continuum with the majority of her experience in acute care and most recently in the NICU. Dr. Maaz completed her Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) from Northwestern University, her M.S. from San Francisco State University, and her B.A. from San Jose State University. She is MBSImp Certified, SPEAK OUT! Certified, FEES certified, and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.

Ruchi Kapila, M.S. CCC-SLP

• California State University, East Bay
• Lecturer
• Office: MB 1099
• Phone: (510) 885-3233
• Email: ruchi.kapila@csueastbay.edu 

Ruchi Kapila, MS, CCC-SLP (they/she) is owner of Kapila Voice and Speech Services in Hayward, CA, providing voice and communication services with a gender-inclusive lens as a speech-language pathologist and singing voice specialist. They completed their undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology and their graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology at CSU East Bay. She previously worked in inpatient rehabilitation and inpatient acute hospital settings, including Ballard Rehabilitation Hospital, Sutter Delta Medical Center, Eden Medical Center, and St. Mary’s Medical Center with notable experiences including Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS), ventilator and tracheostomy management with speaking valve placement, palliative care conferencing, and ICU rounds. Mx. Kapila also teaches singing voice in their private studio and works in home health per diem. They frequently present, publish, and educate nationally on gender-affirming voice care and intersectional cultural responsiveness within the SLP field. She also serves as a founding member of Trans Voice Initiative, board member and serve in research role for newly-formed Disability Caucus, and officer and parliamentarian for L’GASP (LGBTQ+ Caucus of ASHA).

Jinyoung Jo, M.A.

• University of California, Los Angeles
• Lecturer
• Areas of Interest: Phonological development, child-directed speech, individual differences, language delays
• Office: MB 1099
• Phone: (510) 885-3241
• Email: jinyoung.jo@csueastbay.edu

Jinyoung Jo is a Ph.D. Candidate at the Department of Linguistics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She received an undergraduate degree at Seoul National University (SNU), and a master's degree at SNU and UCLA. Her recent research focuses on individual variability in phonological learning, the relationship between speech perception ability in infancy and later language development, reliability of remote language assessments, and the role of caregiver speech in language learning.

Shelley M. Simrin, M.A.

• San Francisco State University
• Director of Clinical Services
• Areas of Interest: Speech and Language Diagnostics, Child Language, Aphasia
• Office: MB 1097A
• Phone: (510) 885-4762
• E-mail: shelley.simrin@csueastbay.edu

Shelley Simrin has been the Director of the Speech Language Hearing Clinic at Cal State East Bay since 1987. She received her B.A. in Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and her M.A. in Communicative Disorders from San Francisco State University. She considers herself a “generalist.” After spending several years exclusively working with children as an itinerant clinician or a Communication Handicapped classroom teacher, she shifted her focus to adults.  She provided treatment to adults with neurogenic disorders, secondary to strokes, head injuries, and other medical conditions in a variety of settings─ critical care, acute rehabilitation, outpatient, skilled nursing and home health.  This generalist perspective coupled with her extensive background in supervision provides a strong foundation for the Cal State East Bay Speech-Language Pathologist training program. Her areas of interest include: diagnostics, linguistics, adult and pediatric language impairments, and counseling clients or families. Shelley was the 2011 recipient of the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Outstanding Service Award.

Jenny L. Rosenquist, M.A.

• California State University, San Diego
• Clinical Supervisor and Coordinator of Autism Spectrum Disorder Services, Lecturer
• Areas of Interest: Clinical Supervision, Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Office: MB 1088
• Phone: (510) 885-4278
• E-mail: jenny.rosenquist@csueastbay.edu

Jenny Rosenquist joined Cal State East Bay in 2007 as a full-time Clinical Supervisor and intermittent lecturer. She received her B.A and M.A. degrees in Communication Disorders from San Diego State University. After 7 years of working with adults in various levels of rehabilitation, including outpatient, acute care and skilled nursing, she spent the next 9 years working with infants and toddlers with developmental delays and Autism Spectrum Disorders. During this time she worked extensively with families and caregivers in the home environment, and frequently supervised interns and clinical fellows in both the home and classroom. Since joining Cal State East Bay, she has expanded her interests to include accent reduction, treatment of adult acquired speech and language disorders, early childhood communication disorders and most recently, as the Coordinator of the SLP-A Program. She continues to provide speech therapy to both pediatric and adult clients through private practice and home health agencies.

Sophia Kanenwisher, SLPD

• Northwestern University
• Aphasia Treatment Program Director, Lecturer
• Areas of Interest: Aphasia, Dysphagia, Health Literacy
• Office: MB 1566
• Phone: (510) 885-3246
• E-mail: sophia.kanenwisher@csueastbay.edu 

Sophia Kanenwisher joined the SLHS staff in 2018 as an ATP clinical supervisor. Her clinical interests include aphasia treatment aligning with the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA), dysphagia, and health literacy. In addition to her positions in the department, she works as a medical SLP in acute care and also volunteers as a site visitor for the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). Sophia completed her undergraduate degree from San Diego State University, Master of Arts from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) from Northwestern University.

Ellen Bernstein-Ellis, M.A.

• University of California, Santa Barbara
• Aphasia Treatment Program Program Specialist
• Areas of Interest: Neurogenic Communication Disorders, Group Treatment of Aphasia, Life Participation Approach to Aphasia, Communicative Access
• Office: MB 1564
• Phone: (510) 885-3336
• E-mail: ellen.bernstein-ellis@csueastbay.edu

Ellen Bernstein-Ellis, former Aphasia Treatment Program Director, developed the Aphasia Tones© choir in 2009, a Life Participation singing group. She received her B.A. and M.A. degrees from UC Santa Barbara. She received her initial clinical training at the Martinez VA Medical Center with Dr. Robert T. Wertz where she was a clinician investigating teletechnology as a means to provide aphasia therapy. She worked at Easter Seals Outpatient Rehabilitation Center in Oakland and was the primary clinician on Dr. Roberta Elman’s Efficacy of Group Treatment study. She facilitated conversation groups at the Aphasia Center of California for over 10 years and helped to develop the Book Connection, a program focused on making popular literature accessible for individuals with aphasia. Her area of expertise is group treatment for neurogenic communication disorders. Ellen is the 2014 recipient of a Certificate of Recognition from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association for Special Contributions to Higher Education, and the 2019 recipient of the Innovator Award from the professional organization, Aphasia Access.

Shivani Bhakta, M.S.

• University of the Pacific
• Intermittent Clinical Supervisor
• Areas of Interest: Receptive/Expressive/Pragmatic Language, Articulation/Phonology, Fluency, AAC, Cognitive Skills
• Phone: (510) 885-3241
• E-mail: clinic@csueastbay.edu 

Shivani Bhakta is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist.  She received her undergraduate degree from UCLA in Linguistics with Psychology and a minor in Disability Studies, and her graduate degree in Speech-Langauge Pathology from the University of the Pacific.  She holds her CCC's with ASHA and is licensed to practice in CA. Shivani has worked with birth through middle school-aged children in private practices, clinics, and school settings in the areas of receptive/expressive/pragmatic language, articulation/phonology, fluency, AAC, and cognitive skills. Shivani loves collaboration within the field and across other disciplines (e.g., OT, PT, GE/SPED Teams) in order to continue to educate herself and others in the field of Speech-Langauge Pathology and related services fields and always find the best ways to support the client.  She has supervised graduate student clinicians and SLPAs since 2018.

Leah Huang, M.S.

• California State University, East Bay
• Intermittent Clinical Supervisor
• Areas of Interest: Autism Spectrum Disorders, caregiver training, teacher collaboration
• Office: MB 1099
• Phone: (510) 885-3241
• E-mail: leah.huang@csueastbay.edu 

Leah Huang is a dually certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her undergraduate degree from Biola University in Communication Disorders and her graduate degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from California State University, East Bay. From early intervention and accent modification therapy to pragmatics and social skills training, Leah has worked in both private practice and schools. She has presented at both state and national conventions on clinical supervision, assessment and treatment of social pragmatic language disorders, and special education collaboration. 

 

Paige Bailey, MA

• University of Massachusetts, Amherst
• Intermittent Clinical Supervisor
• Areas of Interest: Receptive/Expressive/Pragmatic Language, Articulation/Phonology, Fluency, AAC, Pediatric Feeding Disorders
• Office: MB 1099
• Phone: (510) 885-3241
• E-mail: paige.bailey@csueastbay.edu 

Paige received her undergraduate degree and her graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  She holds her CCC's with ASHA and is licensed to practice in CA. Paige has worked with individuals across the lifespan, including infants, toddlers, school age children and adults. She has worked in private practices, clinics, and school settings in the areas of receptive/expressive/pragmatic language, articulation/phonology, fluency, AAC, cognitive skills and feeding/swallowing. 

Stephanie Williams, MS

• California State University, East Bay
• Clinical Supervisor
• Areas of Interest: Dysphagia, Aphasia, Palliative and end of life care
• Phone: (510) 885-3241
• Office: MB 1099
• Email: stephanie.johnson@csueastbay.edu

 Stephanie Williams is a speech pathologist with 10 years of experience across healthcare settings throughout the lifespan. She completed her undergraduate degree in Communicative Sciences and Deaf Studies at Fresno State and her Master’s of Speech Pathology from California State University, East Bay. She returned to her alma mater as a clinical supervisor with the Aphasia Treatment Program in 2023. In addition to clinical supervision, she continues to work as a medical speech pathologist in the home health and acute care settings with a clinical interest in the SLP’s role in palliative care teams and palliative and end of life dysphagia management. She holds Designations from the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) in Communication, Dementia Care, and Symptom Management. She is SPEAK OUT! Certified, a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and a quality of life enthusias

Beatrice O'Gorman, MS, CCC-SLP

• Northeastern University 
• Intermittent Clinical Supervisor 
• Areas of Interest: Dysathria and feeding difficulties, Fluency Differences, and Early Intervention
• Clinical Supervisor 
• Office: MB 1099
• Phone: (510) 885-3241
• email: beatrice.ogorman@csueastbay.edu 

Beatrice O'Gorman is a pediatric speech therapist who has been practicing in the Bay Area for 20 years. She is currently at Stanford Children's Hospital and works in the outpatient setting with children from 18 months to 21 years of age. Beatrice specializes in dysarthria and feeding difficulties related to Neuromuscular Diseases, the assessment and treatment of communication disorders in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, individual and group therapy for children and adolescents with Fluency Differences, and early intervention. Beatrice received her Bachelor's degree from Northeastern University and Master's degree from MGH Institute of Health Professions, both in Boston, Massachusetts. Beatrice is passionate about providing parent/family education, the growing field of neurodiversity, and providing evidence-based practice. 

Amber Richardson SLPD, CCC-SLP

• Northwestern University
• Intermittent Clinical Supervisor
• Areas of Interest: Aphasia, Motor Speech, Dysphagia, Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Office: MB 1099
• Phone: (510) 885-3241
• E-mail: amber.richardson@csueastbay.edu

Amber Richardson directed the Aphasia and Neurogenic Communication Disorders Special Clinical Program at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Martinez, CA where she developed programs across the continuum of care to address needs of patients with communication disorders resulting from stroke, traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Her clinical interests include aphasia and motor speech disorders, instrumental dysphagia assessment and treatment, and the role of the SLP in palliative and end of life care. Amber completed her Bachelors of Science in Psychology at the College of William and Mary, her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from California State University East Bay, and Doctor of Speech Language Pathology (SLPD) from Northwestern University. 

Katharina Lawrence, MS

• San Francisco State University
• Intermittent Clinical Supervisor
• Areas of Interest: Early Intervention, Phonetic/Fluency Disorders, and Autism
• Office: MB 1099
• Phone: (510) 885-3241
• Email: katharina.lawrence@csueastbay.edu

Katharina is a licensed pediatric speech and language pathologist and a certified member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She graduated from San Francisco State University with a Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and received her Bachelor of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from California State East Bay in Hayward, CA. Her area of focus has been working in early intervention with children birth-3 years old as well as school-age children and adolescents. Although Katharina specializes in working with children diagnosed with Autism, her experiences includes serving those with phonological and/or fluency disorders as well as those with complex communication needs and many other developmental disabilities. Katharina is currently working in a variety of roles. As an SLP supervisor, she is supporting K-12 staff and children on campuses in the Oakland area and also providing private speech services to children remotely and in person through her private practice based in Oakland. 

Jerry Lou Vitellaro, MS

• California State University, East Bay
• Intermimttent Clinical Supervisor
• Areas of Interest: Nuero-affirming care, Autism Spectrum Difference, Persistent Demand for Autonomy, Early Intervention, Gender Affirming Voice and Communication
• Office: MB 1099
• Phone: (510) 885-3241
• Email: jerry.vitellaro@csueastbay.edu 

Jerry Vitellaro received a Bachelor and Master of Science in Communication Disorders from California State University, East Bay. Jerry joined the SLHS staff in 2022 as a clinical supervisor for the Conversation Club, a social pragmatics group for neuro-diverse adults who attend CSUEB. After graduating Jerry began her professional career in a private clinic setting, providing services for families who need guidance and coaching to meet the needs of their exceptional children with speech-language and communication differences. In the private practice clinic setting Jerry enjoys guiding graduate students and SLPAs while completing hours for their clinical internships. Jerry’s interests within this field of practice continue to diversify with a current drive for learning and supporting neurodivergent members of our communities, persistent demand for autonomy (PDA), and furthering educational experience in the areas of gender affirming voice and communication.

Tiffany Ramoneda

• Department Administrative Support Coordinator
• Office: MB 1099A
• Phone: (510) 885-3233
• E-mail: tiffany.ramoneda@csueastbay.edu

Tiffany comes to Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Cal State East Bay.  She has taken several courses in linguistic anthropology, which is an interesting overlap with topics in the profession of speech pathology.  Tiffany started this position in December of 2022 and looks forward to assisting the students in this new area of specialty, along with the faculty and staff, as well as providing support to the community speech clinic.