At UCLL, we are proud to have highly skilled and professional faculty as well as a knowledgeable and dedicated administrative, clinical, research, and business staff. Please refer to the following for more information about our staff:
Director
Holly K. Craig, Ph.D.
CCC-SLP
Director, Research Professor, Professor
Holly has taught in the areas of language acquisition and language disorders at the University of Michigan for more than 25 years and held the position of Director at the Center since 1987. She is a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a past Editor for Language of the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. Holly has published more then 60 journal articles and book chapters on children’s acquisition of language and literacy skills and presented many scholarly papers at national meetings. Her current research focuses on the relationships between oral language skills and reading achievement of elementary-grade students.
Associate Director
Joanne Marttila Pierson, Ph.D.
CCC-SLP
Associate Director
Joanne received her M.S. in speech-language pathology and Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Language, Literacy and Learning Disabilities from the University of Michigan. She is responsible for providing direction to the Adult and Children clinical programs. In addition, Joanne directs the public relations and development work of the Center. She greatly enjoys the opportunities to develop new programs based on community needs and to share in the successes of our therapy programs with our clients and families.
Clinical and Research Staff
Mimi Block, M.S.
CCC-SLP
Clinical Services Manager
Mimi is a graduate of the University of Michigan. As a speech-language pathologist, Mimi has specialized in working with adults with aphasia at the Residential Aphasia Program for the last 13 years. As Clinical Services Manager, she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP).
Lynn LaRue Chenoweth, MT-BC, NMT Fellow
Music Therapist-Board Certified
Lynn is a graduate of University of Illinois (BS), Eastern Michigan University (Bachelor of Music Therapy), and has completed advanced training in neurologic music therapy (NMT) at Colorado State University. Lynn has had a private practice, Music Therapy Rehabilitation Services since 1993. Her clients have included pre-school children, children with speech and language delays, and adults with a variety of acquired speech, language, and physical challenges related to stroke, TBI, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurogenic disorders. Lynn began facilitating group and individual music therapy for the University of Michigan Aphasia Program in 2005.
Jennifer Corey, M.Sc.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Jennifer completed a B.Mus. in vocal performance at Memorial University of Newfoundland and received a M.Mus. from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. In 2003, she earned her M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology from McGill University. Before joining UCLL, she worked in an acute care hospital with adult inpatients and adult and pediatric outpatients. She has also worked in a subacute rehabilitation facility. Jennifer has experience working with speech, language, cognitive, voice, and swallowing disorders.
Theresa Gentile, B.A.
Teaching Assistant
Theresa graduated from the University of Michigan with Distinction. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Education, specializing in Early Childhood Education. She is currently a team member of UCLL's Preschool and Communications Therapy (PACT) program.
Cherie Gillman, M.A.
CCC-SLP
Cherie completed her undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University and received an M.A. from Ohio University. She is now in the process of her Clinical Fellowship year at UCLL. She has the privilege of working with both UMAP for adults who have aphasia as well as the PACT program for preschoolers. Her greatest passion is people; therefore, she loves working with a wide range of populations. She has particular interest in working with and learning more about the areas of autism and aphasia.
Stephanie Hensel, M.A.
Research Specialist
Stephanie holds a B.A. in Linguistics and Communications Studies and an M.A. in Educational Studies from the University of Michigan. Her role at UCLL has been to lead the research team in transcribing and coding the language samples that are collected from local schools, and then prepare research results for publication in reports, papers, journals, books and other media. She also analyzes outcome data from the Center’s clinical programs.
Annie Kennedy, M.A.
CCC-SLP
Associate Clinical Manager
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Annie completed her undergraduate work at Michigan State University and then graduated with her Master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1998. Her prior work experience includes working with adults and children with traumatic brain injury. She has supervised the practicum assignments of students working towards their Master’s degrees at the University of Washington, in the area of adult neurogenics. Annie currently works with adults in the University of Michigan Aphasia Program.
Gordon Krainen, Ph.D.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Gordon has worked as a speech-language pathologist for 26 years. His employment has included a variety of settings from public to special education, acute and rehabilitation hospitals, home health and skilled nursing centers, and some college teaching. Gordon received a B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Wayne State University.
P. Lisa Kraus, B.S., T.R.D.
State Certified in Therapeutic Recreation
Client Services Coordinator
Lisa is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. Lisa has been at UCLL for 3 years working with clients and family members of the University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP). Lisa plans and implements recreational activities, coordinates routine medical services, and assists in facilitating the UMAP Family Support Group meetings.
Robert C. Marshall, Ph.D.
CCC-SLP
Research Consultant, University of Michigan Aphasia Program
Bob joined the research team in 2007 as a Research Consultant in aphasia. He is a Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Kentucky. Bob is an ASHA Fellow, North American Editor of the journal Aphasiology, and has received the Honors of the Academy of Neurological Communication Disorders and Sciences (ANCDS). He has published over 125 articles and chapters on aphasia and related disorders and made numerous presentations in his career of nearly 40 years.
Judy L. Nantau, M.A.
CCC-SLP
Children’s Services Manager
As Children’s Services Manager, Judy brings high-quality, competency based intervention services to all of the clients who come to UCLL. In addition, she coordinates the Research Outreach programs to the public schools. Judy enjoys working in these roles because she is able to integrate her clinical and managerial skills. She is a graduate of Valparaiso University and has an M.A. from Western Michigan University.
Kristina Paggett, M.A., RMT
Music Therapist
Kris earned her undergraduate degree in Music Therapy from the University of Iowa and her Master’s degree in Neurophysiology from the University of Missouri. She provides music therapy intervention to young children in the PACT program and she has participated in Teen Connections for adolescents with social-language difficulties.
Heather Parzynski, M.A.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Heather earned her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Illinois in 1998, after completing her B.A. in English at Missouri State University. Before joining UCLL, she worked in an acute rehabilitation unit (treating adults with communication and swallowing disorders). She has also worked as a speech-language pathologist in skilled nursing facilities and the public school system.
Rochelle Peterson, M.A.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist (Contingent)
Rochelle is a graduate of Wayne State University. She joined the UMAP in September, 2004. Rochelle previously worked as director of speech therapy services for Easter Seal Society in Richmond, Virginia. She has also worked in private practice and as a speech pathologist consultant for hospitals in the Detroit area.
Debbie Sackett, M.S.W., B.B.A.
Licensed Social Worker
Assistant Services Coordinator
Debbie’s work experience as a program coordinator and volunteer manager has been very helpful in her current position. She plans and organizes recreational outings and activities for clients in the University of Michigan Aphasia Program. Debbie received her B.B.A. from Cleary College and her M.S.W. from the University of Michigan.
Beth Salz, M.S.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Beth received her undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and her Master’s degree in communication disorders from Boston University. Prior to joining the staff at the UCLL in 2007, she worked in acute care inpatient and pediatric outpatient rehabilitation settings. Beth enjoys working with both adult and pediatric populations.
Karen A. Wasco, M.S.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Karen received her B.A. in English Literature from John Carroll University. In 2004, she received her M.S. from Gallaudet University. Karen recently completed her Clinical Fellowship Year at UCLL and works primarily in the University of Michigan Aphasia Program.
Lisa Whitehead, M.S.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Lisa received her M.S. in speech-language pathology in 1987 from the University of Michigan. Her prior work experience focused on serving neurologically impaired adults in hospital settings. She has always had a special interest in working with clients with aphasia, and joined the University of Michigan Aphasia Program in 2007.
Margaret Wielbut
Art Therapist
Margaret received her Master's degree in Education from Warsaw University in 1982. She came to the United States with a strong motivation to graduate in art therapy. In 2006, she became an art therapist after obtaining her Master's at Wayne State University. Currently she specializes in working with individuals with different brain pathologies using art as a medium of communication and expression.
Maria R. Wyche, M.A.
CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Maria Wyche earned her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University and her Master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Wayne State University. She provides speech, language, and literacy intervention to adults in the University of Michigan Aphasia Program and to school-age children. She has participated in the Friendship Club for children with social-language difficulties. Maria also delivers bilingual therapy to Spanish speakers.
Dinah M. Young
Assistant Clinical Services Manager
Dinah joined UCLL in 2007 to provide project management for It’s a Rap: Celebrating 60 Years of the University of Michigan Aphasia Program Gala Event. Her background combines over 20 years of administrative experience, including 7 years in the non-profit sector as the Grants Coordinator for the Association for Asian Studies in Ann Arbor. Dinah facilitates the client intake process by providing program descriptions, fee schedules, session orientation, and assisting with logistical arrangements for out-of-town clients.
Lingling Zhang, M.A.
Statistical Consultant
Lingling received her B.A in 1998 and her M.S. in 2001 from the Department of Information Management System, Nanjing University in China. Lingling also received an M.A. in 2005 from the Department of Statistics at the University of Michigan. She is currently a statistical consultant at the Center for Statistical Consultation and Service. At UCLL, she is participating in projects studying reading and writing achievement for African American children.
Business Staff
Debra Dombrowski, B.A.
Office Assistant
Debra comes to UCLL from University of Michigan HomeMed, a home infusion service. She joined UCLL’s business office team in December 2004. Debra prepares weekly therapy schedules for the clients, takes inquiry calls, and enjoys seeing the clients when they check in. She received her B.A. in English from Michigan State University.
Randy Meyer, B.B.A.
Business Manager
Randy received his degree in business administration from Eastern Michigan University, where he majored in Accounting. He joined the business office at UCLL in 2006 and brings with him over 17 years experience within the University environment. As the business manager, Randy’s responsibilities are to ensure that all business transactions adhere to University guidelines.
Ann Telfer, M.A.
Community Relations Manager
Ann has worked in the nonprofit management field for 25 years, holding positions in public relations, marketing, and development with state arts and education organizations in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Michigan. As the Community Relations Manager for UCLL, she is actively promoting children’s services and especially programming for children with language and communication disorders. Ann received her B.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and her M.A. from The Ohio State University.
La Shawn Denise Westbrook
Client Account Representative
La Shawn received her Certification in Medical Assisting in 1995. She is currently in junior status pursuing a B.A. in Social Work at Eastern Michigan University. La Shawn has worked within the administrative aspects of the medical field for many years, including billing and collections. She has been an employee of the University of Michigan Health Systems since 2001.
