I am a speech-language pathologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I am passionate about helping adults with communication and swallowing disorders participate in LIFE.

I received my Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders at San Diego State University. I then moved from sunny San Diego to the frozen tundra of Minnesota to complete my Master of Arts in Speech Pathology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. My passion for providing participation-based therapy to adults with communication and swallowing disorders was solidified when I led aphasia groups as a student clinician for the Minnesota Stroke Association's Strive to Thrive program.

Since 2005, I have worked across the continuum of care, providing SLP services in acute, inpatient rehabilitation, SNF, LTACH, outpatient, and community-based settings.

I currently work as the Director of the Aphasia Treatment Program (ATP) at CSU, East Bay, in Hayward, CA. ATP trains SLP graduate students to partner with people affected by aphasia to improve communication and quality of life. The Life Participation Approach for Aphasia (LPAA) guides ATP's mission.

I believe strongly that SLPs need a supportive team to learn and grow. When I worked as the SLP Clinical Education Coordinator in inpatient rehabilitation, I supported my team's professional development and managed the student and volunteer programs. Now, as a lecturer, I encourage graduate students also to embrace this perspective.

In 2021, I began the Clinical Doctorate program in Speech Pathology at Northwestern University. I wanted to deepen my understanding of the field and become a better clinician, educator, and leader. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside my cohort -- they are such amazing and supportive SLPs.

I anticipate graduating with my SLPD in Spring 2023. With this advanced practice degree, I intend to lead advocacy efforts for participation-based services and communicative access in healthcare settings. I also plan to continue mentoring future SLPs and allied healthcare professionals to do the same.

Thank you for visiting my website. I am happy to connect!

Sophia Kanenwisher, SLPD, CCC-SLP

Sophia Kanenwisher, SLPD, CCC-SLP

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