First and foremost, I am a wife, a mom, a dog mom, a coffee and dark chocolate lover and a fitness enthusiast. My favorite color is purple and I love to cook. And... I am simply inspired every day by the power of communication and effective leadership. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from C.W. Post/Long Island University, and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from St. John’s University in Queens, New York.  I subsequently earned a Ph.D. in the Speech-Language Hearing Sciences from the City University of New York. I am a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped in New York State.  I hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCCs) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA).  I have conducted presentations on autism spectrum disorders and speech-language related topics at the local, state, national and international levels. I have worked in a variety of settings, including private and public schools, private practice, Early Intervention and higher education. My research areas focus on language and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) across the lifespan, as well as Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). I am a retired Associate Professor, and Clinical Coordinator at the Genesis/Eden II Programs. Additionally, I am a Chair of the Committee on Special Education at the Westbury Union Free School District. Prior service includes but is not limited to past President of the Long Island Speech Language Hearing Association(LISHA).