Education:

May, 2011

M.A. in Communication Disorders - University of Houston

Honors: Presidential Scholarship, COMD Alumni Scholarship, Beck Fellowship, Sarah Haynes Scholarship, COMD Graduate Scholar

May, 2009

B.S. in Communication Disorders, with Honors - University of Houston

Honors: Provost’s Undergraduate Research Scholarship, COMD Undergraduate Research Recognition, Honor’s College Honorable Mention Senior Honor’s Thesis Award

Thesis: “The neural correlates of inferencing in the right hemisphere”. A multidisciplinary literature review regarding current attempts at mapping language in the right hemisphere.

Professional Experience:

2020 - Present

Adjunct Clinical Supervisor - University of Louisiana at Monroe; Monroe, Louisiana

Providing on-site clinical supervision and instruction to graduate-level speech-language pathology students.  

2020 – Present

President of Education & Co-Owner - Evolutionary Education Solutions; Ruston, Louisiana

Providing high-quality continuing education to medical speech-language pathologists around the country.

2019 – Present

Owner - SLPstuff.com; Ruston, Louisiana

Created an SLP-themed gift shop that sells a variety of items including wine glasses, journals, keychains, journals, clipboards, and more. Made it a company policy to donate 10% or more of each sale to Speech Pathology related charities.

2019 - Present

President & Co-Founder - The Dysphagia Outreach Project; Ruston, Louisiana

Created the nonprofit organization to provide dysphagia supplies to individuals in need, provide education regarding appropriate use of dysphagia tools, and advocate for legislative changes benefitting individuals with dysphagia.

2019

Project Manager - The Medical SLP Collective

Managed the peer-review process of site materials, provided general support for a wide variety of projects, managed community posts and content, and participated in the management of CEU offerings.

2018 - Present

Owner & Endoscopist - North Louisiana Swallow Solutions; Ruston, Louisiana

Provide flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing to skilled nursing and long-term acute care facilities in the greater North Louisiana region.

2018 – Present

Content Creator & Peer Mentor - The Medical SLP Collective

Create a wide variety of educational materials and CEU lectures for paid subscribers of The Medical SLP Collective. Provide active mentorship to members of The Medical SLP Collective.

2016 - Present

Owner - Speech Therapy Services of North Louisiana, LLC.; Ruston, Louisiana

Provide contracted outpatient and home health speech-language pathology services to multiple companies within Lincoln and Jackson Parishes.

2015 – 2016

Lead Speech-Language Pathologist - Ruston Nursing & Rehabilitation; Ruston, Louisiana

Manage a large caseload consisting of individuals with tracheostomies, advanced dementia, traumatic brain injury, and complex medical conditions.

2014 - 2015

Staff Speech-Language Pathologist - Autumn Leaves Nursing & Rehabilitation; Winnfield, Louisiana

Provide comprehensive speech-language pathology services in a rural skilled nursing setting.

2011 - 2014

Staff Speech-Language Pathologist - Speech-Language Consulting Services, LLC.; Leesville, Louisiana

Provided comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and prevention for active duty and retired military members and pediatric dependents.

Professional Memberships & Licensure:

2012 – Present

American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) - Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

2011 - Present

Louisiana Board of Examiners of Speech-Language Pathology (LBESPA) - State licensed in Louisiana for Speech-Language Pathology

2017 - Present

Arkansas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology (ABESPA) - State licensed in Arkansas for Speech-Language Pathology

2016 - Present

Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association (LSHA) - Maintained association membership for continuing education and advocacy opportunities within the state

2016 - Present

American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Special Interest Group 13 – Dysphagia - Maintained membership for continuing education, networking, and advocacy opportunities

2017 - Present

Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) - Maintained membership for continuing education opportunities, access to current dysphagia research, and advocacy opportunities.

2016 - Present

American Board of Swallowing & Swallowing Disorders (ABSSD) - Registered mentee in the process of acquiring board certification as a specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders.

Professional Certifications & Competencies:

2020

Human Subjects Research – CITI Program Certification

2017

Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) Competent

2017

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT Loud) Certified

2016

Head & Neck Lymphedema Management Competent

2016

Myofascial Release & Manual Therapy for Dysphagia Competent

2015

Synchrony sEMG Biofeedback Certified

2015

Patterned Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) Certified

2015

VitalStim Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Certified

Teaching Experience:

2021

SPLP 5061 – Seminars in Oropharyngeal Involvement University of Louisiana at Monroe

2020 - Present

Adjunct Clinical Supervision for Speech-Language Pathology - University of Louisiana at Monroe

2018-2020

Graduate Clinical Externship Supervisor for Speech-Language Pathology - University of Louisiana at Monroe

2015 – 2016

Graduate Clinical Externship Supervisor for Speech-Language Pathology - Louisiana Tech University

Awards:

2021

LSHA Rita Buller Keller Healthcare Award

The LSHA Rita Buller Keller Healthcare Award is granted annually to a deserving Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist who has been employed in a medical setting for a minimum of 5 years where they have demonstrated outstanding medical Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology service while also serving as an active contributing member of LSHA for a minimum of 2 years.

2021

Award for Continuing Education (ACE) – Fourth Award - American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)

Award granted when greater than 70 hours of continuing education are completed within a 36-month window

2019

Award for Continuing Education (ACE) – Third Award - American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)

Award granted when greater than 70 hours of continuing education are completed within a 36-month window

2017

Award for Continuing Education (ACE) – Second Award - American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA

Award granted when greater than 70 hours of continuing education are completed within a 36-month window

2017

Healthcare Heroes Award for Best Speech-Language Pathologist - Delta Style Magazine

This award was generated through community voting throughout the Northeast Louisiana Region

2015

Award for Continuing Education (ACE) – First Award - American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)

Award granted when greater than 70 hours of continuing education are completed within a 36-month window

Invited Speaking Presentations:

October 2021

ASHA Live Chats - Invited Speaker

“Considerations when thickening for dysphagia patients with Covid” Provided evidence for use of thickeners in pulmonary compromised patients with COVID-19.

October 2021

LSHA Fall Medical SLP Conference 2021 - Invited Speaker

“Dysphagia Compensation & Rehabilitation in Adults: An Evidence-Based Review”

Reviewed the principles of motor learning, then discussed the evidence for frequently used rehabilitation and compensation techniques in dysphagia management.

October 2021

The Medical SLP Collective – Dysphagia Grand Rounds - Invited Speaker

Provided in-depth analysis of interesting and complex FEES case studies to Medical SLP Collective members.

October 2021

California State University-Fullerton (CSUF) - Invited Speaker

“FEES is so Myth-Understood, A&P as Seen Endoscopically, & All About Thickeners”

Summarized prevalent myths and the evidence-based facts about flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. Provided a visual summary of anatomy & physiology as seen endoscopically as well as a live demonstration of FEES by scoping h

September 2021

The Medical SLP Collective LIVE - Invited Speaker

Led five hours of roundtable-style discussions on advanced topics in speech-language pathology.

July 2021

Harding University - Invited Speaker

“Patient Self-Advocacy & All About Thickener”

Provided a brief overview of the importance of patient autonomy and self-advocacy in the context of adult dysphagia management. Provided a summary of the current evidence regarding use of thickener, types of thickening agents currently used in different settings, and the pros and cons of each type.

May 2021

The MedSLP Summit - Invited Speaker

“A Nasoendoscopic View of Anatomy”

Provided a visual summary of anatomy & physiology as seen endoscopically as well as a live demonstration of FEES by scoping herself and having the students label pharyngeal anatomy concurrently.

February 2021

Edinboro University - Invited Speaker

“A Day in the Life of a Mobile FEESer” & “Dysphagia’s Bitter Pill: The Hidden Costs of Swallowing Disorders”

Provided a brief summary of my experiences as a medical speech-language pathologist, educator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist including in-depth information regarding mobile FEES and The Dysphagia Outreach Project.

February 2021

Harding University - Invited Speaker

“Patient Self-Advocacy & All About Thickener”

Provided a brief overview of the importance of patient autonomy and self-advocacy in the context of adult dysphagia management.  Provided a summary of the current evidence regarding use of thickener, types of thickening agents currently used in different settings, and the pros and cons of each type.

February 2021

California State University-Fullerton (CSUF) - Invited Speaker

“FEES is so Myth-Understood, A&P as Seen Endoscopically, & All About Thickeners”

Summarized prevalent myths and the evidence-based facts about flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.  Provided a visual summary of anatomy & physiology as seen endoscopically as well as a live demonstration of FEES by scoping herself and having the students label pharyngeal anatomy concurrently.

November 2020

Central New York Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CNYSLHA) - Invited Speaker

“Physiology-First Documentation” (1-hour lecture)

Presenting on a novel approach to dysphagia assessment documentation designed to increase diagnostic accuracy and improve interdisciplinary understanding.

October 2020

Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ArkSHA) - Featured Invited Speaker

“Dysphagia Across the Clinical Continuum - Part 1: Clinical Assessment Consideration” (2-hour lecture)

Part one of a 6-hour lecture series spanning the clinical continuum in dysphagia management.

“Dysphagia Across the Clinical Continuum - Part 2: Instrumentation and Documentation” (2-hour lecture)

Part two of a 6-hour lecture series spanning the clinical continuum in dysphagia management.

“Dysphagia Across the Clinical Continuum - Part 3: Let’s Get Ethical!” (2-hour lecture)

Part two of a 6-hour lecture series spanning the clinical continuum in dysphagia management.

October 2020

The Medical SLP Collective LIVE - Invited Speaker

Led five hours of roundtable-style discussions on advanced topics in speech-language pathology including: “Leadership in Speech-Language Pathology”, “Avoiding Burnout”, “Considerations for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)”, and “Ethical Considerations for Speech-Language Pathologists”

August 2020

Medical SLP Summit - Invited Speaker

“Ethics & Patient Self-Advocacy” (30-minute lecture)

Provided a brief overview of the importance of patient autonomy and self-advocacy in the context of adult dysphagia management.

July 2020

University of Colorado at Boulder - Invited Speaker

“Fees is so Myth-Understood” (1-hour lecture)

Summarized prevalent myths and the evidence-based facts about flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

June 2020

Faulkner University - Invited Speaker

“Hillary Cooper: Multipassionate SLP” (1-hour lecture)

Provided a brief summary of my experiences as a medical speech-language pathologist, educator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist including in-depth information regarding mobile FEES and The Dysphagia Outreach Project.

June 2020

Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association (LSHA) - Invited Speaker

“Supercharging Supervision: Use of Learning Styles to Improve Communication” (1-hour lecture)

Provided a summary of evidence-based information regarding learning styles and ways to modify supervision to adapt to the needs of the supervisee.

May 2020

Future Colleagues Collaborative (FCC) - Invited Speaker

“Helping Patients Through Thick & Thin (Liquids)” (30-minute lecture)

Provided a summary of the current evidence regarding use of thickener, types of thickening agents currently used in different settings, and the pros and cons of each type.

March 2020

Central New York Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CNYSLHA) - Invited Speaker

“Fees is so Myth-Understood” (1-hour lecture)

Summarized prevalent myths and the evidence-based facts about flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

November 2019

The Medical SLP Collective - Invited Speaker

“Informed Consent in Dysphagia: The Legal and Ethical Challenges” (2-hour lecture) - Co-Author: Michelle Coffaro, M.S., CCC-SLP

Provided an in-depth look at the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990, ethical standards in litigation, and best practices in dysphagia management.

Sept 2019

University of Louisiana at Monroe - Invited Speaker

“Fees is so Myth-Understood” (1-hour lecture)

Summarized prevalent myths and the evidence-based facts about flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

Sept  2019

The Medical SLP Collective LIVE - Invited Speaker

Led five hours of roundtable-style discussions on advanced topics in speech-language pathology including: “Considerations for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

April 2019

University of Louisiana at Lafayette 2019 Research Colloquium - Invited Speaker

“Fees is so Myth-Understood” (1-hour lecture)

Summarized prevalent myths and the evidence-based facts about flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

August 2018

The Medical SLP Collective - Invited Speaker

“Understanding Right Hemisphere Brain Damage (RHBD)” (1-hour lecture)

Provided a brief review of the history of RHBD research, differential diagnosis of RHBD, symptoms associated with RHBD, and evidence-based treatment strategies for this population.

April 2018

University of Louisiana at Monroe - Invited Speaker

“Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: An Overview of FEES” (1-hour lecture)

Provided an overview of flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and the literature to support it as a gold standard swallowing assessment.

March 2018

Stephen F. Austin University - Invited Speaker

“Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: An Overview of FEES” (1-hour lecture)

Provided an overview of flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and the literature to support it as a gold standard swallowing assessment.

Professional Podcast Appearances:

June 2021

Understanding Dysphagia Podcast - Featured guest appearing with Jessica Conn, M.S., CCC-SLP

“Advocacy & Dysphagia”

Provided insight into the multitude of ways that SLPs can advocate for individuals affected by dysphagia.

June 2021

First Bite Podcast - Featured guest appearing with Michelle Coffaro, MS CCC-SLP, CBIS, Jessica Lasky, MS CCC-SLP, Allie Mataras, MS CCC-SLP, Amanda Weissberg, MS CCC-SLP, and Alyson Ware, MS CCC-SLP

“Dysphagia Awareness with Dysphagia Outreach Project”:

Educated the public as to the extraordinary work that DOP does every day to fill the supply and access needs for patients across the country.

October 2020

The Speech Science Podcast - Featured Guest

“All About the Dysphagia Outreach Project”

Provided a year-in-review about the progress the Dysphagia Outreach Project has made and announces the Giving Event Fundraiser for December 2020.

May 2020

The Untethered Podcast, Episode 52 - Featured Guest appearing with Kristen West, M.A., CCC-SLP

“Dysphagia In The Schools ~ The Dysphagia Outreach Project”

Includes discussion about the Dysphagia Outreach Project; a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide meaningful assistance to individuals affected by dysphagia across the lifespan. They also discuss the importance of increasing awareness of dysphagia assessment and treatment in the school setting.

April 2020

Speech Uncensored Podcast, Season 3: Episode 15 - Featured Guest

“The Dark Side of Dysphagia: Why We Need the Dysphagia Outreach Project”

Provided a view into the impact of managing dysphagia in community dwelling individuals, the limitations of insurance coverage for dysphagia supplies, how to advocate for dysphagia patients, and introduces the Dysphagia Outreach Project as a solution for many families.

March 2020

Private Practice Success Stories - Featured Guest

“Hillary Cooper - The Multi-Passionate Private Practitioner: Mobile FEES, a Non-Profit and Merchandise”

Provided an uplifting perspective on the obstacles that arose on my way to success, with advice for how to be surrounded by support and get the most done in limited time.

February 2020

Western Kentucky University Dysphagia Chat Podcast - Featured Guest appearing with Casey Lewis M.S, CCC-SLP, CNT, NTMTC

Provided commentary to graduate students about the importance of a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology in clinical practice as a medical speech-language pathologist.

Sept 2019

Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Episode 103 - Featured Guest

“Introducing the Dysphagia Outreach Project”

In this episode, the Dysphagia Outreach Project was launched publicly and introduced to the dysphagia community for the first time.

October2017

Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Episode 11 - Featured Guest

“Dysphagia Island Can Be a Lonely Place – Why It’s So Important to Build Bridges with Your Interdisciplinary Team to Overcome Barriers”

Provides a review of how to be successful with educating other professions and getting them on board and collaborating with our dysphagia treatment plans

Professional Call-For-Papers Conference Presentations:

June 2021

Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association (LSHA)

“Helping Patients Through Thick & Thin (Liquids)” (1-hour lecture)

Provided a summary of the current evidence behind use of thickener products as well as a comprehensive review of the pros and cons of current thickeners on the market.

February 2020

Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association (GSHA)

“Informed Consent in Dysphagia: The Challenges of Balancing Patient’s Rights and Provider’s Best Practices” 2-hour lecture)

An in-depth look at the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990, ethical standards in litigation, and best practices in dysphagia management.

“Fees is so Myth-Understood” (1-hour lecture)

Summarized prevalent myths and the evidence-based facts about flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

November 2019

American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)

“Forging Collegial and Geographically Diverse Relationships: Incorporating EBP, Healthy Debate, and Support for the Medical SLP” (1-hour lecture) Co-Author: LisaRose McCabe, SLP.D, CCC-SLP

Provide a brief summary of methods to interact appropriately and professionally with peers and researchers using social media platforms. Also included information regarding geographic variations in rules/regulations as they apply to speech-language pathology.

October 2019

Arkansas Speech-Language Hearing Association (ArkSHA)

“Fees is so Myth-Understood” (1-hour lecture)

Summarized prevalent myths and the evidence-based facts about flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

“Where’d You Get Those X-Ray Goggles: Advocating for Access to Instrumental Dysphagia Assessment” (1-hour lecture) Co-Author: Danni Welch, M.S, CCC-SLP

Provided a summary of the evidence regarding the efficacy of clinical swallow assessments, the need for instrumental swallow assessment, and how to advocate for access to instrumental dysphagia assessment.

June 2019

Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association (LSHA)

“Forging Collegial and Geographically Diverse Relationships: Incorporating EBP, Healthy Debate, and Support for the Medical SLP” (1-hour lecture) Co-Author: LisaRose McCabe, SLP.D, CCC-SLP

Provide a brief summary of methods to interact appropriately and professionally with peers and researchers using social media platforms. Also included information regarding geographic variations in rules/regulations as they apply to speech-language pathology.

“Fees is so Myth-Understood” (1-hour lecture)

Summarized prevalent myths and the evidence-based facts about flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

February 2019

Mississippi Speech-Language Hearing Association (MSHA)

“Fees is so Myth-Understood” (1-hour lecture)

Summarized prevalent myths and the evidence-based facts about flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

June 2018

Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association (LSHA)

“Ready, Set, Scope! Advocating for Access to FEES and What to Do Once You Get It” (2-hour lecture)

Co-Authors: Liz Nguyen, M.A., CCC-SLP & Nicole Hines, M.S., CCC-SLP

Provided an in-depth explanation of the FEES procedure, the collaborating SLPs role in FEES, and how to advocate for access to this instrumental assessment in a variety of settings.

Research Grants:

October 2020

American Speech-Language Hearing Foundation - Researcher-Practitioner Collaboration Grant – Funded - $35,000

“Coaching Nursing Assistants to Improve Communication Interactions: An Implementation Study”

Primary Investigator – Natalie Douglas, PhD, CCC-SLP

Secondary Investigator – Hillary Cooper, M.A., CCC-SLP

This study involves creation of a training protocol for nursing assistants and other staff members to use with individuals with dementia to decrease negative behaviors and increase positive interactions.

Professional Service/Volunteering:

2021 - 2022

Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association - Board Member - President-Elect

Provided support to the current President of LSHA and planned and implemented the 2022 LSHA Annual Convention.

2020 - 2021

Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association - Board Member - Publications Chair

Provided support to the Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association by creating content for social media to inform Louisiana SLPs and AUDs about continuing education & advocacy opportunities as well as provide education and insight into the organization.

2019 - Present

The Dysphagia Outreach Project - President & Co-Founder

Created the nonprofit organization to provide dysphagia supplies to individuals in need, provide education regarding appropriate use of dysphagia tools, and advocate for legislative changes benefitting individuals with dysphagia.

2018 - Present

The Medical SLP Collective - Volunteer Peer Mentor

Provide active mentorship and support to members of The Medical SLP Collective.

2019

American Speech-Language Hearing Association - 2019 ASHA Program Planning Committee Member – Business & Practice Management

Worked with the business and practice management selection committee to identify, score, and select papers submitted for presentation to the 2019 ASHA Annual Convention.

2012 – 2014

Brothers & Sisters in Arms Dog Training - Publications Chair

Provided technical support in creating a website for this organization whose mission is to pair active-duty soldiers who experienced traumatic brain injury and PTSD with emotional support service animals at no charge.