The Pulse

Valerie is a Clinical Program Consultant for Accelerated Care Plus (ACP). She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2006 and Master of Arts degree in 2008 in Communication Disorders with a concentration in Speech Language Pathology. Since 2008, Valerie has practiced speech-language pathology in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and has worked as the director of SNF rehabilitation services for OT, PT, and SLP from 2012-2016. Valerie holds certifications and competences in the McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program, NMES, sEMG biofeedback for dysphagia, and myofascial release and manual stretching techniques in dysphagia rehabilitation. ASHA recognized her passion for continued learning with an ACE (Award for Continuing Education) in 2015 and 2018. She is a member of the ASHA Special Interest Group 13, Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders and Special Interest Group 15, Gerontology. Currently, Valerie is combining her love for dysphagia rehabilitation and mentorship through her role with ACP. Her focus is on training and educating SLPs in how to improve outcomes in dysphagia rehabilitation through adjunctive use of surface electromyography (sEMG) in EBP.