Alumni

Madelynn Adams (2019-2020)

I worked in Dr. Strong’s lab as a senior undergraduate student at Central Michigan University. I am currently heading into graduate school at Western Michigan University. I look back on my time in lab and remember how it helped me make more social connections with my peers and graduate students. I appreciated learning how to read and understand research and this skill makes me feel extra ready to tackle graduate school and my future career as a SLP. I loved transcribing videos from the songwriting project and being able to explore how that intervention could significantly improve quality of life. I was also proud to work with my group on our own research project for MSHA utilizing Aphasia Threads and heating more stories from SLPs, families and people with aphasia about what they need to feel successful.

Katie Arcy (2017-2019)

Currently, I am a speech-language pathology graduate student at Arizona State University. I worked in Dr. Strong’s lab during my undergraduate career at Central Michigan University. During my time with Dr. Strong, we presented twice at the Michigan Speech-Hearing Association’s annual convention and once at the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association’s annual conference in Boston. Not only did lab allow me to build a network and expand my knowledge of our field, but it also created many opportunities that I never could have imagined. These opportunities have included: being published in a magazine (StrokeSmart), being recognized with the CMU President’s Award for Undergraduate Research and Creative Accomplishments in 2019, and being able to support my current clients who have aphasia with a deeper understanding and a newfound empathy. Because of my lab experience, I have discovered that my interests lie beyond storytelling and identity in people with aphasia as today, I am in the works of beginning a capstone project, related to identity and storytelling, with individuals who are transgender. Working alongside Dr. Strong in lab has shaped my career as a speech-language pathologist as I dream of working in rehabilitation or acute care with people who have aphasia.

Erica Barta (2022)

I am currently a Speech-Language Pathology graduate student at Central Michigan University. My hometown is Chesaning, MI and my CMU undergraduate degree is in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I joined Dr. Strong’s Story Lab during the spring semester of my junior year and was also a member for my one semester of senior year. My time spent as a Strong Story Lab member was so memorable considering all that I learned and the friendships that I made. My favorite memory from this involvement was attending the 2022 MSHA Conference Luncheon where we celebrated Dr. Strong for being awarded MSHA Honors of the Association. This was a special event for us lab members to bond and recognize Dr. Strong for all that she does! 

Kelsey Bowles (2016-2018)

I worked in Dr. Strong’s lab as a graduate assistant during my time at Central Michigan University. I enjoyed my time and learned a lot about the different ways to analyze data and how it relates to everyday work as a practicing SLP. Most of my work in the lab related to stories shared from people with aphasia. It was amazing to see the power with which these stories impacted their lives (past and present) and how this could be used as a therapeutic tool when working with people with aphasia. I currently work as an SLP for Flint Community Schools.



Bailey Blaisdell (2020-2022)

I had the pleasure of being part of being a Strong Story Lab member while completing my schooling at CMU. I participated in the songwriting project in undergrad and then the photovoice project in grad school where I was a student poster presenter at MSHA. In lab, I very much enjoyed collaborating with other members as well as making new connections to students and professors from other universities. Working in this lab was not only fun, but also felt immensely meaningful to all who were involved, and I am so grateful to have been part of that. Since graduating in 2022, I have been employed at an intensive aphasia program where I have continued to take what I have learned from Dr. Strong’s mentorship and implement it with those I have the pleasure of working with. My time in lab and working with Dr. Strong provided me with invaluable experiences that have helped me feel prepared, successful, and like I can truly make a difference.

Becca Cady (2017-2018)

I am in my clinical fellowship year, working at a short-term rehabilitation facility in Lisle, IL. I attended Central Michigan University for my undergraduate education and joined Dr. Strong's lab during my junior year, staying on throughout my senior year. I then went on to attend Rush University in Chicago but continued working remotely with Dr. Strong and a few other members of the research team. I loved being a part of Dr. Strong's lab, as it allowed me to develop my research skills and writing abilities, while also obtaining my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Speech-Language Pathology. I strive to be a well-rounded clinician and Dr. Strong's lab pushed me one step closer to achieving this goal!

Amanda Camp (2018-2019)

I am currently a Speech-Language Pathology graduate student at Central Michigan University. I joined Dr. Strong’s lab during my senior year of undergrad. The lab helped me grow in so many ways, and I’m so grateful to have been introduced to this amazing team. The lab familiarized me with the world of research, especially qualitative research. I loved learning more about personal narratives and identity reconstruction and hearing the stories of individuals with aphasia truly helped deepen my understanding of this population. It was so exciting to review the work of other professionals, and then have the opportunity to connect with them when developing our own research projects! The small group allowed me to learn more about my classmates, and each member had unique strengths to add to our team. As someone who has an especially hard time with presenting, I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to speak at research exhibitions because it helped me grow into a more confident student.

Serena Chase (2022- 2023)

I’m from Sanford, MI and double majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Psychology. I chose to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist because communication plays such an important role in our lives and I am passionate about helping others find ways to express themselves. I joined the Strong Story Lab because I want to become more familiar with research in the field and learn about ways to support individuals with aphasia. 

Emily Damman (2020-2021) 

I attended Central Michigan University and studied Communication Sciences and Disorders. I am joined lab to broaden my knowledge in all you can do as a speech pathologist, especially working with patients with aphasia. Lab will be a fabulous way to gain new skills, meet new people with similar passions, and make special connections with students, professors, and clinicians. My goal is to soon work in a hospital setting with either pediatric swallowing patients or in adult care. I am still undecided, but I know I want to start off in a clinical setting!


Alyssa Douglass (2020-2021)

Currently I am a speech language pathology graduate student at Wayne State University. When I was at CMU for my bachelors degree I absolutely loved the program! The program has so many amazing and supportive professors that helped me get to where I am today with this field. I loved being a part of Dr. Strong's story lab as well. I was able to learn more about the research side of speech pathology by seeing the step by step process of how to complete a project. I was also able to learn more about the different types of aphasias and how they can effect cognitive function.

Katie Duffy (2017-2019)

I am a recent graduate of Central Michigan University’s Speech-Language Pathology program. I am originally from Alma, MI and received my undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from CMU. I joined Dr. Strong’s lab in my senior year and continued through the first year of graduate school. I love how many opportunities and connections Dr. Strong’s lab provided, including gaining Dr. Strong as a mentor and working with fellow SLP students. I also feel grateful that I was able to observe many sessions of therapy with individuals with aphasia; it gave me confidence in my clinical skills regarding working with adults. One of my favorite memories was presenting a poster with my lab team at the ASHA Convention in Boston!

Julie Ann Fargo (2018-2019)

My hometown is Farmington, Michigan which is a northern suburb of Metropolitan Detroit! I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in May 2019 at CMU and in June 2020 I returned as a graduate student! I joined Dr. Strong’s lab during my senior year of college. I was new to research, however Dr. Strong and her lab members truly helped me learn the process of applying storytelling with rehabilitation for individuals who are stroke victims. My favorite learning experience was attending my first MSHA conference where I helped present research with my team. I learned valuable team-work skills and knowledge of the aphasia population. Because of lab, I am eager to learn more about aphasia in graduate school and work with this population in my future. Lab helped me boost my confidence, apply evidence-based practice, and taught me about collaboration which are three skills I am excited to continue in graduate school!

Emily Fife (2018-2020)

I attended Central Michigan University’s Speech-Language Pathology program. I am originally from Perrinton, MI and received my undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from CMU. I joined Dr. Strong’s lab my senior year of undergrad and returned as a graduate assistant during my first year of graduate school. Through qualitative research and evidenced based practices, I learned about aphasia, how stories are linked to identity, and the importance of storytelling. I find myself applying what I have learned in lab over the years to current projects, clients, and even my full-time job as a Community Inclusion Specialist at Gratiot Integrated Health Network. Being a part of Dr. Strong’s lab has opened so many doors for my future and has led me to discover my passions as a future speech-language pathologist.


Maria Flory (2017-2018)

I am originally from Grand Rapids, MI and currently live there. I recently graduated from Western Michigan University with my masters and was hired at Calhoun ISD as an early on SLP for my clinical fellowship. I joined Dr. Strong's Lab during my final year in undergrad at CMU to gain more of an idea of what the research side of speech language pathology looked like. I enjoyed working with the other students who were in the lab at the time and learned a lot about aphasia and the narrative impact on this population. My favorite part was being able to go through the entire process of conducting research and presenting the result at the MSHA conference. This allowed me to become more confident in my ability to discuss communication disorders with professionals.

Amelia Gullo (2019-2021) 

I am a graduate student in Central Michigan University’s Speech-Language Pathology program. I am originally from Midland, MI and received my undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from CMU. I joined Dr. Strong’s lab during my senior year and returned as a graduate student to be the graduate assistant for this group in 2020-2021. I have loved being a part of the fun, enlightening, and welcoming community that Dr. Strong created in lab. I have built bonds with some of my closest friends through this and created many fond memories. I also learned a lot about aphasia, and how stories are linked to identity through this project. One of my favorite memories was working to transcribe the therapy sessions that make up this research. Through this, I was able to hear some amazing stories told by strong and inspirational individuals that have motivated me to be the best clinician I can be.

Melanie Hahndorf (2021-2022)

Currently, I am a graduate student in Eastern Illinois University’s Speech-Language Pathology program. I was part of Strong Story Lab during my undergraduate career at Central Michigan University. I enjoyed gaining new connections and opportunities through lab, as well as obtaining knowledge on aphasia prior to graduate school. I am grateful that I was able to collaborate with Dr. Strong and lab members to discuss research articles, gain perspectives on aphasia, and build advocacy for individuals with aphasia. Joining Dr. Strong’s lab has taught me research skills that I am able to carry over into my graduate assistantship relating to bilingualism in our field and helped me build a better understanding of the research side of speech pathology.

Elyse Hileman (2022-2023)

I am from Pinckney, MI. I double majored in Neuroscience and Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Psychology. I went into college knowing I wanted to go into a health profession specializing in neurology, but I was unsure which one. I also had some personal experiences with family members with speech disorders, neurological disorders, or both. These exposures helped drive my decision and passion for my future career to help others. I joined the Strong Story Lab to gain knowledge about aphasia and how to support clients with the most recent research findings. 

Grace Inch (2020-2022)

I am a graduate student at Western Michigan University where I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. I was a member of the Strong Story Lab at Central Michigan University, where I participated as a coach in the Photovoice project. Currently, I'm is working with Dr. Hope Gerlach in her Stuttering and Psychosocial Outcomes Research Lab.  

Chloe Ilacqua (2019-2023)

I pursued my Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology and Central Michigan University. I am from Brighton MI and started doing research in the lab in 2019. Originally I joined Strong Story Lab because I was, and still am passionate about using story telling as a means for healing and coping with having a communication disorder. After being a part of lab for a few years I have been inspired to continue working and making a difference in the lives of adults with communication disorders. My favorite part of lab has been being able to learn so much about research, and participate as a student coach in the Photovoice project!

Emma Keilen (2021-2023)

I worked in Dr. Strong’s Story Lab throughout most of my undergraduate career at Central Michigan University. Currently, I am a speech-language pathology graduate student at CMU. While there were many wonderful opportunities and memories created throughout my time in Dr. Strong’s lab, some of my favorite included my ability to increase my knowledge regarding research and to accumulate new hands-on skills related to speech-language pathology. Through being able to transcribe and take part in collecting the research, I felt that I was able to not only gain experience, but also truly make a difference in the lives of those living with Aphasia. In addition, I felt that I was also able to connect on a deeper level with students, professors, and other researchers who shared my similar passion. Working alongside Dr. Strong has truly helped shaped my career as a future speech-language pathologist, and I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend in lab!  

Allison Keusch (2023-2024)

I from Big Rapids, Michigan. I studied music, psychology, and communication sciences and disorders while at Central Michigan University. I joined Strong Story Lab because I was inspired by Dr. Strong's goal of helping people with aphasia communicate their thoughts and feelings. I am passionate about making connections, and I believe that music is an important, useful form of expressing ourselves. I am deeply grateful that lab provided the experience I need to pursue my future research goals.

Jenna Locricchio (2022-2023)

While completing my undergraduate degree at Central Michigan University, I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of Strong Story Lab. This experience helped me to grow as a future speech-language pathologist and get familiarized with the world of research. I learned so much having Dr. Strong as a mentor, and I was able to work alongside many amazing students who shared the same passion for learning I do. I am grateful that I was able to gain perspective about aphasia and learn how to be a better advocate. This experience has made me more confident and excited as I continue onto graduate school.

Brantae Luttig (2021-2024)

I am from St. Johns, MI. I was a lab member while obtaining my undergraduate degree and served as the Strong Story Lab Graduate Assistant during my first year of graduate school. I have had a positive involvement in lab through building connections, becoming comfortable with research articles, and gaining knowledge through transcription work. I feel that lab has prepared me with skills that I can use throughout my career and helped me gain more insight into the effect of using practical, life-focused techniques when working with individuals.

Nick Malendowski (2019-2021)

I finished my undergraduate degree at Central Michigan University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program. I am originally from Chesterfield, MI, which is about 30 minutes northeast of Detroit. I am working on receiving my Masters Degree at Bowling Green University in Higher Education and Administration. Being a part of Dr. Strong’s lab has introduced me to so many new friends and helped me gain incredible connections. One of my favorite parts about being in lab is our biweekly lab meetings! It’s nice to step away from other activities and engage in good conversation with other students just like me. Joining Dr. Strong’s lab has also given me new research opportunities, including my Honors’ Capstone project, which focuses on patient-centered research.


Corynn Marchesi (2017-2018)

I graduated in 2018 with my MA from Central Michigan and received my BA from Wayne State. I had the pleasure of participating in my very first research project in Dr. Strong’s lab focusing on feedback between graduate students and clinical supervisors. Not only did this opportunity teach me valuable data collection and analysis skills, which allowed me to showcase at student presentations such as MSHA Annual Conference and CMU’s Student research exhibition (SRCEE); but it allowed for personal growth in an important topic that still applies in my job today. Learning new skills that are relevant to my day to day as a pediatric SLP in PHASD has been the best part about having had the Lab experience.

Abby McConnon (2017-2020)

I worked in Dr. Strong's lab as an undergraduate student volunteer and was lucky enough to work as a graduate assistant during my master's program at Central Michigan University. I am now a speech-language pathologist in a skilled nursing facility in rural Mid-Michigan. I enjoyed my time in lab immensely, as it allowed me to be more confident in finding evidence-based work and presenting publicly. I learned how to read, conduct, and write up research, which benefited me in graduate school and now in my current career. I loved participating in the songwriting project and conducting my master's thesis on the topic, as stories are so important to each individual. Not only can I apply that work to people with aphasia, but to anyone I treat as a clinician, which is important work. My favorite memory was presenting at the national ASHA conference twice, all because of lab!

Elise Nasser (2019-2020)

I received my undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from CMU in May of 2020. I am now a graduate student in Western Michigan University’s Speech-Language Pathology program. I joined Dr. Strong‘s research lab during my senior year at CMU. I enjoyed forming new friendships with undergraduate and graduate students in lab. I learned so much about aphasia through our research, group discussions, and article readings. Dr. Strong was such a wonderful, positive, and supportive mentor. I’m glad I had the opportunity to delve into the research side of speech-language pathology. My lab experience helped me make connections within the field and prepared me for graduate school.

Taylor Neubauer (2018-2019)

I am currently a Speech-Language Pathology graduate student at Central Michigan University, where I also received my undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in American Sign Language. I joined Dr. Strong's lab in the second semester of my junior year and continued throughout my senior year. Through this experience, I was able to learn the importance of qualitative research as well as the relationship between aphasia and identity, and who better to learn this from than Dr. Strong herself! One of favorite memories was the collaboration and teamwork put in to create our own research project around themes displayed in stories of those with aphasia, and then presenting it at MSHA. The skills and lessons I have learned continue to serve me in my journey to become a confident and competent speech-language pathologist!

Jenna Randolph (2017-2020)

I became a member of Dr. Strong’s research lab as an undergraduate student and continued as her graduate assistant once I began the Master’s program at CMU. I can’t say enough good things about my time in lab. Through this opportunity, I worked collaboratively to present two research posters at MSHA’s annual conference. I also completed a Master’s thesis which I presented nationally at an ASHA conference. The lab provided a sense of community and enhanced my learning on the topics of aphasia, TBI, and the way narratives can impact a person’s identity. Dr. Strong’s knowledge and passion for aphasia was very inspiring and it was so fun to have the opportunity to learn from her. The knowledge and skills I learned from lab have given me more confidence going into my CFY. I am currently working at a skilled nursing facility and am also PRN for MidMichigan Medical Center.

Lauren Schornack (2021-2023)

Currently, I am continuing my education at Central Michigan University to obtain my Masters Degree in speech-language pathology. I joined Dr. Strong’s Story lab as a junior and senior transcribing projects such as the PhotoVoice project and the Songwriting project. I was originally drawn to the lab because I wanted to expand my knowledge about aphasia. I have been able to take the knowledge that I learned in the Strong Story lab and implement it with the clients that I have been evaluating and treating at CMU. I learned so much over my time as a lab member and am grateful for the opportunity to work with other clinicians and Dr. Strong. I really enjoyed the lab meetings where we could discuss research, the current projects that were taking place, and connect!

Courtney Schweers

I am a current graduate student in the University of Cincinnati’s Speech Language Pathology program. I am from Belleville, MI and graduated with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Central Michigan University May of 2020. I joined Dr. Strong’s research lab during the end of the spring semester my junior year. I enjoyed all of the time spent in lab and getting to learn more about aphasia and those who support people with aphasia during my time in lab. I had the opportunity to be a part of a team to conduct a research project resulting in a poster on the relationships of caregivers and PWA. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we did not get to present this research the way we had planned. Nonetheless, this was one of the highlights of my college years. I will forever hold this research lab near and dear to my heart for all of the friendships and mentorships it provided me with during my undergraduate career.

Alizabeth Stein (2019-2020)

I am currently preparing to move down to South Carolina to begin my master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology in the Fall of 2020 at the University of South Carolina. I am originally from Midland, MI and received my undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from CMU. I joined Dr. Strong's research lab my senior year due to my strong interest in learning more about aphasia and treatment of aphasia. One of my favorite memories in lab was when we had our end of the semester lunch at The Ginkgo Tree Inn and getting to know other team members throughout the year. I loved the emphasis lab placed on collaboration and it is a skill I will take with me as I enter both graduate school and my professional career.

Brooke Stump (2022-2023)

I am from the small town of Westphalia, MI. I am currently a senior at CMU studying Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Psychology. I chose to become an SLP because of my passion to help others and am excited to advocate for those who don’t have a voice. I am very excited to be joining the Strong Story Lab this upcoming fall! By joining the Strong Story Lab, I will add a multitude of skills to my clinical toolbox including increased knowledge in conducting research, collaborating with colleagues, and overall knowledge of aphasia.   

Caitie Suchner

I am a graduate student in Central Michigan University’s Speech-Language Pathology program. My hometown is White Cloud, MI. I received my undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from CMU. I enjoyed being a part of the professional yet friendly atmosphere that Dr. Strong created in lab. I now have a deeper understanding of personal narratives, identity and aphasia through team meetings and our involvement in multiple research projects. Dr. Strong has been a mentor of mine over the years, and I have gained mentors from the graduate students who were part of lab. The mentorship that Dr. Strong and other members provide is not limited to lab. My mentors are accessible at any time for any reason. For example, Dr. Strong has been an individual who I reach out to for professional advice as I think about my future as an SLP.

Claire Tembreull (2021-2023)

I’m from Gladstone, MI, and I am a second year graduate student at Central Michigan University studying Speech Language Pathology. I chose to become a speech-language pathologist because I’m passionate about helping others and believe everyone deserves a chance to share their own unique and individual story. I joined Strong Story Lab to broaden my academic knowledge, research skills, and to learn more about aphasia.

Kasey Trebilcock (2022-2023)

I am from Midland, MI and was a post-bac student where I studied CSD at CMU, after receiving my BS in Neuroscience from SVSU in 2021. I chose to pursue CSD because I believe everyone deserves a voice, and communication is such an integral part of our lives. I chose to join the Strong Story Lab because I enjoy being involved in research, and aphasia has always been an interesting topic to me.  

Amanda Zalucki (2022-2023)

I graduated from Central Michigan University in 2023 with my B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Psychology. I am currently pursing my graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Wayne State University. By becoming involved in Strong Story Lab, I strengthened my connections with like-minded peers while exploring research involving aphasia, identity, and mental health. One of my favorite memories in lab was having the opportunity to interview a participant about their experience with the ‘Aphasia This is Our World’ Project. Being a part of Dr. Strong’s lab has influenced my view on the important link between research and clinical practice.

Susan Valensky (2018- 2021):

I am a graduate student in Central Michigan University’s Speech-Language Pathology program. I am originally from Ann Arbor, MI and received my undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from CMU (Fire Up!). I joined Dr. Katie Strong’s lab my junior year of undergrad and returned as a graduate student. I have enjoyed being part of a community that shared a similar passion in acknowledging the importance of quality of life for those impacted by aphasia and TBI. Dr. Strong has created an inclusive community of students that I am so grateful to have formed friendships with as well as collaborate with as future colleagues. I also have learned a lot about aphasia and how stories are linked to identity and establishing a new journey in life. A few of my favorite memories include presenting my team’s research project and my independent study at MSHA 2019. Presenting my own research gave me confidence to share my knowledge with other individuals and network with other professionals at a conference. Being a member of Dr. Strong’s lab has made a huge impact on my life in terms of discovering a population of individuals I would like to work with as a future speech-language pathologist.


Andrea VanSlembrouck (2019-2020)

I graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I am originally from Macomb, MI and am currently continuing education at Calvin University for my Masters in Speech Language Pathology. I joined Dr. Strong’s lab during my senior year and the only regret is not joining sooner! I joined simply with an interest to grow my knowledge and came out with an interest in aphasia I didn’t know I had. I hope to work with children one day, but this lab opened me up to different populations. I enjoyed being a part of the community that Dr. Strong created in lab. We worked tirelessly to meet deadlines on a story project with information from the NAA Aphasia Threads. Unfortunately, this research was never presented in person due to the pandemic at the time. But because of Dr. Strong’s encouragement I always felt supported and encouraged in the completed work.