Meet Our Speech-Language Pathologists Michael Towey, M.A., CCC-SLP: Mike has more than 30 years of professional experience. He is the recipient of the National Patricia C. Lindamood Award for Clinical Leadership Excellence in Language and Literacy and is a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Mike is a voice specialist who uses Maine’s only advanced distal chip fiberoptic digital stroboscopy system and first-in-the-nation software for vocal fold imaging. Using advanced movie-editing applications and state-of-the-art laryngeal imaging equipment, examinations are  sent to physicians and patients as broadcast-quality DVDs for additional viewing, diagnostics and treatment. Mike also makes presentations at national conferences; has served on statewide policy committees; was appointed by the governor to the Maine Board of Examiners on Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; and is past president of the Maine Speech-Language-Hearing Association. He is an instructor in voice disorders at the University of Maine and teaches voice and swallowing courses at Northern Arizona University. Jennifer Whitcomb, M.A., CCC-SLP: Jenn has previously worked (and grew up) in Aroostook County, providing services to children and families throughout “The County.” Trained in the Picture Exchange Communication System, the acclaimed Hanen Parent Training Program and advanced language literacy intervention, Jenn has experience and expertise working with children and families. She served as a primary language/literacy consultant in one of America’s premier Early Reading First projects, providing literacy services to preschool children and teachers in Waldo County. She presents workshops about early literacy and reading at local and national conferences. Jenn has completed classroom performance-based assessments of teachers using digital-video recordings edited and produced on a DVD for teacher feedback and training. She is also developing web-based, online collaboration with teachers in early childhood settings. LaNae Moline, M.A., CCC-SLP & A: LaNae has extensive experience in a variety of specialized settings and is certified in both Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. She is the only active Speech Pathologist in Maine with these credentials. LaNae has expertise in augmentative communication devices and specialized intervention for children with autism. She is a Level III certification candidate in the DIR/Floortime method for children. LaNae utilizes telemedicine/video-conferencing to work with children in remote locations using high tech speech devices and coaching parents in DIR/Floortime activities right in their homes. To learn more about how you can use your computer to connect you child with expert help, no matter where you live, click here for telemedicine information. Erica Ricker, M.A., CCC-SLP: Erica  has completed research in voice and fluency disorders and presented her findings at national conferences. She has completed advanced training in laryngeal stroboscopic voice assessment, with expertise in both the Estill and Verdolini Lessac Madsen Voice Training techniques. Erica was an invited presenter at the annual Vocal Cord Dysfunction Conference at National Jewish Hospital Medical Center in Denver, Colo. and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association annual convention. She is nationally certified in the LSVT, a scientific treatment for voice disorders in Parkinson’s disease. Erica is the past President of The Maine Speech Language Hearing Association. Marisa Small, M.S., CCC-SLP: Risa is a graduate of Boston University and Nova Southeastern University. She has developed expertise in assessment and management of swallowing disorders and provides training in hospital settings. Risa has advanced expertise using fiberoptic endoscopic imaging to complete endoscopic evaluations of swallowing. Fiberoptic examinations are prepared using advanced video-editing software, edited with clinical comments and provided to patients for treatment planning and to physicians for further diagnostic review. Nathan Curtis, M.A., CCC-SLP: Nathan is recognized for his experience working with preschool and school-aged children using a family-systems approach. He has expertise working with groups and authored a language learning program used in those sessions. Nathan has worked extensively with adolescents with language learning disabilities. He is skilled in applying computer technology in his work with children and families. Nathan routinely utilizes advanced technology, including digital photography and video to make take-home individualized “DVD storybooks” for children and families to use to extend treatment at home and in other settings. He is now developing web-based, online collaboration with teachers in an early childhood setting. Jessica Wilbur, M.A. CCC-SLP: Jessica is a graduate of the University of Memphis and studied abroad in France. She was a leadership trainee at the University of Tennessee Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, with emphasis on neurodevelopment. Jessica's clinical experiences include working on teams for treatment of young children. Jessica provides services to preschool and school-aged children and has experience using assistive technology to improve speech and communication skills. Bridget Rose, M.M. M.S. CF-SLP: Bridget is a graduate of Emerson College in Communication Sciences and Disorders and has previously been on the faculty of Illinois Wesleyan University. Bridget has completed speech therapy training in schools specializing in autism and pre school programs for children with speech, language and feeding disorders. She has experience preparing and implementing individual and small group therapy sessions for children with autism, language learning disabilities and articulation disorders. Bridget completed a Master of Music degree from Indiana University and furthered her training with programs in England and Austria. She has continued her training performing with organizations including the "Centre Lyrique" in Provence, France and "OperaWorks!" in Los Angeles. Bridget will be using her unique music skills working with children to develop highly engaging therapy programs. Nancy Pratt, M.A. CF-SLP: Nancy brings years of teaching experience to our department. Prior to receiving her master's degree in speech pathology, Nancy worked as a Head Start teacher and as a long term substitute teacher in grades K-12. Nancy's clinical experiences cover the entire life span, with special interest in families and pre-school children. While in college, Nancy was recognized with multiple scholarships and academic awards. She was also a research assistant, working on projects to improve speech in people following strokes. Contact the Speech-Language Pathology Department for more information.