Krista is a multimodal communicator and a lifelong user of AAC. She utilizes a variety of forms of communication including a PRC-Accent with Unity 144, an iPad and iPhone with various AAC applications, and PicSeePal a light-tech housing solution for her alternative and augmentative communication needs. Krista has provided AAC mentoring, training, and support in teletherapy, classrooms, day-treatment programs for adults, and various Virtual Social Groups including Kate Ahern’s AAC Voices and Out and About. Krista has presented at many conferences around the nation sharing her experience as an AAC user and a model for other AAC users. Krista worked at Gompers Day program as an AT/ AAC Specialist Assistant prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. She is currently an AAC implementation consultant for various school districts in the Phoenix area and is a home-service provider for a young woman who utilizes AAC. Krista is an ambassador for PRC-Saltillo and PicSeePal USA, LLC. Krista is also a parent of an 11-year-old son. In addition to raising her son and working, she is a student at Northern Arizona University pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree and is enrolled in the SLPA program at NAU also. She plans to be the first SLPA who is an AAC user. 

M.A. CCC-SLP

Cara Falade, MA, CCC-SLP is an Ohio outpatient speech pathologist. Her current caseload ranges from 20 months to 47 years old. With over 15 funded AAC devices in the last 2 years, Cara is dedicated to helping individuals and their caregivers navigate finding the amplification for their voices. She shares all things speech & AAC on Instragram (@thebuckeyslp) as well as self care for professionals and her experiences being Black in a monotony field. She is a proud member of the National Black Association of Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH).

M.S. CCC-SLP

Sarah Gregory, M.S. CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist and works as an Assistive Technology and inclusive programming consultant in the Ithaca City School District in Upstate New York. She specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication in a public school setting with a focus on inclusion. Sarah has presented on these topics at national and statewide conferences. She shares ideas and strategies for AAC and teletherapy on her YouTube channel, as well as on Twitter and Instagram @SarahGregorySLP.

M.S. CCC-SLP

Emily Diaz, M.S., CCC-SLP is a licensed and ASHA certified speech-language pathologist with 8 years of experience working in the school setting. While she supports a variety of communication needs, she is most passionate about working with individuals who use AAC. Emily shares free ideas & strategies for AAC implementation on her YouTube channel, as well as Instagram (@emilydiazslp). She also offers paid workshops, evaluations/therapy, and consulting services through her private practice - Emily Diaz, SLP.

M.A., CCC-SLP, ATACP

Karina Saechao is a multidialectal/cultural SLP in CA & KS. She holds a certificate as an assistive technology specialist (AT) and is a Ph.D. student. Karina’s research interests are in African American English (AAE), child language acquisition, & AAC. Karina is the Founder & CEO of Golden Oak Speech Therapy, and specializes in AAC, AT, AAE, language, literacy, and caregiver & educator coaching.

M.A., CCC-SLP

Alma M. Partida is a bicultural/bilingual Spanish Speech-Language Pathologist. Alma received her Master’s of Arts degree from San Jose State specializing in AAC through the Project AACes grant. She is a school-based SLP and AAC consultant for preschool to elementary aged students for 5+years. She is also a community partner and lecturer for CSUMB: Speech-Language Pathology graduate program. Alma has presented at CSHA, ASHA, SLP Summit, and various other organizations through her work as co-creater of Diverse AAC. Alma manages the Instagram account @AACForYouandMe and @DiverseAAC.

M.S. CCC-SLP

Melissa Tapia is a bicultural/bilingual Spanish certified speech-language pathologist in the state of Illinois. She attended Illinois State University for both her undergraduate and graduate studies where she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Spanish Language, Literature, and Cultures. She has 5+ years of experience working as a school-based and early intervention SLP specializing in AAC, bilingualism, and speech sound disorders. Melissa is also the owner and founder of Hablame Speech Therapy providing in-home individualized patient speech-language services. She believes involving families/caregivers to become knowledgeable about how to best support their children is essential for the success of her clients. Melissa manages the instagram account, @hablame_de _language.

M.S., CCC-SLP

Sarah is a Speech-Language Pathologist and AAC specialist currently holding her CA and OR state license, LSH credentials, and ASHA membership. She has a Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Kentucky University and a Master’s of Science in Neuroscience and Education from Teacher’s College, Columbia University with a focus on AAC and Autism. She has 14+ years of school-based and early intervention experience with students with significant disabilities. Sarah believes in evidence-based, innovative intervention strategies and synthesizing literature to practice. Sarah manages the instagram account, @aac_together.

M.S., CCC-SLP

Maria De Leon is a bicultural/bilingual SLP. She received her BA degree in Sociology at UCLA and an MS in SLP at SFSU with a specialization in culturally responsive AAC practices. She works at a non-profit organization conducting AAC evaluations, trials, and trainings. She has 13+ years in the special education sector and resides in California. Maria manages the IG account, @code.switch.slp.