SECD welcomes two new SLP faculty members

29 Aug 2016    

Two new lecturers joined the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders for the 2016-17 academic year. Nikki Scott and Abby Simpson are the newest faces among the speech-language pathology faculty, and will both serve as clinical supervisors in the Barkley Speech Language and Hearing Clinic as well.

Nikki Scott

Master's in speech-language pathology, UNL, 2012
Bachelor's in communication disorders, UNK, 2010

What made you interested in speech-language pathology as a profession?
In college, I was talking to my parents about characteristics of my dream job. They are both teachers and connected the dots that speech-language pathology contained many of those characteristics. They suggested speech-language pathology. I enrolled in some introductory classes and knew it was a fit.

What made you want to join the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders after working in your previous settings?
I have always been interested in the role of assisting graduate clinicians in developing their clinical skills. As a clinical supervisor, I get to combine the areas of providing treatment to clients and helping graduate clinicians develop those skills. 

What made UNL's Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders the right fit for you?
As stated before, I get to combine treating clients and supervising graduate clinicians. I also get to work with colleagues who are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about speech-language pathology. 

What is one goal you have for your first year at UNL?
One of the themes this year is critical thinking. I hope to help graduate clinicians improve their critical thinking skills.

Abby Simpson

Master's in communication sciences and disorders, Kansas State University, 2008
Bachelor's in communication disorders, UNK, 2006

What made you interested in speech-language pathology as a profession?
I was drawn to speech-language pathology because it allows me to work with people of all ages and across a variety of settings.

What made you want to join the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders after working in your previous settings?
Accepting a position in this department will allow me to expand my knowledge and experience with a variety of clients and a range of ages, which was more limited in my prior setting.

What made UNL's Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders the right fit for you?
The Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders not only serves clients with speech and language needs, but is also actively engaged in research and learning opportunities critical for this profession. I'm excited about the learning opportunities I will have as a member of this department. 

What is one goal you have for your first year at UNL?
I am eager to collaborate with other members of this department to best serve clients at the Barkley Clinic.