COMMUNICATION SCIENCES & DISORDERS As the faculty of the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders (SCSD) sat around the conference room table in March 2020, we looked at each other with bewilderment. Clinical placements were closing down, the university had just gone “remote,” spring break plans were abruptly cancelled, and only faith in God and our corporate prayer could give us peace of mind. More than a year later we have learned much about remote teaching and learning, the support of our campus community, and our resilience. God is good. During this pandemic, all SCSD students completed their programs of study on time. By God’s grace, graduate students were able to engage in tele-therapy, work with private practices, and complete simulation experiences. It could not have happened without the commitment and dedication of all members of this team. Even amidst a pandemic the SCSD has witnessed growth, change, and the hand of God. Since the last issue of The Pulse, we have welcomed three new faculty members and a new administrative support team. Professor Phillip Stone, MS, CCC-SLP, joined the faculty as the new off-site clinical director. As a 2018 graduate of MS in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program, Stone came with a passion for the program and a knowledge of what it feels like to be a student in it. His clinical specialties include adult language, dysphagia, motor speech, and cognitive disorders. Rhonda Tomenko, PhD, CCC-A, assistant professor of audiology and Andrews alumna (BS, BA ’98), has jumped in with both feet. She teaches audiology and hearing courses and a graduate course that prepares students for the national SLP examination. Tomenko brings extensive teaching and clinical experience and is well liked and respected by our students and faculty. Finally, the SCSD is thrilled to welcome Marileda Tome, PhD, CCC-SLP. Tome hails from Brazil and joins us with over 20 years of experience. She is licensed in Michigan and Indiana and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American SpeechLanguage and Hearing Association. Her specialty areas are in speech sound development and disorders in children, myofunctional therapy (tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, sleep apnea, and chewing disorders), SLP, and public health (primary prevention of communication disorders). She has a passion for working with students and for research. We are proud and excited to have her join our team. Sadly, we wished Professor D’Jaris Coles-White well as she moved on to another experience. Coles-White served for more than five years as a graduate professor of SLP. She brought wide-ranging teaching and research knowledge and touched the lives of many students. We were blessed to have her and know that as she moves on, she will be a blessing to others. The greatest struggle during this last year was conducting service in an authentic and meaningful way. This meant moving SPEAK OUT!® and The LOUD Crowd®, speech therapy programs for patients with Parkinson’s disease, to a tele-practice delivery model. Shifting to this delivery modality has made these programs more accessible to people with Parkinson’s worldwide, advancing the Andrews University mission to Seek Knowledge, Affirm Faith, and Change the World. Student-supported research has also continued with three undergraduate students completing their J.N. Andrews Honors Program projects and presentations. Isabelle Dias, Cameron Mayer, and Shelbi Slade adjusted, regrouped, and reworked their projects to finish strong. As we move into a new academic year, we are different. COVID-19 has taught much. Some things we hope to leave behind forever, but others we will embrace with open arms. Through it all we are reminded, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10).
Heather Ferguson, PhD ‘17, CCC-SLP, BS ‘92
Associate Professor, Chair, School of Communication Sciences & Disorders
N E W FAC U LT Y & STA F F
Phillip Stone
Marileda Tome
Rhonda Tomenko
Brittanni Perry
Administrative Assistant
The Pulse 2021 / 17
