GSHA Executive Council (2023-2024)

Contact our Headquarters office at (404) 860-2328 for immediate assistance or click here to email us if you have any questions relating to your membership.

And, feel free to contact any of us with ideas or feedback to improve GSHA's services and your experience, or if you wish to serve on one of our committees. Thank you!

 

President:

Nicole A. Hines, MS, CCC-SLP

Nicole A. Hines, MS, CCC-SLP is a speech pathologist and  the owner of Swallowology Mobile Diagnostics, LLC providing mobile Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) to patients throughout north Georgia.  She received her Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania in 2005.

With a passion for dysphagia education and advocacy Nicole has previously presented at multiple state association conventions including Georgia, New York and Louisiana.  She has also been a guest lecturer at University of Georgia and Stony Brook University. 

Nicole also established an online dysphagia journal club in 2018.  She is a six time recipient of the ASHA ACE award and current member of Special Interest Group-13 for Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders.

President Elect:

Sarah Rapillard

Sarah Rapillard is a private practice owner and speech-language pathologist located in Southeast Georgia. Sarah’s practice, Coastal Plain Therapy & Wellness, provides on-site instrumental swallowing and voice assessments using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) as well as videostroboscopy in skilled nursing facilities and ENT offices. Her practice also provides adult-focused, outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology services to the local community. She has served in various roles on GSHA's executive council including: PR chair, continuing education chair, convention co-chair, convention chair, StAMP representative, and president-elect. 

 

 

Vice President of Association Affairs: 
Joy Carter  

Joy Carter is a speech-language pathologist who practices in acute inpatient rehabilitation. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from Howard University in Washington DC, and her Master of  Science degree from Georgia State University. Joy implemented the Red Yellow Green Program for dementia management at a skilled nursing facility in Macon, Georgia. 

Joy is passionate about improving the lives of her patients through evidence-based, functional treatments. She is certified in the McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program. Her professional interests include brain injury recovery and dysphagia in the dementia population.

Vice President of Professional Practice:  
Kara A. Jones

Kara Jones, M.A. CCC-SLP is a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in adult dysphagia.  She received her Master’s at SUNY University at Buffalo.  Kara works at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital where she completes Modified Barium Swallow Studies and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).  Kara is passionate about her work in the Intensive and Neurointensive Care Units.  Kara is a 4-time ACE award winner.

 

Communications Committee, Chair: 
Heather Ismay

 

Heather grew up in Pensacola, FL and currently resides in the state of Georgia. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Clinical Health Sciences from The University of Central Florida, and her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Nova Southeastern University. She has practiced in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient, and private practice, and manages her own private tele-practice serving the states of Georgia and California, specializing in early intervention and speech sound disorders. Heather enjoys working with children, caregivers, and other professionals to serve each family’s unique needs. She is passionate about providing education, coaching, and communication among professionals in the field.

 

Public Relations Committee, Chair: 
Cecilia Ciaccia

Cecilia Ciaccia M.S. CCC-SLP graduated with her bachelor's from University of Alabama and master's from University of Georgia Southern. Currently, she works full-time at a private practice in North Georgia where she specializes in early intervention. She enjoys working with young children and collaborating with other professionals in order to serve her families' needs. Cecilia is excited to grow with the GSHA team and utilize social media to support existing members as well as expand organization membership. 

Convention Committee, Chair: 

Dr. Ruth Stonestreet

 

Dr. Ruth Stonestreet’s professional experiences have included school settings, private practice, and academia in Kentucky, Mississippi, Michigan, Illinois, and Georgia. She has served onMichigan and Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Associations as convention chair numerous times and has served on the Financial Planning Board of ASHA. Dr. Stonestreet has been active in boards and associations relating to the profession as well as community and state organizations, elected to President of a state organization and the Lowndes Advocacy Resource Center Board of Directors. Currently a life member of GSHA and ASHA, she continues to be active presenting workshops for the Stepping Stones Group and papers at conventions.

 

Presently, she is Professor Emerita at Valdosta State University, where after “retirement”, she was employed to teach two graduate classes. She is a mentor and author for the Medical SLP Collective. Dr. Stonestreet is a Fellow of ASHA, Fellow of National Academies of Practice (NAP) and is a Board Certified Specialist in Child Language (BCS-CL).

 

Convention Committee, Co-Chair: 

Edgar Vince Clark

 

 
Finance Committee, Chair: 
Debra Schober-Peterson

Debra Schober-Peterson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Professor at Georgia State University, where she serves as Director of Clinical Education and as Director of the University’s Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. She is a Board Recognized Specialist in Child Language and teaches courses in speech sound disorders, child language disorders and diagnostic methods. She is the author of Toddler Talk, a family centered language intervention program for young children. She is a member of several national and state groups and presents frequently at the state and national level on a variety of topics.  She has been an active member of ASHA and GSHA for more than 30 years.

Finance Committee, Co-Chair: 

Caitlin Franchini

Caitlin Franchini, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Research Associate at the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research - Atlanta Satellite through the University of Texas at Austin. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and her Master’s from Georgia State University. Caitlin specializes in developmental stuttering and implements person-focused treatment that builds positive attitudes toward stuttering and confidence when communicating.

Caitlin is a person who stutters and is very passionate about advocating for her community. She is a co-leader of the National Stuttering Association Atlanta Adult Chapter and a member of ASHA SIG 4, Fluency and Fluency Disorders. She also mentors students interested in speech-language pathology through the UGA Mentor program. Caitlin previously served as GSHA’s Student Affairs Committee Chair and is very excited to continue her involvement with GSHA!

Healthcare and Private Practice, Chair:

Ariella Kaplan

Ariella Kaplan is a speech-language pathologist and certified brain injury specialist. She resides in Grant Park where she founded her private practice, Atlanta Speech & Wellness. Ariella received her undergraduate degree in communication sciences & disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her masters from the University of Georgia. Ariella is a native Atlantan and is passionate about helping individuals living with brain injuries as they navigate barriers and reintegrate into their communities.

Higher Education Committee, Chair: 
Aleah Brock 

Aleah S. Brock, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an assistant professor of speech-language pathology at the University of West Georgia. Her research focuses on early language acquisition for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), and she has 14 years of clinical experience working with children who are DHH from birth to 21. Aleah is also interested in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and has ongoing research examining active learning strategies such as case-based learning. She is a current participant in ASHA’s Leadership Development Program and has a passion for service to the field.

Schools Committee, Chair: 
Dominique Kennedy

Dominique Kennedy is a speech therapist, speaker, and trainer. Her mission is to empower professionals and leaders through expert programs, valuable resources, and a thriving community centered around effective communication. Dominique is the author of several books centered on communication and her professional experience includes diverse populations in the healthcare and education sector. Dominique holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), member of ASHA SIG 4, Fluency and Fluency Disorders, National Stuttering Association Atlanta Family Chapter Leader, Fayette Chamber of Commerce member, and board of directors for Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link Inc.

Membership Committee, Chair:
OPEN POSITION

 

Continuing Education Committee, Chair:
Sonya Floyd

Sonya Floyd, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, completed her B.S. Ed. in Communication Disorders at Georgia Southern
University-Armstrong Campus, formerly Armstrong Atlantic State University, in 2006 and M.Ed. in
Communication Disorders at Valdosta State University in 2008. Sonya specializes in adult swallowing
and swallowing disorders. Sonya currently holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency with the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed to practice in the state of Georgia. Mrs. Floyd has
practiced in a variety of settings including out-patient, home health, acute care, swing bed, private
practice, and skilled nursing facilities throughout her career. Sonya has trained in several areas to
include Beckman Oral Motor, Myofacial Release, Vital Stim, AmpCare ESP, and FEES. Mrs. Floyd is the
owner of Analyze This, LLC and provides mobile Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES) in
Middle Georgia and the surrounding areas.

Political Action Committee (PAC), Chair: 
Jill Barton

 

 Mrs. Jill Barton has spent the last 21 years working in a variety of settings across the United States including: public schools, pediatric rehabilitation, higher education, and private practice. She has presented nationally, regionally, and locally on the topics of Autism, Speech Sound Development, and a variety of Private Practice & leadership topics. Jill has served on ASHA’s SIG 11 Coordinating Committee on Administration & Supervision and as ASHA Connect 2020 Conference Schools Poster Committee Chairperson. She is the Past President of the Georgia Speech Language Hearing Association and is currently serving as the ASHA State SEAL.

Political Action Committee (PAC), Secretary-Treasurer: 
Kelly Ball 
Therapy Solutions of Georgia, Inc.

 

Originally from Martinsville, Virginia, Kelly attended the University of Virginia located in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was at UVA where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Communication Disorders in 1995. Kelly then went on to complete a master's program in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Georgia in 1997. Kelly has served as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in both the public and private sector, including as a school SLP in Alaska, a hospital SLP in Georgia, and a private SLP in both North Carolina and Georgia.  Kelly and her husband Chris have owned and managed Therapy Solutions of Georgia, Inc, a pediatric private practice providing booth speech and occupational therapy, for the past 15 years.  Kelly has 20 years of experience as a Speech-Language pathologist and loves working with kids! 

 

Strategic Planning Committee, Chair: 

Carol Ann Raymond

 

Carol Ann Raymond, MBA, Ed.S., CCC-SLP, retired from the University of Georgia as a Clinical Professor, where she served as the UGA Speech and Hearing Clinic Director. She received her undergraduate, masters, and educational specialist degrees in speech-language pathology from the University of Georgia and her MBA from Troy University. With clinical experiences spanning more than 40 years in a variety of settings, her focus has been in medical administration and supervision. She has been an active member of the GSHA, serving as President, Vice-President for Communication, and GSHA Division-President for Speech-Language Pathology, as well as chairing various other committees. She also served as Vice Chair for Speech-Language Pathology on ASHA’s Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. She currently is the Director of Finance for the Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation.

 

 

 

Student Affairs Committee, Co-Chair

Caroline Ott

Caroline Ott is currently pursuing a Communication Sciences and Disorders Bachelor's degree at the University of West Georgia. With graduation approaching in May 2024, Caroline plans to pursue a Master's Degree directly after. Alongside her studies, she is employed as a Swim Instructor for children with disabilities. As Vice President of the NSSHLA Chapter for West Georgia, she actively participates in the ASL Club and Dyslexia Connect.

 

Student Affairs Committee, Co-Chair:

Kay Gregory

 S. Kaytlyn Gregory is working on her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Georgia. Kaytlyn is also completing a minor in American Sign Language and a certificate in Disability Studies. While in school, Kaytlyn works part-time as a Registered Behavior Technician Intern, providing ABA therapy for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. On campus, she is the Junior Cohort Representative for local club, Concussion, Learning, Academics, & Student Support (CLASS), and volunteers with UGA’s Cognitive Communication Rehabilitation Lab, aiding with their research study on learning in older adults. Kaytlyn hopes to do her graduate work in Communication Sciences and Disorders, starting in 2024.

ASHA CE Administrator: 

Kara A. Jones

 Kara Jones, M.A. CCC-SLP is a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in adult dysphagia.  She received her Master’s at SUNY University at Buffalo.  Kara works at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital where she completes Modified Barium Swallow Studies and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).  Kara is passionate about her work in the Intensive and Neurointensive Care Units.  Kara is a 4-time ACE award winner.

 

Parliamentarian:
Sydney Floyd

 

Sydney Floyd received her Bachelor’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of West Georgia and recently completed her Master’s of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Hampton University. Sydney previously served on the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV) board as a student representative where she also received the award for Outstanding Student Leader. For her clinical fellowship year (CFY), she will work in a private practice providing early intervention services. 

 

She is excited to serve on this executive council and help the Georgia community Succeed Over All Roadblocks (S.O.A.R.)!

StAMP Representative: 
Sarah Rapillard

Sarah Rapillard is a private practice owner and speech-language pathologist located in Southeast Georgia. Sarah’s practice, Coastal Plain Therapy & Wellness, provides on-site instrumental swallowing and voice assessments using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) as well as videostroboscopy in skilled nursing facilities and ENT offices. Her practice also provides adult-focused, outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology services to the local community. She has served in various roles on GSHA's executive council including: PR chair, continuing education chair, convention co-chair, convention chair, StAMP representative, and president-elect. 

 

SEAL Representative:

 

OPEN POSITION 

 

STAR Representative and Tri-Allaince Representative: 
Margaret Ann Parker
Therapy Associates of Georgia, P. C. 

 

Margaret Ann Parker’s passion is providing quality care to patients in an underserved area of Georgia. A native of Southwest Georgia, she returned to the area after completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Florida State University in 1981. She started her private practice in speech-language pathology in Bainbridge, Georgia in 1986 where today she serves patients in nine sparsely populated, economically disadvantaged, rural counties with a staff of six therapists. During her career, she implemented start-up programs for seven hospitals, nine nursing homes and three home health agencies in rural Georgia and Florida. Prior to opening her private practice, Margaret Ann established the speech pathology program at John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville and Archbold’s affiliate hospitals and home health programs in Georgia and Florida. She also spent two years working in the public schools.

In 2000, Margaret Ann was appointed by Governor Roy Barnes to serve on the Georgia Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology. She served a three-year term on the board. She has served as the ASHA State Advocate for Reimbursement (STAR) for Georgia since 2011. She is often consulted by speech pathology providers on reimbursement issues and has advocated on behalf of Georgia speech pathology and audiology providers with legislators and state agencies. She and husband Bob Parker have two children and two grandchildren. They make their home in Atlanta.

“To ensure access for all to quality care in an economically disadvantaged rural area of Georgia."

Tri-Alliance Representative:
Kelly Ball
Therapy Solutions of Georgia, Inc.

Originally from Martinsville, Virginia, Kelly attended the University of Virginia located in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was at UVA where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Communication Disorders in 1995. Kelly then went on to complete a master's program in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Georgia in 1997. Kelly has served as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in both the public and private sector, including as a school SLP in Alaska, a hospital SLP in Georgia, and a private SLP in both North Carolina and Georgia.  Kelly and her husband Chris have owned and managed Therapy Solutions of Georgia, Inc, a pediatric private practice providing booth speech and occupational therapy, for the past 15 years.  Kelly has 20 years of experience as a Speech-Language pathologist and loves working with kids! 

Lobbyist:

Helen Sloat
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP 

 

Helen is a legislative consultant and Georgia Registered Lobbyist. She is an advocate for various clients including healthcare providers, insurers, and child welfare providers. Helen tracks federal and state legislation, conducts research, drafts bills and amendments, and lobbies for legislative initiatives' introduction and passage. She has experience with Georgia's budgetary process.