Communication Sciences and Disorders

Alumni Focus \| Current Highlights
	Erica Ricker Erica Ricker is a 2004 graduate of the University of Maine, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. While in the CSD program, she completed research in voice and fluency disorders and has presented her findings at the American Speech Language Hearing Association National Convention. Erica grew up in Aroostook County and graduated from Ft. Fairfield High School. Erica works as a Speech Language Pathologist/Voice Specialist at Waldo County General Hospital/Voice & Swallowing Center of Maine in Belfast.
She has completed advanced training in laryngeal stroboscopic voice assessment, Estill VoiceTraining Systems, Lessac Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy and has trained as a vocal performer. Erica is nationally certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for Parkinson's and other neurological diseases. Erica has presented original clinical findings at the International Vocal Cord Dysfunction Conference at National Jewish Medical Center in Denver, CO and at the American Speech Language Hearing Association Annual Convention. She is co-author of a paper accepted for presentation at the Voice Foundation Symposium/International Association of Phonosurgery in 2008 and was a featured presenter at the 4th Annual Clinical Voice Symposium in Belfast, ME in 2007. Her areas of speciality include Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement and Irritable Larynx Syndrome. Erica is President-Elect of the Maine Speech Language Hearing Association (MSLHA). Her leadership interests include support for increased CSD student involvement in MSLHA and professional activities.

	Mike Towey Congratulations to Michael Towey on receiving two important awards this year. First, he was named as an ASHA Fellow. He was also the recipient of the Patricia C. Lindamood Award for Clinical Leadership Excellence In Language and Literacy by California State University. Currently, Mr. Towey manages the Voice and Swallowing Center of Maine. We look forward to Mr. Towey sharing his 25 years of clinical experience with us this spring when he teaches our graduate-level course in voice and voice disorders.

	Jack Pickering Jack Pickering, Ph.D., graduated from our UMaine program with a B.A. in 1981 and an M.A. in 1983 and began his career as a speech-language pathologist with York County Counseling Services. After three years, Jack returned to school, eventually completing a doctoral degree in Speech and Hearing Science at Ohio University.
Since completing his program of study at Ohio University in 1990, Jack has been a college professor at the University of Kentucky and The College of Saint Rose, focusing on voice, speech science, and the application of technology in communication sciences and disorders. Recently, he has been involved in administration, first as Department Chair for the Communication Disorders Department at Saint Rose (1999-2004), and more recently as Assistant Dean of Education.

	Barbara Gunn Since 1997, Barbara has been the Director of the Old Town Regional Program, a K -12 public regional day treatment program in Old Town, Maine, serving students with emotional disabilities from fourteen school districts. In 2003, Barbara was selected Maine Special Education Administrator of the Year by the Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities (MADSEC
Barbara graduated from our UMaine program with a B.A. in 1979 and an M.A. in 1981 and began her career as a speech pathologist with the Bangor Regional Speech and Hearing Center. • Barbara's career has included working in public schools, opening a speech-language pathology private practice, being a director of special education, coordinating five regional programs for students with disabilities, and serving on numerous committees and boards at the state level. • Barbara's commitment to students with disabilities has taken her into being a Surrogate Parent for the Maine Department of Education, volunteering in ways that assure that children without parental representation receive appropriate programs and services, and maintaining an out-spoken advocacy for children with emotional disabilities. • Barbara lives in Orono, Maine, with her sons, Duncan and Cameron. • Check out the links Barbara has provided. Barbara is one of our many alums who have spent their careers responding to the needs of Maine's children. The department congratulates this Alum on her 2003 Maine Speech Education Administrator of the Year Award.


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Alumni Focus | Current Highlights