communication disorders and sciences - Eastern Illinois University

Department of
COMMUNICATION DISORDERS AND SCIENCES
Alumni Newsletter
College of Sciences Eastern Illinois University September 2006
Dean’s Message
Dr. Mary Anne Hanner,
Dean, College of
Sciences
It is my pleasure to bring greetings from the Dean’s
office to my friends and former students and colleagues
from Communication Disorders and Sciences!
The College of Sciences, EIU, and CDS continue to
provide excellent educational experiences for undergraduate
and graduate students. You might ask “how
do we know that?” There are several indicators: EIU
received a very positive North Central Accreditation
visit and report last year and continues to be ranked
as a top tier Midwest university by U.S. News and
World Report; COS faculty and students receive many internal as well as
external grants and awards for teaching, research and service; CDS attracts
high quality undergraduate and graduate students, received a Provost’s
Award for Excellence in Academic Assessment, and has received ongoing
accreditation since 1973. We are successful because we are always looking
for and working toward being better than we are. I am always pleased and
proud to know that my academic heritage lies in CDS at EIU! We also
want to celebrate your success! We have opportunities to nominate successful
alumni. CDS, COS, and EIU have various recognition programs.
Department Update
What a difference a year makes!
Blair Hall was re-dedicated in April on the anniversary
date of the fire that caused such destruction. From the
ashes, a beautiful restoration was unveiled with historical
aspects intact. The new Doudna Fine Arts Center is
on schedule and promises to be a spectacular architectural
addition to the campus. An addition to the Lantz
Building began in May with completion scheduled this
fall, which will add another floor to house a suite of offices
for basketball and an Academic Center for studentathletes.
As the composition of the university environment undergoes change,
so does the CDS faculty.
After two years of multiple temporary faculty positions, the CDS Department
was able to hire three new tenure-track faculty. We are excited to welcome
back Angela Beckman, who completed her undergraduate degree at EIU,
went on to Gallaudet for her master’s degree, and will complete her doctorate
at the University of Virginia in 2007. Tina Veale comes to us via Western
Illinois University, where she was a faculty member since 2001. Dr. Veale’s
undergraduate degrees are from Miami University, with a doctorate from the
University of Cincinnati. Both share an interest in language aspects of the
field, Angela in pre-literacy, while Tina focuses on autism and pragmatic
language. Jill Fahy, who has served the department very well in a temporary
capacity, was hired as a Clinical Supervisor, with interest in executive functions
and neurological language aspects. Students, clients, and faculty will
definitely benefit from the experience and enthusiasm these three individuals
bring to the department!
The disappointing news is that Lynn Wilkerson, who has served as the audiologist
for two years, moved to San Antonio to accommodate her husband’s
new job. I am sorry that students will miss the opportunity to learn from Ms.
Wilkerson’s excellent model, but wish her well in the new Texas setting.
She has promised to continue working toward completion of a doctorate, so
future professionals somewhere can look forward to having her back in the
Dr. Throneburg, chair of the Assessment
committee, and Dr. Richard, chair,
receive the 2005 Provost Assessment
Award. Also pictured are Dr. Vince
Gutowski and Dr. John Stimac from the
Geology/Geography department and Dr.
Mary Anne Hanner, COS Dean.
Let us know what and how you are doing so that we can herald your success at
your alma mater, EIU! Or write to us about alumni colleagues who you believe
merit recognition. It is easy to find our email addresses on the EIU website…so
send us those cards and letters!
And we want to thank you for your generous financial support! Many of you
regularly respond to the annual campaign and the students are the beneficiaries of
your gifts. Please continue to keep us in mind as you consider where to place your
charitable donations. We can turn your dollars into success!
I look forward to seeing you at ISHA, ASHA, an EIU Alumni event or where
ever those opportunities might be. And I wish you health, happiness, and great
satisfaction in whatever you might do!
Front Row: Mary Anne Hanner, Jennifer Hornston, Julie Zito, Brittney Yakey,
Bonnie Irwin, and Bob Augustine. Second Row: Ghodson Obia, Lou Hencken,
Jim Struebing, and Gail Richard.
classroom and clinic environments.
Dr. Richard Jacques, who retired last summer, was kind enough to leave the CDS
Department an endowed legacy. His commitment to students over the years has
resulted in an innovative concept. Dr. Jacques established the “Richard Jacques
Rubber Chicken Fund” to assist CDS students who experience financial hardship
that jeopardizes the ability to finish their educational program. Over the years
we have experienced numerous unforeseen financial circumstances that resulted
in interruption to a student’s academic program. Dr. Jacques’ generosity will
provide the department with discretionary funds to provide assistance to deserving
students on an as-needed basis. His gift is certainly appreciated!
The Department welcomed Janna Oetting, a Charleston native teaching at Louisiana
State University in Baton Rouge, as the presenter for the Graduate Forum.
Her information on language disorders versus dialects was cutting edge and provided
current information to stimulate our students’ thinking. The Ryan Struebing
Distinguished Graduate Student Award was presented for the first time to Julie
Zito by Ryan’s father, Mr. James Struebing. It was a poignant moment to remember
how vivacious Ryan was, and the award is a fitting tribute to this outstanding
young man. The NSSLHA group also financially provided for a Graduate Student
Award, which was presented to Jennifer Hornston, along with the Margaret Hollowell
Graduate Student Award presented to Brittney Yakey. This event continues
to be a showcase for the CDS Department. We were privileged to have President
Hencken, Dean Augustine of the Graduate School, Dean Mary Anne Hanner and
Associate Dean Godson Obia from the College of Sciences, and Dean Bonnie

Irwin from the Honors College in attendance.
Faculty continue to set a high standard of excellence! Dr. Rebecca Throneburg
was the recipient of the 2006 Distinguished Faculty Award from the
Honors College. Lynn Wilkerson received the College of Sciences Outstanding
Faculty Award. Trina Becker and Chris Chambers were awarded a
$25,000 grant to purchase equipment for an AAC laboratory in the department
for student training. Frank Goldacker was elected President, and Jean
Smitley followed Rebecca Throneburg as Vice President of Professional
Affairs, for the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Bob Augustine
continued to join me on the Legislative Council of the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association and to serve on the ASHA Financial
Planning Board. Mary Anne Hanner was appointed to the ASHA Council on
Academic Accreditation. The graduate program was awarded the Provost’s
Assessment Award for excellence in the department’s use of formative and
summative assessment measures to evaluate and make changes in student
learning objectives. Students majoring in CDS are certainly surrounded by
exemplary professional role models!
It is a privilege to work with such dedicated faculty, staff and students.
The Department of Communication Disorders & Sciences continues to be
a first-choice university in the area of speech-language pathology. Alumni
excel in a variety of employment settings around the country. Thank you for
representing us so well within the profession. Remember to update us on
changes in your lives!
Clinic Update
The sensory room has been a wonderful addition to
the new clinical wing of the building.
The CDS Department has been
in its new building for three
years now. The time has gone by
quickly. It seems we are already
beginning to outgrow our space.
As always, our busiest times for
therapy are after school. The eight
clinic rooms are booked from 3:00
until the end of the day and on
some days we’ve had to utilize the
seminar room and classroom for
therapy. There has been a significant increase in the number of undergraduates
entering clinic. Whereas in the past there were typically 25-30
seniors in clinic during the fall and spring,
next year there will be 45-50! That will allow
several of the referrals on the waitlist to
be scheduled for therapy. It’s great to be in
demand, but it’s unfortunate that some have
to wait as long as a year to be scheduled in
the Clinic.
The fiberoptic endoscopy equipment the
Clinic purchased a few years ago is being
used regularly in the evaluation of vocal fold
NSSLHA Update
Graduate student Michele Beglin working
in the materials center checking in
materials with the new bar scan system.
function for clinical and research purposes. With this equipment, fiberoptic
endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) can also be performed. The
Clinic is also serving as a referral site for St. John’s Hospital of Springfield
for children with feeding and swallowing disorders, providing graduate
students with valuable pre-internship experiences.
Many of you will be sorry to hear the Hidalgo Kindergarten Center is closing.
For a number of years, CDS graduate students had the experience of
providing collaborative classroom services at this school. Fortunately, the
Clinic will be continuing its affiliation with the Jasper County Community
District at Grove School which houses grades 1-6.
Remember the clinicians’ meeting at the start of each semester? Those
who graduated some time ago may recall that it lasted less than an hour.
Those who graduated more recently know that with universal precautions
and other topics it was close to two hours. Well, because of new policies,
universal precautions, HIPAA, ASHA NOMS, and evidence based practice
requirements, clinic orientation is now a half-day affair and is scheduled the
Friday before the start of class in the fall and spring. Makes you glad you
graduated when you did, doesn’t it?
One of the best additions to the Clinic has been the Lego table in the waiting
area. The creativity that clients and their siblings bring to building is
really fun to observe. Over the years, generous gifts from alumni have
allowed the Clinic to update technology, equip the sensory room, purchase
new tests and therapy materials, and upgrade computers in therapy rooms.
Currently on our clinic “wish list” is new furniture for the waiting areas.
Thank you for your generosity, both in the past and future!
2006 CDS Graduate Forum
The NSSLHA executive board should receive an award for event planning during the past
year. NSSLHA held a total of 22 events including 4 group meetings, 7 educational events,
3 social events, and the ever famous client-clinician Christmas party and end-of-the-year
picnic. The students especially enjoyed the Welcome Back Luau picnic in the fall and
game night in the spring. In addition to planning events, the NSSLHA executive board
was busy raising funds for several charitable causes. They donated money to the annual
NSSLHA Loves campaign, sent a package to a CDS student in Iraq, and helped support
a scholarship from the College of Sciences, to name a few. NSSLHA also supported two
teams in EIU’s Relay for Life. Advisors, Mrs. Becker and Mrs. Wilkerson, would like
to extend a special thanks to the 2005-2006 NSSLHA officers for their work this past
year. Officers included Lenee Moseley as president, Caroline Dahlstrom as vice-president,
Mandie Poettker as treasurer, Brittney Yakey as secretary, and Margaret Pedziwiater
as event planner. In addition, they would like to thank class representatives Joe Sierra,
Amanda Stetzer, and Julie Zito.
The Communication Disorders and Sciences Department hosted the 2006
Graduate Forum on Friday, April 14, 2006. In conjunction with the Graduate
Forum, an awards ceremony was conducted to recognize outstanding individuals.
The Exemplary Supervisor Award, Margaret C. Hollowell Scholarship,
Ryan Struebing Distinguished Graduate Student Award, and the NSSLHA
Distinguished Graduate Student Awards were presented to recipients. Following
is a summary and pictures from the event.
Exemplary Supervisor Award
Lisa Otto
The Exemplary Supervisor Award recipient was Lisa Otto. Lisa supervised
graduate student, Erin Mulcahy, who completed an educational internship
at Millenium Elementary School in Tinley Park, Illinois. Erin cited Lisa’s
ability to encourage, share knowledge, and stimulate creativity while also
allowing her the flexibility to independently explore various treatment options
in her written nomination. Erin was also impressed with Lisa’s passion for
the profession and how well respected and liked she was by her students,
parents, and co-workers. Lisa was unable to attend the event due to the
Easter holiday. The CDS Department appreciates the mentoring and supervision
provided to students by the many speech pathologists in educational and
medical internship sites.
2005-2006 NSSLHA officers and co-advisors, Trina
Becker and Lynn Wilkerson

2006 Art Unveiling Ceremony
On April 24, 2006, the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
hosted a reception for the new young artists whose artwork
will be displayed in the Clinic for the next two years. The
unveiling ceremony was attended by approximately 100
people, including dignitaries from Jefferson School and
Eastern Illinois University. Graduate Dean Dr. Robert
Augustine, who began the artwork tradition in 1986, was
in attendance, along with Vice President Dr. Jill Nilsen and
College of Sciences Dean Dr. Mary Anne Hanner. Twentyseven
students’ artwork was chosen, and most were present
with their families to unveil and present their artwork.
Twenty-four frames have been donated by benefactors for
displaying the students’ artwork. The new Clinic certainly
has the space to accommodate more frames—you might
want to consider a donation for a frame in your name before
the 2008 unveiling.
Margaret C. Hollowell Scholarship
Brittney Yakey
Mrs. Margaret Hollowell presents
her scholarship to Brittney Yakey,
graduate student.
The recipient of the 2005 Margaret
C. Hollowell Graduate Scholarship
was EIU student Brittney Yakey. The
Margaret C. Hollowell scholarship
was established in 1997 to financially
support a student’s graduate career.
Brittney completed her bachelor’s
degree at EIU and began her master’s
degree in fall 2005. Brittney was
chosen to receive the award based on
her academic, research, and service
accomplishments. Brittney served as
the 2005-2006 NSSLHA Secretary
and has strong clinical and academic
skills. She was quite appreciative of
the award and the opportunity to pursue
additional learning experiences.
Ryan Struebing Distinguished Graduate Student Award
Julie Zito
This award was named in memory of an exceptional young man, Ryan
Struebing, who graduated from the master’s program in CDS at EIU in 2002.
Ryan’s parents, Jim and Anne Struebing, endowed the award to assist another
CDS student who embodied Ryan’s spirit of collegiality, strong work ethic,
passion for CDS,
and contributions
to student organizations.
The first
recipient of the
award was Julie
Zito, who completed
her undergraduate
degree at Butler
University in
Indianapolis. Julie
was very involved
in extracurricular
Mr. Jim Struebing presents the Ryan Struebing Distinguished
Graduate Student Award to Julie Zito, graduate student.
activities, such as
volunteering to work over break constructing homes for families in Appalachia,
serving food to the homeless at a soup kitchen, and tutoring inner
city students. She stated in her application that she receives much joy from
helping others because of the impact they have on her life. Julie carries a
commitment of spirit that Ryan exemplified so eloquently.
NSSLHA Distinguished Graduate Student Award
Jennifer Hornston
The faculty of CDS selects a Distinguished Graduate Student each year, who
is then recognized by the Graduate School. This year, the National Student
Speech-Language-Hearing Association volunteered to provide a monetary
award to accompany
the honor. The first
recipient of the award
is Jennifer Hornston,
who completed her
undergraduate degree
at the University of
Illinois. Jennifer is a
conscientious, insightful,
organized, and
committed graduate
student. She completed
Lenee Moseley, NSSLHA President, presents the NSSLHA
Distinguished Graduate Student Award to Jennifer Hornston,
graduate student.
Whitney Sturm receives the SURE
award from Dr. Mary Anne Hanner.
UNDERGRADUATES
GRADUATES
a mission trip to Kenya,
Africa during sum-
mer 2004, where she
worked with a deaf child who lived in a mud hut without access to special
schools. She enjoys challenges, works hard in classes, and always performs
in an exemplary, respectful way.
CDS Student Accomplishments 2005-06
Manda Geerts
SBLHC Foundation Scholarship,
Illinois Hospital Research &
Education Foundation Scholarship,
AMBUCS Scholarship
Jennifer Hornston
CDS/NSSLHA Distinguished
Graduate Student
Lenee Moseley
Graduate Student Dean
Brittney Yakey
Margaret Hollowell Scholarship,
Betty Wright Downing Scholarship
Kristina Allen
Undergraduate Research Grant
Brittany Barker
Louis T. White Memorial Scholarship,
Eunice W. Dougherty Scholarship, Whisnand
Scholarship
Margaret Pedziwiatr
College of Sciences Student Advisory Board
Cassie Shuemaker
Continuing Honors Scholarship
Whitney Sturm
SURE Award, Lincoln Academy of Illinois
Student Laureate Award
Elizabeth Wolodkiewicz
Eunice W. Dougherty Scholarship
Natalie Arp
Larry Williams Travel Award
Joy Berry
ScienceFest Panelist
Natalie Arp receives the Larry Williams Travel
Award and is pictured with her parents.
Aimee Wheat
Larry Williams Travel Award
Julie Zito
Ryan Struebing Distinguished Graduate Student
Award

Student Presentations
Allen, K. Comparison of traditional and block scheduling for articulation therapy.
Presented at Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference, Rosemont,
IL.
Arp, N. Effects of risk on non-word repetition of first graders. Presented at
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference, San Diego, CA.
and Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference, Rosemont, IL.
Dahlstrom, C. Effect of sensory stimulation in a child with autism spectrum.
Presented at Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference, Rosemont,
IL.
Pedziwiatr, M. Using a social story to modify inappropriate behavior with autism.
Presented at Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference,
Rosemont, IL.
Margaret Pedziwiatr
presents her research
and talks with SLP’s
at the 2006 ISHA
convention.
Poettker, M. Assessment of communication improvement after neurofeedback
therapy. Presented at 17th Annual Illinois Student Research Conference, EIU
and Tennet, Montreal, Canada.
Shuemaker, C. Verb learning using collaborative referencing. Presented at Illinois
Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference, Rosemont, IL., and
17th Annual Illinois Student Research Conference, EIU.
Cassie Shuemaker
presents her research
at the 2006 ISHA
convention.
Sturm, W. Computer based speech perception training for a child with hearing
aids. Presented at Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference,
Rosemont, IL.; EIU Sciencefest, and at 17th Annual Illinois Student Research
Conference, EIU.
Yakey, B. Phonological awareness skills of children with sensorineural hearing
loss. Presented at American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference,
San Diego, CA. and at Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference,
Rosemont, IL.
Watson, R. A comparison of narrative supervisory feedback versus narrative
supervisory feedback coupled with objective data in initiating change in supervisee
behavior. Presented at 17th Annual Illinois Student Research Conference, EIU.
Wheat, A. Comparing discourse performance according to elicitation procedure.
Presented at Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference, Rosemont,
IL.
Student Publications
Wilson, B., Poettker, A., Goben, B., & Hogan, A. (2006). Improvement of communication
skills after neurofeedback therapy. Brain & Cognition, 60 (3).
Faculty Updates
Bob Augustine is delighted to have returned to a beautiful new office in the
renovated Blair Hall and extends an invitation to CDS alumni to visit EIU and
take a tour! He continues to serve as Dean of the Graduate School and his wife
Kathy is still teaching math at Charleston Middle School. Son Matt completed
all coursework for his Ph.D. in English at Washington University in St. Louis this
past year and is deep into the comprehensive exam stage of his degree. Son Mark
completed an internship during the summer in Chicago on the “Mancow Show”
at station WKQX. He will complete his degree in Mass Communication at Illinois
State University in December and begin graduate school in January. Son
David starts his senior year in high school this fall and is busy visiting colleges
and plans to attend one of the many great state universities in Illinois in the fall of
2007. Dr. A. expresses thanks to all those former students who email him with
updates and pictures of the kids. He invites all to come back to visit!
Trina Becker is becoming more knowledgeable in the area of AAC as she attended
Closing the Gap, an international Assistive Technology conference, last
fall with Chris Chambers. Their attendance at the conference, as well as the acquisition
of several new AAC devices was a part of a technology grant obtained
last year. She is enjoying programming and integrating the new AAC devices into
therapy sessions with clients. She continues to be busy with her boys! Jonah is 5
and started kindergarten this fall. He had his first introduction to sports this past
summer with t-ball. Trina was excited to finally be on the sidelines watching her
baby play sports. Jackson turned two in February and is exploiting his independence
through phrases such as, “me do self!” He keeps his parents laughing with
his one-liners and never ending energy!
Beth Bergstrom, an alumnus of the EIU graduate program, joined the CDS Department
in August 2005. She completed her undergraduate degree at Augustana
College. She has been practicing speech pathology for 10 years, working in nursing
home, school, and hospital settings. She is currently supervising and taught
her first class this past summer, a special topic on Cleft Lip and Palate. Beth has
personal experience in this area as her youngest son was born with cleft palate.
She lives in Mattoon with her 4 BOYS - husband Brad, Mason (7), Reese (6),
and Cooper (3). As you can imagine, her quiet time is when she is working at
the Clinic. She spent the summer doing PRN work at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health
Center two days a week; the rest of the time was spent at the ball diamonds,
tennis courts, golf course, and swimming pool. She can’t wait to get back to the
simple life in the fall.
Lynn Calvert had a busy summer of teaching and supervision. Before the summer
semester began, the family spent a week in Puerto Vallarta which was very
relaxing, but then it was back to work for everyone. Scott continues to work in
Shelbyville (the gas prices are killing us!), Eric is in his junior year of high school
(more gas) and Torey is in her senior year at the U of I.
Chris Chambers continues to prepare future alumni through supervision of
undergraduate and graduate clinical work as well as advisement in the Department.
She was involved in co-writing a grant for funding to purchase alternative/
augmentative equipment awarded fall semester. Her daughter, Ali, is now twelve
and keeps mom busy with sports activities. When not traveling for volleyball or
softball games, Ms. Chambers’ traveling opportunities continue to include casino
and golf activities. She hopes to see former alumni at upcoming conferences, but
requests you stop by the Department and check out the new AAC lab equipment.
Carl Dell continues to enjoy his life of teaching and golfing. He is on a first
name basis with all employees at the Boxa restaurant across Lincoln Avenue by
Ike’s. He even has a shirt, hat, and other gifts for being one of their best customers.
He continues to marvel at the grand tapestry of life.
Jill Fahy accepted a position as tenure track faculty this past year, which officially
began fall semester. She has been busy with an ever increasing number of
presentations in the area of Executive Functions, taught Motor Speech last spring,
and will be teaching the Aphasia/Right Hemisphere this fall. Jill’s diagnostic
schedule is loaded with kids who have deficits in nonverbal communication patterns
and social behaviors. Her 7-year-old Kate keeps life balanced with piano,
soccer, and friends. Jill loves to read anything brain-related, mystery novels, see
movies, and work on her oil paintings whenever time allows.

Frank Goldacker started his year as President of ISHA in September. He anticipates
a very busy year, which unfortunately will cut down on his sailing time.
Emma had a big year. She graduated from high school, started her first job, and
got a car. She will be attending SIUE in the fall. Goldacker is looking for CDS
alum living in the Edwardsville area willing to give him updates on Emma’s
activities. Frank and Lisa spent their summer getting Emma ready to leave for
school and with Lisa’s sisters and their families who were visiting from Morocco.
Mary Anne Hanner and her husband, Dale, still reside in Oakland. This year
they celebrated their 35th wedding ananiversay. They have three grandchildren
with two new babies in 2005: Anna Emily Wittenkeller and Elinor Frances
Hanner. They join Ainsley Elizabeth Hanner who will be 5 years old in October
(and is already reading!). Mary Anne looks for every opportunity to travel to the
Chicago area to visit those granddaughters and their parents. As the Dean of the
College of Sciences, she is working with the new Director of the Nursing Program
to establish an RN and BSN program at EIU. Mary Anne will be serving as
chair of the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language
Pathology during 2007.
Linda Huddlestun is still hanging in there in the front office. She and Eric are
grandparents to an additional grandson, Jacob, who arrived to Tricia and Jason
in February. That makes two boys, both with February birthdays; ‘B’ is five and
started kindergarten this fall. T.J., still single, continues to work for the Illinois
Department of Transportation and became a homeowner in the spring. The mowing
he used to hate to do at home doesn’t seem so bad now. He even cautioned
his parents to be sure and wipe their feet when they visited one rainy day. My
how things change!
Richard Jacques retired after spring semester of 2005. His first move was to
Las Vegas, Nevada where he found the pace entirely too fast. He then migrated
to Santa Fe, New Mexico where the pace was more to his liking. However, he
decided to move to Flagstaff, AZ in July. Hard to keep up with that rambling
guy! He has also been writing and working on a novel.
Jill Nilsen is finishing her fifth year as Vice President for External Relations and
her thirtieth year at EIU! Her job allows her to visit alumni across the country
and share the great things happening at Eastern Illinois University. Hank is
retired from the Department of Biological Sciences and enjoying the freedom
which retirement allows. Chris began his junior year at the University of Illinois
and plans to major in advertising and communications. Jeff began his freshman
year at the U of I and plans to major in history. Max, the dog, is 14 and sleeps
most of the time. The entire family, sans dog, were in Italy this summer for a
vacation, following Chris’ study abroad experience in Verona.
Gail Richard had an incredibly interesting year. Gail returned to her theatre
roots after 15 years to direct a play for the Charleston Community Theatre in the
fall, which sold out every night! A new home that she designed reached completion
for a move the end of March, one week before leaving to attend the NCAA
Final Four Men’s Basketball Tournament, with tickets in the second row behind
the broadcasters! On June 3 she married John Oertling, Chair of the Theater
Department at EIU, which resulted in a consolidation of two households into one,
and the addition of two teenage stepsons. The 17 year old resides with them and
plays drums in a band, so the deaf ear comes in handy! Lots of exciting personal
changes to slow down the busy presentation schedule.
Dr. Richard and her husband,
John Oertling, at their home hosting
a dinner.
Dr. Gail J. Richard was honored at the 2005 annual ISHA convention by receiving
Honors of the Association. The award was well deserved in that Dr. Richard
has served as president of ISHA, been named Fellow of ISHA and ASHA, Distinguished
Alumnus of Southern Illinois University and Eastern Illinois University,
and the recipient of five Faculty Excellence Awards. Since 1991 she has also
served on the ASHA Legislative Council. Dr. Richard has authored, co-authored
or contributed to numerous publications and presented workshops throughout the
country. Congratulations to Dr. Richard on yet another honor.
Colleagues Frank Goldacker, Lynn Calvert, Mary Anne Hanner,
and Bob Augustine in attendance with Dr. Richard at the
Honorees reception at ISHA.
Jean Smitley continues to keep busy with teaching, supervising, volunteer
activity, and family life. Mentoring, guiding, and teaching students in the
CDS Department at EIU is a wonderful job to have. She encourages all of the
alumni to say “yes” if the opportunity to mentor a student comes your way.
Jean had a cousin who decided to have a destination wedding in Jamaica last
May and the whole family went to an all inclusive Beaches resort for a wonderful
four days. Summer brought the usual softball, baseball, swim club, camps,
and more swimming. It’s a whirlwind of activity that she is sure many of you
also experience on a daily basis.
Rebecca Throneburg finished her term as the vice president for professional
affairs for ISHA and is happily handing that job over to Mrs. Smitley.
Dr. Throneburg and Dr. Richard and others are working with ISHA to offer
some distance continuing education options for area groups. She taught the
department’s first distance learning class this summer to two groups of cohort
students in southern Illinois who needed Language Acquisition for their
degree in Special Education. She and her family spent more time out on Lake
Shelbyville – the kids are getting older (Jacob-9, Sarah-6, Rachel-3) and love
the water. She and Troy purchased a houseboat and the family spent many
evenings and weekends out at the lake grilling, swimming, and fishing. If
you sit on the back of the Throneburgs’ boat at the lake, you look right at the
Goldackers’ sailboat.
Nancy Weiler and husband Bill live in The Villages, Florida. They are proud
grandparents to their son Kirk’s son born January of 2005. They seem to be
thoroughly enjoying their retirement and are busy with many activities. Nancy
regularly golfs, organizes workshops in beading and jewelry making, and
continues to knit and spin. Bill keeps busy by golfing and fishing. Daughter
Michelle spent much time in London with her job and Kirk and Sha are busy
with the new baby.
Lynn Wilkerson is sad to report that she and her husband will be moving to
San Antonio this summer and will say goodbye to EIU. She would like to
thank the Department for giving her the opportunity to fulfill her dream of
teaching, supervising, and mentoring students during the past 2 years. She
compares her time at EIU to the Peace Corp; it was the toughest job that she’ll
ever love! She will be continuing her Ph.D. work at the University of Texas-
Austin and would love to have former students keep in contact with her by
emailing her at lynnwilkerson@yahoo.com.
Lynn Wilkerson and Trina
Becker (classmates at EIU) in
attendance at the farewell dinner
in May.
Brenda Wilson still likes gardening, reading Stephen King, and playing with
the grandkids (not necessarily in that order). She enjoys teaching Cognitive
Communication on a regular basis and continues her research and writing in
that area. Medical internship and graduate coordination keep her very busy,
and the wonderful reports on how well our students do makes her very proud.
She is Co-Chair of ISHA’s EI Committee again and looks forward to seeing
what has changed in the system. A special trip is planned for September.
Brenda’s oldest son, H.D. turns 40, and they will go to Ireland to celebrate.
Keep in touch. She always loves to hear from former students.

Julia Barickman (’79) currently works for Indian Prairie School District 204, in
Naperville, IL. She is a volunteer sidewalker for hippotherapy at Blazing Prairie
Stars in Maple Park, IL. Julia defines hippotherapy as “sensory integration on a
horse.”
Nancy Niebert Harper (‘79) is keeping busy with her two children. Julia (13)
keeps her mom hoppin’ with extracurricular activities such as cross country,
volleyball, and ski club. Guy (11) enjoys playing and watching every sport along
with playing the French Horn.
Christy Strole (’80) continues to serve her profession as president of ISHA
this past year. She and husband, Archie, celebrated their 25th anniversary. Her
children also keep her busy. Jessica received her driver’s license this past year,
while Galen finished his bachelor’s degree in social work. Her son, Griffin, left
the country this past spring to study chemical engineering in Singapore.
Shelly Harper Mulchrone (‘87) completed a degree in administration this past
spring and claims it has been a wonderful experience. She has also been busy
raising three daughters, Allison (12), Dicy (8), and Donna (4).
James Hanny (‘91) resides in Brandon, FL, where he works for Kindred Hospitals
of Central Tampa and South Tampa. He recently completed a graduate
degree in psychology and will soon be married.
Amy Ball Crabtree (’92) works for Speech Therapy Associates of Northwest
WI, Ltd. She also does some PRN work at Rusk Co. Memorial Hospital and
works with the Early Intervention population. Her daughter, Erin, welcomed
home a new baby in January.
Karen Cline Wilson (’93) welcomed home baby boy, Benjamin Samuel Wilson,
on August 3, 2005. She works as an SLP at Southwest Elementary in Danville,
IL.
Sheri Kazmierczak Duenser (‘94) is working part time at a Junior High School.
She is busy with her two girls Megan (5) and Molly (3). She and her husband,
Scott, celebrated their 10th anniversary.
Tricia Wood Fowler (‘95) is currently enjoying being a stay at home mom with
children Anna, Emily, and Luke.
Traci Jerrick Gouriotis (’95) works for Therapy Care Ltd as a supervisor for a
speech assistant. She keeps busy with her three boys A.J., Jonathan, and Nicholas.
Beth Leggitt (‘95) resides in Oblong, IL. She works as a Technical Assistance
Supervisor at South Eastern Special Education Coop. She supervises OT’s, PT’s,
and SLP’s as well as classrooms of early childhood and emotional disturbance. In
addition, she provides assistance to the 12 school districts within SESE regarding
assistive technology and AAC.
Jill Johnson Sillery (‘95) works as an SLP for Attica Consolidated School Coop
in Attica, IN. She has two children, Erin and Drew.
Amy Caldwell Englund (‘97) resides in Bartlett, IL, with husband, Jeff, and
new baby boy, Ryan Jeffrey. She works as an SLP in an elementary school in
Shaumburg.
Tracy Masunas Cafferty (’98) recently joined the staff at Northwestern University.
She is a clinical supervisor at the Evanston University Clinic, with hopes of
teaching in the near future. Her daughter, Kiera, turned two this year.
Dana Allen Frieling (‘98) is practicing in the Naperville School District in their
pre-school program. She has two children, a four-year-old daughter and a oneyear-old
son.
Stephanie Lucas (’98) works as an SLP in Chicago Public Schools and with
PARA Peachtree with Early Intervention population.
Natalie Zinn Gower (’99) works as an SLP for the Macon-Piatt Special Education
District. Her son Rylee (2), welcomed home a baby sister in November ‘05.
Julile Panier Zelenski (‘99) resides in Plainfield, IL, and had her first baby on
March 1.
Alumni Updates
Cheryl Browning Gillihan (’01) along with husband, Jason, welcomed a baby
boy, Andrew Tyler, on September 10, 2005. She is working for Rehab Care
Group, where she treats patients in long-term care settings and skilled nursing
facilities.
Angie Thor Schnobel (’01) is working part time at Easter Seals Joliet Region.
She recently built a new home in Plainfield, IL, and welcomed a new addition
to her family, Nicholas William on July 17, 2005.
Lyn Laymon Cochonour (‘02) along with her husband, Bryan, announce the
arrival of Grant Edward Cochonour, born on February 24, 2005.
Natalie Moehring Hughes (’02) welcomed a baby girl to her family this past
year.
Josi Wittmer Nino (‘03) celebrated a new addition to her family, son Jerry
Michael.
Nikki Frost Brentlinger (‘03) resides in O’Fallon, IL, with new husband, J.R.
She works for the Special School District of St. Louis County – Southview
School.
Traci Gamblin (‘03) moved to Carbondale, IL, this past year where she began
a new job in home health.
Molly Henneberry Kasperski (’03) and new husband, Daniel, reside in
Oglesby, IL. She is working for Grand Ridge Community Consolidated #95.
Paula Moore (‘03) is in her CFY in the Indian Springs School District in
Justice, IL. She completed her master’s degree at SIUE.
Amanda Achterberg Piekarski (’03) resides in Louisville, KY, with her new
husband, Chris, and works as an SLP at Jefferson County Public Schools in
Louisville.
Aleeya Rashid Reynolds (‘03) is working in Pike Township School District in
Indianapolis.
Arica Moore Rock (’03) married husband, Jody, in March 2004. She is currently
working at ENT Surgical Associates in Kankakee, IL.
Jessica Missavage Lang (’04) works for McHenry School District #15 in
McHenry, IL. She and new husband, Daniel, reside in Woodstock, IL.
Lina Lendraitis (’04) is currently working as an SLP in Elmhurst , IL, District
Schools.
Merinda Wells (‘04) almost had a Christmas baby! Prior James Wells was
born on December 22. Merinda is working for Southern Illinois Specialized
Healthcare Associates, where she primarily works with Early Intervention
patients.
Brookelyn Barr Anhalt (‘05) welcomed home a new baby, Noah John, in
April.
Gretchen Bennett (‘05) is working for Select Rehabilitation as an SLP at two
nursing homes in Sullivan, IL. She was married on November 25.
Erin Downs (’05) is living in Lombard, IL, and works for Indian Prairie
School District.
Emily Lotz (‘05) had a baby boy on April 17, 2006, Andrew Ryan.
Rebecca (May) Miller (‘05) and husband, Nate, welcomed home a new baby
girl, Adalynn, on July 9, 2006.
Jamie Jo Rascher (’05) moved into a new home with fiancé, Randy, in Tovey,
IL. She has been busy planning her October wedding. Jamie works for
Rochester School District and is employed through Sangamon Area Special
Education District.

Communication Disorders & Sciences 523300
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920