Board of Directors

About Lauren:

Lauren Rogers, Ed.S., M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and Clinical Instructor at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas. She earned her degrees from the University of Central Arkansas, where her graduate research focused on cognition, dementia, and voice therapy with marginalized clients. Her research was presented at both state and national levels, including poster sessions at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention.

Lauren’s clinical experience spans acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, home health, skilled nursing, and educational settings. Her diverse background has fostered a strong commitment to leadership and advocacy within the field of speech-language pathology. Her professional interests include advocating for individuals and the profession, and preparing the next generation of SLPs to engage in interprofessional collaboration that promotes inclusive practices across settings, particularly in education.

About Madison:

Dr. Madison Howe is a pediatric audiologist and educator dedicated to advancing hearing healthcare, clinical education, and interprofessional collaboration. She currently serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education for the Doctor of Audiology program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Dr. Howe earned her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) from Auburn University. She is also a Certified Advanced Preceptor in Audiology (CH-AP) and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A). Her career has spanned clinical service at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, leadership within local, national, and international professional organizations, and academic innovations that prepare the next generation of professionals. A strong advocate for interprofessional collaboration, Dr. Howe is passionate about creating shared spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and mutual growth that strengthen communication sciences as a whole. Dr. Howe has received multiple honors including the ArkSHA Audiology Award for Distinguished Service, the SENTAC Outstanding Contribution Award, and ASHA’s Distinguished Early Career Professional Award. She has served as Chair of the ASHA Multicultural Issues Board, Chair of the ASHA Clinical Models of Education Topic Committee, Director of Communications for the Society for Ear, Nose, and Throat Advances in Children (SENTAC), and Communications Chair for the UAMS Academic Senate. She has presented nationally and internationally on pediatric audiology, leadership development, and inclusive care, and continues to advocate for access, mentorship, and innovation. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Howe enjoys cycling, traveling, and coaches group fitness classes at Jolly Bodies.

About Myranda:

Myranda Victoria, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, has been a school-based speech-language pathologist in Arkansas public schools since 2010, serving students in the West Memphis, Rogers, and Springdale districts. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas, her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Memphis, and her doctorate in Special Education from Liberty University. Myranda has presented at both state and national conferences, including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ArkSHA), and has contributed to systems-level initiatives such as the development of a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework in Springdale Public Schools. Inspired by her personal journey as the parent of a child with disabilities, she is passionate about inclusive practices, early intervention, and supporting SLPs in working at the top of their license.

About A. Katy:

Katy is a clinical instructor at the University of Central Arkansas. Katy is serving as ArkSHA’s Continuing Education Administrator. This is a vital role that helps members earn ASHA CEU credits, register CE with ASHA, help plan professional development events, and answer member questions. She graduated from Baylor University and is married to her husband, Joseph, who is also a speech-language pathologist. They have a son, Henry, his service dog, Al, and two wonderful cats, Theo and Frankie.

About Brittany:

Brittany is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas’ Communication Sciences and Disorders program. She is currently a school-based speech-language pathologist in the Vilonia School District. Brittany also serves as a clinical placement supervisor and an adjunct clinical supervisor at the University of Central Arkansas, where she provides instruction and supervision for the next generation of SLPs. Brittany is married with two sons.

About Laura:

Laura Dickson, MS, CCC-SLP, earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Central Arkansas and holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Arkansas State University. Throughout much of her career, she has worked with pediatric and adult populations at Achieve Community Alliance. Laura joined Let’s Talk Therapy Services in 2020, where she provides outpatient services to pediatric and school-aged clients. Her professional areas of interest include language disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, dysphasia, and fluency disorders. Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her two dogs, and painting.

About Natalie:

Natalie Benafield, Au.D., CCC-A, is an educational audiologist with the Educational Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Resources (EARS) team at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she provides school-based audiology services throughout the state of Arkansas. She is a former faculty member at the University of Central Arkansas, and former Audiology Program Director for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She has extensive clinical and research experience in pediatric auditory processing assessment and treatment.  Her most recent collaborations have resulted in two professional publications, as well as regional and national presentations to speech-language pathologists and audiologists regarding auditory processing disorders in children.

About Natalie:

Natalie Welcher has served patients and families in both the pediatric and adult worlds since graduating from the University of Central Arkansas.  She is currently pursing her passion related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders through the University of Arkansas Partners for Inclusive Communities. She is married to her husband, Brody, and they have a son, Beau.  Aside from work, ArkSHA, and life at home, Natalie love to make memories with family and friends while shopping, eating good food, or traveling near and far.

About Brittany:

Brittany Starkey has over 10 years of experience working as a pediatric speech-language pathologist. She has worked in pediatric developmental preschools, private practices, and early intervention programs. She is also a certified lactation counselor through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. She received her Master of Science from Harding University. She has extensive training in pediatric feeding disorders and orofacial myofunctional disorders. She provides education on pediatric feeding disorders to graduate programs and private practices across the state. She provides supervision as an offsite clinical instructor and as an adjunct clinical instructor through the University of Central Arkansas. She advocates for the growth and development of emerging speech-language pathologists. Brittany is a proud ArkSHA member.

About Michelle:

Michelle Donnell has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 25 years and has worked with students from preschool through high school.  She currently serves as the Lead Speech-Language Pathologist for the Springdale School District.  Michelle earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Central Arkansas.  She serves as the Immediate Past President of the Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has contributed to several ArkSHA committees, including the Ad Hoc Committee for English Language Learners, Communications and Marketing, Advocacy, and Summer Schools.  She chaired the 3rd Annual Summer Schools Conference and has presented at the conference twice.  Michelle’s heart and passion lie in supporting school-based Speech-Language Pathologists and the students they serve.  She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and ASHA Special Interest Group 16: School-Based Issues.  In recognition of her work, Michelle received the ArkSHA Paula J. Gober Public Schools awarded in 2017 and was named Bernice Young Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2016.