Meet The Team:
Morgan Jameson is an assistant professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Memphis. Morgan received her doctorate in Speech and Hearing Science from The Ohio State University in 2024. Prior to her doctoral studies, she worked clinically as a speech-language pathologist in a school setting with pre-K through post-secondary students. In her free time, Morgan enjoys board games, theatre, trivia, and hanging out with her husband and their cats.
Abby Shainberg is a graduate student at the University of Memphis pursuing a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a certificate in Disability Studies from the University of Georgia. During that time, she gained research experience in the Pediatric Auditory and Early Speech Development Lab, where she conducted and presented projects on functional communication training using AAC to support autistic children and on the relationship between canonical babbling and a history of otitis media.
Her clinical interests include aphasia, adult cognitive-communication disorders, and dysphagia, particularly in medical settings. She is also interested in language and literacy-based disorders. She looks forward to continuing to expand her knowledge through both research and clinical involvement.
MC is a graduate student at the University of Memphis, pursuing her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech Pathology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she also served in a leadership role as a volunteer with the FUTURE Program, supporting students with disabilities.
Her clinical interests include speech sound disorders, motor speech disorders and craniofacial abnormalities in the pediatric population, with an emerging focus on pediatric feeding. MC is eager to broaden her experience in clinical research in order to deepen her knowledge and advance evidence-based practice in the field.
Christa Brewster is a graduate student at the University of Memphis pursuing a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders to support her future career as a speech-language pathologist.
Her clinical interests range from pediatric clients with language and literacy-based disabilities including dyslexia to adults with acquired communication disorders such as aphasia. She is interested in developing more knowledge and gaining experience serving clients of all ages with developmental disorders.
Megan Simmons is a graduate student at the University of Memphis pursuing a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Kentucky with a minor in psychology and a certificate in undergraduate research. Her undergraduate research experience included simplifying the use of 3D printing to provide accessible and affordable assistive technology devices for AAC and individuals with sensory needs.
Her clinical interests include the pediatric population, specifically language and literacy-based disorders, speech sound disorders, and motor speech disorders. She is looking forward to expanding her research and clinical knowledge within the lab.
Gabriel Rowin is a graduate student from the University of Memphis, currently pursuing a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology. He attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville for three years, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for one year, where he received his bachelor’s in Audiology and Speech Pathology. During this time, Gabriel was an avid member of the Neurocognitive Diversity Club, and a student-lead organization called Advocates for Autism. Gabriel was also a participant in several graduate studies overseen by Dr. Finke, focusing on the autistic population and communication in friendships.
Their clinical interests primarily involve the pediatric population. More specifically, they’re interested in working with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, developmental language delay, articulation and motor speech disorders, and fluency disorders.
Miranda Fritz is a graduate student at the University of Memphis pursuing an M.A. in Speech Language Pathology and a Graduate Certificate in Communication Sciences & Public Health. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina, where she obtained a B.S. in Public Health with a minor in Biological Sciences.
Her interests include child language and literacy development, especially in the context of underserved communities. She hopes to combine her background in public health and speech-language pathology to address barriers to care and support equitable access to services. Miranda is passionate about helping children build the communication and literacy skills they need to succeed in school and in life.
Laurel Hansen is a graduate student at the University of Memphis pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. She completed her undergraduate degree at Austin Peay State University, receiving a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Psychology. She completed a post baccalaureate in speech language pathology at George Washington University.
Her clinical interests include aphasia, motor speech disorders, dysphagia, and cognitive-communication disorders, particularly in the medical setting. She is excited to gain more experience within the lab and is looking forward to expanding her knowledge.
Phoebe Sivils is a graduate student at the University of Memphis pursuing a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Arkansas with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences.
Her clinical interests include the pediatric population, specifically language and literacy-based disorders, developmental disabilities and speech sound disorders. She is looking forward to expanding her research and clinical knowledge within the lab. She is excited to gain more experience.
Destyn Williams is a graduate student at the University of Memphis pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Hampton University.
Her clinical interests include pediatrics, autism spectrum disorder, speech sound disorders, and pediatric feeding and swallowing. She is passionate about helping children communicate and thrive through evidence-based, compassionate care. She looks forward to expanding her clinical knowledge and skills through hands-on experience in both educational and medical settings.
School of Communication Sciences and Disorders | University of Memphis 