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Communication Disorders & Sciences Faculty
Our faculty are a unique blend of researchers, educators and professionals who are proven experts in their fields.
Valerie E. Boyer, Associate Professor
Communication Disorders and Sciences
Valerie E. Boyer is a tenured Associate Professor in the Communication Disorders and Sciences program. She is the current recipient of the Mark and Susan Ashley Endowed Professorship.
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Office: Rehn 310
Phone: 618-453-8283
valboyer@siu.edu
Vita
Denise Croft, Assistant Lecturer
Communication Disorders and Sciences
Denise Croft is currently serving as Program Director for the Communication Disorders and Sciences program. She is also an Assistant Lecturer and Clinical Supervisor for CDS. Additionally, she is Director at SIU’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Denise holds an M.S. in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist holding a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.View Full Bio
Office: Rehn 312A
Phone: 618-536-7704
denisecroft@siu.edu
Maria Claudia Franca, Professor
Communication Disorders and Sciences
Maria Claudia Franca is a Professor in the Communication Disorders and Sciences Program. She holds a M.S. in Communication Disorders and Sciences and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation with concentration in Communication Disorders from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
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Office: Rehn 318A
Phone: 618-453-8292
franca@siu.edu
Juhi Kidwai, Assistant Professor
Communication Disorders and Sciences
Juhi Kidwai is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Disorders and Sciences Program at Southern Illinois University. She earned her Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology in 2021 at the University of Kansas and continued with postdoctoral research at New York University before beginning at Southern Illinois University in 2023.
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Office: Rehn 317
juhi.kidwai@siu.edu
Jason Mings, Assistant Lecturer
Communication Disorders and Sciences
Jason Mings is a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of clinical experience in public school settings. Jason works in a public school in southern Illinois while teaching and providing clinical instruction in the communication disorders and sciences program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). Jason grew up in West Frankfort, Il. He and his wife Nicole reside in southern Illinois with their two kids and a German Shorthaired Pointer. Jason also owns a fish farm, raising largemouth bass and selling them in partnership with SIUC aquaculture program in his "free time". Major interests in the field of communication disorders and sciences are implementing AAC in the schools, and treating fluency disorder.
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Office: Rehn 308
jason.mings@siu.edu
Stephanie Nanto, Assistant Lecturer
Stephanie Nanto is an Assistant Lecturer and Clinical Supervisor for the Communication Disorders and Sciences program. Stephanie holds an M.S. in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
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Office: Rehn 317A
bishop.stephanie3@siu.edu
Jayma Stroud, Assistant Lecturer
Communication Disorders and Sciences
Jayma Stroud is an Assistant Lecturer and Clinical Supervisor for the Communication Disorders and Sciences program. She is also serving as the Externship Coordinator for the CDS program.
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Office: Rehn 310