Faculty & Staff

EdD Murray State University | MS Murray State University | BA Murray State University | Stephanie was raised in Crestwood, Kentucky (around the Louisville area) before coming to Murray in 2001. She earned her Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology and Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders from Murray State University. Although she didn't originally plan to make Murray her permanent residence, Murray has a way of immediately making you feel at home. Pair that with a passion for the lake and discovering all that LBL (Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area) has to offer, she suddenly found herself captivated! She has worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist in a variety of settings, including long-term care, acute rehabilitation, home health and schools. Throughout her professional experiences working with a variety of adults and children, she discovered that she truly has a passion for disorders across the lifespan. Stephanie is enthusiastic about her field and loves having the opportunity to make a positive impact on students pursuing a career in communication disorders. She believes that being an effective therapist is a delicate balance of knowledge and clinical skills which would not be possible without guidance from strong instructors, supervisors, and mentors from the very beginning of one's educational journey. Stephanie is honored to be part of a team that provides guidance and builds confidence as students grow into clinicians and find their own unique skills and interest.

EdD Murray State University | CScD Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions | MA Southeast Missouri State University | BS Southeast Missouri State University | Nikki was born and raised in southeast Missouri and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communication Disorders from Southeast Missouri State University. Nikki has experience in a variety of settings including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient and inpatient hospitals and public schools. Nikki was also an instructor and clinical supervisor at Southeast Missouri State University for 6 years prior to relocating to Jefferson City, Missouri where she was employed as a speech-language pathologist in an outpatient hospital setting. Nikki received her doctoral degree in clinical science in speech-language pathology in 2019 and is excited to be a part of academia once again by becoming a Murray State Racer. Her research interests include, but are not limited to, voice disorders and exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction in athletes, and ethics in speech-language pathology. She is thrilled to be able to impart knowledge and guidance to students as well as ignite a fire for their understanding and use of evidence-based research as well as how to include research in their own practice. When Nikki is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Chad, and their dog, Ruby. She enjoys biking, camping and yoga and is excited to explore all the opportunities that Western Kentucky has to offer.

EdD Murray State University | MS University of Kentucky | BA Murray State University | Alison Brown was raised in Murray. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Murray State University in English Creative Writing. After spending a couple of years in Vail, Colorado, she moved to Lexington, Kentucky to earn her Master's degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Kentucky. Following graduation, she joined UK as an Assistant Professor, clinical line. She enjoyed working with a wide variety of patients at UK's Medical Center and Department of Otolaryngology as well as teaching graduate students. Several years later, Alison was able to capitalize upon both of her degrees as Director of Academic Services at Sayre School in Lexington. Identifying and treating students with reading disabilities was a natural fit and has become an area of professional interest, along with voice therapy. Alison is thrilled to return home to her alma mater and educate students to connect with patients as they improve their communication and literacy skills.

BS Murray State University | MS Murray State University | Amanda was raised in Murray, and is a lifelong Racer fan. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders and a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Murray State University. Before returning to her alma mater to serve as a clinical supervisor and instructor, Amanda worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist within acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, and adult and pediatric outpatient care. Additionally, her experience gained in the public school setting managing a caseload that included children (and their families) with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, speech sound disorders and language disorders brings practical insight into the academic environment to help teach, guide and support future Speech-Language Pathologists. Amanda resides in Murray, and enjoys spending time at home and Kentucky Lake with her husband and two young children.

MA The University of Memphis | BA Bethel University | Becky is a Tennessee native who graduated with her Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Bethel University and her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Memphis. Following graduation, Becky worked in several settings including acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health specializing in adult therapy services. She is certified in LSVT, MBSiMP, and VitalStim. She has a special interest in swallowing, language, and cognitive disorders. Most recently, Becky started a private practice focusing on providing teletherapy and school contracting services with students in Tennessee and Michigan. She is very excited to be apart of the faculty at Murray State University where she can train future clinicians and guide them in their clinical education. When she’s not busy doing speechy things, Becky loves spending time outside, cooking, reading, and going on adventures with her family.

MS Murray State University | BA Rutgers University | Megan grew up in New Jersey and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Rutgers University. She moved to Murray with her husband in 1999. After taking the Child Language Development course at Murray State, she fell in love with the field of speech-language pathology. She began post-baccalaureate class work in 2006 and completed her Master's degree in 2010. Megan has a broad basis of clinical experience including acute inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, adult and pediatric outpatient and skilled nursing facility settings. Megan is currently a clinical supervisor for graduate students in our clinic and preschool settings and teaching undergraduate courses.

MS Murray State University | BS Murray State University | Kelly Vaughan is a native of Kentucky, born and raised in Madisonville. She earned both her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders (2013) and Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology (2015) from Murray State University. After graduation, Kelly has spent her career working within Louisiana and Kentucky in skilled nursing facilities with older adults with disorders such as dementia, aphasia, and dysphagia. Kelly holds specialized training in Synchrony, a virtual reality sEMG biofeedback program to aid those with dysphagia. Kelly currently supervises graduate students in our university clinic and preschool setting and teaches undergraduate courses. Outside of school, Kelly enjoys watching high school and collegiate sports with her husband, Jacob, kayaking at LBL, and spending time with family and friends.

MS Murray State University | BA Murray State University | Alex is a West Kentucky native, growing up in Paducah with Murray State in her backyard. After graduation, Alex started her career in a local long term care facility. However, her passion for working with children led her to early intervention where she has spent the last five years working for the Kentucky early intervention program (First Steps), covering five local counties including Calloway. Alex continues to look for areas in her community to share her passion and expertise within her field. She is excited to transition to the university setting and join the faculty at Murray State. Alex is grateful for the opportunity to give back to her alma mater. When not busy with speech therapy, Alex enjoys attending sporting events and traveling to new destinations with her family.

Dr. Vaughan grew up in Western Kentucky. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Murray State University and her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Memphis. She also received a certificate in Advanced Studies in Vestibular Sciences and Disorders from Salus University. She has worked in multiple ENT settings performing diagnostic audiology as well as fitting hearing aids. She has a special interest in Central Auditory Processing Disorder and vestibular disorders. She is excited to be a part of the faculty in the Communication Disorders Department.

PhD Capella University | MS Tennessee State University | BS University of Missouri | Dr. Branson grew up in the mid-west surrounded by music and sports. After completing his undergraduate work in Communication Science Disorders at the University of Missouri, he traveled south to Nashville, TN. While attending Tennessee State University to obtain a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology, and Capella University to complete a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration, Dr. Branson and his wife began expanding their family. With two daughters and a son, he and his wife continue to reside in middle Tennessee. After multiple years of working in the healthcare field as a school, clinic, private, and home health speech pathologist, as well as a university clinic director, Dr. Branson found his passion for challenging himself and others within academia. Research and teaching interests include, but are definitely not limited to, voice disorders, diagnostics, stuttering, articulation, and language disorders. Dr. Branson enjoys contributing to the success of future generations of Murray State University Speech Pathologists.