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College of Health Professions and Sciences

UCF CARD Receives $150,000 Gift to Help Those with Autism and Their Families

The UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities recently received a gift of $150,000 from Providing Autism Links & Supports(PALS). UCF CARD is one of seven regional resource centers established by the State of Florida to support those with autism spectrum disorder and their families. UCF CARD serves more than 15,000 individuals and families of all ages…

Linda I. Rosa-Lugo Elected to National ASHA Post

Linda I. Rosa-Lugo, Associate Dean of Faculty Excellence and Graduate and Global Affairs, was recently elected Vice President for Speech-Language Pathology Practice for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Her three-year term will commence January 2021. Throughout her career, Rosa-Lugo has held teaching and administrative roles in schools and medical settings. Her passion is helping children who are…

A Message from Our Dean on Our Commitment to Stand Up for What Is Right

Dear CHPS students, faculty and staff- The heartbreaking events of the past week emphasize the significant and persistent racial injustices that exist in our nation. I share in your feelings of outrage, grief and fear. While words are not the action needed right now, I want to express my commitment, and the commitment of CHPS,…

An Open Letter from the Interim Director of UCF Social Work

Dear Students & Community Partners, The faculty and staff of the School of Social Work at the University of Central Florida stand united with those who are calling for justice and for real change in our society to condemn racism in all its forms. We denounce the hatred, discrimination and social injustices committed and tolerated…

Faculty Members Recognized for Commitment to Undergraduate Research

Three faculty members were honored recently for their exceptional efforts to create an enriching and supportive undergraduate research experience for students. Valerie Sims, an associate professor of psychology and Michael Rovito, an assistant professor of health sciences, were honored with the 2020 Champion of Undergraduate Research Award. Chase Mason, an assistant professor of biology, was…

UCF Experts Provide Tips to Maximize Employee Health and Efficiency

Now, more than ever, it is critical for employees to take care of themselves. Several experts in the College of Health Professions and Sciences at the University of Central Florida share advice and tips on exercise, diet, sleep, work-life balance and other health and wellness tips to help employees maximize their overall health: Getting Enough Sleep Keith…

Why Individualized Mental Health Care Is Especially Important During COVID-19

The unpredictability and stress of the coronavirus pandemic has affected the mental health of many. With so many issues in the mix, the situation is a good reminder that mental healthcare is not ‘one-size fits all.’ We spoke with  UCF School of Social Work  Associate Professor Reshawna Chapple and Professor Sophia Dziegielewski to gain a…

CHPS Experts Share Mental Health Tips

According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, one in five people will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Mental health and mental illness are growing topics of concern in today’s culture. Awareness and advocacy for more mental health resources is becoming a major focus. This is particularly evident during the month of May,…

UCF Develops Course to Enhance the Care of Patients Recovering From COVID-19

The new online course will prepare clinical speech-language pathologist to work with post COVID-19 patients and is taught by professionals on the frontlines. UCF has designed a new course in its graduate clinical speech pathology program with high relevance to COVID-19. The special topics course is titled “Post COVID-19 Clinical Practice in Medical Speech-Language Pathology” and is geared…

UCF Students Form Organization to Work Together Against COVID-19

Victoria Orindas (center), Daniela Vulpe (right) and their Orlando Against Coronavirus volunteer crew have created and distributed masks, personalized cards and food packages for the homeless, and have organized book drives and online tutoring. When the coronavirus hit Central Florida, Daniela Vulpe and Victoria Orindas saw that many charitable organizations had to slow down or…

Communication Sciences and Disorders Alumna Prepares to Teach in Bulgaria

While many students wonder what path they will take after graduation, Emily Bom already knew where her path would lead her – to Bulgaria. Starting in January 2021, the Spring 2020 communication sciences and disorders alumna will travel to Bulgaria as a Fulbright scholar. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is sponsored by the State Department to promote international…

Associate Professor Kenyatta Rivers Leaves a Lasting Impact on Students and Profession

Kenyatta Rivers, a retired faculty member in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, believed in leading by example. He taught students how to improve the communication skills of children with speech and language disorders and people of all ages with traumatic brain injury. He did this not only through class instruction and assignments, but also by demonstrating how to lead through service and education.  Rivers was passionate about guiding under-represented students…

How Wade Cole Got His ‘Sparkle’ Back at Aphasia House

When Wade Cole, a college honors student, called his mother, Stephanie, on that cold morning in January 2015 to tell her that his headache was back, she knew something was terribly wrong. “Wade told me the pain was excruciating,” Stephanie said. She noticed other clues as she spoke with him, she said, like his speech…

Maxine McGregor: Child Welfare and Domestic Violence Advocate Leads the Next Generation of Social Workers

As a longtime member of the Orange County Domestic Violence Task Force, Maxine McGregor ’13 MSW, instructor and director of the master’s in social work program, has a passion for helping men and women who feel trapped in unhealthy relationships – and for the people who help them.  In one of her first domestic violence cases, the woman eventually reconnected with family members who became…

UCF Graduate Communication Sciences and Disorders Program Ranks Among Top 25% in the Nation 

The UCF graduate speech-language pathology program is ranked in the top 25% of programs in the nation, according to the latest U.S. News and World Report ranking. UCF’s graduate speech-language pathology program ranked No. 55 out of 261 ranked programs.  The report is conducted every few years through a survey of program leaders across the nation.    “We are proud to be ranked among the top programs in speech-language pathology in the country,” said Jennifer Kent-Walsh,…

Clinical Spotlight: Janel Cosby

Janel Cosby ’04, audiologist and clinical lecturer in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, is preserving, protecting and enhancing peoples’ hearing. As a child, she always wanted to pursue a career in medicine. Her interest in audiology was piqued when her mother, a nurse, knew a family who had three deaf children; the children’s parents…

UCF Physical Therapy Program Ranks Among Top 25% in the Nation

UCF’s doctor of physical therapy program rose 44 spots in the most recent U.S. News and World Report rankings, ranking No. 57 in the nation. This puts UCF in the top 25% of all U.S. graduate physical therapy programs.  The report is conducted every 5 years through a survey of program leaders across the nation.   “This recognition is another indicator of our program’s quality and continued success…

Clinical Spotlight: Terri Daly

The UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities currently serves more than 15,000 families, providing support and assistance to families with children on the autism spectrum. Terri Daly, the director of UCF CARD, wants to expand support for children with autism. Her clinical research has focused on the impact that inclusive preschool programs have on children with…

Health Tips from Faculty During COVID-19

The stressors brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic make self-care more important than ever. Here are some tips shared by our health experts at the College of Health Professions and Sciences on ways to cope with stress while still practicing social distancing.