NBASLH Board of Directors
Brittani H. Cobb, M.S., CCC-SLP, Chair Term 2022-2025  Brittani Cobb is currently a school-based speech-language pathologist in Houston, Texas. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and state licensure in Texas. Mrs. Cobb received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Master of Science in Speech Pathology from Howard University.Throughout undergraduate and graduate school, she was a volunteer research assistant and was afforded the opportunity to participate in the inaugural study abroad trip for Howard University’s speech pathology and occupational therapy graduate students. In 2013, Mrs. Cobb was selected to participate in ASHA’s Minority Student Leadership Program (MSLP). Valuable experiences were gained as a student member of NBASLH as she was able to interact with other students in various undergraduate and graduate programs as well as minority SLPs and AUDs from all over the country. Mrs. Cobb was recently awarded the ASHA Distinguished Early Career Professional Certificate.
Mrs. Cobb has gained clinical experience in both the outpatient rehabilitation and school settings, providing speech therapy services to students and patients ages 3 to 18. She has collaborated with school staff, occupational and physical therapists to address the communication needs of students and patients with communication disorders and/or multiple disabilities. Mrs. Cobb has also served as a mentor for newly hired SLPs in her school district.
Darius Thomas, M.S., CCC-SLP, Treasurer Term 2022-2025  Darius Thomas is a professor, visionary, and trailblazer in the field of speech-language pathology, whose innovative approach has revolutionized the way clients are evaluated and treated around the world. As the founder and chief executive officer of Dynamic Therapy, Darius has established himself as a global leader in the profession, renowned for his expertise, mentorship, and motivational speaking. Beyond his clinical work, Darius is an accomplished volunteer, serving in various leadership positions within the District of Columbia Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing. He is a true advocate for minority representation and played a pivotal role in giving voting rights to student representatives on the board of NBASLH. Darius received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the Howard University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. He also holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensures in 6 states.
Chimezie Chidi, M.A.,CCC-SLP, Secretary Term 2021-2025  Chimezie Chidi has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 20 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders from San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, in 1999 and a Masters of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology from San Jose State University, San Jose, California, in 2001. Professionally Chimezie has worked in various settings, including public schools, charter schools, skilled nursing facilities, and now owning her private practice. She also has a strong management background where she served as a lead Speech Therapist in a start-up Charter School and was quickly recognized for outstanding dedication and producing strong outcomes in implementing high-quality related speech services instruction and compliance in Special Education to students in closing achievement gaps. Chimezie eventually was promoted to an Associate-Director role of the Speech Department for a total of seven years, sharing this information because there is not a work setting in the field that she's unfamiliar with or inexperienced. Chimezie is always ready to take on new tasks and create solutions.Born in Berkeley, California to Nigerian immigrant parents that always instilled the value of advocacy, justice, giving back, mentorship, and community, these values have remained with her throughout her life, both professionally and personally. When not working, Chimezie enjoy spending time with her two children, volunteering, and playing tennis.
Jerrold Jackson, MA, CCC-SLP, Parliamentarian Term 2023-2026
Jerrold Jackson (pronounced as Jer-ralld) is a nationally certified speech-language practitioner (SLP) and Director of Specialized Supports with the Roundtree Group, PLLC (www.roundtreegroup.org). His commitment to advocating for culturally responsive practices, as well as effective and efficient SLP practices, serves as the foundation for his career. He received his bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and his master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Jerrold is an active volunteer at the local, state, and national levels. He has been an involved member of NBASLH supporting various initiatives and working closely with the NBASLH Cares Committee. His work with ASHA has led to new program development including the Assistants Certification Program, the Clinical Fellowship Experience, and ensuring that DEI and culturally responsive practices are a part of required certification (CCC) maintenance. Simone Bellot - Student SLP Representative Term 2024-2027
Simone Bellot is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion within the speech-language pathology field. Her academic journey began at Syracuse University, where she majored in Neuroscience & Communication Sciences and Disorders, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Currently, she is pursuing a Master's in Speech and Language Learning at Northwestern University, further deepening my expertise and commitment to this vital field. Simone's leadership journey is marked by significant roles, such as President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Senior Class Marshal at Syracuse University. These positions allowed her to champion inclusivity and foster a supportive community, skills she believes are crucial for the evolving field of speech-language pathology. She is actively engaged in mentoring, focusing on underrepresented students, and volunteering with diverse populations, including refugees and immigrants. These experiences have enriched her understanding of the varied needs within our communities and the importance of tailored, empathetic approaches in our practice. Lauren Hastings, M.S., CCC-SLP, ADHD-RSP Term 2023-2026
Lauren Hastings is a speech-language pathologist, private practice owner, business coach, podcaster, and Ph.D. student. In 2016, Lauren began full-time work in her private practice, Hear to Speak, a company based in South Fulton (Atlanta) Georgia which serves the pediatric population using a community-based model. In January 2021, she started a coaching business, Hear to Speak Academy, to help other therapists build their private practice. She expresses her love for her profession and the African American community through her weekly podcast, Speech Tea. She enjoys co-hosting the podcast with her colleague, Lauren Prather, discussing topics impacting minorities and breaking down special education concepts in understandable terms. She was the 2023 convention chair for the Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association (GSHA) and the Member at large for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Special Interest Group 1 Language Learning and Education. As of August 2022, she is obtaining her Ph.D. in Educational Studies in Diverse Populations with a concentration in Health Disparities at the University of Alabama Birmingham. Daphne McDonald, CCC-SLP Term 2024-2027
Daphne McDonald is a Speech-Language Pathologist with extensive experience in various settings, schools, home health, and skilled nursing facilities. She is the founder and CEO of Speaking Life Healthcare, a company that revolutionized contract therapy services to the charter schools in Memphis, TN, the largest public school district in Tennessee and the 22nd largest in the country. She holds a bachelor's degree from Jackson State University and a master’s degree in communication Disorders from The University of Mississippi. She is passionate about addressing the disparities in the profession, enhancing her skills in managing her business, and helping families affected by communication disorders. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership (2025). She is an active member of the Memphis Area Affiliate Chapter of NBASLH, where she serves as the Membership Chair. She also serves on the Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee and NBASLH Cares and volunteered at the 44th and 45th Annual Convention. One of the accomplishments of her career was being selected to testify as a specialist in a high-profile lawsuit in Federal Court. Brittney Moore, Student AUD Representative Term 2023-2025
Marilouise E. Nichols, M.S., CCC-SLP Term 2024-2027
Marilouise E. Nichols is a medical Speech-Language Pathologist who has focused her career in the areas of dysphagia in medically-complex patients and neurogenic communication disorders in adult inpatient rehabilitation and acute care. She currently works in long-term acute care (LTACH) at Houston Methodist Continuing Care Hospital in Houston, TX. Additionally, she serves as a graduate Clinical Educator at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (Austin and Dallas campuses). Marilouise earned her B.A. in psychology from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and earned her M.S. in speech pathology from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. Marilouise is passionate about serving culturally-diverse and underrepresented populations in the healthcare system and increasing the visibility and leadership of minority populations in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. She enjoys mentoring pre-professionals and early career professionals, and is the founder and writer of a professional blog, MEtheSLP.com, aimed to empower and engage young minorities in the field of Speech-Language Pathology.
Marilouise was recently awarded ASHA’s Distinguished Early Career Professional Award and ASHA’s Award for Continuing Education (ACE). She is an alumna of ASHA's Minority Student Leadership Program (M.S.L.P), a mentor in ASHA's Student-to-Empowered Professional Program (S.T.E.P), and member of ASHA’s Healthcare Leadership Development Program (LDP) 2020 cohort.
Lauren Prather, M.S., CCC-SLP Term 2023-2026
Lauren Prather is a doctoral candidate at the University of Cincinnati (UC) in Communication Sciences and Disorders where her research focuses assessment bias in early communication assessments. She received her Master of Science degree from Tennessee State University in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Memphis in Communications. Before pursuing her PhD , Lauren worked as a Speech Language Pathologist for Cobb Pediatric Therapy Services and Let’s Talk Therapy in Atlanta, GA which is inclusive of her clinical experience in both the school setting and private practice. She has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address communication, educational, and social needs of students with a wide variety of disability classifications. Currently, works collaboratively with Cincinnati Children's Hospital and UC on her dissertation studies and works virtually as a part time clinician. She also serves on the Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee at UC where she co chairs the DE& I Student Committee. Sulare Telford Rose Term 2022-2025
Sulare Telford Rose is an assistant professor of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of the District of Columbia and a bilingual speech-language pathologist. Her research explores the socio-cultural and cognitive-linguistic factors that impact speech-language development in bilingual individuals, primarily those who speak and use Caribbean English Creoles, Textese, and Spanish. Dr. Telford Rose currently serves as the Professional Development Manager for ASHA's SIG-17 on Global Issues in Communications Sciences & Related Disorders. R. Danielle Scott, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Term 2024-2027
Dani Scott is an Assistant Professor at Minnesota State University Mankato in the Communication Sciences & Disorders Program, leading the efforts in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), which includes leading the Diversity & Inclusion Fellows programming, aimed at recruiting/retaining graduate students of color. She teaches courses such as Culturally Responsive Practices, DEI Seminar, Cultural Humility, and Counseling. Dr. Scott also taught Introduction to Communication Disorders at a local federal women’s prison through the MSU Scholars Serving Time Program. Dr. Scott graduated from the illustrious Spelman College with her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Comparative Women's Studies, Indiana University with her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and Grand Canyon University with her Ph.D in Psychology. Dr. Scott has 6 years' experience as an educational SLP in Atlanta, GA and Houston, TX. Her areas of interest include Cultural Responsiveness, Cultural Humility, Social Justice, and Anti-Oppressive Pedagogy. Dr. Scott is an active member of NBASLH. She is co-chair of the Cultural Humility Task Force and SLP Exam Review Committee member.
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Brittney Moore is a second-year Doctor of Audiology student at the University of Florida. Brittney earned her Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning degree from the University of New Orleans and her Master of Public Health degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. During her time at LSU Health, she was a graduate assistant in the Department of Genetics researching chemotherapy-induced hearing loss. As a doctoral student at UF, she is currently developing a training program to better equip law enforcement and legal personnel to understand and communicate with deaf and hard of hearing adults. Upon graduation, Brittney plans on pursuing a career that combines her interests in public health and audiology. Her specific interests include ototoxicity, health policy, vestibular assessment, and electrophysiology.
