Our Team

Swathi Kiran is James and Cecelia Ying Professor of Neurorehabilitation in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences and the Associate Dean for Research at College of Health and Rehabilitation

Steve Kessler is a national advocate of rehabilitation medicine supporting stronger recoveries for stroke survivors and their caregivers. Steve and his wife, Barbara, promote rehabilitation medicine innovation including through technology,

Barbara has been a long time member of the Board of the National Aphasia Association. Barbara actively promotes greater awareness of aphasia as well as supporting stroke victims with aphasia.

GENERAL MICHAEL V. HAYDEN, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Before becoming Director of CIA, General Hayden served as the country’s frrst Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence -and

Dr. Charles Ellis Jr., PhD is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Speech Language and Hearing Sciences at the University of Florida. Dr. Ellis is a licensed and

Angie Cauthorn is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others living with aphasia. Prior to 2 strokes in 2017, she was a finance professional for over 20

Elizabeth Galletta, Ph.D., CCC, is a Clinical Specialist at Rusk Rehabilitation, New York University Langone Health, where she evaluates and treats outpatients with aphasia and other acquired brain injuries. She

Jeff Robertson is the treasurer of the National Aphasia Association, joining the Board of Directors in June 2023. Jeff’s father (Big) Craig taught him strength and perseverance through his handling

Seth is a retired attorney. He received both his B.A. and J.D. from the University of California at Davis. In 1986 he had a stroke which resulted in global aphasia.

Maura English Silverman, MS, CCC/SLP has always been passionate about helping others. Maura is a Speech Language Pathologist with 36 years of experience working along the continuum of care in