Board of Ethics Decisions

The ASHA Board of Ethics has found the following ASHA members, certificate holders, certified assistants, and applicants for certification in violation of the Association’s Code of Ethics or Assistants Code of Conduct. The information below includes the version of the code violated, the rationale, and the sanction imposed, with its effective date.

Verify the public ethics violation history of any individual with current or past ASHA certification online.

2022

Kelly O'Steen Cooper

Millville, Delaware

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2021 from the Delaware Board of Speech Pathologists, Audiologists, and Hearing Aid Dispensers for forging signatures of other SLPs on IEP documentation. Failed to self-report their receipt of professional discipline to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, III, III-G, IV, IV-D, IV-E, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective December 14, 2022.

Jeffrey A. Howell

Oxford, Michigan

Rationale: Misrepresented their academic credentials on their business website and LinkedIn page.
Code (2016): III, III-A, III-F, IV, IV-D, IV-E
Sanction: Censure and an Order to Cease and Desist, effective December 14, 2022.

Alison E. Lorenz-Kolojaco

Galveston, Texas

Rationale: Received three convictions for Driving While Intoxicated in Texas criminal court. Received professional discipline in 2021 from the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation for their criminal history and lack of fitness to hold a full SLP license without conditions. Failed to self-report their misdemeanor conviction, felony conviction, and their receipt of professional discipline to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-R, IV, IV-D, IV-R, IV-S, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective December 19, 2022.

Lauren Elizabeth Schmuke

University City, Missouri

Rationale: Viewed records of patients that were no longer or never under her care and admitted to having taken more than 40 patient records to her home. Billed for, and failed to properly document, 253 speech-language therapy treatment sessions for 39 patients.
Code (2016): I, I-O, I-Q, III, III-D, III-G, IV, IV-D, IV-E
Sanction: Suspension for six (6) months, effective December 14, 2022.

Yaneli C. Avila

Stamford, Connecticut

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2019 from the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health, Healthcare Quality and Safety Branch for (a) violating laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology and (b) practicing without a speech-language pathology license for approximately four years. Failed to self-report they had received professional discipline to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): III, III-A, IV, IV-D, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective July 22, 2022.

Jennifer A. Jones-Hicks

Hampton, Virginia

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2021 from the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology for (a) failing to properly manage and keep accurate and complete client records, (b) fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in the practice of speech-language pathology, and (c) professional incompetence or negligence. Failed to self-report they had received professional discipline to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, III, III-G, IV, IV-D, IV-E, IV-R, IV-T
Censure, effective July 21, 2022.

Stephanie M. Thomas

Lindsay, Oklahoma

Rationale: Provided and received payment for 27 private speech-language pathology sessions while simultaneously providing school-based speech-language pathology services to a student. Failed to convene the appropriate participants in Individualized Education Program meetings and failed to provide required federal documentation to parents. Provided speech-language pathology services at a school without having an Oklahoma teacher certification or credential. Received professional discipline in 2019 from the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language and Audiology for practicing speech-language pathology without a license for one month. Failed to self-report they had received professional discipline to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): III, III-A, III-B, III-D, IV, IV-D, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective August 23, 2022.

James Fletcher Scott

Westbrook, Maine

Rationale: Engaged in an intimate personal relationship with a graduate student while supervising and evaluating her clinical work and failed to timely disclose such relationship to his supervisors.
Code (2016): III, III-B, IV, IV-D, IV-H
Sanction: Suspension of membership and certification for 12 months, effective April 22, 2022.

Malieka Fitzgerald, Abilene, Texas

Rationale: Failed to meet speech-language pathology standards of practice for evaluation procedures and intervention plans. Jeopardized patients’ care and welfare by failing to provide appropriate assessments, treatments, recommendations, and progress monitoring. Failed to seek assistance in fulfilling professional obligations when compromised by personal matters and health-related conditions and when unable to provide appropriate speech-language pathology services. Failed to meet expectations for timely and complete documentation in which two years of client records were inaccurate, overdue, and incomplete.
Code (2016): I, I-A, I-B, I-Q, I-R, IV, IV-A, IV-D
Sanction: Revocation of membership and certification for 12 months, effective Jan. 7, 2022.

JoQueta Handy, Newport Beach, California

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2020 from the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board for performing low-level laser treatment on children with apraxia, nonverbal autism, and Down syndrome (not considered evidence-based practice in the field of speech-language pathology); for providing services outside the speech-language pathology scope of practice; and for misrepresenting their credentials and services provided.
Code (2016): I, I-M, II, II-A, II-G, III, III-A, III-C, III-E, III-F, IV, IV-D, IV-E, IV-P, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Revocation of membership and certification for five years, effective Jan. 7, 2022.

Dawn M. Hopkins, Crescent Springs, Kentucky

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2019 from the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (“California Board”) for failing to provide adequate supervision and task delegation to a speech-language pathology assistant for four months and for unprofessional conduct, including aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of speech-language pathology. Failed to self-report their receipt of professional discipline from the California Board to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-E, I-F, II, II-E, IV, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective Jan. 7, 2022.

Laura A. McKee, Niantic, Connecticut

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2020 from the State of Connecticut Department of Public, Healthcare Quality and Safety Branch (“Connecticut Board”) for practicing without a speech-language pathology license for four years. Failed to self-report their receipt of professional discipline from the Connecticut Board to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): III, III-A, IV, IV-D, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective Jan. 7, 2022.

Sharron Turner, San Diego, California

Rationale: Entered into a Stipulated Surrender of License and Order in 2020 from the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (“California Board”) for the conviction of a crime related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a speech-language pathologist. Pled guilty in 2018 in California criminal court to the felony of driving while under the influence of alcohol and causing bodily injury to another. Failed to self-report their California criminal conviction and their receipt of professional discipline from the California Board to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-R, IV, IV-D, IV-R, IV-S, IV-T
Sanction: Revocation of membership and certification for 12 months, effective Jan. 7, 2022.

2021

Daniel R. Barnes, Tipp City, Ohio

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2021 from the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board for billing for services that were not provided to eight clients/patients in 2019. Self-reported billing for services that were not provided to several patients in 2020.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, I-R, III, III-D, III-G
Sanction: Censure, effective July 22, 2021.

Carrie D. Johnson, Anna, Texas

Rationale: Terminated services without discharge evidence or notice, failed to provide timely referrals for services, and failed to adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines during a global pandemic.
Code (2016): I, I-B, I-M, I-T, IV, IV-D
Sanction: Censure, effective July 26, 2021.

Sharon Caroline Morin (Lovelace), New Bedford, Massachusetts

Rationale: Educator license was revoked in 2019 by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Received professional discipline in 2020 from the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (“Massachusetts Board”) for being unfit to provide services competently and for failing to disclose the revocation of the Massachusetts educator license. Harassed individuals within professional associations through unprofessional emails, voicemails, and phone calls. Failed to self-report the receipt of professional discipline from the Massachusetts Board to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-R, IV, IV-D, IV-G, IV-T
Sanction: Revocation of membership and certification for five years, effective July 22, 2021.

Jane E. Reck, Sewickley, Pennsylvania

Rationale: Admitted to practicing without a license for 27 cumulative years and to receiving discipline in 2020 from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth State Board of Examiners of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Code (2016): III, III-A, IV, IV-R
Sanction: Censure, effective July 26, 2021.

Melissa Joye Jones, Little Rock, Arkansas

Rationale: Failed to meet the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology’s on-site supervision requirements for clinical fellows and mentors, including failure to obtain pre-approval of alternate supervision for 100% remote telesupervision and negligently completing Clinical Fellow Report and Rating Forms, resulting in four clinical fellows submitting applications that lacked the required on-site supervision hours for ASHA certification.
Code (2016): IV, IV-D, IV-E
Sanction: Censure, effective April 20, 2021.

Emily Elisabeth Kautz, Grove City, Ohio

Rationale: Failed to work collaboratively with school teaching staff and school leadership to ensure students received services per their Individualized Education Programs. Received professional discipline in a 2020 Consent Agreement with the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board (“Ohio Board”) for false statements about services that were not provided to five students. Failed to self-report receipt of professional discipline from the Ohio Board to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-B, I-Q, I-R, III, III-G, IV, IV-D, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective April 29, 2021.

Kristina Hodges Ricks, Ayden, North Carolina

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2020 from the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists for fraudulent billing and false documentation of at least 91 speech therapy visits that were not provided.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, III, III-D, III-G, IV, IV-D, IV-E, IV-R
Sanction: Withholding of membership and certification for 10 years, effective April 29, 2021.

Laura Elizabeth Wilfong, Athens, Georgia

Rationale: Admitted to inadequate recordkeeping and documentation for seven patients, 12–26 visits per patient, during 2018 and 2019.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, III, III-G, IV, IV-A, IV-D
Sanction: Censure, effective April 29, 2021.

Joane Camille Williams, Grander, Indiana

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2020 from the Indiana Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Board (“Indiana Board”) for four instances of fraudulent documentation and billing. Failed to disclose on their 2019 Indiana licensure renewal application that their privileges at a health care facility had been suspended. Failed to self-report receipt of professional discipline from the Indiana Board to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, III, III-D, III-G, IV, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective April 23, 2021.

Deborah C. Gale, Vienna, Virginia

Rationale: Received a consent order in 2020 from the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology for engaging in an inappropriate personal relationship with a patient, delaying providing requested treatment notes for the patient’s personal injury lawsuit, and divulging confidential patient information.
Code (2016): I, I-P, III, III-B, IV, IV-D, IV-G, IV-R
Sanction: Suspension of membership and certification for 36 months, effective April 2, 2021.

Alison Dawn Penrod, Windber, Pennsylvania

Rationale: Failed to meet the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology’s onsite supervision requirements and falsely completed Clinical Fellow Report and Rating forms, which resulted in nine clinical fellows submitting ASHA certification applications that lacked the required onsite supervision hours.
Code (2016): IV, IV-D, IV-E
Sanction: Censure, effective Jan. 4, 2021.

Abby C. Connell, Charleston, South Carolina

Rationale: Admitted in 2020 to the South Carolina Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology (“South Carolina Board”) that they provided a fraudulent hearing aid repair invoice and warranty to a patient, which resulted in the receipt of professional discipline from the South Carolina Board. Failed to respond to the ASHA Board of Ethics regarding the complaint against them. Failed to self-report the receipt of professional discipline from the South Carolina Board to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, III, III-C, III-D, III-G, IV, IV-D, IV-P, IV-T
Sanction: Withholding of membership and certification for 18 months, effective Jan. 4, 2021.

Jenny C. Hipp, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Rationale: Pled guilty in 2019 in Mississippi court to the charge of statutory rape. Failed to self-report her conviction from Mississippi criminal court to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): IV, IV-D, IV-H, IV-R, IV-S
Sanction: Withholding of membership and certification for seven years, effective Jan. 4, 2021.

Cyndi L. Joplin, Crystal Lake, Illinois

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2019 from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s Division of Professional Regulation (“Illinois Department”) for billing for speech-language pathology services that were not provided to three Medicare patients. Failed to respond to the ASHA Board of Ethics regarding the complaint against them. Failed to self-report receipt of professional discipline from the Illinois Department in 2019 to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, III, III-D, III-G, IV, IV-D, IV-P, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Withholding of membership and certification for 12 months, effective Jan. 4, 2021.

Kimberly K. Olson, Nampa, Idaho

Rationale: Admitted to the Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology that they committed professional misconduct and were chronically absent, resulting in failure to provide services and to maintain accurate student educational records.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, III, III-D, III-G, IV, IV-D, IV-R
Sanction: Censure, effective Dec. 22, 2020.

Melanie J. Palcic, Colorado City, Colorado

Rationale: Pled guilty in 2020 in Colorado court to the felony of Medicaid fraud in excess of $1 million. Failed to self-report the guilty plea and felony conviction from Colorado court, and receipt of professional discipline from the Colorado Office of Speech-Language Pathology Certification, to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, III, III-D, III-G, IV, IV-D, IV-E, IV-S, IV-T
Sanction: Withholding of membership and revocation of certification for 10 years, effective Jan. 4, 2021.

Tommi Ann Wilde, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts

Rationale: Admitted in 2019 to the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (“Virginia Board”) that they failed to complete records, initial evaluations, and routine treatment notes for at least 131 patients, which resulted in the receipt of professional discipline from the Virginia Board. Failed to self-report the receipt of professional discipline from the Virginia Board to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, IV, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective Dec. 24, 2020.

2020

Benjamin M. Gaines

Pueblo West, Colorado

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2018 from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Office of Speech-Language Pathology Certification (“Colorado Board”) for (1) willfully or negligently acting in a manner inconsistent with the health or safety or persons under his care, (2) practicing speech-language pathology in a manner that failed to meet generally accepted standards for speech-language pathology practice, and (3) failing to make essential entries on patient records or falsifying or making incorrect entries of an essential nature on patient records. Received professional discipline in 2020 from the Colorado Board for (1) negligently or willfully practicing speech-language pathology in a manner that failed to meet generally accepted standards for speech-language pathology practice, (2) failing to make essential entries on patient records or falsifying or making incorrect entries of an essential nature on patient records, and (3) violating a lawful order of the director. Failed to self-report the 2018 and 2020 professional discipline to ASHA Standards and Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-A, I-Q, III, III-G, IV, IV-D, IV-E, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Suspension of Membership and Certification for 12 months with a retroactive effective date of February 14, 2020.

Amanda J. Sutton, Arlington, Virginia

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2017 from the Virginia Board of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology (“Virginia Board”) for practicing speech-language pathology without a license for three years and for violating laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology; and failed to self-report her receipt of professional discipline from the Virginia Board to ASHA Standards & Ethics.
Code (2016): III, III-A, IV, IV-D, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective Jan. 17, 2020.

Christine E. White, Orange, California

Rationale: Received two convictions in California criminal court for driving while under the influence; received professional discipline in 2017 from the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (“California Board”) for failing to disclose a conviction in California criminal court and for violating laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology; and failed to self-report her 2016 conviction in California criminal court and her receipt of professional discipline from the California Board to ASHA Standards & Ethics.
Code (2016): IV, IV-D, IV-F, IV-R, IV-S, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective Jan. 10, 2020.

Darren Allen Kurtzer, Davie, Florida

Rationale: Pled guilty in Florida criminal court to the felony of fraud in his practice of hearing aid sales, including falsifying sales contracts and misrepresenting products dispensed; convicted in Florida criminal court for diverting patient payments to a personal account; denied in writing to the ASHA Board of Ethics that he had been convicted of any offense or had withheld relevant criminal court documents; and failed to self-report his conviction in Florida criminal court to ASHA Standards & Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, III, III-B, III-D, III-G, IV, IV-D, IV-E, IV-P, IV-Q, IV-R, IV-S
Sanction: Withholding of membership and certification for five years, effective Dec. 5, 2019.

Gabriele A. Bransgrove, Mill Valley, California

Rationale: Received misdemeanor and felony convictions in California criminal court for driving under the influence, resulting in the injury of another and the surrender of her speech-language pathology license in 2017; received professional discipline from the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (“California Board”) for violating laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology; and failed to self-report her receipt of a 2016 conviction in California criminal court, and her receipt of professional discipline from the California Board, to ASHA Standards & Ethics.
Code (2016): IV, IV-D, IV-R, IV-S, IV-T
Sanction: Withholding of membership and certification for 12 months, effective Dec. 18, 2019.

Rebecca R. Brown-Johnsky, Plainville, Connecticut

Rationale: Received professional discipline from the Connecticut Department of Public Health for practicing without a license for approximately 20 years and for violating the laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology; and failed to self-report her receipt of professional discipline to ASHA Standards & Ethics.
Code (2016): III, III-A, IV, IV-D, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Suspension of membership and certification for six months, effective Dec.r 11, 2019.

Kimberly M. Calzada, Midland, Texas

Rationale: Received professional discipline from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for failing to maintain timely and accurate records, including student evaluation reports; for failing to return confidential records to the school district; for client abandonment; and for violating laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology. Failed to self-report her receipt of professional discipline to ASHA Standards & Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, I-T, IV, IV-D, IV-P, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Revocation of membership and certification for 12 months, effective Dec. 11, 2019.

Debra M. Campbell, Claremont, New Hampshire

Rationale: Denied reinstatement of New Hampshire speech-language pathology licensure due in part to her failure to comply with continuing education requirements. Received professional discipline from the New Hampshire Speech-Language Pathology Governing Board (“New Hampshire Board”) for practicing without a license for approximately two years and for falsification of required disclosures during the 2016 reinstatement process. Received professional discipline from the New Hampshire Board in 2012 and 2016 for failing to comply with continuing education requirements, for falsifying licensure reinstatement documents, and for violating laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology. Failed to respond to the ASHA Board of Ethics regarding the complaint against her. Failed to self-report her receipt of professional discipline to ASHA Standards & Ethics.
Code (2016): II, II-D, III, III-A, IV, IV-D, IV-F, IV-P, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Withholding of membership and certification for 18 months, effective Dec. 18, 2019.

Katherine E. Deneke, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Rationale: Admitted to substance abuse in Consent Agreements with the Pennsylvania State Board of Examiners (“Pennsylvania Board”), resulting in the suspension of her speech-language pathology license for failing to comply with board-ordered substance abuse monitoring. Received professional discipline from the Pennsylvania Board for violating laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology. Failed to self-report her receipt of professional discipline to ASHA Standards & Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-R, IV, IV-D, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Withholding of membership and certification for 24 months, effective Dec. 18, 2019.

Benjamin M. Gaines, Pueblo West, Colorado

Rationale: Admitted in a 2016 agreement with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Office of Speech-Language Pathology Certification (“Colorado Board”) to documenting and billing for services not provided, to fabricating client records, and to forging signatures. Failed to withdraw from practice when an admitted health-related condition adversely affected his ability to provide services. Received professional discipline from the Colorado Board for violating laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology. Failed to self-report his receipt of professional discipline to ASHA Standards & Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, I-R, III, III-D, IV, IV-D, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective Dec. 18, 2019.

Lindsey M. Harris, Wallingford, Connecticut

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2014 from the Connecticut Department of Public Health for practicing without a license for approximately four years.
Code (2010r): III, III-A, IV, IV-A, IV-E
Sanction: Censure, effective Dec. 18, 2019.

Dina L. Jellen-Theissen, Delray Beach, Florida

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2015 from the Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology (“Florida Board”) for failure to comply with continuing education requirements. Failed to comply with continuing education requirements for multiple years, resulting in the revocation of her Florida speech-language pathology license. Failed to respond to the ASHA Board of Ethics regarding the complaint against her.
Code (2010r): II, II-C, IV, IV-E, IV-N
Sanction: Withholding of membership and certification for 24 months, effective Dec. 18, 2019.

Jennifer S. Marshall, Erie, Pennsylvania

Rationale: Received professional discipline in 2018 from the Pennsylvania State Board of Examiners for (a) substance abuse that adversely affected her practice as a speech-language pathologist, and (b) her 2014 and 2015 convictions in Pennsylvania criminal court of theft and procurement of controlled substances by fraud. Failed to self-report her receipt of professional discipline to ASHA Standards & Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-R, IV, IV-D, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Censure, effective Dec. 18, 2019.

Kristi L. Pennypacker, Claymont, Delaware

Rationale: Documented, recorded, and/or billed for services not provided for numerous clients, resulting in the revocation of her Delaware speech-language pathology license. Falsified client records and forged client/caregiver signatures, which prevented other speech-language pathologists from providing critical care to clients. Received professional discipline from more than one state for falsifying and omitting required disclosures. Received professional misconduct from occupational licensing boards for failing to comply with state laws governing professional practice, resulting in the revocation of her Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania speech-language pathology licenses. Failed to comply, and falsely indicated that she had complied, with ASHA certification maintenance requirements regarding continuing education during 2015–2017. Failed to respond to the ASHA Board of Ethics regarding the complaint against her. Failed to self-report her receipt of professional discipline from multiple state boards to ASHA Standards & Ethics.
Code (2016): I, I-Q, I-T, II, II-D, III, III-D, III-G, IV, IV-D, IV-E, IV-F, IV-P, IV-R, IV-T
Sanction: Revocation of membership and certification for five years, effective Dec. 11, 2019.