Catherine "Cate" Crowley
Director, LEADERSproject Lab
Office Location:
1054 Building 528Office Hours:
2:00 to 4:00 PM Monday, Thursday 3:00 to 4:00 PM, and by appointment.Educational Background
B.A. University of Rochester
M.A. Kean University
J.D. Rutgers Law School-Newark
Ph.D. Columbia University
Scholarly Interests
Dr. Crowley's work is built on the firm belief that all people, no matter their cultural, linguistic, or socioeconomic backgrounds, are entitled to quality care. She has worked on this for decades especially through capacity-building initiatives of quality education and professional development, and by creating and sharing important research, materials, and resources.
The three areas of focus in her teaching, research, and clinical work are I. Appropriate disability evaluation: The first area is ensuring that when children are evaluated to determine whether they have a disability, the evaluators have the knowledge and skills to distinguish between a true communication disorder and other factors such as normal second language learning or other knowledge gaps related to the children’s backgrounds. II. Cleft palate speech therapy: The second area is ensuring that children born with cleft palate, both within the U.S. and in low- and middle-income countries, receive quality services from qualified professionals. Dr. Crowley is the only speech-language pathologist (SLP) on Smile Train’s Global Medical Advisory Board. III. International service work: The third area is ensuring that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who are interested in working in countries beyond the U.S. consider how to engage ethically and effectively with people with communication disorders internationally.
In addition to teaching courses at TC, Dr. Crowley offers free online courses and assessment and treatment materials at leadersproject.org, her website. The website has become a great source of support for many as each month the website regularly receives over 20,000 visits from over 130 countries. Dr. Crowley also provides professional development workshops for districts and state education departments ensuring that more clinicians have the evidence-based skills needed to provide quality services to all children/students/patients/clients. Her School age Language Assessment Measures (SLAM) materials for language screening and evaluations, available for free and translated into many languages at leadersproject.org, are being used in many hundreds of school districts nationwide and are incorporated into the research.
Current Projects
Bilingual Extension Institute
Website: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/bilingual-institute/
The Bilingual Extension Institute at Teachers College Columbia University (TC) in offered both as
online asynchronous cohorts and in-person weekend cohorts. It provides clinicians with the
knowledge and skills to make these differential diagnoses and provide appropriate services. The
TC Bilingual Extension Institute at Teachers College Columbia University fulfills the academic
and clinical requirements for the NYSED bilingual extension, students must separately take and
pass the language proficiency test, the NYSED Bilingual Education Assessment. In addition,
everyone who meets the requirements of the six-credit Bilingual Extension Institute at TC,
received an Advanced Certificate of Bilingual SLP from TC and Columbia University.
LEADERS Project
Website: http://leadersproject.org/
The LEADERS Project website is designed for practitioners, educators, and families. A primary
goal is to make resources available to ensure that those from lower income homes, bilingual
students, and students of color receive competent services. Everything is available for free
download at leadersproject.org including online courses, evaluation and therapy materials, and
content on appropriate international work. These free materials are available in over 30
languages.
Selected Publications
Baigorri, M., Crowley, C., Sommer, C., Baquero, J., &; Moya-Gale, G. (2020). Graduate Students’ Clinical Self-Efficacy: Impact of an Intensive Cleft Lip and Palate Clinical Practicum (From the Field). Communication Disorders Quarterly, (in press), 1-8.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1525740120942463
Baigorri, M., Crowley, C., Sommer, C. (2020, June). Addressing the gap in education for cleft
palate: a module training series for craniofacial assessment and treatment (Clinical
Focus). Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, SIG 5, 5, 662-668.
https://doi.org/10.1044/2020 PERSP-19-00138
Lico, M. &; Crowley, C. (2020). Effectiveness of a 4-Day Speech Therapy Training Program for Cleft
Palate Professionals in Abuja, Nigeria. ACPA’s 77th Annual Meeting Abstracts. First
Published March 9, 2020 Abstracts. The Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1055665620901804
Baigorri, M., Crowley, C., Bukari, B. (2019, Oct.) "Collaborative efforts to improve opportunitiesfor children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ghana", Perspectives of
the ASHA Special Interest Groups, Clinical Focus. doi.org/10.1044/2019_PERS-SIG17-
2019-0020
Ijalba, E., Velasco, P. &; Crowley, C. (Eds.) (2019). Language, Culture, and Education: Challenges of
Diversity in the United States. New York: NY. Cambridge University Press.
Crowley, C. &; Baigorri, M. (2019). Distinguishing a True Disability from “Something Else”: Part I. Current Challenges to Providing Valid, Reliable, and culturally and linguistically
appropriate disability evaluations. In Eds. E. Ijalba, P. Velasco, &; C. Crowley, LanguageCulture and Education: Challenges of Diversity in the United States. (31-47). New York,
NY: Cambridge University Press. DOI:10.1017/9781139976725
Crowley, C. &; Baigorri, M. (2019). Distinguishing a True Disability from “Something Else”: Part II.
Toward a Model of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Speech-Language Disability
Evaluations. In Eds. E. Ijalba, P. Velasco, &; C. Crowley, Language Culture and Education:Challenges of Diversity in the United States (48-58). New York, NY: Cambridge University
Press. DOI:10.1017/9781139976725
Crowley, C. &; Sheren, C. (2018). Disorder, Difference, or Gap? A School-Age Disability
Evaluation. In Branski R.C. and Molfenter S., Eds. Speech–Language Pathology Casebook.
New York: Thieme Medical Publishers. https://medone-comsci.thieme.com/WZTTR
Crowley, C. &; Sommer, C. (2018). Cleft palate speech therapy post-secondary palate repair. In
Branski R.C. and Molfenter S., Eds. Speech–Language Pathology Casebook. New York:
Thieme Medical Publishers; https://medone-comsci.thieme.com/WZTTR
Crowley, C., Guest, K., &; Sudler, K. (2015, August). Cultural Competence needed to distinguish
disorder from difference: Cultural Competence Needed to Distinguish Disorder from Difference:
Beyond Kumbaya. Perspectives on Communication Disorders and Sciences in Culturally and
Linguistically Diverse Populations, 22. 64-76.
Publications
Crowley, C., Baigorri, M., Ntim, C., Bukari, B., Oseibagyina, A., Kitcher, E., Paintsil, A., Ampomah,
O. W., &; Laing, A. (2013). Collaborations to address barriers for people with communication
disabilities in Ghana: Considering the world report on disability. International Journal of Speech-
Language Pathology, 15(1): 53–57.
Crowley, C., &; Baigorri, M. (2012, October 30). International Service That Really Serves. The
ASHA Leader. Retrieved
from http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2012/121030/International-Service-That-
Really-Serves/
Levy, E., &; Crowley, C. (2012). Beliefs regarding the impact of accent within speech-language
pathology practice areas. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 34(1), 47-
55. doi: 10.1177/1525740112446851.
Levy, E. S.&;Crowley, C. J. (2012). Policies and practices regarding students with accents in
speech-language pathology training programs. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 34, 59-
68. doi:10.1177/1525740111409567
Crowley, C., &; Baigorri, M. (2011). Effective approaches to international work: Substance and
sustainability for speech-language pathology student groups. Perspectives on Global Issues in
Communication Sciences and Related Disorders, 1(1), 27-35. doi: 10.1044/gics1.1.27
Deal-Williams, V., Crowley, C. J., Levy, E. S., &; Mahendara, N. (2011). The clinical education of
students with accents [Professional Issues Statement]. Retrieved
from http://www.asha.org/policy/PI2011-00324.htm
Active Professional Organizations
ASHA Convention 2022 Meritorious Poster Award, Developing the first training and assessment adn treatment materials for cleft palate speech in Indonesia.
Citation from Ghana’s Ministry of Education 2018. For decade-long work providing professional development for practical communication and curriculum strategies.
Citation from Chiefs, Queen Mothers, Elders of Oguaa Traditional Area 2018. For outstanding service to Aboom School for Special Needs, Cape Coast, Ghana.
ASHA Convention 2015 Meritorious Poster Award. Workshops for AAC Communication Strategies in Ethiopia: Nehemiah Autism Center, Addis Ababa.
New York State Speech, Language and Hearing Association. April 2015 Honors of the Association.
ASHA Convention 2012 Meritorious Poster Award. International Clinical Experiences for Master’s
Students: Five Years in Ghana.
NYS Licensure Board for Speech Pathology and Audiology 2002-2012. Past chair and vice chair.
ASHA SID 17 Global Issues in Communication Disorders, Founding steering committee member.
ASHA committee member, to revise the Roles and Responsibilities of the School-based SLP
ASHA personnel shortage cadre expert for northeastern U.S.
ASHA Government Relations and Policy Planning Board, 2004-2006.
ASHA Multicultural Issues Board, 2001-2003.
provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services" 2002-document publication in 2004.
New York State Speech Language and Hearing Association, member.
Honors and Awards
ASHA Certificate for Outstanding Contributions in International Achievement, 2011
ASHA Fellow, 2010
ASHA Diversity Champion, 2009
ASHA's Certificate of Recognition for Special Contributions to Multicultural Affairs, 2007
ASHA's SID 1 Starfish award, 2007.
Board Recognized Child Language Specialist, 2005 to present.
The Outstanding Teacher Award from Dean of College based upon student evaluations, 2003-2004, Teachers College Columbia University.
Golden Apple, November 2003 from ASHA Leader based upon nominations from graduate students.
R. Van Hattum Award, from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association for outstanding service to children in the schools.
R. Van Hattum Award NYS Nominee to ASHA from the New York State Speech Language and Hearing Association.
Outstanding Advocacy on Behalf of the Children and their Families, from United Cerebral Palsy of New York City Manhattan Children's Program.
Teaching commendation from Dean of the College based upon student evaluations 1999-2000, Teachers College Columbia University.
Professional Presentations
Crowley, C. (2021, April). Evidence-based Practice in Disability Evaluations. Online course with accompanying readings and online assessment to demonstrate competency. https://www.leadersproject.org/ceu-courses-2/evidence-based-practice-in-disability-evaluations-asha-0-6-ceu-self-study-course/ ; https://tccolumbia.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_01yJsucYd129K5f
Crowley, C., Valenti, D., Tsang, G. & Guest, K. (2021, January). Advanced Grammar Fundamentals for a Pluralisitc Society. Online course with accompanying readings and online assessment to demonstrate competency. Advanced Grammar Fundamentals for a Pluralistic Society; Advanced Grammar Fundamentals for a Pluralistic Society Assessment
Crowley, C., Baigorri, M. & Sommer, C. (2017). English Cleft Palate Speech Therapy: Evaluation and Treatment. Online course with accompanying readings and online assessment to demonstrate competency. https://www.leadersproject.org/ceu-courses-2/english-cleft-palate-speech-therapy-evaluation-and-treatment-asha-0-5-ceu-self-study-course/ (over 2000 professionals have completed this course and passed the assessment)
Crowley, C. (2016). Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate EI Evaluations. Online course with accompanying readings and online assessment to demonstrate competency http://www.leadersproject.org/ceu-courses/culturally-and-linguistically-appropriate-early-intervention-evaluations/ (over 1200 professionals have completed this course and passed the assessment)
Crowley, C. & Grossman, C. (2014). Grammar Fundamentals for a Pluralistic Society. Online course with accompanying readings and online assessment to demonstrate competency. Found at http://leadersproject.org/media/video/playlist-grammar-fundamentals-pluralistic-society (over 12,000 professionals have completed this course and passed the assessment)
Presentations:
Sanford-Keller, H., Galvan, N., Sommer, C. & Crowley, C. (2020). Global health for cleft lip and palate: Programming considerations and virtual opportunities. South African Speech, Language and Hearing Association and American Speech, Language and Hearing Association virtual conference. November 5, 2020.
Crowley, C. (2021). Dynamic Assessment in School-age Disability Evaluations. Chicago Public Schools. Online webinar, Nov. 5, 2021. (400 CPS SLPs in attendance).
Crowley, C. (2021). Fundamentals of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Evaluations. Butler County Educational Service Center, Hamilton, Ohio. Online webinar for 100 Butler County, Ohio SLPs, Nov. 2, 2021.
Collins, D., Acevedo, D. & Crowley, C. Academic and Clinical Skill-Building in a Post-Pandemic World: Incorporating the Lessons Learned During COVID-19. SIG 5, Craniofacial and Velopharyngeal Disorders online webinar, September 23, 2021.
Crowley, C. (2021, March 27). Are We Speech Language Pathologists or Speech “Standard American English” Pathologists? Systemic Racism in Disability Evaluations. Speech, Language and Learning Intervention – Virtual Research Symposium (SLLIVRS). Consortium of Arizona State University and University of Arizona.
Calise, A., Crowley, C., Glover, C., Ulin, C., Askowitz, D., Stern, G., White, K., Alcala, M. Romero, S., & Neira, T. (2021, April 9). ZOOM BOOM! Effectiveness of School-age Language Assessment Measures Through Tele-therapy. Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders.Annual conference (online).
Crowley, C. (August 17, 18, 19, Oct. 13, Nov. 4, 2021) August 10, 11, 12 (3-5pm) OR August 17, 18, 19 (3-5pm) Application of Dynamic Assessment in School age Students: Building Skills for the district evaluations. Oakland District Schools, Michigan. Online webinar.
Crowley, C. (2021). Using Evidence -Based Practice to Analyze and Quantify SLAM-Elicited Language Samples to Accurately Identify a Language Disorder. New York City Department of Education as part fulfillment for ELLs evaluation grant from New York City Community Trust. Online webinar, June 3, 2021.
Crowley, C. (2021). Assessing Social Pragmatic Language Skills in Disability Evaluations . New York City Department of Education as part fulfillment for ELLs evaluation grant from New York City Community Trust. Online webinar, March 11, 2021.
Crowley, C. (2020). International initiatives to increase capacity for speech therapy post-cleft palate repair: Challenges and solutions. South African Speech, Language and Hearing Association and American Speech, Language and Hearing Association virtual conference. November 5, 2020.
Sanford-Keller, H., Galvan, N., Sommer, C. & Crowley, C. (2020). Global health for cleft lip and palate: Programming considerations and virtual opportunities. South African Speech, Language and Hearing Association and American Speech, Language and Hearing Association virtual conference. November 5, 2020.
Crowley, C. (2020). Supporting At-risk ELLs in Literacy Development: Pre-referral Interventions and Appropriate Assessment Approaches.” NJSHA/NJIDA Annual Joint Conference. Garwood, NJ. March 6, 2020.
Crowley, C. (2020). “Dynamic Assessment: How it Works in the Real World.” Albemarle County School District. Charlottesville, VA. March 2, 2020.
Crowley, C. (2019). “Appropriate Special Education Assessment Procedures for English Language Learners.” Simi Valley United School District, Simi Valley, CA. August 12, 2019.
Crowley, C. (2019, June 28). “La jerarquía de la terapia del habla para pacientes con paladar hendido reparado” (The speech therapy hierarchy for patients with repaired cleft palates). Zoom call to Antigua, Guatemala with 30 trained speech therapists who are learning to work with cleft patients.
Crowley, C. (2019). “International initiatives to increase opportunities for speech therapy post-cleft palate repair: Challenges and solutions”. European Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association, Utrecht, The Netherlands. June 12, 2019.
Crowley, C. (2019). “Cultural and linguistic diversity considerations in disability evaluations. Leadership Forum for State Education Resource Center Connecticut State Board of Education. New Britain, CT. February 19, 2019.
Crowley, C. (2019). “International capacity building in West Africa.” West African College of Surgeons. Dakar, Senegal. January 21, 2019.
Current Research
Healthcare IT News ((2021, June 16). How telehealth overcomes barriers to cleft palate care and
speech therapy https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/how-telehealth-overcomes-barriers-
cleft-palate-care-and-speech-therapy
Thrive Global (2021, May 5). Dr. Cate Crowley of Smile Train: Relationship Building is Key to
Speech Therapy. https://thriveglobal.com/stories/dr-cate-crowley-of-smile-train-
relationship-building-is-key-for-speech-therapy/
Authority Magazine (2021, April 28). Telehealth Best Practices: Dr. Cate Crowley of SmileTrain On How To Best Care For Your Patients When They Are Not Physically In Front Of You
https://medium.com/authority-magazine/telehealth-best-practices-dr-cate-crowley-of-
smile-train-on-how-to-best-care-for-your-patients-whe-90ddcb2e0983
Smile Train (2020, Jan. 14). Smile Train Appoints New Members to Global Medical Advisory
Board. https://www.smiletrain.org/media/press/smile-train-appoints-new-members-to-medical-
advisory-board
Smile Train (2019, July 16) Smile Train’s Comprehensive Care Program Helped Save Baby
Isaac’s Life. https://www.smiletrain.org/stories/smile-trains-comprehensive-care-programs-
helped-save-baby-isaacs-life
Teachers College, Columbia U. (2019, July). Reasons to Smile: TC’s Cate Crowley Saves the
Life of a Child with Cleft Palate. https://www.tc.columbia.edu/articles/2019/july/cate-crowley-
saves-the-life-of-a-child-with-cleft-palate/
Smile Train (2019, Dec. 19) Speak Up, Smiley! https://www.smiletrain.org/stories/speak-smiley-
us
Giegerich, S. (2017, Nov. 14) Amplifying the Gift of Speech: TC’s collaboration with Smile
Train is bringing children worldwide needed follow-up to cleft palate surgery.
https://www.tc.columbia.edu/articles/2017/november/amplifying-the-gift-of-speech/