Bernadine Gagnon, M.S., CCC-SLP is a certified speech-language pathologist, clinician-educator, and clinical leader with over 20 years of experience in graduate education, clinical supervision, and program development. She currently serves as Clinic Director of the Edward D. Mysak Clinic for Communication Disorders at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she also developed their Aphasia Clinic.
Bernadine’s clinical expertise centers on adult neurogenic communication disorders, aphasia, and cognitive-communication disorders, with a strong emphasis on Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA) principles. She co-developed an Intensive Reading and Writing Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (ICAP) at Teachers College, which is now entering its eighth year. This program integrates evidence-based reading and writing interventions with functional communication, self-reflection, and participation-based outcomes, and serves as a training model for graduate clinicians.
In addition to her work with adults, Bernadine has specialized expertise in pediatric motor- and sensory-based feeding across the lifespan, from birth through age 21. Her clinical and supervisory experience includes assessment and intervention for complex pediatric feeding challenges, with attention to developmental, sensory, oral-motor, and family-centered considerations. She has taught and supervised graduate clinicians in pediatric feeding within university-based clinical training programs.
In addition to her administrative leadership, she has been a core member of the Teachers College clinical faculty since 2004 and has held adjunct faculty appointments at Adelphi University and Widener University. Her teaching and supervision experience includes diagnostics, phonetics, adult language disorders, pediatric feeding, and clinical methods. She is widely recognized for her mentorship of students and early-career clinicians, including service as an ASHA S.T.E.P. mentor.
Bernadine has published and presented nationally and internationally on aphasia intervention, ICAP development, reflective practice in aphasia groups, and student learning outcomes. Her recent work focuses on ethical and institutional considerations for aphasia inclusion across the research lifecycle and health literacy accessibility for people with aphasia, reflecting her commitment to participatory and inclusive practices.
Her professional service includes membership in Aphasia Access, ANCDS, the Dysphagia Research Society, and ASHA Special Interest Groups in Neurological Communication Disorders.
Bernadine Gagnon, M.S., CCC-SLP is a certified speech-language pathologist, clinician-educator, and clinical leader with over 20 years of experience in graduate education, clinical supervision, and program development. She currently serves as Clinic Director of the Edward D. Mysak Clinic for Communication Disorders at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she also developed their Aphasia Clinic.
Bernadine’s clinical expertise centers on adult neurogenic communication disorders, aphasia, and cognitive-communication disorders, with a strong emphasis on Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA) principles. She co-developed an Intensive Reading and Writing Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (ICAP) at Teachers College, which is now entering its eighth year. This program integrates evidence-based reading and writing interventions with functional communication, self-reflection, and participation-based outcomes, and serves as a training model for graduate clinicians.
In addition to her work with adults, Bernadine has specialized expertise in pediatric motor- and sensory-based feeding across the lifespan, from birth through age 21. Her clinical and supervisory experience includes assessment and intervention for complex pediatric feeding challenges, with attention to developmental, sensory, oral-motor, and family-centered considerations. She has taught and supervised graduate clinicians in pediatric feeding within university-based clinical training programs.
In addition to her administrative leadership, she has been a core member of the Teachers College clinical faculty since 2004 and has held adjunct faculty appointments at Adelphi University and Widener University. Her teaching and supervision experience includes diagnostics, phonetics, adult language disorders, pediatric feeding, and clinical methods. She is widely recognized for her mentorship of students and early-career clinicians, including service as an ASHA S.T.E.P. mentor.
Bernadine has published and presented nationally and internationally on aphasia intervention, ICAP development, reflective practice in aphasia groups, and student learning outcomes. Her recent work focuses on ethical and institutional considerations for aphasia inclusion across the research lifecycle and health literacy accessibility for people with aphasia, reflecting her commitment to participatory and inclusive practices.
Her professional service includes membership in Aphasia Access, ANCDS, the Dysphagia Research Society, and ASHA Special Interest Groups in Neurological Communication Disorders.
Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE, BCS-CL, is the Chief Clinical Supervisor at the Mysak Clinic. She earned her Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) degree from Northwestern University in 2023 and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Adelphi University in 2011.
Paula began her career as a school-based speech-language pathologist with the New York City Department of Education, where she spent 11 years serving multilingual and multicultural students in Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, Queens. During this time, she supervised graduate students and clinical fellows, led professional development for educators and families, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to support school-age children’s communication and literacy development.
A Board Certified Specialist in Child Language (BCS-CL), Paula’s clinical and academic work focuses on supporting culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) children and families through evidence-based, equitable practices. She has developed caregiver coaching groups, bilingual early language programs, and community partnerships that expand access to services for underserved families.
Paula is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of bilingual and bicultural speech-language pathologists and increasing representation within the field. She serves in leadership roles within professional organizations that promote equity, inclusion, and advocacy in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE, BCS-CL, is the Chief Clinical Supervisor at the Mysak Clinic. She earned her Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) degree from Northwestern University in 2023 and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Adelphi University in 2011.
Paula began her career as a school-based speech-language pathologist with the New York City Department of Education, where she spent 11 years serving multilingual and multicultural students in Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, Queens. During this time, she supervised graduate students and clinical fellows, led professional development for educators and families, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to support school-age children’s communication and literacy development.
A Board Certified Specialist in Child Language (BCS-CL), Paula’s clinical and academic work focuses on supporting culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) children and families through evidence-based, equitable practices. She has developed caregiver coaching groups, bilingual early language programs, and community partnerships that expand access to services for underserved families.
Paula is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of bilingual and bicultural speech-language pathologists and increasing representation within the field. She serves in leadership roles within professional organizations that promote equity, inclusion, and advocacy in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Diagnostics/Applied Course Coordinator
Jonathan Jolivette, MS CCC-SLP, TSSLD, LSLS Cert. AVT is a Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in helping clients diagnosed with hearing loss develop listening and spoken language skills. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Houston in 2013, he earned a Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2015.
From 2015 to 2021, Jonathan was a clinician at The Auditory-Verbal Center (AVC) in Atlanta, Georgia, a clinic that only focuses on serving clients diagnosed with hearing loss. In 2018, while at AVC, he earned the Listening and Spoken Language Specialist Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist designation and in recent years, he has served in leadership roles at The Alexander Graham Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language.
Since joining The Mysak Clinic in 2022, Jonathan has served as a Clinical Educator; has led hearing screenings in the local community; and has mentored students interested in serving clients diagnosed with hearing loss. In addition to his interest in helping clients diagnosed with hearing loss, he is interested in the impact of hearing loss on literacy development among children diagnosed with hearing loss.
Diagnostics/Applied Course Coordinator
Jonathan Jolivette, MS CCC-SLP, TSSLD, LSLS Cert. AVT is a Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in helping clients diagnosed with hearing loss develop listening and spoken language skills. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Houston in 2013, he earned a Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2015.
From 2015 to 2021, Jonathan was a clinician at The Auditory-Verbal Center (AVC) in Atlanta, Georgia, a clinic that only focuses on serving clients diagnosed with hearing loss. In 2018, while at AVC, he earned the Listening and Spoken Language Specialist Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist designation and in recent years, he has served in leadership roles at The Alexander Graham Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language.
Since joining The Mysak Clinic in 2022, Jonathan has served as a Clinical Educator; has led hearing screenings in the local community; and has mentored students interested in serving clients diagnosed with hearing loss. In addition to his interest in helping clients diagnosed with hearing loss, he is interested in the impact of hearing loss on literacy development among children diagnosed with hearing loss.
Jordan Wills, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Clinical Educator with specialized expertise in dysphagia, flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and adult cognitive-communication disorders. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Spanish from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from New York Medical College, where she also completed advanced graduate coursework in pediatric dysphagia. Jordan’s clinical background spans acute and critical care, tracheostomy and ventilator management, neurogenic communication disorders, and instrumental swallowing assessment across adult populations.
Since joining Teachers College, Columbia University, Jordan has served as a Clinical Educator in the Mysak Clinic, where she provides diagnostic and therapeutic services with a strong focus on swallowing rehabilitation, FEES-informed decision-making, and cognitive-communication treatment. She leads innovative student-run cognitive groups for adults with neurological conditions and is committed to expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based care within academic clinic settings. Jordan is currently pursuing a doctorate in Health Education and Promotion, a field deeply aligned with her passion for improving health literacy, empowering patients and caregivers, and advancing equitable, person-centered models of care.
Jordan Wills, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Clinical Educator with specialized expertise in dysphagia, flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and adult cognitive-communication disorders. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Spanish from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from New York Medical College, where she also completed advanced graduate coursework in pediatric dysphagia. Jordan’s clinical background spans acute and critical care, tracheostomy and ventilator management, neurogenic communication disorders, and instrumental swallowing assessment across adult populations.
Since joining Teachers College, Columbia University, Jordan has served as a Clinical Educator in the Mysak Clinic, where she provides diagnostic and therapeutic services with a strong focus on swallowing rehabilitation, FEES-informed decision-making, and cognitive-communication treatment. She leads innovative student-run cognitive groups for adults with neurological conditions and is committed to expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based care within academic clinic settings. Jordan is currently pursuing a doctorate in Health Education and Promotion, a field deeply aligned with her passion for improving health literacy, empowering patients and caregivers, and advancing equitable, person-centered models of care.
Alanna Harrison, M.S., CCC-SLP/TSSLD, BCS-AAC, is a licensed speech-language pathologist and Board Certified Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) Specialist with extensive experience supporting individuals who use multimodal communication supports. Alanna earned her master’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2019. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA and is a certified Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities in New York. Alanna has had the opportunity to work with pediatric and adult AAC users across diverse settings, including Boston Children’s Hospital Augmentative Communication Center, The Edward D. Mysak Clinic for Communication Disorders, Roosevelt Children’s Center, Playwell Social and Manhattan Star Academy.
Alanna’s expertise lies in bridging theory and practice while centering the voices and lived experiences of AAC users. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure AAC is used confidently and effectively across environments. Furthermore, Alanna is passionate about mentoring future clinicians in evidence-based, culturally responsive and client-centered care.
Alanna Harrison, M.S., CCC-SLP/TSSLD, BCS-AAC, is a licensed speech-language pathologist and Board Certified Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) Specialist with extensive experience supporting individuals who use multimodal communication supports. Alanna earned her master’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2019. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA and is a certified Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities in New York. Alanna has had the opportunity to work with pediatric and adult AAC users across diverse settings, including Boston Children’s Hospital Augmentative Communication Center, The Edward D. Mysak Clinic for Communication Disorders, Roosevelt Children’s Center, Playwell Social and Manhattan Star Academy.
Alanna’s expertise lies in bridging theory and practice while centering the voices and lived experiences of AAC users. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure AAC is used confidently and effectively across environments. Furthermore, Alanna is passionate about mentoring future clinicians in evidence-based, culturally responsive and client-centered care.
With 15 years of experience in the medical field and customer service, I am a Bronx native eager to contribute my skills and vibrant personality to the Mysak Clinic. My passion lies in delivering compassionate care and ensuring a positive experience for every client. I believe that exceptional patient experiences foster trust and compliance, ultimately enhancing health outcomes. By combining empathy with effective communication, I strive to create meaningful connections that go beyond mere transactions, making every interaction memorable and impactful.
With 15 years of experience in the medical field and customer service, I am a Bronx native eager to contribute my skills and vibrant personality to the Mysak Clinic. My passion lies in delivering compassionate care and ensuring a positive experience for every client. I believe that exceptional patient experiences foster trust and compliance, ultimately enhancing health outcomes. By combining empathy with effective communication, I strive to create meaningful connections that go beyond mere transactions, making every interaction memorable and impactful.