New SLP Co-Director

The School of Communication Sciences and Disorders is thrilled that Adele Dunkin, M.C.D., CCC-SLP, IMH-E® is stepping into the role of Co-Director of Clinical Education in Speech-Language Pathology. She fills the position vacated by Justine Springs who will remain at the School in a part time capacity.

A proud alumna of Arkansas State University, Adele returned to her Northeast Arkansas hometown after receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication disorders to serve her community in early intervention, educational, and rehabilitative settings. Later, her career path led her to Memphis, Tennessee, where she has served as the speech-language pathologist at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Center on Developmental Disabilities for the last 4 years, focused mainly on diagnosing autism and empowering families to navigate the next steps to support their loved ones. Adele partnered with University of Memphis as an offsite clinical supervisor in 2020, and in 2022 joined the School as an adjunct clinical faculty member teaching the Autism Spectrum Disorders and Related Disabilities course. In her personal life, Adele finds joy in cooking, reading, and watching funny movies. She cherishes spending time with her family and is honored to raise two beautifully chaotic and multiply-neurodivergent children.

Read about Adele’s perspective on clinical education:

“My philosophy as a clinical educator centers on valuing feedback and owning a continuous dedication to growing and learning. Experience has shown me how my students are engaged and empowered through collaborative processes that encourage their curiosity and their critical thinking abilities, enhancing their desire and capacity to independently continue learning and growing as individuals and professionals. These foundations are vital for helping develop the critical professional competencies that extend beyond textbook knowledge. As I step into this new role, I am devoted to continuing to learn and grow as an individual, as an instructor, and as a service provider. I will continue my educational development by listening to my students and colleagues, knowing that when we share our experience and expertise with each other, we grow as professionals. I believe that we have a responsibility and privilege to challenge outdated, narrow clinical practice paradigms, and to advance systemic competency in areas related to neurodiversity, cultural sensitivity, and anti-discrimination as we recognize and address intersecting identities, barriers to care, and disparities in healthcare. Ultimately, my goal is to help prepare compassionate, principled, and ardently self-reflective clinical practitioners who approach our field with a holistic understanding of providing compassionate, person-centered care that amplifies client voices and promotes the fundamental dignity of all individuals."