Speech-Language Pathology Faculty

Tracy Carr-Marcel, Ph.D., M.S., CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor of the Speech-Language Pathology Program

Dr. Tracy Carr-Marcel’s speech-language pathology experience began when she obtained her certificate of clinical competence in 2000. Her interest in communication sciences and disorders was influenced by having to learn sign language at an early age to effectively communicate with her maternal grandmother who was deaf.

Dr. Carr-Marcel’s career has covered the spectrum of clinical settings to include short-term rehab, long-term care, acute hospital care, and outpatient clinics. She pursued a career in higher education in 2021 due to a desire to share her diverse professional experience and prepare college students to enter the field of speech-language pathology.

While she is a native of Washington DC, Dr. Carr-Marcel has resided in different parts of North Carolina since her career began. She has two adult children: a daughter in college and a son in the National Guard. Dr. Carr-Marcel is a true animal lover with three dogs, two cats, and two birds. In addition, she loves to spend time with family.

Mackensie Blair Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Mackensie Blair is an Assistant Professor in the Speech Language Pathology Program. She holds undergraduate degrees in Cognitive Science with an emphasis on Pre-Professional Speech Language Pathology and Spanish Studies. Her Ph.D. is in Communication Sciences and Disorders and was awarded in 2024 from the University of Delaware. Her research focuses on language acquisition in monolingual and bilingual populations, as well as second language learning in children and adults. This work has been presented at national and international conferences and published in journals related to language acquisition. In addition to working as a researcher Dr. Blair has extensive student mentoring experience in both lab and classroom settings. Her interest in language development stems from her work as a preschool teacher, and her own experience as a speaker of both English and Spanish.

Outside of work Dr. Blair enjoys reading mystery novels, painting, and spending time with her husband and two cats. She also enjoys traveling and visiting her family in Spain.

Alexis Lawton MS CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor

Alexis Lawton, MS+30, CCC-SLP is a school-based speech-language pathologist in Walterboro, South Carolina. She has experience in all settings, but her heart lies in early childhood. She is a 2nd year PhD student in the Literacy, Language, and Culture program at Clemson University. She is the co-director of Professional Support in the South Carolina Multilingual Learner Network. She has accrued almost $20,000 in grant funding. She has a publishing history in several state and national journals. She has presented in a variety of conferences including ASHA, NBASLH, TESOL, SCSHA, GSHA, FLSHA, etc.

Michael Hauge MS CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor

Michael Hauge, M.S. CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor in the Master of Speech Language Pathology Program at West Coast University. He joined the University in January 2024. Professor Hauge completed his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Saint Louis University and his Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology at West Virginia University. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Health Sciences from Northern Illinois University.

Professor Hauge has 9 years of experience in the field of speech language pathology. He has worked in a variety of clinical educational settings, including inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and university clinics. Prior to joining West Coast University, Professor Hauge held the role of Director of Clinical Education for the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology Program at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, MO where he currently resides. He has developed clinical expertise in acquired neurogenic communication, cognitive, and swallowing disorders and brings his passion for patient advocacy, evidenced-based practice, and ethical decision-making to the classroom, where he primarily teaches courses which align with his clinical background.

Dr. Kristen Izaryk PhD

Online Faculty Manager

Dr. Kristen Izaryk is an Associate Professor and Online Faculty Manager for the Speech-Language Pathology program. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics and Psychology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and earned both her Master of Arts in Linguistics and her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada. Her graduate level research focused on speech and language development, pragmatic development, pediatric language disorders, and social communication disorders in children.

Dr. Izaryk has been teaching full-time in Speech-Language Pathology graduate programs since 2016. Her areas of expertise are language development and disorders, language sampling techniques, research and evidence-based practice, and social communication disorders. Her favorite thing about teaching is supporting and empowering students to take risks and embrace the learning process.

Outside of work, Dr. I. enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. She loves sports, particularly hockey and baseball, and loves to cheer for her hometown Toronto teams. Dr. also enjoys animals and working in the garden.

Pamela Resnick Ph.D. MS CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor

Pamela J. Resnick, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor in the Speech-Language Pathology program who specializes in the assessment and treatment of individuals with complex communication needs (Augmentative-Alternative Communication) across the lifespan. Dr. Resnick received her Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Buffalo and her Master of Arts in speech-language pathology from New York University. She received her doctoral degree from the University of Central Florida with a focus on eye tracking technologies and Augmentative-Alternative Communication. Dr. Resnick has a wide range of experience in higher education and clinical practice. She served as a Clinical Educator at the University of Central Florida and as an Assistant Professor at Jacksonville University. Dr. Resnick’s clinical and research interests include assessment of individuals who present with a variety of medical and communication diagnoses in the following areas: CVA, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), complex communication needs, acquired neurogenic communication disorders, and Aphasia. She also takes an interest in the area of clinical education.

Amy Rose Ph.D. MS CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor

Amy J. Rose, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor in the Speech-Language Pathology program. She earned her doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and brings over 30 years of clinical experience working with children and adults with communication disorders across a variety of settings, including public schools, skilled nursing facilities, group homes, university clinics, and rehabilitation hospitals.
Dr. Rose has experience teaching in-person, hybrid, and online courses on voice and resonance disorders, pediatric feeding and adult swallowing disorders, school-age language disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Her research interests include the implementation of competency-based educational strategies, interprofessional collaboration in higher education, social skills and friendship development in disability populations, and international service-learning.
She served as co-principal investigator on a five-year, U.S. Department of Education–funded Personnel Preparation grant focused on increasing the number and quality of professionals serving children with high-intensity needs, particularly those with autism and moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. She was also the Project Director of a Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad in Botswana.
Dr. Rose has authored and co-authored scholarly articles and book chapters, and has presented her work at regional, national, and international conferences.
She lives in Asheville, North Carolina, and is the proud parent of two adult children, Ryan and Rachael. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the mountains, spending time outdoors, traveling, and being with her small dog, Ben

Dr. Michelle Zemsky Dineen

Assistant Professor of the Speech-Language Pathology Program

Dr. Michelle Zemsky Dineen joined the faculty at West Coast University in July 2024 as an Assistant Professor in the Speech-Language Pathology program. Dr. Dineen completed undergraduate training at Miami University (OH), a master’s degree at Northwestern, and her PhD in Interprofessional Healthcare Studies at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.

Following decades of work as a clinician and multidisciplinary rehabilitation manager working with adults and geriatrics throughout the spectrum of care, Dr. Dineen sought out her doctorate to focus on the next generation of healthcare providers. Having seen the benefits of truly collaborative practice in action, and the pitfalls when we practice in silos, she knew going back to school and teaching were the next phase of her career. While not being client/patient focused leaves a huge hole, she carries the stories of those she was privileged to work with; they remain her driving force. The combination of these experiences has afforded Dr. Dineen a unique perspective into our roles as SLP providers and teammates, leading through change, and the business of healthcare.

Dr. Dineen has taught as an adjunct at multiple universities throughout the Midwest and recently completed a two-year Visiting Professorship. Having taught both online and in person, she recognizes and respects the intentional manner online programs seek to engage future professionals and increase access to the field. Dr. Dineen presents regionally and nationally on topics related to medical practice of SLP, interprofessional education and practice, and ethics. These same areas serve as her primary research interests.

Active roles in professional organizations include the following:

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, member
• Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Fellow
• National Academies of Practice, Distinguished Fellow

Dr. Dineen is thrilled to join the team at WCU and serve the students as they grow their knowledge and skills and transition into practice. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, most notably her husband and two rescue pups, Flash and Dash, who all reside in Chicago, IL.

Dr. Camisha Williams

Assistant Professor of the Speech-Language Pathology Program

Dr. Camisha Williams joined West Coast University in July 2023 as an Assistant Professor in the Speech-Language Pathology Program. Dr. Williams is a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of practice. She is the co-owner/ general partner of Lighthouse Therapeutics and serves on the board of Lighthouse Foundation. Dr. Williams received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Carolina.  Dr. Williams also holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Walden University.  While Dr. Williams began her clinical focus on adults with traumatic brain injuries and other deficits, her current focus is children with a variety of language and developmental delays. Her specific interests include Autism in girls, Sensory Integration and language development, as well as special populations and sound models of  professional practice. She has been an online instructor for several years and serves as a speech-language pathology clinical field site supervisor for various colleges and universities. Dr. Williams is licensed as a speech language pathologist in several states and serves as a mentor to undergraduate and graduate students.

Dr. Williams lectures and gives presentations across South Carolina. She is a special education consultant for students in K-12 schools. Dr. Williams is a member of the American Speech-Hearing Association (ASHA), National Black Association for Speech-Language Hearing, The National Society of Leadership and Success, Psi Chi Psychology National Honor Society, as well as Founding Board Member of the Montessori Charter School of Camden. Dr. Williams also has completed the  Advanced Apraxia Workshop at TCU presented by The Once Upon a Child Foundation.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Dr. Williams provides community outreach. She endows the Beverly Hayes Brown Book Scholarship annually and is co-founder of the Amari Williams Hope for Healing Hearts Foundation. Dr. Williams is the senior vice president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #203 and is a member of Women in Leadership in South Carolina, Dr. Williams’ greatest achievement and endearment are her two children, Amari and Belle.

Sharita Williams-Crossen, Ed.D, CCC-SLP

Director of Clinical Education of the Speech Language Pathology Program

Sharita Williams-Crossen, Ed.D, CCC-SLP, is the Director of Clinical Education of the Speech-Language Pathology Program. She is a native of Greensboro, NC, and has been practicing in Speech-Language Pathology for over 25 years. Dr. Williams-Crossen earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, Masters of Education in Communication Disorders from North Carolina Central University, and Doctorate of Education in Child, Youth, and Family Studies with a specialization in Exceptional Children from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Williams-Crossen is licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners and certified by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.

Dr. Williams-Crossen specializes in early intervention and is a certified Infant Toddler Family Specialist (ITFS). She has been certified for over 15 years. This certification demonstrates her specialized knowledge, skills, attitude, and attributes suited to providing quality services to the many differing young children, families, caregivers, professionals, and communities she serves. Governor Roy Cooper appointed her to serve on the NC Interagency Coordinating Council responsible for public awareness, community needs assessment, system evaluation, and professional development related to early intervention.

Before joining WCU, she was the managing director of a private practice managing day-to-day operations of the business, including providing high-quality speech therapy services to individuals across the lifespan with various communication needs related to developmental delays, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and autism, to name a few. Dr. Williams-Crossen has a diverse background in speech-language pathology, including early intervention, Head Start, public schools, charter schools, nursing homes, and home health. Also, in this capacity, she provided clinical education to undergraduate and graduate practicum students, assisting in developing clinical and professional skills to conduct high-quality speech sessions.

She has over 15 years of post-secondary experience in teaching and research. Teaching experiences include courses in communication sciences and disorders, phonetics, speech and language development, language disorders, observation in communication sciences and disorders, and computer applications in speech-language pathology. Her most recent research interests include increasing language and literacy through culturally responsive practices.

Dr. Williams-Crossen enjoys maximizing the communication of individuals of all ages by working collaboratively with families and other community professionals. Her passion is preparing future clinicians to make a difference in the lives of individuals with communication needs. Outside of work, Dr. Williams-Crossen enjoys reading, dancing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Meredith Gohsman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor of the Speech-Language Program

Dr. Meredith Gohsman is an Assistant Professor in the Speech-Language Pathology program. She joined the Speech-Language Pathology faculty at West Coast University in December 2023. Dr. Gohsman completed her undergraduate degree at Old Dominion University and Master’s degree at James Madison University. She completed her PhD at Old Dominion University in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation in December 2021. Dr. Gohsman has 10 years of experience in speech-language pathology. She has experience in a variety of clinical settings, including schools, outpatient/inpatient rehabilitation, university clinics, and mental health settings. Throughout these clinical experiences, Dr. Gohsman has worked with individuals across the lifespan. She has developed clinical expertise in the areas of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), language disorders, pediatric communication disorders, service delivery models, patient- and family-centered care, and research methodologies.

Dr. Gohsman has teaching experience in both face-to-face and virtual learning environments. She has presented at international, national, state, and local conferences. Dr. Gohsman is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), ASHA Special Interest Group 10 and 12, as well as the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC). She served as a member of the ASHA 2022 Convention AAC Program Committee. In addition, Dr. Gohsman was recognized as a Distinguished Early Career Professional by ASHA in 2020 and has received two ASHA Awards for Continuing Education.

Dr. Gohsman’s clinical and research interests include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modalities, as well as mechanisms to reduce participation barriers reported by AAC stakeholders. She enjoys working with students to build capacity and confidence in the speech-language pathology scope of practice. Dr. Gohsman also enjoys spending time with her family.

Yolanda Lister

Program Assistant

Yolanda Lister is a polished senior executive support partner with operational experience planning and executing business for high-level executives. She is recognized for superior business acumen. Yolanda collaborates with others to facilitate action plans that support programmatic advancement and long-term success. She is a graduate of Verizon Information’s Corporate Level Executive Support program and ITT Technical Institute. She enjoys spending time with her family and close friends.