Anna Downey is a 2nd year Speech-Language Pathology Master’s student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at the University of Pittsburgh. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from West Chester University of PA in 2017. Anna has a family member with multiple disabilities who sparked her interest in serving this population. Over the years, she has volunteered for several organizations dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities; these include being a camp counselor, judging a goalball tournament, helping in a deaf and hard of hearing preschool, and participating in a lunch buddy program.

As a graduate student Anna has had several clinical experiences with pediatric and adult populations. Her previous placements include diagnosing and treating children and adults in the areas of language, articulation, dysphagia, and cognitive communication disorders. Anna’s most memorable clinical placement was at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC in which she was involved with the Feeding and Swallowing Center (FASC); here she worked with an interdisciplinary team of various healthcare professionals to provide assessment, treatment and support services for children with a wide variety of diagnoses. Anna is excited to participate in the LEND program and further her skills as a leader and clinical professional in the field of Speech-Language Pathology.