Kwadwo (Kojo) Agyekum
1.What led you to the field of speech-language pathology?
I first learned about the field of speech-language pathology in my senior year of high school. That moment, along with previously receiving speech therapy at 4 years old, due to a speech and language delay, inspired me to pursue the field. As I read more about it, I learned about the demand for speech therapy services and for SLPs from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Thus, my interest in it grew. I also valued the privilege of working with an individual to facilitate and/or improve their communication and swallowing abilities.
2. What did you like most about the SLP Program at Buffalo State University? (Undergraduate, graduate, or both)
Along with the coursework, faculty, and clinically relevant activities, I appreciated the program’s rigorous standards for academic, clinical, and professional work the most. Their standards shaped me to be a proactive and culturally responsive SLP who thinks critically and holistically about who I serve and work with.
3. How did the SLP faculty support your educational and clinical experience in the program?
The SLP faculty answered all of my questions ranging from trends in the field to creating an appropriate life-work balance. It was refreshing to listen to them remind me to schedule time to relax and to explore my professional interests. They understood that maintaining a healthy and optimistic attitude was crucial to succeeding in graduate school and beyond. The SLP faculty also loved to share their past clinical experiences which helped me to comprehend the role(s) of an SLP. Their guidance also facilitated how I applied academic coursework to clinical practice.
4. Where are you currently working? Can you tell us a little about the populations you serve and kinds of services you provide.
I previously worked for City Sounds of New York where I was assigned to a charter school located in Harlem. While there, I served Kindergarten to 4th grade students with speech and/or language delays. I also worked with preschoolers at a daycare center. Starting in September 2025, I will be working for FOX Rehabilitation in Maryland with the geriatric population.
5. Why would you recommend the SUNY Buffalo State Speech-Language Pathology program to students?
If a student loves to be challenged to be their best selves, to think critically and creatively, and to develop practical clinical and life skills, then they should apply to SUNY Buffalo State’s SLP program! Additionally, the program has the faculty and the resources to prepare students to be excellent and culturally responsive clinicians, researchers, and/or both.
Samantha Manes
1. What led you to the field of speech-language pathology?
I was first introduced to speech-language pathology through my brother, who went through years of speech therapy. Watching his progress and seeing firsthand the impact his SLPs had on his communication and overall development really inspired me. I saw how speech therapy could change a person’s life—not just by improving speech, but by giving someone the ability to connect with others. That experience motivated me to pursue job shadowing and volunteer experiences with different populations, eventually leading me to this field so I could help others in the same way.
2. What did you like most about the SLP Program at Buffalo State University? (Undergraduate, graduate, or both)
What I appreciated most about the SLP program at Buffalo State University was the balance of academics with practical, hands-on clinical experience. The coursework was challenging yet engaging, providing both theory and evidence-based practice. The program challenged my critical thinking and ability to apply my knowledge in real-world applications from early on, and that prepared me for my career.
3. How did the SLP faculty support your educational and clinical experience in the program?
The faculty at Buffalo State shaped my academic and clinical journey. They were approachable, knowledgeable, and invested in student success. Faculty members provided mentorship, helped tailor clinical placements to my areas of interest, and offered consistent feedback to help me grow. I also valued the supportive community of professors who encouraged collaboration and growth.
4. Where are you currently working? Can you tell us a little about the populations you serve and kinds of services you provide?
This past year, I worked as a speech language pathologist at a private practice in St. Catharines, Ontario. Now I am beginning a new journey working as a speech-language pathologist at McMaster Children’s Hospital, Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre in their Regional Autism Program. I primarily work with children, including those with early intervention, autism spectrum disorder, speech sound disorders, language delays, and literacy. With adults, I provide assessment and therapy for swallowing disorders, voice, aphasia, and communication challenges related to acquired brain injury. I enjoyed the variety in my caseload and the opportunity to work with individuals across the lifespan. Now I am moving to a role to help individuals with autism transition into school-based settings, working with an interdisciplinary team.
5. Why would you recommend the SUNY Buffalo State Speech-Language Pathology program to students?
I would absolutely recommend the SUNY Buffalo State SLP program to students because it provides a solid foundation for both academic and clinical excellence. The faculty are dedicated to student success, the amazing academic preparation, and clinical opportunities that begin early in the program, ensuring students graduate feeling wellprepared for their future career. The sense of community and support within the program truly made a difference in my confidence as I transitioned from graduate school into my professional practice.
Joy Oni
1.What led you to the field of speech-language pathology?
While completing my undergraduate degree at NSU Florida, I first heard about speech-language pathology during my freshman year. I initially enrolled as a biology major and quickly discovered that I desired a different path for my future career. I knew that I wanted to work in a field that gave me the opportunity to support others but had difficulty finding what I was passionate about. The on-campus career development office at NSU offered tests which suggested potential careers that may align with one's interests, personality, and strengths. When completing mine, speech-language pathology consistently came up as a top career option. At the time, I had no idea what speech pathology was and consulted with the director of the research scholarship program that I was a part of, Dr. Barbara Packer-Muti, Ed.D. I was delighted to learn that Dr. Packer-Muti was an audiologist and through the Razor's Edge Research Program, she was able to connect me with our campus speech clinic. My eyes were opened to a field that empowers individuals to communicate and provides personalized and meaningful care to support clients' ongoing needs. I enrolled in my first communication sciences and disorders course the following Fall semester, and the rest was history!
2.What did you like most about the SLP Program at Buffalo State University?
The SLP program at Buffalo State is truly a unique educational experience. I was thrilled that the program provided its students with clinic experiences occurring simultaneously with graduate coursework. By providing opportunities for concepts to be applied and reinforced in the clinic, I found that I was able to make real-life connections to the material that I was learning in the classroom. Additionally, due to the intimate size of the program and the knowledgeable faculty and staff, I always felt a sense of community and continual support. At any time, if I had a question, concern, or simply needed a listening ear, I knew there was an entire community of individuals willing to provide me with the assistance I needed to be successful in my academic journey.
3. How did the SLP faculty support your educational and clinical experience in the program?
Throughout my time at SUNY Buffalo State, I found that I could constantly rely on the faculty to support my ongoing educational needs and provide learning opportunities. In addition to my academic growth, they were invested in who I was as an individual and continually went above and beyond to provide encouragement and advice. To highlight some of those experiences, during my final year in the graduate program, I completed a research project with Dr. Camilo Maldonado III, Ph.D., which allowed me to create a mentorship program with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) of color for undergraduate students in our speech program. Dr. Maldonado provided ongoing support as an advisor, leading me to achieve a personal career goal of being published in an academic journal. During my clinical experiences with Mrs. Christina Mule', I discovered how to build meaningful and intentional connections with my clients through her example, providing them with a safe space and encouraging their role in their own care. Throughout my courses with Dr. Anita Senthinathan, Ph.D., I learned about dynamic therapy opportunities and practices. During class, her engaging lectures and passion for our field made learning new and occasionally challenging concepts instead be exciting and interactive. Although these are just a few of the numerous profound experiences that I had with the faculty and staff at SUNY Buffalo State, every aspect of this program went on to support my ongoing growth as a clinician and an individual. The lessons that I have been provided continuously support my lifelong learning and continue to influence my practice to this day.
4. Where are you currently working? Can you tell us a little about the populations you serve and kinds of services you provide.
I currently work as a school-based SLP for Forsyth County Schools in Cumming, Georgia. I am privileged to work with the middle school population, supporting students with varying needs including language, articulation, fluency, and pragmatics. I support students within the specialized instruction program of our school, working to assist the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices in the classroom. Additionally, I work with my students' entire support teams, ranging from their families and other educators to fellow service providers, to best support their communication needs in the classroom setting.
5.Why would you recommend the SUNY Buffalo State Speech-Language Pathology program to students?
The intentional care and support provided through the Speech-Language Pathology program at SUNY Buffalo State is truly unmatched. Everyday, I am thankful for the invaluable lessons and instruction that I was provided, they have shaped the type of clinician that I am today. I was taught the importance of excellence and being thorough about the care of my clients. The intention that is included in every aspect of this program shines through, creating a collaborative and encouraging environment to learn, grow, and be continually challenged as one makes the steps towards becoming a thoughtful and culturally responsive clinician. I am eternally grateful and fortunate for my time at Buffalo State. Any community service/volunteer activities you are involved in. - Member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) - Member of the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH) - Member of the SUNY Buffalo State University SLP Advisory Council - Committee Member for Jola & Jumoke Platinum - Choreographer for my school's theatre program