School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Welcome Ashland Johnson and New Clinical Opportunities
By: Lacey Halley
The School of Communication Sciences and Disorders is pleased to welcome Ashland Johnson, a new clinical associate professor whose diverse clinical background and passion
for teaching make her an exciting addition to our community. Johnson brings six years
of experience across outpatient pediatrics, school-based services, skilled nursing,
and acute care settings, including work at LeBonheur and Methodist South. 鈥淓ach clinical
environment shaped me in different ways, but the constant through it all has been
my passion for connection, teaching, and service,鈥� she shared.
Johnson is working on her SLPD which has led to a growing interest in mentorship,
family support, and systems-level solutions, such as improving access to care. Pursuing
her SLPD has strengthened her skills in research, supervision, and leadership which
led her toward academic clinical education. 鈥淛oining the University of 蜜桃导航 feels
like the perfect next step because it allows me to pour into future SLPs while continuing
to engage directly with children and families through clinical programming.鈥�
Johnson鈥檚 broad experience鈥攆rom pediatric feeding therapy to adult post-stroke rehabilitation鈥攇ives
her a truly comprehensive clinical lens. These perspectives inform her supervision
and teaching, allowing her to help students connect evidence-based practice with ethical,
culturally responsive care. 鈥淭ogether, these experiences have shaped me into a flexible
and compassionate clinician who understands that communication and recovery look different
for every individual,鈥� Johnson said.
In Spring 鈥�26, Johnson will be launching a new social communication program for autistic children. The program will be a small-group, strengths-based intervention focused on embedded
play experiences, predictable routines, literacy, and caregiver involvement. 鈥淔amilies
often struggle to access timely services, so this program also helps reduce waitlists
by supporting multiple children at once,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 hope this program becomes
a model for how clinics can combine evidence-based interventions with caregiver empowerment.鈥�
Graduate clinicians will also gain valuable experience in neurodiversity-affirming
practice through this initiative.
When asked what excites her most about joining the UofM CSD community, Johnson highlighted the School鈥檚 culture of innovation and collaboration. 鈥溍厶业己� fosters a collaborative environment where faculty, students, and clinicians work together to solve real challenges and expand access to care,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing part of a community that values growth, inclusivity, and creativity feels like the ideal place to continue my journey as both a clinician and educator.鈥�
