Current Research Team

Lab Director:

Grace Clark, PhD, CCC-SLP

Dr. Grace Clark is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Montclair State University. She is a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) with over a decade of clinical experience, primarily supporting autistic children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Dr. Clark earned her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Fontbonne University and later completed her Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at New York University, driven by a desire to bridge the gap between research and practice for AAC users.

Her research focuses on improving language and literacy outcomes for nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic children, with a strong emphasis on participatory methods and neurodiversity-affirming practices. She has published and presented nationally and internationally on AAC, inclusive assessment, and intervention strategies, and she is currently leading several projects that engage autistic adults who use AAC, families, clinicians, and educators in the co-design of meaningful supports.

Outside of her work, Dr. Clark enjoys skiing, playing tennis, and hiking with her family and friends.

Feel free to contact her at: clarkg@montclair.edu

Mackenzie Kerwick

Graduate Research Assistant

Mackenzie is a current first-year graduate student at Montclair State University in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Prior to attending the graduate program, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics with a minor in Speech-Pathology and Audiology from Montclair State University. Clinically, her interests lie in AAC, early intervention and speech sound disorders in the pediatric population. In her spare time, Mackenzie enjoys Pilates, trying new coffee shops, crafting and spending time with friends and family.

Tirzah Carvalho

Graduate Research Assistant

Tirzah is a current first-year graduate student at Montclair University in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Prior to attending MSU, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Psychology from Rutgers University. Clinically, her interests lie in AAC, language development, and research focused on improving the quality of care for low-income and marginalized populations within the field of communication sciences and disorders. In her spare time, Tirzah enjoys reading, exercising, practicing yoga, and watching movies and TV shows with her friends and family.

Muhdia Siyam

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Muhdia Siyam is currently an undergraduate student at Montclair State University studying Psychology and Speech Language Pathology & Audiology. She is interested in learning more about AAC and therapy techniques in both classroom and clinical settings for speech therapy. Outside of school she's a hard worker and avid reader!

This could be you!

Email abll@montclair.edu if you are interested in becoming a member of our research team!

Jessica Sileski

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Jessica Sileski is currently an undergraduate student at Montclair State University studying Psychology and Speech Language Pathology & Audiology. She is interested in learning more about AAC and getting involved in the field.

Chantal Batista

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Chantal Batista is currently an undergraduate student at Montclair State University studying Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology. She is interested in learning more about dysphagia, therapy techniques in both classroom and clinical settings, and aphasia. Her hobbies outside of school are sewing and hanging out with friends.

Former Research Team

The graduation of the first research assistant class for the ABLL Lab is soon to come!

Gabriella Pesantes

Graduate Research Assistant

Gabby is a current second year graduate student at Montclair State University in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Prior to attending MSU, she received her Bachelors of Science from The College of New Jersey in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology with minors in Deaf studies and public health. Clinically, her interests lie in AAC, neurodiversity, gender-affirming voice care, stuttering, and the D/deaf and hard of hearing community. In her spare time, Gabby enjoys going to the movie theatre, trying new food, and spending time with her friends and family.

Madison Skibicki

Graduate Research Assistant

Madison is a current second year graduate student at Montclair State University in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Prior to attending MSU, she received her Bachelors of Arts from Rutgers University in Linguistics. Clinically, her interests lie in AAC and feeding/swallowing across various clinical populations. In her spare time, Madison enjoys going on walks, dancing, listening to podcasts and spending time with her friends and family.

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