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

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 Montclair, 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. At TCNJ, Gabby was a mentor in the Career & Community Studies program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 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 Montclair, she achieved her bachelors from Rutgers University with a degree 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.

Jessica Sileski

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Muhdia Siyam

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Muhdia Siyam is currently a Junior at Montclair State University studying Psychology and Speech Language Pathology & Audiology. She grew up in North Bergen, NJ, and attended High Tech High School in Secaucus, graduating in 2023. 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!

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