A major impetus of TIERS lab is empowering school-based SLPs to make positive impacts in their communities and preparing SLP graduate students to do so more effectively. A focal point of our research has been investigating  the role of SLPs in the prevention-oriented framework of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). Additionally, our lab has explored the initial and ongoing impact of the pandemic on the delivery of school-based services, as well as innovative training models to support SLP graduate education.

The lab is directed by Dr. Lesley Sylvan, whose unique background bridges speech-language pathology and education. After earning her master's degree in speech-language pathology from Boston University, she worked as an SLP in public schools in New York City and San Francisco. Her experiences in public schools motivated her to complete a master's degree in educational policy and a doctoral degree in human development and education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Currently an associate professor at Montclair State University, Dr. Sylvan serves as program director of the speech-language pathology program and deputy chair of the department. She teaches graduate courses in school-aged language disorders and research methods, finding particular joy in mentoring graduate students and building connections with speech-language pathologists worldwide.