Meet the People
Principle Investigator: Carlos Irizarry-Pérez, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Carlos grew up in the Pacific Northwest. He completed master's degrees in Spanish Linguistics from Penn State and Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Washington. Before returning to complete his Ph.D, he worked as a school-based, bilingual SLP. His dissertation "Cross-Language Treatment of Speech Sound Disorders" was completed at the University of Texas at Austin. He currently is enjoying New Mexico life in Albuquerque with his partner Monique (also a professor) and their daughter, Sofía Isabel. In his "free" time, he loves spending time with his family, fitness, and exploring local craft breweries.
Clinical Supervisor: Andrea Martinez-Fisher, M.A., CCC-SLP
Andrea Martinez-Fisher is a Clinical Instructor/Lecturer in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences. She is an alumna to the University of New Mexico, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in Communication Disorders. She went on to attend Temple University in Philadelphia where she received her masters of arts degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Science with a Bilingual Emphasis.
Graduate Assistant: Yami Garcia
Yamileth Garcia was born and raised in Roswell, New Mexico. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of New Mexico in 2022. She is currently in her first year as a Speech and Hearing Sciences master’s student at the University of New Mexico. Her current interests are early intervention.
Graduate Researcher: Wylie Skillman
Wylie Skillman grew up in the mountains of Southern California. She completed her undergraduate degree in Anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Wylie spent time as a park ranger, farmer, and teacher before returning to graduate school in New Mexico. She is currently in her second year at UNM and working with Dr. Irizarry-Pérez on a thesis about the clinical practices of bilingual, school-based SLPs in New Mexico. Outside of school, Wylie loves to bike, backpack, and bake with whole grains!
Graduate Researcher: Journey M.C. Gillson
Journey M.C. Gillson was born and raised in Gallup, NM. She attended the Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders with a minor in disability studies and a certificate in SLPA. She currently is in her first year in the UNM Speech and Hearing Sciences Master’s program and is working on her thesis with Dr. Irizarry-Pérez about Navajo traditions meeting with traditional western SLP intervention. Outside of school she works as an SLPA here in Albuquerque, enjoys to weight lift, spend time with family, and do outdoor activities.
Alumni
GA/Data Analyst: Alex Rivera
Alex Rivera was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Texas at Austin in 2018. Alex graduated from the University of New Mexico Speech and Hearing Sciences Master's program Fall 2021. Her current interests are related to increasing cross-linguistic generalization of skills in bilingual individuals in order to improve communication abilities in both languages. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and exploring New Mexico.
Graduate Researcher: Sofia Garcia
Sofia C. Garcia was born and raised in the border town of El Paso, Texas. She completed a B.S. in communication disorders with a minor in linguistics from New Mexico State University in 2018. She worked as a speech language pathologist assistant for two years before returning to school. Sofia graduated from the University of New Mexico Speech and Hearing Sciences Master's program Spring 2022. Her interests in the field of speech language pathology include serving multilingual and multicultural populations across all settings. In her free time, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and eating delicious food.
Graduate Researcher: Vanessa Viramontes
Vanessa Viramontes was born and raised in El Paso, TX. She graduated from the University of New Mexico Speech and Hearing Sciences Master's program Spring 2023. She participated in the McNair Scholar and Research Opportunity Program at UNM. In her free time, she enjoys being active, painting/drawing, and petting dogs.
Graduate Researcher: Alondra Delgado
Alondra Delgado was raised in Farmington, New Mexico. She completed a B.S. in Communication Disorders at New Mexico State in 2021. Alondra graduated from the University of New Mexico Speech and Hearing Sciences Master's program Spring 2023. Her current interests are related to typical and atypical language development and assessment of CLD children, as well as, everything medical SLP! In her free time, she enjoys plants, music, painting, and hiking!
Graduate Assistant: Elizabeth Olivarez
Elizabeth Olivarez was raised in Edinburg, Texas. She completed a B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas in 2021. Ely graduated from the University of New Mexico Speech and Hearing Sciences Master's program Spring 2023. Her current interests are related to typical and atypical language development and assessment of CLD children, as well as, NICU and pediatric feeding/swallowing disorders. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, drinking tea, visiting local coffee shops/farmers markets, plants, and working out!