Amanda Byrd

Clinical interests include adult neurogenic speech and language disorders (e.g., aphasia, apraxia of speech, communication in Parkinson's disease, dementia) and dysphagia (i.e., disordered swallowing).

She has additional professional interests in collaboration, community engagement, advocacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

She teaches content in introduction to communication sciences and disorders; neuroanatomical foundations of communication disorders; organic speech and language disorders; dysphagia; adult language disorders; preventing vocal abuse, misuse and disorders; guided clinical observations; and, clinical practicum.

Ms. Byrd has professional experience in adult medical settings including acute care, inpatient/outpatient therapy, and skilled nursing.  She holds the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and is a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) in the state of Pennsylvania.

She has served in a variety of volunteer and leadership roles at the university, community, state, and national levels. At Penn State, she serves as Faculty Advisor for the Alzheimer’s Awareness Student Organization and supports nonpartisan student voter engagement initiatives. In her community, she contributes to planning the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. She serves as VP for Government Relations with the Pennsylvania State Speech-Language-Hearing Association (PSHA). Nationally, she served on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Multicultural Issues Board, including a term as chair, and is an alumna of ASHA’s Leadership Development Program.