Graduate Student Ambassadors

Below is a list of current graduate students who would be happy to answer your questions about our graduate program. Please take time to read the descriptions provided by the students to determine who might be most helpful in answering your questions.

Isabel Berman, she/her

Hometown: Cape Elizabeth, ME, Undergraduate: University of Vermont

At this point in graduate school, I am most interested in working in…a school, a behavioral health practice, in both pediatric and adult acute medical settings, and rehabilitative facilities.

You might be interested in contacting me if… you are from Maine, you’d like to learn more about Maine, you are from a non CSD background, you did not take time off before starting graduate school, or if you have any other questions!

I would choose UMaine for a graduate program because… there is a clinic right on campus! You get immediate clinical experience with the support of knowledgeable and approachable supervisors. The second year students make an effort to be welcoming and available for questions! The faculty, staff, and your peers want you to succeed; the program feels collaborative.

Lydia Bradfield, she/her, lydia.bradfield@maine.edu

Hometown: San Antonio, FL, Undergraduate: University of Maine

At this point in graduate school, I am most interested in working in… a NICU with newborns with feeding and swallowing difficulties.

You might be interested in contacting me if… you received your undergraduate degree from UMaine, you have questions/concerns about the program itself, or may have an interest in working in a hospital setting!

I would choose UMaine for a graduate program because… the cohort size at UMaine is small, allowing for personalized interactions with faculty members. You’ll also form close bonds with your classmates, creating a supportive environment throughout the program. If you’re interested in medical placements, you’ll find that the competition at UMaine is more manageable compared to programs in other states.

Krista Butler, she/her, krista.butler@maine.edu

Hometown: Cushing, ME, Undergraduate: University of Maine

At this point in graduate school, I am most interested in working with… children and adolescents, early intervention-secondary school aged children in a clinic or school-based setting.

You might be interested in contacting me if… you’re from Maine, received your undergraduate degree from UMaine, or just want to know more about Maine!

I would choose UMaine for a graduate program because… the program being relatively small allows students to grow close with faculty. It is a very supportive program with many opportunities to pursue your individual interests.

Samantha Condon, she/her, samantha.condon@maine.edu

Hometown: Houlton, ME, Undergraduate: Husson University

At this point in graduate school, I am most interested in working with… school aged children/adolescents in a school, private practice, or clinic setting.

You might be interested in contacting me if… you received your undergrad at a school other than UMO, your undergrad is non CSD (specifically education), you want to know more about Maine from someone who grew up here, or if you have any questions about the program or campus!

I would choose UMaine for a graduate program because… the cohort size is small which allows you to build trusted relationships with peers and faculty creating a supportive and collaborative environment. The on campus clinic is also a huge benefit of this program, providing an opportunity to work with a diverse caseload with the support from experienced supervisors.

Michaela Fornaro, she/her, michaela.fornaro@maine.edu

Hometown: North Providence, RI, Undergraduate: University of Rhode Island

At this point in graduate school, I am most interested in working with… children in a school or medical setting

You might be interested in contacting me if… you are from out of state or have taken some time off between undergraduate courses in the field and graduate CSD studies!

I would choose UMaine for a graduate program because… of support from our professors/clinical supervisors and fellow graduate students! Our professors give us the information and strategies we need to meet our requirements while encouraging and enabling us to apply our own thought and work to them. They’re also just an email or a knock on their office door away if we have additional questions! I’ve also found that our small cohort size allows my fellow graduate clinicians and I to turn to each other when we have questions. The second year clinicians have been more than willing to help, too, especially in our first semester!

Helen Murray-James, she/her, helen.murrayjames@maine.edu

Hometown: Wayne, ME, Undergraduate: Saint Francis Xavier University

At this point in graduate school, I am most interested in working with… pediatrics and geriatrics in a medical setting

You might be interested in contacting me if… you went to school in Canada, are from Maine, have taken time off before going back to school, or do not have a background in CSD/need to take prerequisites.

I would choose UMaine for a graduate program because…

the program is supportive, welcoming, and fosters personal and professional development! The supervisors and professors genuinely care about your success in the program and will work with you to achieve your goals. The program size itself is very small, and because of its size, there is lots of opportunity to bond and ask questions of your classmates. Another benefit of the program is that we begin practicum almost immediately, which means our professional and clinical skills grow quickly! UMaine is a great program to begin/continue your education towards becoming an SLP! Please reach out with any questions!

Taylor Wells, she/her, taylor.m.wells@maine.edu

Hometown: Calgary, AB, Undergraduate: University of Calgary

At this point in graduate school, I am most interested in working in… an acute care or rehabilitation medical setting.

You might be interested in contacting me if… you are a Canadian or international student, have prerequisites to complete concurrently with the graduate program, have a background in non-CSD, worked before applying to graduate school.

I would choose UMaine for a graduate program because… This program offers small cohorts and class sizes, providing one-on-one guidance from experienced supervisors. This also encourages a strong support system from both faculty and peers throughout the program. There is also a very diverse faculty, with a range of expertise, which provides an opportunity for you to connect with a mentor who aligns with your specific interests in the field. Additionally, the hands-on early exposure to clinical settings enables direct, practical application of the knowledge you learn in your classes.