Meet the experts

Laura J Ball, PhD, is a retired Professor of Speech-Language Pathology. She currently facilitates AAC coursework at Emerson College and is active in several research projects focused on degenerative neurological conditions. Dr. Ball completed PhD research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with focused interests in AAC and neuromotor speech disorders. She has over 40 years’ experience as a speech-language pathologist, working with persons with complex communication impairments and dysphagia. She has particular research interests in motor-based assessment and treatment and has authored numerous publications on AAC, dysarthria and apraxia.

Joleen R. Fernald, PhD, CCC-SLP was awarded Board Specialty Recognition in Child Language from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Dr. Jo follows Greenspan and Wieder’s model, DIRFloortime®  when working with children and families. She is the author of the "Comprehensive Guide to Selective Mutism" and has a special interest in the social-emotional development of young children and its impact on their speech and language skills.  She co-founded a private school called REConnections Education Center in the Tampa Bay area of Florida which supports children with various individual differences.

Stacey B. Landberg, MS, CCC-SLP is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with 14 years of professional experience. After earning her Early Intervention Credential in Chicago in 2007, Stacey returned to Los Angeles where she has since specialized in home-based early intervention. Despite the vast ethnic and socio-economic diversity among her clients, Stacey noticed one striking similarity: EVERY caregiver has questions and concerns about their child’s media consumption. Prompted by these questions and Stacey’s own vested interest as a mother to two young children, she began a detailed analysis of the research related to screen-time for young children in 2012. Her studies have allowed her to meet and consult with national and international experts on this topic, to write parent-training materials for App Developers, and educate more than 900 “media mentors” across the United States.