Dr. Bender, Ph.D., CCC/SLP
What brought you to ACU-Dallas?
I have been on faculty in the CSD department since 2001. When ACU wanted to expand the graduate program in SLP, I volunteered to move to Dallas to be part of the expansion. I love growing and developing new ideas so this has been a fun time for me. My brother and his family live in the area so it is good to be near them again.
What area of speech and language is your specialty/favorite?
I LOVE Voice Disorders. I find the structure and function of the larynx amazing – something so powerful as our voice is produced with a very small structure. All of the elements of our communication systems were designed specifically for communication. So, after Voice Disorders, I love Speech Science, Motor Speech Disorders and Dysphagia – anything that involves the nervous system and communication!
What environments have you worked in? Academia, outpatient, inpatient, hospital, school etc.
I have worked in almost all clinical settings. I worked in the public schools after my Bachelor’s degree. After I completed my Master’s degree, I worked in in-patient rehabilitation and acute care hospitals for 3 years. When I completed my Doctoral degree, I worked part-time in the summers doing in-patient rehab, acute hospital and out-patient care. I also covered some Home Health when the regular therapist was on vacation. During the academic year, I was part of a multi-disciplinary voice clinic for several years.
How would you describe your teaching method?
I still use a lot of lecture in classes but I also incorporate case studies for application of new knowledge in small group discussions. I use simulations and other training methods for student to develop their assessment skills in voice, motor speech disorders and dysphagia.
How does faith impact your profession or the profession of speech-language pathology in general?
First my faith impacts my profession because I am called to be a teacher. I have a great sense of responsibility to provide students with the foundational knowledge for their practice as speech-language pathologists. Part of that foundation is recognizing that we were designed for communication – the connection with one another and the connection with God. All of our communication systems were designed for efficiency in communicating our thoughts and ideas. Lastly, I want students to approach their practice as speech-language pathologists from the perspective of a ministry or a calling. This ministry of speech-language pathology establishes communication pathways for others; allowing them to engage in relationships more fully. By seeing their profession as ministry, students see the bigger purpose of their work in this world.
What is your favorite restaurant in Addison?
I don’t really have a favorite restaurant – I love Mexican food!
What do you do to relax?
I love to read fiction. I usually have a book in progress so I use it as my escape at the end of a long day.
What advice can you give to graduate students?
Talk to the people who can help you the most – this includes faculty. We are here because you have chosen ACU. Our job is to serve you. And we are here for you beyond what is happening in the classroom.
What are you currently binge watching?
Most any medical or emergency show on regular tv.
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?
The mountains – it’s one of my favorite places to go and regain perspective.
Do you have any pets?
I have a Chihuahua named Coco. See my pic….
What are your hobbies?
Reading and quilting! I love to take a quilt pattern and create it in my own color palette. Sometimes I make a change to the pattern that makes it more interesting.
Who is your favorite singer?
I have eclectic musical tastes so it depends on the genre – currently, I’m listening to Christian music and my favorite groups are King and Country and Bethel Music.