Background

I am a researcher and a scholar in the field of Speech and Language Therapy, leading novel and cutting edge research projects in the field, with new and original interventions. I completed my PhD in University of Canterbury, New Zealand under the mentorship of Dr. Maggie-Lee Huckabee, focusing on skill versus strength in swallowing training, during which we created a computer software called BISSKIT that provides biofeedback from the submental muscles, aimed at either improving skill or strength during therapy.

I am also a Speech and Language Therapist. I work clinically in Reuth Rehabilitation Hospital with patients with neurological insults and in Ezra Lemarpe (clinical lead) with patients with Parkinson’s Disease. In addition, I am involved in training SLPs working in the area of dysphagia, providing workshops and invited lectures in numerous hospitals and rehabilitation centers all over Israel. I took part in leading the first in-depth dysphagia course (60 hours) for SLTs in Israel through The Israeli Speech Hearing and Language Association. I presented my research in conferences overseas and in Israel. I have a broad international network with leading dysphagia researchers, and I am involved in international research projects.     

I served as a committee member in MoH, Bituach Le’umi and The Israeli Speech Hearing and Language Association. I led the creation and writing of the first position paper and clinical guidelines in the management of ventilated patients, together with leading SLTs in Israel. I took part in writing the first position paper in dysphagia management.