Faculty and Staff
All faculty and staff members of the LCC are both experienced scholars and lifelong
learners who are dedicated to the pursuit of providing care for the whole person,
which is supported by the latest research in their fields of expertise. They work
closely with our graduate students to deliver high-quality diagnostic and treatment
services. Our robust team of faculty and staff is cultivated to ensure that there
is a wide range of specialties, personal/professional backgrounds, interests, and
perspectives—all of which continuously inform our standards for care and shape our
approaches to our services.
Meet the people who care about your care
Theresa Alexander, M.S., CCC-SLP Assistant Clinical Professor, Adult Neurogenics
Theresa Alexander has been a full-time Clinical Faculty member in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences since May 2015 and completed both her undergraduate (2003) and graduate degrees (2005) at Loyola University Maryland. At the Loyola Clinical Centers, Theresa supervises the evaluation and treatment of adults with neurogenic communication disorders including involvement in the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Interprofessional evaluation team, Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) Resource & Discussion Group, and the Intensive Treatment for Aphasia Programs (ITAP). She previously taught graduate courses in Aphasiology as well as Neurology for the Speech-Language Pathologist from 2010-2013. Theresa is a Clinical Specialist in Aphasia and continues PRN work in direct patient care in four area hospitals as well as through her own private practice, Charm City Brains. She regularly presents her work to clinicians, public audiences, and doctoral students.
Recent Presentations:
- Stroke Rehab: Speech, Language, & Swallowing. Guest lecture to Doctoral Students in Occupational Therapy Program at Notre Dame University, Maryland, October 2024 & September 2025
- Mapping the Brain for Neuro Rehabilitation. Presentation to MedStar National Rehabilitation Network PT, OT, SLP and related professionals, Baltimore, Maryland, October 2024
- Aphasia: Tips and Resources. Presentation to the public through the Baltimore County Department of Aging, Towson, Maryland, June 2024
Meghan Carlson, M.S., CCC-SLP Pediatric Assessment & Intervention
Meghan Carlson began working as a part-time Clinical Faculty Member in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences in May 2021. She completed her undergraduate studies at The Pennsylvania State University, and graduated with her master’s degree from Loyola University Maryland in 2015. Meghan is trained in various early intervention areas including: Hanen It Takes two to Talk and More than Words. She also has training in Orofacial Myology and various pediatric feeding programs. Outside of work, Meghan enjoys spending time with her adorable puppy, family and friends, and loves to travel, cook, and attend sporting events.
Kristina Collins, M.S. Division Director, Literacy
Kristina is a Maryland certified English language arts educator with endorsements for reading and special education. She has over 14 years of experience in K-12 and higher education settings, both public and non-public. She was awarded Loyola University Maryland Literacy Teacher of the Year in 2014. Her areas of clinical interest, research and publication are language, literacy, culture, and teacher development and training.
Jordan Differding, M.S., CCC-SLP Assistant Clinical Professor
Jordan Differding began working with Loyola University as an affiliate faculty member in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences in 2020 and joined full-time in the fall of 2022. He received his M.S. (2015) from Loyola University specializes in the evaluation and treatment of adult voice and resonance disorders, including videostroboscopy , and the evaluation and treatment of adult cognitive-communication disorders. As part of his clinical training, Jordan has specialized training in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment and the McNeill Dysphagia Treatment Program. Outside of work, Jordan enjoys gardening, woodworking, competing in triathlons, baking, and spending time with his Goldendoodle, Chula.
Doug Frew, Psy.D. Division Director, Psychology
Dr. Frew joined Loyola in September 2017 and received his undergraduate degrees from University of Mary Washington (2007), and graduate degrees from Loyola University Maryland (2012) and William James College (2016). Over the past several years, he supervised adult assessment intakes and taught graduate courses in psychological assessment. In fall 2022, Dr. Frew assumed the position of Psychology Division Director. Most of Dr. Frew’s "free time" is spent enjoying time with his family. He also enjoys many different outdoor activities and likes to do various home improvement tasks.
Esther Gbolie, Psy.D. Affiliate Instructor
Dr. Gbolie joined the Loyola Clinical Centers in September 2025 and currently supervises the community outreach rotations. She received her undergraduate degree from Towson University (2016) and her graduate degrees from Loyola University (2022). In her free time, Dr. Gbolie enjoys cooking, writing, and hiking.
Jon Gorman, Psy.D. Assistant Clinical Professor
Dr. Gorman joined the Loyola Clinical Centers in 2013 and received his undergraduate degree from NYU (2006) and his graduate degree from Loyola University Maryland (2013). He supervises adult therapy and the community outreach rotations that are part of the psychology curricula.
Amy Hamilton, M.S. Clinical Systems Specialist
Amy Hamilton began working with the Loyola Clinical Centers as the clinical systems specialist in May 2024. She specializes in education and earned her undergraduate degree from Mount Saint Mary’s University (2006) and graduate degree from Hood College (2012). Before joining the LCC, Amy taught in the Maryland public school system for more than 15 years. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Christopher Higginson, Ph.D. Professor
Dr. Higginson started working at Loyola in July 2006. He received his B.S. from Washington State University (summa cum laude) in 1992; his M.S. in 1993, and his Ph.D. in 1998. He specializes in and oversees neuropsychological assessment within the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) services offered at the Loyola Clinical Centers, and also supervises adult psychoeducational evaluation. Additionally, Dr. Higginson teaches undergraduate and graduate courses regarding behavioral neuroscience. His research involves the cognitive difficulties associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), the ecological validity of neuropsychological assessment, and the relationship between gait and cognition.
Kate Holden, M.S., CCC-SLP Assistant Clinical Professor, Adult Neurogenics
Kate Holden began working with the Loyola Clinical Centers in August 2023 as a clinical faculty member supervising 1st year graduate students. She completed her undergraduate education at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and her graduate work at Towson University. Kate specializes in working in adult neurogenic assessment and treatment and has spent the past 12 years in acute care working with the adult neurological/neurosurgical population. She has a special interest in working with people with aphasia, dysphagia, motor-speech disorders, and cognitive-communication deficits.
Cara Jacobson, Psy.D. Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Doctoral Field Education
Dr. Jacobson started working at Loyola in 2014 and received her undergraduate degree from McDaniel College (2003), and Psy.D. from Loyola University Maryland (2009). She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt from 2009-2011. In her role at Loyola University, Dr. Jacobson is the Therapy Coordinator and teaches graduate courses on Diversity, Supervision, Professional Development and consultation, Group Therapy, and Couples Therapy. She also supervises adult psychotherapy at the Loyola Clinical Centers. Dr. Jacobson is a member of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee and serves on the doctoral committee in the psychology department. She is trained in Gottman Method Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and has a private practice in Lutherville, Maryland, where she sees individuals and couples for psychotherapy.
Gina Magyar-Russell, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology
Dr. Magyar-Russell has been on faculty at Loyola University Maryland since 2009. She received her BA from the University of Michigan and her MA and Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Prior to coming to Loyola, she completed a pre-doctoral internship at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics and a post-doctoral fellowship at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She serves as an individual Psychotherapy Supervisor at the LCC and specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders and spiritually integrated psychotherapy.
Amanda McCombs Thomas, Ph.D. Professor, Psychology
Dr. Thomas began working at Loyola University Maryland in 1991. She received her Ph.D., from The College of William and Mary and currently supervises child therapy and assessment intakes.
Colleen McElroy, M.S., CCC-SLP she/her/hers Assistant Clinical Professor, Graduate Program Director & Externship Coordinator
Colleen is a Loyola graduate and practicing clinician of greater than 10 years. Her clinical focus is with adult acute care populations. Here at Loyola, she works with students to find the best externship placements. Colleen loves meeting with students and having the time to supervisor and mentor them at different stages of their learning. In her free time, she loves exploring Baltimore parks, restaurants, and coffee shops with her family.
Alexis Nikitopoulos, M.S., CCC-SLP Assistant Clinical Professor, Pediatrics
Jason Prenoveau, Ph.D. Professor
Dr. Prenoveau has been at Loyola for 14 years currently supervises adult pscyhotherapy at the Loyola Clinical Centers. He received his undergraduate degree from MIT and graduate degree from UCLA. In addition to supervising, he teaches graduate psychotherapy models courses, research methods, and statistics. In his free time, Dr. Prenoveau enjoys reading, cooking, running, yoga and keeping up with his kids' latest interests.
Candace Robinson, Au.D., CCC-A Assistant Clinical Professor, Audiology
Candace G. Robinson, Au.D., CCC-A, earned her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) from University of Florida. She earned her Master of Science (M.S.) in Audiology and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders, from Towson University. She has been practicing since 1994. She has practiced and served as a clinical preceptor in the otolaryngology (ENT), academic and private practice settings since 2001. She taught various audiology courses at Towson University between 2008 and 2021, including Practice Management, Hearing Aids, Diagnostics, Ethics and Professionalism, and Aural Rehabilitation. While serving as the clinical director of the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program, she co-authored and published “Development of a formative and summative assessment system for Au.D. Education,” in the American Journal of Audiology in June of 2013. She also was co-director/clinical coordinator for the Cherry Hill Hearing Healthcare Initiative (CHHHI): Helping People Hear One Ear at a Time, a project to provide hearing screening, diagnostic follow-up, securing amplification from manufacturers and providing hearing aid fitting to a low socioeconomic status population, from 2009 – 2013. When she is not serving patients and students, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, furry family, going to the beach, and cheering on the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens!
Bella Schiro, Psy.D. Assistant Clinical Professor
Dr. Schiro started working at Loyola in August 2024 and supervises adult thearpy. She received her undergraduate degree from Gettysburg College (2015), and graduate degrees from Boston College (2017) and Loyola University (2021). Dr. Schiro completed her pre-doctoral Internship at William & Mary Counseling Center and her post-doctoral fellowship at University of Delaware, Center for Counseling & Student Development. She is a licensed psychologist in Maryland.
Molly Standeven, Psy.D. Affiliate Professor
Dr. Standeven joined the Loyola Clinical Centers in September 2025 and supervises adult psychoeducational testing (learning and attentional differences, deficits and strengths). She received her undergraduate degree from Northeastern University (2013) and her graduate degrees from Loyola University (2017) and University of Denver (2022). Dr. Standeven has trained in a variety of settings (e.g., private practice, community mental health, inpatient hospitals, forensic) and currently works in private practice conducting adult psychoeducational and workplace assessments (e.g., pre-employment, fitness-for-duty). Outside of her role as a supervisor at the Loyola Clinical Centers, she enjoys traveling, hiking, gardening, biking the NCR trail, cooking, exploring Baltimore’s food scene, interior design, attending live music shows, and cheering on the Denver Nuggets.
Tom Thompson, M.S., CCC-SLP Clinical Professor, Neurological rehabilitation of cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders
Tom Thompson has been a Clinical Faculty member in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences since 2012 and completed both his undergraduate (1996) and graduate degrees (1999) at Towson State University. As a clinical supervisor, he specializes in the assessment and treatment of cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders following stroke and traumatic brain injury. Tom is the coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Brain Injury Assessment Program at the Loyola Clinical Centers, a program that he helped to design and launch in 2012. He is married with four children and lives in Towson, Maryland.
Kara Vincent, M.S., CCC-SLP Executive Director
Kara Vincent is a speech-language pathologist and double alum of Loyola College (‘91 and ‘93). She specializes in working with school-aged children in the areas of language and literacy development. After teaching classes for seven years, Vincent took a position in 2013 as the division director for speech-language-hearing sciences and currently serves as the executive director of the LCC.