Athena Reese, SLPD, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Instructor and Outside Placement Coordinator in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at Worcester State University. She has more than 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, with extensive clinical expertise in adult neurogenic communication disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, dysphagia, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and acquired neurological disorders. Her clinical experience includes acute care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, home health, and clinical education.
Dr. Reese earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville, her master’s degree from the University of North Texas, and her Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) degree from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions.
At Worcester State University, Dr. Reese coordinates graduate student clinical placements, develops partnerships with healthcare organizations and school districts throughout the region, and supports students and clinical supervisors throughout the practicum experience. She also teaches graduate coursework in clinical practicum and is passionate about preparing future speech-language pathologists through evidence-based supervision, reflective practice, and meaningful clinical learning experiences.
Her doctoral scholarship focused on expanding access to speech-language pathology education for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Her capstone project, Creating a Culture of Access: A Faculty-Centered Toolkit for Recruiting and Supporting BIPOC Students in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Programs, provides practical strategies for faculty to strengthen inclusive recruitment, mentoring, and student support.
Dr. Reese is an active mentor in the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH) Power2Empower Mentorship Program and serves as a National Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Examination item writer. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her two standard poodles, Josie and Wyatt.
