Empowering Patients in Their Care
Jeff grew up in New Orleans and has always been drawn to music, culinary arts and learning about other cultures. Given these interests, Jeff wanted to pursue a career helping others enjoy the simple pleasures in life — connecting with others over a conversation, meal or a drink. As the first speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Jeff cares for patients with communication and swallowing disorders, with a specialization in head and neck cancer rehabilitation.
Jeff has lectured at many professional conferences, published and contributed to research projects in his field, volunteered for professional associations, served as a clinical instructor and taught graduate courses in neuroanatomy and swallowing disorders. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, listening to music, kayaking and cooking.
Patient Care Philosopy
Our ability to communicate, eat and drink are innately linked to every human interaction spanning cultures and societies worldwide. When cancer or cancer treatments affect speaking or swallowing function, I aim to provide the most comprehensive, holistic and evidence-based care while also meeting patients where they are along their journey. While empowering patients to be active in their care, my goal is to help them prepare for, adapt to and recover from functional changes and treatment side effects. Together, my patients and I develop ways to optimize communication, eating, drinking and, most importantly, finding meaningful joy in life and connection with others.
Clinical Expertise
- Swallowing disorders (dysphagia)
- Speech disorders (dysarthria)
- Jaw opening problems (trismus)
- Head and neck swelling after cancer treatment (lymphedema)
- Speech restoration after laryngectomy
Experience
- Clinical Fellow, Stanford Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, 2017–2018
- Speech-Language Pathologist, Stanford Cancer Center, 2018–2020
- Speech-Language Pathologist, Tulane Medical Center, 2020–2023
- Adjunct Professor and Clinical Instructor, Xavier University of Louisiana, 2020–2023
Education and Training
- MS: Speech-Language Pathology, California State University, East Bay
- BS: Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge
Fred Hutch Speech Pathologist
To schedule a speech pathologist appointment, Fred Hutch patients need to be referred by a Fred Hutch physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.