Stony Brook University Welcomes Two New Faculty to Its Speech-Language Pathology Program at Southampton

The Department of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) in the School of Health Professions at Stony Brook Southampton is expanding its expertise with the addition of two accomplished clinician-educators whose strengths enhance the department's mission: Emily A. Reno and Dolores DiStasio Laskin.

Reno joins the department as an assistant professor, bringing interdisciplinary expertise at the intersection of speech-language pathology and special education. As a former school-based SLP, her research focuses on strengthening language and literacy outcomes for students with language-based learning disabilities.

"Her expertise adds something special to our curriculum," said Renee Fabus, founder and chair of the Speech-Language Pathology Program in the School of Health Professions. "She helps students see how language and literacy fit together in real school settings, and she gives them practical tools they can use right away with children."

Reno also draws on implementation science to help school-based professionals integrate evidence-based reading, writing and language practices into classroom and therapy routines.

"She models how research-informed work can improve everyday practice," Fabus added. "Her perspective also strengthens our program's curriculum and research, showing students how evidence-based practices can truly make a difference in the classroom."

Laskin joins as a clinical assistant professor with more than 30 years of experience serving children and families across school, early intervention and clinical settings. Uniquely credentialed in both speech-language pathology and audiology, she brings rare dual expertise to the classroom.

"Few professionals are trained so extensively in both fields, and her background prepares students to address a wide range of communication and hearing needs with an understanding of how hearing, language, and communication are interconnected," said Fabus.

Laskin previously served as director of clinical services at ACP-EI (formerly MKSA) in Plainview, New York, where she supervised more than 75 clinical fellows and established an assistive technology program to support children with learning disabilities and severe expressive communication challenges.

"Her contributions truly enrich our curriculum and help ensure that our graduates feel ready to work in a wide range of settings," Fabus said. "She brings a perspective that helps students connect what they learn in class to the real work they will do with children and families."

The arrival of both faculty comes at a critical time for the profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in SLP are projected to grow 15 percent from 2024 to 2034. Stony Brook is the only SUNY public university offering a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Housed within the School of Health Professions, the program prepares students for diverse clinical and educational settings. Through evidence-based coursework, interprofessional learning, and extensive hands-on training, students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies needed to serve diverse communities and meet the evolving demands of the field. Graduates are eligible for certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and New York State licensure. Specialized credentials are also offered for students, including the Bilingual Education Extension program, now accepting applications through July 15, 2026.

In addition to its graduate degree and certification tracks, the department continues to extend its impact into the community while fostering an environment that supports students in their academic and professional success. Last summer, for the first time in New York, Joy Kling, another faculty member in the department at Stony Brook Southampton hosted "Camp Dream. Speak. Live."a free, weeklong program to empower children and teens who stutter. Developed by The Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research, the evidence-based camp focuses on communication confidence, self-perception, and quality of life.

With the addition of the new faculty, Stony Brook Southampton continues to strengthen its leadership in speech-language pathology education, preparing the next generation of clinicians to meet growing workforce demands through hands-on training and meaning community impact.