NSSLHA Faculty Supervisor

We would like to welcome our new NSSLHA faculty supervisor, Dr. Linda Spencer.  Dr. Spencer joined the Department of Special Education/Communication Disorders at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM in the fall of 2011. She has lived in many states (including Florida, South Dakota, Idaho, Wisconsin, Iowa, and New York), but has a strong feeling New Mexico is going to be her favorite place. Her areas of interest include: exploring the Phonological Processing, Articulation, Language and Literacy Skills (PALLS) in children with hearing and with hearing loss.  Dr. Spencer is in the process of setting up the PALLS lab here at NMSU. She teaches Speech Disorders, Introduction to Communication Disorders, Articulation and Phonological Impairments, and Dysphagia; she has also taught Neurological Bases for Communication, Aural Rehabilitation and Adult Language Disorders. Dr. Spencer has a daughter who is a neuroscientist, a son who is studying nursing, another son who is intent on being a millionaire, a husband who is a computer whiz, and two dogs who are just plain cute. Dr. Spencer has taken up Stand up Paddle Boarding (SUPing) and hopes to try out the warm waves in the Pacific one of these days.

We are extremely delighted and excited to have Dr. Spencer involved with NSSLHA this year.  If you see her on campus, be sure to say hello!

NSSLHA Officers

President

Genevieve Munoz
Hi Everyone! I was born here in Las Cruces and attended Oñate High School. I am currently a senior in the Communication Disorders program and am so looking forward to graduation! I work at the Edgar R. Garrett Speech and Hearing Center and will soon be starting another new job as Dr. Valdez's research assistant. I have been an active NSSLHA member since the end of my sophomore year, and am happy and excited to be your current president.

Vice President of Activities

Jessica Olivas

Hola! My name is Jessica and I am VP of Activities for NSSLHA. I'm responsible for organizing Cards for Raul, Retreat, Banquet and other activities we participate in. If you have any questions about the activities or would like to volunteer for them, I'm your woman. A little about myself: I'm a senior in the CD program. I am not sure where I want to go to grad school, but wherever the wind takes me I will be content. I am family-oriented and they mean the world to me.  I work at Bank of America, so if I am dressed up nicer than usual, it is not by choice. I am a friendly person and approachable, so if you see me around campus please stop me and say hi! This year is going to be a great year for NSSLHA and a great experience!

Vice President of Fundraising

Angel Talavera

I am a Senior and looking forward to graduating and moving on to grad school and working through until I earn a PhD. I have been a NSSLHA member since my Sophomore year and served as class representative from that time until I was elected Vice President of Fundraising prior to this semester. I work on campus at the Veterans Programs Office. Before starting school, I served Honorably in the U. S. Army for 8 1/2 years where I deployed worldwide for training and peacekeeping missions, also serving three combat tours between Afghanistan and Iraq until I was discharged due to injuries I sustained in combat. I look forward to making this year fun and enjoyable for all and I'm open to suggestions for fundraisers. Don't be afraid to say hi.

Vice President of Legislation

Nell Baird

Hey everyone! My name is Nell Baird, and I am from Farmington, NM. I graduated from Piedra Vista High School in 2009. I am now a junior pursuing my major in Communication Disorders, and a minor in Linguistics. I have a very busy college life; besides school, I am the Vice-President of Legislation for NSSLHA, an Ambassador for the College of Education, an Associated Students of New Mexico State University (ASNMSU) Senator, and I am involved in Ed Council! I will be graduating in 2013 and look forward to pursuing my masters degree in Speech Language Pathology, and a career as an SLP. Please feel free to contact me!

Secretary

Zully Garcia

I was born and raised in the Las Cruces area and am currently a junior in the undergraduate program.  I am especially interested in becoming a bilingual SLP to work with children.  Outside of school you can find me spending time with my family and friends, traveling, or doing my nails.  I look forward to being the secretary for NMSU NSSLHA this year!

Treasurer

Valerian Garay

Hello! I'm Valerian, but you can call me Val. I'm a senior in the CD program this year, and plan to graduate in May. I'm very interested in developmental disabilities and hope to work specifically with the special needs community in my career as an SLP. Although I've attended NMSU all four of my collegiate years I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. However, I've come to love Las Cruces' subtle charm and scenery, I absolutely love the mountains! Outside of taking classes and being a member of NSSLHA I love music and really enjoy going to concerts and live music shows. I also enjoy outdoor activities like running and cycling and hiking. I'm looking forward to meeting all of our members and hope to have a fun and productive year!

Historian

Lindsay Dungan

My name is Lindsay Dungan. I'm a junior from Artesia, NM and I'm majoring in Communication Disorders, minoring in Linguistics. I am the historian for NSSLHA this year.  I am involved in things outside of school: I am an active leader in Aggies for Christ and I attend the BSU. I love to play intramural sports, bake, and take pictures. I'm a big Aggie fan and love Las Cruces. I sell Scentsy on the side.

Webmaster

Jason Saenz

Hello, everyone! My name is Jason Saenz; I am a senior in the Communication Disorders Program, minoring in both Linguistics and Counseling and Educational Psychology.  Other than being a full time student, I work at the Edgar R. Garrett Speech and Hearing Center as a student aide, I am one of three research assistants working with Dr. Bae, and I am involved in a couple student organizations: Webmaster for NSSLHA and Secretary for Ed Council.  Outside of my academic bubble, I enjoy reading, running, swimming, biking, and most anything outdoors.  I look forward to getting to know NSSLHA members, new and old alike! Here's to a great year!