Biographical summary
Heather M. Clark, Ph.D., is a speech-language pathologist serving children and adults with communication, cognitive, and/or swallowing difficulties. Her clinical focus includes:
- Evaluation and treatment of adults and children who have difficulty communicating due to congenital, developmental, or acquired neurologic conditions
- Evaluation and treatment of Individuals with degenerative neurologic conditions, such as PSP, PPA, and ALS
- Extended consultation and intensive therapy for childhood apraxia of speech (CAS)
- Assessment and treatment of functional communication disorders
In addition to her clinical activities, Dr. Clark is active in research and education, providing mentorship to residents and fellows. She authors scientific articles, textbooks and textbook chapters, and contributes to magazines and newsletters focusing on speech, language, and swallowing topics.
Dr. Clark is the Chair of the Division of Speech Pathology.
Conditions treated
Procedures performed
- Videofluoroscopic swallowing study
Interests
- Stroke
- Brain injury
- Brain tumor
- Parkinson Disease
- Primary Progressive Aphasia
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Cleft lip and palate
- Velopharyngeal insufficiency
- Differential diagnosis of motor speech disorders
- Treatment incorporating principles of motor learning
- Treatment targeting neuromuscular impairments (for example, weakness) contributing to speech and swallowing difficulties
Mayo Clinic locations
Education
- 2011
Postdoctoral FellowshipSpeech Pathology, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2011
ResidentSpeech Pathology, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 1996
Ph.D. - Audiology & Speech PathologyUniversity of Iowa
- 1992
MS - Speech-Language PathologyUniversity of North Dakota
- 1990
BA - Communication DisordersUniversity of North Dakota
Activities and honors
Certifications
- 2015
Neurologic Communicative DisordersAcademy of Neurologic Communicative Disorders
- 1994
Speech-Language PathologyAmerican Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Awards and honors
- 2022
Bronze recognition "Childhood Apraxia of Speech" MC6233-01National Health Information Award
- 2018
Fellowship of the AssociationAmerican Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- 2012
Richard H. BarrettInternational Association of Orofacial Myology
- 2008
Reich College of Education Outstanding Teaching AwardAppalachian State University
- 2006
North Carolina Board of Governors Appalachian State University Excellence in Teaching AwardNorth Carolina Board of Governors
- 2003
Public Information AwardNorth Carolina Speech Hearing and Language Association
- 2003
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology Editor's AwardAmerican Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- 2002
Reich College of Education Outstanding Teaching AwardAppalachian State University
- 1999
Excellence in Teaching AwardAppalachian State University
Professional memberships
- 2024 - present
PresidentExecutive Board, Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences
- 2023 - present
President ElectExecutive Board, Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences
- 2022 - present
Program ChairAmerican Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- 2022 - present
MemberMayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development Enterprise Regulatory Review Committee
- 2022
ReviewerAmerican Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention
- 2022 - present
Commiittee MemberVisiting Faculty Committee, Department of Neurology
- 2020 - 2021
MemberNINDS, NICHD, NIH Common Data Elements Working Group for Rehabilitation
- 2020 - present
Conference Co-ChairConference on Motor Speech
- 2020 - present
MemberMayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development Accreditation Specialty Council
- 2018 - 2019
Committee MemberTask Force on Defining Success and Failures of Face Transplant
- 2018 - present
Committee MemberAcademy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences, Board of Residency Education
- 2018 - present
MemberNeurology Hospital Practice Committee, Department of Neurology
- 2018 - present
DirectorSpecial Interest Group: Neurophysiology and Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- 2017 - present
MemberStroke WorkGroup
- 2017 - 2020
Committee ChairAcademy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences
- 2015 - 2022
Board MemberAcademy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences, Board of Clinical Certification
- 2012
Program ChairConference on Motor Speech
- 2012 - present
Full MemberAcademy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences
- 2012 - present
Full MemberDysphagia Research Society
- 2012 - present
MemberMinnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- 2007 - 2009
Board of DirectorsNorth Carolina Speech Hearing and Language Association
- 2001 - 2007
MemberSteering Committee, Clinical Aphasiology Conference
- 1992 - present
Certified MemberAmerican Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Publications
Research activities