Education + Experience
Nerissa C. Hall, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-AAC
Leading expert in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), telepractice, and assistive technology with over 20 years of clinical and academic experience. Board Certified Specialist in AAC, published author, and innovative educator transforming how individuals with communication disorders access services.
Educational Excellence
Bachelor's Degrees (2001-2005)
B.S. Communication Disorders & B.S. Psychology from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Master's Degree (2005-2007)
M.A. Speech-Language Pathology from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Doctoral Degree (2009-2013)
Ph.D. Communication Disorders with major in Speech Pathology and minor in Special Education from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
LEND Fellowship (2013-2014)
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Services Program at University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Groundbreaking Research
Dissertation Focus
Dr. Hall's doctoral research investigated the efficacy of direct and indirect AAC service provision via telepractice, pioneering new methods for delivering communication services remotely. This groundbreaking work established frameworks that are now widely used in the field.
Her research demonstrated that telepractice could be as effective as in-person services for AAC users, opening doors for individuals in underserved areas to access specialized communication support. This work has been cited extensively and continues to influence clinical practice worldwide.
Research Impact
  • Established telepractice protocols for AAC services
  • Validated remote service delivery models
  • Expanded access to specialized care
  • Influenced national practice standards
Professional Leadership Journey
1
2021 - Present: Department Manager
Tate Speech, Language, & Literacy Center, Tate Behavioral, Inc. Managing and mentoring clinicians specializing in AAC, speech, language, literacy, and assistive technology. Developing transdisciplinary practice procedures and procuring dedicated AAC devices through insurance.
2
2010 - 2021: Co-owner
CommuniCare, LLC. Built and led a specialized practice providing evidence-based assessment, intervention, consultation and professional development services. Supervised transdisciplinary teams and established innovative service delivery models.
3
2013 - 2014: Interim Assistant Director
Undergraduate Specialization in Developmental Disabilities and Human Services (DDHS), University of Massachusetts. Established internship opportunities and co-taught courses on intellectual disabilities.
4
2009 - 2013: Research Team Member
University Telepractice Research Team (uTRT). Collaborated on developing and assessing telepractice service models, engaged in research and grant-writing, and mentored pre-professional clinicians.
Published Works + Books
AI, XR, and Automation in SLP (2025)
Co-authored with Dr. Michelle Boisvert. Plural Publishing. Integrating cutting-edge technology into clinical practice for speech-language pathology.
Fundamentals of AAC, 2nd Edition (2025)
Co-authored with Jenifer Juengling, Michelle Gutmann, and Ellen Cohn. Plural Publishing. Case-based approach to enhancing communication for AAC users.
Tele-AAC (2019)
Co-authored with Jenifer Juengling, Michelle Gutmann, and Ellen Cohn. Plural Publishing. Comprehensive guide to augmentative and alternative communication through telepractice.
Academic Contributions
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Adjunct Faculty/Lecturer (2019, 2022, 2024). Developed and taught graduate-level courses on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and voice disorders.
Cambridge College
Adjunct Faculty/Lecturer (2015-2017). Developed and taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses on assistive technology (AT).
ELMS College
Adjunct Faculty/Lecturer (2013-2017). Designed, developed, and taught courses in communication disorders, research, and AAC.
Research Publications
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
  • Telepractice for School-Based Speech and Language Services: A Workload Management Strategy (2019)
  • Language Intervention via Text-Based Tele-AAC: A Case Study (2014)
  • The Multi-faceted Implementation of Telepractice to Service Individuals with Autism (2012)
  • Telepractice in Assessment and Treatment of Individuals with Aphasia: A Systematic Review (2013)
  • Tele-AAC Resolution (2012)
Invited Publications
  • Telehealth – Use in Early Autism Training for Parents (2014)
  • Clinical Aspects Related to Tele-AAC: A Technical Report (2014)
  • That Special Niche, The ASHA Leader (2017)
  • From My Screen to Yours, The ASHA Leader (2014)
National Conference Presentations
Dr. Hall has delivered over 40 presentations at national and international conferences, sharing expertise in telepractice, AAC, and assistive technology. Her presentations reach thousands of clinicians annually, advancing the field through practical, evidence-based strategies.
ASHA Conventions
Multiple presentations at American Speech-Language-Hearing Association annual conventions (2010-2025) covering telepractice innovations, Tele-AAC methodologies, and technology integration.
ASHA Schools Conferences
Specialized presentations for school-based practitioners on implementing telepractice services, AAC consultation models, and systematic data analysis approaches.
International Conferences
Presentations at International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC), AGOSCI Australia, and Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society conferences.
Assistive Technology Forums
Regular presenter at Assistive Technology of New England (ATNE) and Closing the Gap conferences, focusing on practical AT solutions and implementation strategies.
Awards & Professional Recognition
Board Certification in AAC (2025)
Achieved Board Certified Specialist in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (BCS-AAC), recognizing advanced expertise in the field.
ASHA ACE Awards
Received Award for Continuing Education (ACE) in 2022 and 2025, demonstrating commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence.
LEND Fellowship (2013)
Selected for prestigious Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Services fellowship at UMass Medical School.
Academic Honors
Graduated Magna Cum Laude from both undergraduate (2005) and master's programs (2007) at University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Doctoral Fellowship (2009)
Awarded fellowship for Training Leaders in SLPS as Effective Collaborators in the Public Schools, supporting groundbreaking research.
Professional Licensure
Licensed Speech Pathologist in both Connecticut and Massachusetts, maintaining active clinical practice across state lines.
Making Communication Accessible
Dr. Nerissa Hall's career exemplifies dedication to expanding communication access for individuals with complex needs. Through innovative telepractice models, comprehensive AAC expertise, and transdisciplinary collaboration, she has transformed how services are delivered to underserved populations.
Her work bridges research and practice, translating evidence-based findings into real-world applications that improve lives. As a clinician, researcher, educator, and author, Dr. Hall continues to shape the future of augmentative and alternative communication.
Clinical Excellence
20+ years serving individuals with communication disorders
Scholarly Impact
Multiple books and peer-reviewed publications
Innovation Leader
Pioneer in telepractice and technology integration
Member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and active contributor to the professional community through mentorship, teaching, and continued research.