VOAC Staff

Nancy Brady, PhD, CCC-SLP

Nancy C. Brady is a professor in the department of Speech Language Hearing Sciences and Disorders and an Investigator in the Life Span Studies at the University of Kansas. Dr. Brady’s research focuses on understanding how pre-speech communication develops, identifying aspects of pre-speech communication directly related to language development, and developing interventions aimed at promoting language by strengthening these foundational skills. A certified Speech Language Pathologist, Dr. Brady’s research informs clinical practice, particularly for individuals with severe autism, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, rare disorders associated with intellectual disabilities, and children with sensory impairments such as deaf-blindness. Dr. Brady’s research program has resulted in over 80 peer- reviewed journal articles plus an edited book, numerous book chapters and conference presentations.

Nancy Brady, white female, short gray hair and brown eyes, wearing a black and purple shirt. She is smiling at the camera

Olivia Boorom, CCC-SLP, Doctoral Research Assistant

Olivia Boorom is a licensed speech-language pathologist and Ph.D. student working in the Communication Success Lab. She received her B.A. in Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and in 2018 she received her M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from East Carolina University. She previously worked as a clinical fellow and SLP in the Vanderbilt Music Cognition Lab, assisting with projects studying the relationship between music, rhythm, and language in children with autism and developmental language disorders. Her research interests include the measurement of emerging language skills, including language comprehension, and the factors that impact reciprocity during social interaction with autistic children.

Olivia Boorom, white female with brown eyes and brown hair that touches her collar. She is wearing a white shirt with a brown blazer, black eye glasses, and has a septum piercing. She is smiling at the camera. Background is a blurred image of greenery and house siding.

Suzanne Martell, Project Coordinator

Suzanne Martell joins Dr. Brady's Communication Success Lab after spending five years as a Special Education teacher, predominantly having worked with children with Autism. Suzanne received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, with an Emphasis in Special Education from Washburn University in Topeka, KS. She went on to receive her master's degree in special education from Baker University in Baldwin City, KS. Working with Dr. Brady and Olivia Boorom on the Verbal Outcomes for Autistic Children study is the start to what she hopes will become a long and fulfilling career in Autism related research.

Suzanne Martell, very short brown hair and green eyes. She is wearing black rimmed glasses and is closed mouthed smiling at the camera.

Undergraduate Researchers

Lauren Paben

Katie Liskey