Karen Mainess

Karen Mainess is a Professor and Department Chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Loma Linda University. She joined the faculty in 2001 and has held roles including Graduate Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and Clinical Supervisor. Her clinical focus spans developmental disorders, autism, and bilingual communication challenges.

• BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Loma Linda University
• MS in Speech-Language Pathology, Loma Linda University
• PhD in Speech-Language Pathology, Teachers College, Columbia University

Her research emphasizes pragmatic language development, narrative analysis in bilingual children, and interventions for autism spectrum disorders. She has published on melodic-based communication therapy, pragmatic assessment tools, and dietary impacts on behavior in autistic children.

Dr. Mainess mentors PhD students, coordinates graduate clinical training, and has presented extensively at conferences like ASHA and CSHA. She holds clinical licenses from ASHA and California, with teaching experience in courses ranging from diagnostics to bilingualism.