Leah Beekman-Velarde

Dr. Leah Beekman-Velarde is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Chapman University's Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. She completed her PhD at Case Western Reserve University, following graduate and undergraduate studies at William Paterson University of New Jersey.

• Education
  • Bachelor of Arts, William Paterson University
  • Master of Science, William Paterson University
  • PhD, Case Western Reserve University

Her research focuses on telehealth applications for developmental disability screening in low-income urban communities, particularly addressing social communication deficits in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. She specializes in ambiguous language assessment and developmental risk evaluation using digital platforms.

Recent publications highlight her work with the INvesT model for telehealth-based developmental screening and systematic reviews of social communication interventions post-pediatric TBI. While no formal awards are listed, her research addresses critical healthcare disparities through innovative technology implementation.

Contact: beekman@chapman.edu