Leora R. Cherney

Leora R. Cherney, PhD, CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS, FACRM serves as Professor in Communication Sciences & Disorders at Northwestern University's School of Communication and Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Feinberg School of Medicine. She holds the distinguished position of Scientific Chair of Think and Speak at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, where she founded and directs the Center for Aphasia Research and Treatment.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Speech and Language Pathology, Northwestern University
• MA in Speech and Language Pathology, Northwestern University
• BS in Logopaedics, University of Cape Town, South Africa

With over 40 years of clinical and research expertise in adult neurologic communication disorders, Dr. Cherney pioneers innovative aphasia rehabilitation through behavioral, pharmacological, and neuromodulatory interventions. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates quantitative and qualitative methodologies, single-subject research, and randomized clinical trials to measure outcomes across impairment and participation levels. She emphasizes translating laboratory findings into community-based applications through intensive programs and technological solutions.

Analysis of her 2021 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory focused on aphasia rehabilitation innovation. Key themes include neuromodulation techniques (tDCS/fMRI), technology-mediated interventions (web-based therapy, texting), cost-effectiveness of intensive programs, and international standardization of aphasia care. Her work bridges neuroscience, clinical practice, and health services research to address real-world rehabilitation challenges.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Honors of Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Honors of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Honors of Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences
• ACRM/National Stroke Association Excellence in Post-Acute Stroke award
• ACRM Women in Rehabilitation Science Award

Dr. Cherney maintains an exceptional grant portfolio as Principal Investigator:

• NIDILRR RTCP Eclipse project (Co-PI): Enhancing community living through self-efficacy
• NIDILRR AART program (PI): Advanced rehabilitation training for neurologic disorders
• NIH/NIDCD R01s: Linguistic trajectory studies and digital healthcare interventions
• NIDILRR Field Initiated Programs: tDCS timing studies and electronic communication tools

Her funding spans federal (NIH, NIDILRR), private, and industry sources with continuous support since 2017.

She directs Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's Center for Aphasia Research and Treatment, operating the Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (ICAP) and weekly community groups. Her translational research model connects laboratory innovation with clinical implementation through interdisciplinary teams of clinicians, researchers, and community partners focused on improving post-stroke communication outcomes.