Amber Heape

Dr. Amber Heape is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology at South Carolina State University (SC State) since 2015. She also holds an adjunct role at Rocky Mountain University (RMU). Her primary affiliation is as a full-time clinical educator for a large healthcare company, leading interdisciplinary teams and developing clinical programs for over 100 skilled nursing facilities. She teaches graduate-level adult medical courses in speech pathology and audiology.

Educations:

• CScD in Speech-Language Pathology (2016) – Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, Utah
• Certificate in Health Professions Education (2019) – Rocky Mountain University, Provo, Utah
• M.CD in Speech-Language Pathology (2004) – University of South Carolina, Columbia
• B.A. in Speech-Language Pathology (2000) – Columbia College, Columbia

Research Interests: Her work focuses on Clinical Supervision, Dysphagia, Dementia, and Aging/Geriatric Care. She emphasizes evidence-based practice and mentors students in research, particularly in Problems of Aging and Disorders of Phonation.

Awards & Affiliations:

• Member of the National Academies of Practice
• Certified Dementia Practitioner and Montessori Dementia Care Professional
• Volunteers with aging care advocacy organizations
• Serves on ASHA's SIG 15 (Gerontology) Coordinating Committee and Convention Planning Committee
• State Advocate for Medicare Policy (StAMP) in South Carolina

Leadership & Grants: Co-founded the SCSHA Leadership Development Program and a Clinical Fellow mentoring program at her company. She has authored corporate clinical programs and continuing education courses.

Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams in her healthcare role and collaborates with academic institutions on clinical research initiatives.