Claire Wofford

Claire Wofford serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders within the College of Health and Human Sciences at Western Carolina University. She rejoined WCU in August 2019 after completing her doctoral studies at Florida State University, where she had previously earned her Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders and worked as a bilingual speech-language pathologist serving Spanish-speaking families.

Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders from Western Carolina University and a Doctoral degree from Florida State University. Her professional journey reflects deep commitment to multilingual clinical practice and academic scholarship.

Dr. Wofford's research centers on multilingual community-based services in speech-language pathology, with specialized focus on Spanish-English bilingual populations. She investigates multilingual language and literacy development and narrative language assessment methodologies that prioritize cultural and linguistic responsiveness. Her work consistently addresses equitable assessment strategies for diverse populations, particularly individuals with disabilities and dual language learners, emphasizing family perspectives and social validity in intervention design.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2016-2022) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) bilingual narrative development in Spanish-English dual language learners, (2) culturally responsive augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) practices for individuals with severe disabilities, and (3) language intervention strategies for at-risk bilingual children. Her scholarship consistently bridges clinical practice with social justice frameworks, particularly through intersectional approaches to identity in AAC services and human rights perspectives on communication access.

No specific scientific awards were documented in the provided materials.

While the available text does not detail specific student advising relationships or active research grants, Dr. Wofford's publications demonstrate consistent mentorship through student co-authorship on DEI initiatives and clinical research projects. Her work with student-led diversity committees indicates active engagement in academic community building.

Dr. Wofford leads the Rebozo Research group (https://rebozoresearch.weebly.com/), which focuses on advancing multilingual practices in communication sciences and disorders through community-based research, professional development, and culturally sustaining clinical methodologies.