Kristin Schaffer Mendez

Dr. Kristin Schaffer Mendez is an Assistant Professor in the Speech-Language Pathology Program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (Austin, TX), affiliated with the College of Rehabilitative Sciences. She holds a PhD from The University of Texas at Austin and completed clinical training at Vanderbilt University and the University of Florida.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, Vanderbilt University
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Florida

Her research focuses on neurogenic communication disorders, particularly psychosocial factors in primary progressive aphasia. She develops patient-centered treatments involving counseling, care partner training, and telehealth platforms. Her work emphasizes interprofessional collaboration across clinical, educational, and research settings.

Dr. Mendez has extensive clinical experience in home health, inpatient rehabilitation, and private practice, transitioning into academia in 2017. She has mentored students and professionals for over a decade, advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare education and practice. Her recent publications (2019–2025) explore innovative interventions for aphasia through script training, telehealth, and cognitive-behavioral approaches.

Professional Commitments:

• DEI advocate integrating equity principles into clinical training and research
• Pioneer in care partner-inclusive treatment paradigms
• Expert in aphasia-modified therapeutic frameworks