Teodora Nedeva Spasova

Teodora Nedeva Spasova serves as an Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Cognitive Science and Psychology at New Bulgarian University, where she has taught since 2002. Specializing in speech pathology for craniofacial anomalies, she directs the Bachelor's program in Speech Therapy and instructs the course LOGB707: Diagnosis and Therapy of Cranio-facial Anomalies, Rhinolalia. Her clinical expertise centers on cleft lip and palate patients across surgical and rehabilitative phases.

• Master's in Marketing, Veliko Tarnovo University 'St. Cyril and St. Methodius' (2009-2011)
• PhD program in Language and Speech Pathology, New Bulgarian University (2003-2009; dissertation: 'Specific speech disorders in patients with congenital cleft palate')
• Specialization in Pre-speech Rehabilitation, Oro-facial Therapy and Nutritional Therapy, Specialized Hospital 'St. Sofia' (2007)
• Master's in Voice Disorders, Sofia University 'St. Kliment Ohridski' (1997-1999)
• Bachelor's in Logopedics, Sofia University 'St. Kliment Ohridski' (1993-1997)

Spasova's research investigates speech pathology mechanisms in congenital craniofacial anomalies, with emphasis on velopharyngeal insufficiency, articulation disorders, and surgical rehabilitation outcomes. Her work integrates clinical linguistics with craniofacial surgery, developing standardized assessment protocols and therapeutic interventions specifically for cleft lip and palate patients. She examines genetic syndromes like CATCH 22 and their speech manifestations, establishing evidence-based frameworks for multidisciplinary care coordination from infancy through adulthood.

Her 14 publications (2003-2008) reveal an evolving research trajectory from foundational documentation standards (2003) through multidisciplinary treatment models (2004) to sophisticated surgical outcome analyses (2005-2008). Key themes include speech assessment standardization, post-surgical rehabilitation efficacy, and the development of patient registries. Collaborating extensively with plastic surgeons and geneticists, her work consistently bridges clinical practice with surgical innovation, particularly in velopharyngeal function restoration and age-appropriate therapeutic interventions.

While no scientific awards are documented, Spasova's clinical leadership includes coordinating multidisciplinary teams at UMBAL 'Sveti Georgi' for congenital facial anomaly treatment and directing ALA projects funded by Transforming Faces Worldwide and European Cleft Organization. Her initiatives established Bulgaria's cleft patient registry and prevention programs for abandoned infants with facial anomalies.

Spasova integrates clinical practice with academic instruction through her role in New Bulgarian University's Speech Therapy program. Her work with ALA and UMBAL 'Sveti Georgi' demonstrates sustained commitment to improving craniofacial care systems in Bulgaria, particularly through the development of standardized protocols and family-centered rehabilitation resources including parent guides for early intervention.