Darla Freeman
SLPD, CCC-SLP
Tampa,FL
Summary
Seasoned speech-language pathology educator with extensive experience designing and delivering university-level coursework across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Proven track record in developing evidence-based curricula and creating engaging online and in-person learning environments aligned with ASHA KASA competencies. Expertise in leveraging diverse learning platforms, facilitating interactive instruction, and providing timely, supportive feedback to students. Over two decades of clinical and academic experience in voice, neurogenic communication disorders, and professional voice, recognized for collaborative leadership, program development, and contributions to community-based education and interdisciplinary training.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
10
10
Certifications
Work History
Content Creator and Lead Clinical Specialist
Dysphagia & Voice Clinical Training Education Foundation
Tampa, Florida
01.2024 - Current
- Create and execute content platforms
- Develop and produce high-quality written and visual content
- Manage and maintain content
- Teach and train individuals and groups on the utilization of flexible and rigid endoscopy procedures for FEES and Videostroboscopy procedures
- Supervise rigid and flexible scope passes
- Teach FEES and Videostroboscopy interpretation of findings
Teaching Faculty, Training Team for Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s Foundation
10.2016 - Current
- Recruited by the National Parkinson’s Foundation to educate and train medical professionals, patients, and caregivers regarding communication disorders in pursuit of expanding skills in the evaluation and treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease.
- Create in person and online training modules.
- Facilitate virtual teaching on Zoom platform.
- Moderate patient panels during online and in person conference
- Education series planning committee member and presenter
Speech-Language Pathologist and Department Manager
Florida E.N.T. and Allergy, Florida Center for Voice & Swallowing
01.1998 - Current
- Areas of focus: ages 10+, general population, vocal cord dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease, professional speakers
- Provide VLS, FEES, laryngeal function studies, behavioral analysis of voice and spirometry assessments.
- Supervise Speech Pathology Assistants
- Write proposals for new equipment outlining return on investment.
- Create departmental policies and procedures
- University externship supervisor
- Established relationship with technical schools to recruit medical assistants
- Create templates for electronic medical recording
- Conduct huddles to educate physicians and staff
- Community presenter
- Provide in-person and telehealth services
Adjunct Professor
Gannon University
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Managed student performance using automated reporting system, leveraging data to identify student learning needs and create action plans to overcome learning deficiencies.
- Taught voice disorders course, providing instruction to up to 10 graduate students.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Evaluated and revised course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi.
- Used exams, quizzes and assignments to assess student comprehension.
- Graded quizzes and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
Adjunct Professor
College of Our Lady of the ELMS
08.2021 - 05.2024
- Taught anatomy and physiology courses, providing instruction to up to 30 undergraduate students.
- Developed curricula for online, using Moodle technology:
- Lectures via Zoom
- Screen sharing
- Interaction via chat feature
- Email correspondence within 48 hours
- Created exams, quizzes, and assignments corresponding to course objectives in line with ASHA’s KASA competencies for speech pathology assistant certification
- Created gradebook
- Provided weekly online lectures
- Facilitated learning using interactive activities based on student learning styles and student feedback
- Utilized classroom management strategies to facilitate interaction
Adjunct Professor
Albizu University
08.2022 - 12.2023
- Taught voice disorders courses, providing instruction to up to 20 graduate students.
- Designed online curriculum for master’s level voice disorders course using Blackboard technology:
- Lectures via Collaborate
- Screen sharing
- Interaction via chat feature
- Breakout rooms for small group instruction
- Emailed correspondence within 48 hours
- Created exams, quizzes, critical discussions, and assignments corresponding to course objectives in line with ASHA’s KASA competencies
- Recorded lectures using Panopto
- Created gradebook
- Instructed online each week
- Facilitated learning using interactive activities based on student learning styles and student feedback
- Utilized classroom management strategies to facilitate interaction
Clinical Specialist/Trainer, National FEES Trainer
S.E.C. Medical Speech Pathology Consulting and Training
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Taught and trained individuals and groups on the utilization of flexible and rigid endoscopy procedures for FEES and Videostroboscopy procedures
- Supervised rigid and flexible scope passes.
- Taught FEES and Videostroboscopy interpretation
Teaching Assistant, Organizational Behavior-Spring Quarter
Northwestern University
01.2021 - 03.2021
- Selected to support lead instructor with a class of 28 speech pathology doctoral students
- Entered grades into Canvas
- Reinforced course content by responding to student inquiries
- Documented weekly student progress including group discussion posts and other required assignments
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
ALS Association Tampa Chapter, University of South Florida
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Recruited by the association to plan and serve as lead SLP.
- Created screening protocol, organized clinic schedule.
Instructor and Course Manager, Voice-Fluency-Neurogenics Practicum
University of South Florida
01.2001 - 01.2016
- Recruited to the faculty
- Managed three employees to facilitate accountability
- Managed course budget
- Maintained online platforms (Blackboard and Canvas)
- Instructed and trained 15+ graduate level students per semester
- Areas of focus: Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Voice, Fluency, Brain Injury, Accent Reduction, and CVA caseload
- First to forge a relationship with the Parkinson’s Disease Center of Movement Disorders
- Established community-based speech and hearing screenings serving over 100 clients annually.
- Created community-based treatment groups for Multiple Sclerosis.
- Created support group for spasmodic dysphonia.
- Chaired faculty search
- Graduate and undergraduate academic guest lecturer 1-2 times per semester
- Organized voice screenings for music department
- Http://intra.cbcs.usf.edu/mediatracker/common/cfm/unsecured/csd/ViewNews.cfm?NewsID=757
Education
Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology -
Northwestern University
01.2021
Post-Graduate Certificate - Higher Education Teaching
Harvard’s Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning
01.2021
Master of Arts - Speech-Language Pathology
The Ohio State University
01.1992
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Science
The University of Pittsburgh
01.1990
Skills
- Curriculum design — Creates online and in‑person curricula for undergraduate and graduate courses aligned with ASHA KASA competencies
- Lecture delivery — Provides weekly synchronous and asynchronous instruction using Zoom, Collaborate, Microsoft Teams, and Panopto
- Assessment development — Designs exams, quizzes, assignments, and critical discussions tied to course objectives
- Learning‑style–responsive teaching — Adapts instruction using interactive activities based on student feedback and learning preferences
- Learning management system expertise — Skilled with Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, and Panopto
- Virtual instruction proficiency — Uses Zoom, Collaborate, Google Meet, and Teams for teaching, supervision, and training
- Clinical skill training — Trains FEES, videostroboscopy, voice assessment, and Parkinson’s‑specific interventions
- Program creation — Developed community‑based treatment groups, support groups, and screening programs
- Faculty and staff management — Managed employees, budgets, and departmental operations
- Committee and search leadership — Chaired faculty search committees and served on academic committees
- Conference teaching & public education — Frequent presenter for national and international conferences, webinars, and community programs
Affiliations
- American Speech-Language Hearing Association and Special Interest Group 3, Member
- National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association, Member
- Tampa Bay National Spasmodic Dysphonia Support Group, Founder and Medical Advisor
- Tampa Medical Speech Pathology Association, Executive Board Member
Certification
SPEAKOUT!, Licensed provider (since 2024)
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
Gannon University
01.2025 - 05.2025
Content Creator and Lead Clinical Specialist
Dysphagia & Voice Clinical Training Education Foundation
01.2024 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Albizu University
08.2022 - 12.2023
Clinical Specialist/Trainer, National FEES Trainer
S.E.C. Medical Speech Pathology Consulting and Training
01.2022 - 01.2023
Adjunct Professor
College of Our Lady of the ELMS
08.2021 - 05.2024
Teaching Assistant, Organizational Behavior-Spring Quarter
Northwestern University
01.2021 - 03.2021
Teaching Faculty, Training Team for Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s Foundation
10.2016 - Current
ALS Association Tampa Chapter, University of South Florida
01.2011 - 01.2016
Instructor and Course Manager, Voice-Fluency-Neurogenics Practicum
University of South Florida
01.2001 - 01.2016
Speech-Language Pathologist and Department Manager
Florida E.N.T. and Allergy, Florida Center for Voice & Swallowing
01.1998 - Current
Post-Graduate Certificate - Higher Education Teaching
Harvard’s Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning
Master of Arts - Speech-Language Pathology
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Science
The University of Pittsburgh
Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology -
Northwestern University
PRESENTATIONS/COURSES:
- 2024
- Freeman, D. Voice and Speech, National Dysphonia Symposium, Tampa, FL
- Freeman, D. Evaluating and Treating Voice Disorders: Role of the SLP, National Dysphonia Symposium, Tampa, FL
- Abdel-Atey, Y., Chesky, K., Freeman, D., Kokai, J., Morris, M.L., Muci, D., Tom, J. “Diverse Perspectives – One Collaborative.” Performing Arts Medical Conference, University of South Florida
- Freeman, D. Changes in Speech & Voice, Parkinson’s Foundation, Wellness Wednesday Webinar, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6w_PQiHLr8
- 2023
- Freeman, D. Speech Therapy: All for One and One for All, National Dystonia Association Voice Conference, University of South Florida
- 2021
- Fisher, H., Freeman, D., Gerhard, J., Lloyd, A., Menton, S., Thompson, C., and Watts, S. Voice Grand Rounds: I wasn’t expecting that! FLASHA 2022
- Freeman, D. Honorary Speaker, Speech Language Pathology Doctorate Commencement, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
- Freeman, D. Diversity in the Workplace, University of South Florida, Presentation to the Multicultural CSD student organization
- 2020
- Freeman, D. Assessment of the Vocalist, Performing Arts Colloquium, University of South Florida Colloquium
- 2019
- Freeman, D. Approaches to Voice Training in PD, 5th World Parkinson’s Congress, Kyoto, Japan
- Freeman, D. Everything you Want to Know About Speech-Language Pathology, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Chicago IL
- Freeman, D. Alleviating Voice Challenges with PD, Parkinson’s Foundation Podcast Episode 56 https://www.parkinson.org/library/podcast/56
- Freeman, D. Introduction to Voice Disorders, University of South Florida
- 2018
- Freeman, D. Cognitive Challenges and MS What You Need to Know, Webinar
- Freeman, D. The Value of Music and PD, Hawthorne Rehabilitation Center PD Support Group, Brandon, FL
- 2017
- Freeman, D. Video Laryngeal Stroboscopic Evaluation, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- Freeman, D. Breathing APPS for Spasmodic Dysphonia, University of South Florida
- Freeman, D. Speaking up with Parkinson’s, University of South Florida
- Freeman, D. MS and Swallowing Disorders, MS Carrollwood Support Group, Tampa, Florida
- Freeman, D. Parkinson’s disease: A Review for the SLP, Medical Speech Pathology Association Neurological Conference, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida
- Freeman, D. The Value of Music and PD, Allied Training Team for Parkinson’s, Plenary Presentation, Miami, FL
- Freeman, D. Resilience and MS, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, University of South Florida
- Freeman, D. The Value of Music and PD, North Tampa PD Support Group, Brandon, FL
- Preventing Slips, Trips & Falls: Staying Safe in the Community. University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- Freeman, D. It Takes a Village: When Cognition Shifts Roles, Webinar
Continuing Education
- ASHA National Convention, New Orleans, LA
- Victory Summit, Davis Phinney Foundation, Charlotte Harbor Event Center, Punta Gorda, FL
- 3rd Annual Tampa Bay MESPA Symposium: Neuro-Science, Tampa, FL
- Speak Out!: Richland, TX
- Voice, Swallow & Airway Conference, Juno Beach, FL
- Medical Errors Prevention for the Speech-Language Pathologist, Tampa, FL
- 2nd Annual MESPA Symposium: Voice, Tampa FL
- ASHA National Convention, Philadelphia, PA
- LSVT-recertification: Online Course
- Reflux Summit, Florida Hospital, Tampa, FL
- Prevention of Medical Errors for the Rehabilitation Professional, Tampa, FL
- From Student to Extern: Supervising the new Generation of SLP’s, Medical Speech Pathology Association, Tampa, FL
- The Basics of Vision Impairments and Functional Applications, Medical Speech Pathology Association, Tampa, FL
- ASHA National Convention, Orlando, FL
- Overview of Health Care Reform and ICD-10-CM Updates: What A SLP Needs to Know, Medical Speech Pathology Association, Tampa
- Outpatient Therapy Billing and Coding Made Easy, Rick Gawenda, Cross Country Education
- Manual Circumlaryngeal Techniques, Dea Deming, Medical Speech Pathology Association, Tampa
- Overview of Health Care Reform and ICD-10-CM Updates: What A SLP Needs to Know, J. Carotenuto
- The Nurse’s Role in the Current Management of Multiple Sclerosis, Genzyme
Grants
- 2024
- Name of Funding Organization: Parkinson Voice Project
- Amount Awarded: $400.00
- Title of Project: 2024 SPEAK OUT! Training and License
- 2018
- Grant: Community [Grant #T05]
- Funding Organization: National Parkinson’s Foundation
- Amount Awarded: $9, 500.00
- Period of Grant Award: 1/1/2018 -12/31/2018.
- Title of Project: PD Voice Therapy Program
- Role on Project: Lead
- 2017
- Grant: Community [Grant # T02-2017]
- Period of Grant Award: 1/1/2017 -12/31/2017.
- Title of Project: SET for Parkinson’s
Scholarships
- 2019-2021
- Funding Organization: Northwestern University, School of Communication
- Type: Academic
- Amount: $6,000.00
University Committees
- University of South Florida:
- Performing Arts Medical Association, Free to Play, Committee Member, 2013 to present
- Multiple Sclerosis Step-Up Volunteer Leadership Team, 2013-2020
- College of Behavioral & Community Sciences Academic Grievance Committee Pool, 2014-2015
- Communication Sciences and Disorders Admissions Committee, 2012-2014
- Externship Conference, Volunteer Coordinator, 2013
- Graduate Thesis Committee, Brandlynn Reister, 2013
Special Recognitions
- USF Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, “Unsung Hero” Award, Recognition of Outstanding Contributions to the Department
- National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association, Tampa Support Group, Founder and Medical Advisor, Recognition of 10 years
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Florida Regional Chapter Milestone Award Recipient