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Background

Abbey Pipher joined Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences in February 2025 as a clinical instructor. She holds a New York state license in speech language pathology, a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and a New York state professional teacher’s certificate.

Pipher has more than 11 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist. She began her career working with adults across various medical settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics and inpatient rehabilitation. Most of her professional work has focused on evaluating and treating individuals with diverse communication needs, primarily serving preschool-aged children and students ages 5-21 in a BOCES setting.

Pipher has successfully evaluated and implemented AAC systems for individuals with complex communication needs, secured funding for speech-generating devices, and provided ongoing therapy and support. She values comprehensive caregiver training to ensure AAC is used effectively across all settings. Her approach is grounded in neurodiversity-affirming care and collaborative, person-centered practices.

Pipher holds training in PROMPT and is LSVT-Loud certified. She has earned ASHA's Award for Continuing Education for multiple years and is a member of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC).

Education

• MS, speech and language pathology, Nazareth University
• BS, communication sciences and disorders, Nazareth University

Research Interests

• Persons who use augmentative and alternative communication
• Language and literacy development in non-speaking individuals
• Apraxia (CAS)
• Autism and Gestalt language processors

Clinical Interests

• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
• Autism and neurodiversity affirming practices
• Children with complex communication needs (CCN)
• Language and literacy development
• Childhood apraxia (CAS)