VernaAnn Kotansky: Expert Speech Language Pathologist & AAC Innovator
VernaAnn Kotansky, MA, CCC-SLP, is a highly distinguished Speech Language Pathologist with over 30 years of clinical experience. Dedicated to helping children communicate confidently, VernaAnn has built a career defined by innovative therapy and a passion for accessibility. Her professional journey spans diverse environments, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, developmental facilities, and public schools. She is a nationally certified speech-language pathologist and President of Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC. A native of Western New York, she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo.
A Career Defined by Diverse Clinical Excellence
With more than 30 years of experience, VernaAnn’s professional journey is a testament to her versatility and commitment to the field. She has navigated a wide array of clinical environments, providing her with a holistic understanding of patient needs across the lifespan. Her expertise has been honed in:
-
Acute and Rehabilitative Hospitals: Managing complex communication and swallowing disorders.
-
Developmental Centers: Working with individuals with profound cognitive and physical challenges.
-
Public School Systems: Developing IEP-driven strategies that help students thrive in general education and special education settings.
Throughout these roles, VernaAnn has maintained a steadfast focus on empowering children. By utilizing communication boards and advanced assistive technologies, she bridges the gap between a child’s thoughts and their ability to share them with the world.
Specialized Expertise in AAC and Assistive Technology
As a specialist in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), VernaAnn focuses on empowering children through communication boards and assistive technology. Her clinical interests and areas of expertise include:
-
AAC and Assistive Technology: VernaAnn excels in matching students with the right technology, from low-tech PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) to high-tech speech-generating devices.
-
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Her approach to ASD is rooted in neurodiversity-affirming practices, focusing on functional communication that honors the individual’s unique processing style.
-
Social Communication & Pragmatics: She helps children navigate the nuances of social interaction, from turn-taking to understanding non-verbal cues.
-
Executive Function: VernaAnn integrates strategies to help students improve their organization, planning, and self-regulation—skills that are vital for both academic success and daily independence.
Advanced Credentials and Academic Honors
Education and continuous learning are pillars of VernaAnn’s practice. She holds advanced certifications in Assistive Technology for Communication and Classroom Applications from the University of South Florida. This specialized training allows her to integrate complex technology seamlessly into the classroom environment, ensuring that teachers and students can utilize these tools effectively.
Furthermore, VernaAnn is T.E.A.C.C.H. certified and PECS trained, methodologies that are gold standards in the treatment of autism. Her dedication to the profession was notably recognized when she was named a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar, an honor reserved for teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and a commitment to the nursing of young minds.
Leadership and Innovation at Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC
As the President of Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC, VernaAnn has translated her clinical insights into tangible resources that serve communities nationwide. The company’s primary mission is to make communication accessible in every public space.
One of her most significant contributions to the field is the development of Playground Communication Boards. These large, weather-resistant boards allow children with communication differences to interact with their peers during play—a time when traditional devices might be cumbersome or unavailable. By installing these boards in schools and parks, VernaAnn is not only supporting AAC users but also raising awareness and fostering a culture of inclusion among neurotypical children and adults.
VernaAnn maintains her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is an active member of the Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association (OSLHA), the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT).
Personal Life and Advocacy
VernaAnn lives in Lakewood, Ohio, with her husband and tfamily. Her life in Lakewood is filled with the same passion she brings to her work—helping families, educators, and local communities understand the transformative power of AAC. Through her advocacy, VernaAnn Kotansky continues to be a leading voice in the movement to foster connection and ensure a voice for every individual.
