About the author

Claire Heitlinger, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of speech and swallowing disorders related to a range of medical diagnoses with special interest in neurogenic and head and neck cancer populations. Her clinical and scholarly interests include respiratory muscle strength training and holistic dysphagia management.

Claire earned her B.A. in Narrative and Testimony Studies at CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies and her M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Long Island University-Brooklyn. She has worked across a range of clinical settings including acute care, outpatient, and inpatient acute rehabilitation.

Her professional affiliations include the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), ASHA's Special Interest Group 13 for Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, ASHA's Special Interest Group 3 for Voice and Upper Airway Disorders, and the Dysphagia Research Society. She is certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD).

Claire is also co-founder and facilitator of the Bay Area Swallowing Support, a free community-based dysphagia support group.