Taryn E. Townsend, SLPD, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Senior Speech Language Pathologist - Advanced Clinical Specialist
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)
Phone:
832-822-3280
Clinic
Phone:
832-822-3092
Direct Line
Languages: English
Departments:
Get to know Taryn E. Townsend, SLPD, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Taryn E. Townsend is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist at Texas Children's with a profound focus on pediatric brain injury and medically complex speech pathology. Taryn is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) and is passionate about advancing the field of pediatric speech therapy, particularly in the areas of brain injury recovery, and treating children with complex medical needs during prolonged hospitalizations. She actively contributes to the professional community through her participation in mentorship programs and advocating for improved care and resources for individuals affected by acquired brain injuries. In addition to her clinical work, Taryn has extensive experience as a guest lecturer at universities, sharing her expertise and insights with the next generation of speech-language pathologists. She has also presented at both national and international conferences, furthering the conversation on speech pathology in complex pediatric populations.
Personal Statement
My clinical philosophy centers around an interdisciplinary approach to patient-centered care with attention to detail and proficiency in the most up-to-date evidence-based practices within speech-language pathology.
Clinical Interests
Acquired pediatric brain injury, disorders of consciousness, medically complex and medically fragile patient population, tracheostomy and ventilators dependency, dysphagia, cognitive-communication disorders, aphasia, augmentative and alternative communication
Education
| School | Education | Degree | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGH Institute of Health Professions | SLPD | Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology | 2024 |
| MGH Institute of Health Professions | Masters | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (Concentration in Adult Neurogenic Communication Disorders) | 2012 |
| University of Florida | Bachelors | Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders | 2010 |
Organizations
| Organization Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Academy of Neurological Communication Disorders and Sciences | Member |
| American Speech-Language Hearing Association | Member |
| Brain Injury Association of America | Member |
| International Brain Injury Association | Member |
| National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing | Member |
| Texas Speech-Language Hearing Association | Member |
* Texas Children’s Hospital physicians’ licenses and credentials are reviewed prior to practicing at any of our facilities. Sections titled From the Doctor, Professional Organizations and Publications were provided by the physician’s office and were not verified by Texas Children’s Hospital.
Research interests
The role of speech-language pathology in the recovery from severe brain injury and disorders of consciousness; Advancing pediatric medical speech pathology
Ankar, A., Hermes, E., Wheless, C., Nguyen, G., Townsend, T., & Risen, S. (2024). Neurorehabiliation across the continuum: From the neurocritical care unit to home. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology, 29, 101-121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spen.2024.101121