(Reprinted from log.riversidealumni.com)

Laurie Sterling (nee Sanders) has been a medical speech-language pathologist for over 30 years and has made outstanding contributions to the profession. Her extensive clinical experience spans the age range from infants to adults.

Laurie’s commitment to clinical education has been evidenced by her many presentations at local, national and international conferences. She has given over 40 presentations and published several peer-reviewed manuscripts. She has presented nationally on the topics of evaluation and treatment of adults and children with swallowing disorders primarily in patients with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and lung transplant.

Laurie’s commitment to educating speech pathologists is also evidenced by the roles she has served in her national organization – the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Laurie has been a board member of the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders and as education chair of that group as well as chaired the education committee of an ASHA special interest group on swallowing and swallowing disorders. Laurie worked to develop advanced level continuing education opportunities for clinicians in both organizations.

Laurie has also served on ASHA’s Convention Program Committee developing educational sessions for clinicians for many years and served as the ASHA annual Convention Co-chair in 2019. She has been invited to reprise that role in 2025 and will be serving as Co-chair of ASHA Centennial annual convention in Washington DC.

Over the years, Laurie has been awarded 15 ASHA Awards for Continuing Education. Laurie has also served on numerous committees within her organizations where she also demonstrates her commitment to implementing evidence-based practices. For example, she has served on a hospital wide committee to develop a certified stroke program and a system wide committee focusing on reducing the incidence of aspiration pneumonia. Laurie’s dedication to clinical service, professional development and her profession culminated in 2020 when she received one of the highest honors of ASHA – Fellow of the Association.

A member of the Riverside Class of 1980, Laurie was an excellent student and an active member of the student body. She was a dedicated member of both the Symphonic and Marching bands and a Beaverette. She was an accompanist for the choir and appeared in two Shaner productions.

Laurie and her husband, Wayne make their home in Missouri City, south of Houston Texas. They have two Golden Retrievers and a cat. She enjoys traveling, the beach, and reading.