CMSD Faculty and Staff | School of Allied Health Professions

Faculty

Karen Mainess, PhD, CCC-SLP

Communication Sciences and Disorders Department Chair

Dr. Mainess assumed the position of Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2024. She joined the faculty in 2001 and has served in many capacities throughout the years including speech-language pathology assistant program director (coordinating programs on both the LLU and Crafton Hills College campuses), undergraduate program director, and is currently the graduate program director for the Master of Science degree program.

Lamitra Baez, PhD, CCC-SLP

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Dr. Lamitra Baez is the Graduate Program Director for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program. She has been employed with Loma Linda as a full-time faculty member since 2017. Her background as a Speech and Language Pathologist began in 2003. She has skillfully held a variety of positions with emphasis in working with infants, toddlers, and school-aged children with various speech and language disorders.

Aieshea Banks, PhD, CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor

Dr. Aieshea Banks is a full-time assistant professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. She began her career as a clinical speech-language pathologist in 2003. Her clinical background includes providing dynamic assessments and person-centered care to youth and young adults with various communication needs in early intervention, public and charter (K-12) education, and private practice settings.

Julia Hollister, PhD, CCC-SLP BCFS

Associate Professor

Dr. Julia Hollister is a full-time Associate Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. She is involved in course instruction at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels and is also the program director for the Speech-Language Pathology Doctorate (SLPD) program.

Christina Nobriga, PhD, CCC-SLP

Associate Professor

Dr. Tina Nobriga is a full-time associate professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the School of Allied Health Professions at Loma Linda University. She has been teaching at Loma Linda University since 2012. Her clinical background includes pediatric through geriatric in outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient acute, private practice, and skilled nursing facility.

Eric Reid, PhD, CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor

Professor Reid is a full-time faculty member and Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the School of Allied Health at Loma Linda University. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music, Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science.

Brian Sharp, PhD, CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor

Dr. Brian Sharp is a full-time assistant professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the School of Allied Health Professions at Loma Linda University. He has been teaching at Loma Linda University since 2004. His clinical experience includes all populations from infant to the geriatric population in a variety of settings which include inpatient acute, acute rehabilitation, outpatient, skilled nursing, home health, and hospice.

Jennifer St. Clair, PhD, CCC-SLP

Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Jennifer St. Clair is a full-time faculty member and Director of Clinical Education for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, positions she has held since 2008. She comes to LLU with previous experience in the public schools, hospitals and private practice.

Keith Wolgemuth, PhD, CCC-A

Program Director - SLPD

Dr. Wolgemuth is a full-time faculty member in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department and his teaching and research interests focus on audiology, anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, auditory processing disorders, child language, auditory (re) habilitation, hearing conservation, and underwater acoustics and hearing conservation.

Diana Richie

Undergraduate Coordinator/Advisor and Pre-Enrollment Counselor

Diana has been a part of the CMSD department since 2007. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Human Resources from CSU San Bernardino. Diana currently serves as the Undergraduate Program Advisor/Coordinator.

Desirei Briseno

Administrative Assistant

Desirei is an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Loma Linda University since 2016, contributing to a total of 16 years of experience at LLU. Desirei is dedicated to supporting faculty and enhancing the educational experience for students. It brings her much joy to witness their growth and achievements as they graduate and embark on their careers. She takes pride in being a crucial part of students' learning journeys while supporting faculty, creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Her dedication to helping others fuels her commitment to excellence in every aspect of her role, ensuring that both students and faculty have the resources they need to succeed and flourish in their educational pursuits.

Brianna Caldera

Administrative Assistant

Brianna joined the Communication Sciences & Disorders department as an Administrative Assistant and Clinical Secretary in 2023. She assists students as they navigate their fieldwork to achieve their Speech Language Pathology Assistant licenses. She also supports clients and student clinicians at the LLU Speech Clinic by managing schedules, maintaining records, and handling various administrative tasks.She finds great joy in helping students in any way she can. She truly loves working with the department, as the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of students and clients brings her immense fulfillment.