Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship


Mission and Vision Statement

Shepherd Center’s Clinical Fellowship Program is committed to providing a positive and dynamic learning experience while developing the advanced clinical skills required for serving the catastrophically injured population. The Clinical Fellow will be a functioning member of an interdisciplinary team. Mentorship will be provided to facilitate growth and independence in the areas of diagnostics, treatment development, caseload management, and critical thinking application in the areas of cognition, communication, dysphagia, and voice.

Shepherd Center’s vision is to be the leader in patient care excellence, education, and research across the specialized populations we serve.

Program at a Glance

This 13-month fellowship will allow the new clinician to complete the CFY while rotating through ABI, SCI, acute and post-acute settings. The program will provide a didactic clinical experience in the care of adolescents and adults with the following:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Stroke
  • Aphasia
  • Dysphagia
  • Dysarthria
  • Cognitive-linguistic deficits
  • Trach and Vent
  • Disorders of Consciousness

  • Achieve clinical experience in the specialized areas of brain injury and spinal cord injury
  • Learn to apply didactic information to clinical practice
  • Supervision and mentoring throughout the clinical fellowship from experienced clinicians
  • Communicate in an effective, professional manner within an inter-disciplinary healthcare setting
  • Full-time salaried position with benefits
  • Preparation to undertake a career in medical speech-language pathology
  • Provide direct patient care
  • Participate in the recruitment process of the incoming clinical fellow
  • Participation in program-specific projects
  • Maintenance of all licensure and ASHA certification requirements
  • Maintain ethical, responsible, and professional conduct

Helen Leu completed her undergraduate studies at Hunter College and majored in Psychology & Focus Study in Music. She completed her graduate school at the Teacher’s College, Columbia University. Her professional interests include Aphasia, Cognitive Communication Disorders, Dysphagia, and Life Participation. Helen enjoys the resourcefulness of a city in a more suburban vibe, which attracted her to Atlanta. She would like to grow all her food one day!

Why I chose Shepherd Center: “I love how Shepherd Center takes a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach and truly involves the patient and their families in their plan of care.”

Amands GoldmanAmanda Goldman completed her undergraduate education at the University of Georgia and majored in Communication Science and Disorders. Her graduate studies were completed at Gallaudet University. Amanda’s professional interests include working in an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation setting with adolescents and adults with acquired brain injury and with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population. She is proficient in ASL, taught English in Thailand, loves to travel, and trained guide dogs for the blind at UGA.

Why I chose Shepherd Center: I chose the Shepherd Center because they truly put the patient and their families first. The culture at the hospital is incredible and all staff members are friendly, kind, and supportive of one another. Each employee, regardless of their position, aims to make meaningful connections with each patient and provides hope, humor, and compassion during the patient’s hardest times. I was also drawn to Shepherd because they treat a diverse patient population in which you can learn how to best treat patients across the continuum. I also loved the hospital’s strong emphasis on teamwork and the use of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

What I like about Atlanta: I like Atlanta because you never run out of things to do! Everyone is very friendly, making it easy to make friends if you aren’t from the area. Atlanta also has a great food scene with endless restaurants to choose from. I currently live in Midtown, which I love, because it is very walkable and has easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, Piedmont Park, and the beltline. Georgia also has very mild winters, which is a perk!


Application Process

Applications for the 2023-2024 clinical fellowship are now closed. Please check back for future fellowship training opportunities. 

Applicants should possess a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, a passing score on the Praxis Examination, and eligibility for a PCE license in the state of Georgia. Following the initial review process, qualifying applicants will be asked to participate in our second round of virtual interviews. The final round will consist of an on-site interview day for selected candidates at the Shepherd Center.

Applications should include the following:

  • The completed application form.
  • A one-page (12-point font) cover letter describing your interest in the position, previous experience in medical speech pathology, goals for your career, and the qualities that make you a viable candidate for this clinical fellowship.
  • Updated CV/Resume

Applicants must be eligible for completion of degree requirements by August 1, 2023, to be considered for the program. The start date for the clinical fellowship would be August 21, 2023.

Contact Us

For more information, please email us at shepherdcfyapplicant@gmail.com.