Rick earned his Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University and his Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language and Communication Disorders from Nova Southeastern University, where he also completed minors in Experiential Leadership and Honors Transdisciplinary Studies.

Throughout his academic and clinical training, Rick has gained extensive experience working with diverse pediatric populations. His clinical externships included placements at a public elementary school serving students from Pre-K through first grade, as well as at Speech Start. These experiences, along with his graduate-level clinical work, have provided him with a strong foundation in a wide range of communication disorders and treatment approaches.

Rick has developed knowledge in working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Gestalt Language Processing, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), expressive and receptive language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, social pragmatic communication disorders, literacy, and voice disorders.

Rick’s primary clinical and research interests lie in ASD and AAC. He earned a certification as a Neurodiverse Affirming Care Specialist at Kean University and conducted his graduate thesis on identity representation in AAC devices for children with ASD. He remains committed to ongoing professional development and strives to provide individualized, evidence-based, and affirming care to support clients’ communication needs.