About Us
Nadia Townsend, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Zoe Giatis, M.A., CCC-SLP
Nadia is a speech-language pathologist specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and early literacy. She serves as an AAC Specialist for a public school district in Northern California and has dedicated her career to helping neurodivergent individuals access meaningful, robust communication systems.
In addition to her clinical work, Nadia is a lecturer and clinical supervisor at San Jose State University. She is also the co-founder of Growing With AAC. Her doctoral research focused on adapting a literacy program for non-speaking children who use AAC devices.
In her spare time, Nadia enjoys spending time with her family, reading, crafting, and trying new restaurants.
Zoe is a neurodivergent speech-language pathologist specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and neurodiversity-affirming practices. She serves as an SLP for a public school district in Northern California and has a passion for ensuring equitable practices.
Zoe is also a lecturer and clinical supervisor at San Jose State University. She is the co-founder of Growing With AAC. She is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, where her research aims to examine neurodiversity-affirming practices within speech pathology and educator preparation programs.
In her spare time, Zoe enjoys spending time with her cat, trying new foods, and attending festivals.
Past Presentations
"Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices and AAC" - March 2024
Oral Presentation
California Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA) Convergence
San Francisco, CA
"Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices and AAC" - Dec. 2024
Oral Presentation
American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention
Seattle, WA
"Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices and AAC" - July 2025
Oral Presentation
AAC in the Cloud
Virtual Conference
"Building Communication With Neurodiversity-Affirming Connection" - Sept. 2025
Poster Presentation
Stanford Neurodiversity Summit
Stanford, CA
“GLP in AAC: Controversy, Questions, and Clinical Applications” - March 2026
Oral Presentation
California Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA) Convergence
San Francisco, CA
“AAC-eptance: Embracing Neurodiversity in Communication” -
March 2026
Oral Presentation
California Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA) Convergence
San Francisco, CA
“Navigating the Controversy: Gestalt Language Processing, Best Practices, and the Evidence Shaping Intervention” -
April 2026
Oral Presentation
Developmental Disability and Neurodiversity Conference (DDNC)
Vacaville, CA
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