Leigh Ann Spell, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Leigh Ann Spell headshot

Leigh Ann Spell, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Program Chair

Professor of Speech-Language Pathology

CT | 104

803.786.3034

Biography

Leigh Ann Spell, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is a Professor and Program Chair of the Speech-Language Pathology program at Columbia College. Dr. Spell has over 35 years of experience in the field, working with children and adults in a variety of clinical, teaching, and research settings. She received her B.S. of Education (Speech Therapy) at Bowling Green State University and then completed her M.S.P. and Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of South Carolina (USC).

Dr. Spell is thrilled to be back at Columbia College where she started her professional academic career from 1996-2012. After starting a private practice and working in clinical research for many years, it seemed fitting for her to return to where her heart is - in teaching/mentoring future professionals in our field. Her areas of interest include acquired communication/cognitive disorders, neurological rehabilitation, intercultural communication, and implementation research.

Dr. Spell lives in West Columbia, SC with her husband. Her daughter and son are graduates of Clemson and the University of South Carolina, respectively (house divided) and are living in Greenville (daughter) and Washington D.C. (son). In her spare time, Dr. Spell enjoys traveling, reading, practicing yoga, listening to live music, watching USC women’s basketball, and hanging out with family and friends.

Awards & Accomplishments

  • Appointed board member of the South Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council (2022-present)
  • South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SCSHA) Member (1989-present). Served as President (2008)
  • Recipient of the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Excellence in Teaching Award (2011)
  • Recipient of the Columbia College Savory Scholars PURL Award (2011)

Publications

  • Kristinsson, S., Basilakos, A., Den Ouden, D., Cassarly, C., Spell, L., Bonilha, L., …, Julius Fridriksson, J. (2023). Predicting outcomes of language rehabilitation: Prognostic factors for immediate and long-term outcomes after aphasia therapy. Journal o
  • Stockbridge, M., Elm, J., Breining, B., Tippett, B., ...Spell, L., Fridriksson, J., Hillis, A. (2023). Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising adjunct to therapy for chronic aphasia. Stroke, 54(4), 912-920.
  • Blackett, D., Varkey, J., Wilmskoetter, J., Roth, R., … Spell, L., Fridriksson, J., & Bonilha, L. (2022). Neural network bases of thematic semantic processing in language production. Cortex, 156, p. 126-143. Kristinsson, S., Basilakos, A., Elm, J., Spell,
  • Spell, L., Richardson, J., Basilakos, A., Stark, B., Teklehaimanot, A., Hillis, A. & Fridriksson, J. (2020). Developing, implementing and improving assessment and treatment fidelity in clinical aphasia research. American Journal of Speech-Language Patholo

What do you love about working at Columbia College?

The two words that best describe Columbia College for me are support and community. As a returning faculty member, I am thrilled to be back with a community of students, faculty, and staff who truly care about quality education and do all that is possible to support each other. I love that everyone is encouraged to look outside of their specific academic programs and find ways to make a positive difference in the world. For me, Columbia College feels like home.