Nikki Stempien, M.A. CCC-SLP
Speech Language & AAC Coach
Contact me at: nikki.stempien@hillsdale-isd.org
517.689.1867
Want to see more of what an AAC Coach can help with? AAC Coach Description
Check out my video introducing AAC: Video Intro to AAC
Would you like to put in a request for coaching support? Coach Support Request Form
Would you like AAC Coach team training? AAC Coach Team Training Request Form
My name is Nikki Stempien and I am a Speech Language Pathologist with the Hillsdale County Intermediate School District (HCISD). This is my 6th year with the HCISD. Over the years, I have enjoyed working with students with many different needs. One area I’ve grown very passionate about is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
What is AAC? “You may have seen someone write in a notebook to answer a question. Maybe you have seen people using gestures to communicate. You may have seen someone point to pictures or push buttons on a computer that speaks for them. These are all forms of augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC” (ASHA, 2021).
This year, with the HCISD, I am taking a new and exciting role. I will be acting as HCISD’s AAC Coach. I will be supporting HCISD and local district teams servicing students with complex communication needs who are supported through augmentative and alternative communication strategies and systems. I can help teams with supporting specific students or classrooms of students using AAC and provide training for staff to learn more about AAC.
I am very excited about this new role and opportunity to help support Hillsdale County students become competent, independent, functional communicators. If you have a student you feel would benefit from AAC, or need help with a student who currently has a device/system, please contact the AAC Coach by filling out the following form: AAC Coach support request . If your team is interested in learning about AAC implementation, building language skills, use of the system in the classroom, or any other type of AAC training from the AAC Coach, please fill out the following form: AAC Coach team training request form.