Rehabilitation Staff
Steven B. Leder, Ph.D., CCC/SLP
Steven B. Leder, Ph.D., CCC/SLP is an internationally-recognized expert in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of swallowing disorders. He received his BS from Ithaca College, MA from the University of Maryland, and his Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut. As Professor in the Department of Surgery, he is universally recognized for his clinical research in the management of swallowing disabled patients. He serves as a major resource in rehabilitating patients who have undergone treatment of Head and Neck cancers and serves as an integral member of the Head and Neck Tumor Board.
Lynn Acton, MS, CCC/SLP
Lynn Acton, MS, CCC/SLP, is a distinguished Speech Language Pathologist specializing in the rehabilitation of patients with Head and Neck cancer. She has been recruited to join the Yale Head and Neck Program from the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in New Jersey in order to provide specific skills in voice, speech and swallowing rehabilitation following treatment for Head and Neck Cancer. Ms. Acton received her BS from the College of New Jersey and MS from Pennsylvania State University. She continues to hold adjunct professorial appointments at Seton Hall and Kean Hall Universities.
Jennifer Hopper, AuD
Jennifer Hopper, Au.D., is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University where she received her master's degree in Audiology and earned her doctoral degree from Pennsylvania College of Optometry & Audiology. Her specialties include comprehensive audiologic assessment, otoacoustic emissions, auditory evoked response testing, electrocochleography, VEMP, vestibular testing (ENG, VNG, rotational chair, posturography), hearing aid selection, fitting and follow-up care, tinnitus assessment and treatment. She also has experience with cochlear implants (pre and post testing, counseling and subsequent mapping) and enjoys working with patients of all ages.
Heather L. Warner, MA, CCC/SLP
Heather Lisitano, MA, CCC/SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist who received her BS and MA from the University of Connecticut. Her contribution to Head and Neck rehabilitation centers on the diagnosis and treatment of speech and swallowing disorders.
Bernadette M. Palmese, AuD
Bernadette M. Palmese, M.A., CCC-A, an Audiologist, received her BA from the University of Connecticut and MA from Indiana University. She works closely with team members to evaluate balance function disorders. She also works with both children and adults with hearing loss.
Carol A. Powell, MS, CCC/A
Carol Powell, MS, CCC/A is an Audiologist in support of the Head and Neck Rehabilitation Program. She received her BA from the University of Connecticut and MS from Gallaudet University. Hearing rehabilitation remains her highest priority for both adults and children.
