Aphasia & Rehabilitation Outcomes Lab

Rebecca Hunting Pompon, Ph.D.
Director, Principal Investigator  | rhp@udel.edu

Rebecca Hunting Pompon, Ph.D., is the Principal Investigator of the Aphasia & Rehabilitation Outcomes (ARO) Lab and Associate Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Delaware.  Dr. Hunting Pompon received a master’s degree in Counseling from Seattle University, and has clinical experience in adult mental health, in addition to 15 years of experience in the non-profit medical, social justice, and mental health sectors. She completed a Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Washington, with an emphasis on aphasia, its rehabilitation, and the cognitive functions involved in language processing. Dr. Hunting Pompon’s current research focuses on aphasia and biopsychosocial factors — like chronic stress and depression — and how these factors may be measured in people with aphasia and impact rehabilitation outcomes.  Other research interests include cognitive-linguistic processes and aphasia treatment engagement and response. Dr. Hunting Pompon trains and advises clinicians across the allied health professions on interpersonal communication and counseling skills in a variety of clinical contexts (see course series “Building Counseling Skills” produced by MedBridge Education). Outside of her work, Dr. Hunting Pompon enjoys drawing and all kinds of art, swimming, and trying to keep up with her two children.

Patrycja Puzio, M.A., CCC-SLP
Ph.D. Student and Research Coordinator  | patrycja@udel.edu

Patrycja joined the ARO Lab in 2023 as the research coordinator and lab manager. She has clinical experience working as a speech-language pathologist in acute care and inpatient rehab settings and treating across the adult lifespan. Patrycja has a strong interest in neurogenic communication disorders, as well as improving patient outcomes and clinical resource access. In her free time, Patrycja is often reading or spending time outdoors rock climbing and hiking.

Kristen Palmer, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-S 
Research SLP  | kmpalmer@udel.edu

Kristen joined the ARO lab in 2025 as a research SLP. She has 20+ years of experience as a medical speech pathologist in acute and outpatient settings specializing in adult neurogenic disorders and dysphagia. She received specialty board certification in swallowing and swallowing disorders in 2014. At the University of Delaware, she coordinates several life participation groups for adults with acquired communication disorders. In her free time, Kristen can be found walking her dog or making sourdough bread. 

Sophia Mascari is a senior in UD’s Honors College, and is majoring in Cognitive Science with two minors in Disability Studies and Human Development and Family Sciences. She is pursuing a pre-professional Speech Language Pathology track and plans to earn her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology after her completion of her undergraduate studies. Sophia is also involved in NSSHLA, the Meditation Club, and is co-founder of UD’s Women in Healthcare student organization. Outside of school, she enjoys finding recipes, cooking new meals, and exploring different walking trails.

Marley Ferraro is a junior at the University of Delaware pursuing an honors Cognitive Science major on the pre-professional Speech Language Pathology track with minors in Disability Studies, Neuroscience, and Human Development and Family Sciences. She is a part of the Access:Ability Scholars program at UD and plans to earn a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology after graduation. She is also involved with the TELL Lab, on the NSSLHA executive board, and is a teaching assistant for undergraduate Cognitive Science courses. In her free time, she enjoys sports, reading, music, and photography.

Quinn Owen is a junior at the University of Delaware majoring in Cognitive Science (PP-SLP) with a minor in Disability Studies. She plans to earn her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology after her undergraduate studies. Quinn’s interests include language development, acquired language disorders, and supporting individuals in communicating effectively and confidently. Quinn is also passionate about raising awareness around language disorders. She’s involved in NSSLHA, Women in Healthcare, and Pi Beta Phi at Delaware. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, dancing, adding to Pinterest, and trying new foods.

Asia Hobbs is an undergraduate student majoring in Cognitive Science (PP-SLP), and double-minoring in Women and Gender Studies and Theatre Studies. She plans to earn her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Asia is interested in gender-affirming voice therapy and aphasia, and is excited to learn more as she progresses in her major. Asia is involved in NSSLHA, Creative Mentoring, Women in Healthcare, the Tau Sigma Honor Society, study-abroad programs, and various theatre/short film projects. Outside of class, she is often reading or working as a Light Technician for live bands.