About Karen Sheffler
Learn more about Karen Sheffler, SwallowStudy.com, and the
new SwallowStudy & Associates, LLC
Karen Sheffler, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Founder, Owner & Editor of SwallowStudy.com (since 2014) and
SwallowStudy & Associates, LLC (formed December 2023)
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1995 with master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. There, I was influenced by great mentors in the field of swallowing and swallowing disorders (dysphagia) like Jay Rosenbek, JoAnne Robbins, and James Coyle. Once the “dysphagia-bug” bit, I have never looked back.
Initially, I worked in skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers, but since 1999 I have been in acute care. I obtained my Board Certification as a Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S) in August of 2012. I am committed to life-long-learning. I was awarded my 9th ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE Award) in March 2023. I am committed to life-long learning and increasing public awareness in dysphagia. I am a member of the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS), the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s Special Interest Group 13: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, and the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders (NFOSD). I was awarded the Hormel Health Hero Award in 2019.
I started SwallowStudy.com in May 2014 to create a valuable evidence-based dysphagia resource for professionals and people with dysphagia.
Karen Sheffler has 26 years in practice
Specialties & Experience
General Specialties: Speech-Language Pathology and Geriatrics
Special Interests: Geriatrics, palliative care, end-of-life considerations, neurological conditions, oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia, dysphagia after cervical spinal surgery, critical care, oral hygiene and aspiration pneumonia prevention, patient safety/risk management, and more
Education: Master of Science (Communication Sciences and Disorders), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Bachelor of Science (Speech-Language Pathology), Indiana University of Pennsylvania