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 I was trained in dysphagia, I have stayed engaged with the dysphagia field since 1995-1996!
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 advocacy and increasing public awareness in dysphagia. I work with industry in development of products to help those with dysphagia, and I assist lawyers in litigation regarding the standards of care in dysphagia, aspiration, and choking. I started SwallowStudy.com in 2014, as a resource for professionals and people with dysphagia. Then, I founded SwallowStudy & Associates, LLC in December 2023.
I am committed to life-long learning and advancing the science and practice in dysphagia. I was awarded my 10th ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE Award) in May 2024. 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 am on the board and the PR and Communications Committee chair of the American Board of Swallowing & Swallowing Disorders (AB-SSD). I have been active with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI.org) since 2014. I have held leadership roles in the United States IDDSI Reference Group (USIRG) since its start in 2021, and engage nationally and internationally. I stay connected with dysphagia clinicians and researchers around the world, striving to more efficiently bring the research to the clinic to help individuals struggling with feeding and swallowing disorders.
I started SwallowStudy.com in May 2014 to create a valuable evidence-based dysphagia resource for professionals and people with dysphagia.
Karen Sheffler has 28 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