Sharon Mankey, M.A.T., CCC-SLP

Sharon Mankey is an assistant clinical professor and the clinic director of the Purdue University Fort Wayne Communication Disorders Clinic. She taught the department’s AAC course in the undergraduate program for 15 years. In 2009, she started the PFW AAC Poss-Abilities Theatre Camp which has brought individuals who use augmentative/alternative communication from five states to the campus for a weekend as part of a social experience which culminates in a theatrical production for the community. The training program for first responders began in 2016 and to date, she and her colleague have trained over 1600 emergency personnel in the State of Indiana. Her particular interest in working with first responders stems from her previous career as a nurse and emergency medical technician.

Mariesa Rang, M.A., CCC-SLP

Mariesa Rang is a limited term lecturer at Purdue University Fort Wayne. She teaches the AAC course in the undergraduate program. In 2013, she launched the first “AAC World” event (based on the program from Holland-Bloorview Kids’ Rehabilitation Hospital) on the campus of PFW. She has also participated in the PFW AAC Poss-Abilities Theatre Camp for 8 out of the 10 years it has been held. She and her colleague have given over 70 presentations to first responder organizations since beginning the training in 2016.