Faculty
Associate Professor
Miami
Speech Pathology Program
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (305) 593-1223
Current Title & Duties
Dr. Kierstyn Johnson serves as a full-time faculty member in speech-language pathology, where she develops and teaches graduate-level courses, mentors and advises graduate students, and supports the preparation of future SLPs. She also contributes to departmental and institutional committees, participates in program development and assessment, and engages in scholarly research focused on educational equity, clinical education, language development, and professional preparation.
Biography
Dr. Kierstyn Johnson is a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language (BCS-CL) through the American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders. She is an accomplished SLP, educator, researcher, course developer, and special education advocate. With more than 15 years of experience, she has served individuals across early intervention, K–12, clinical, community-based, and geriatric settings.
Her areas of clinical expertise include child language disorders, articulation and speech sound disorders, apraxia of speech, voice disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, and dysphagia. In addition to her clinical and academic work, Dr. Johnson supervises and mentors aspiring SLPs/CFs and develops graduate-level courses and instructional materials and supports the preparation of future professionals. Her approach emphasizes evidence-based practice, culturally responsive assessment and intervention, advocacy, inclusion, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She is particularly passionate about special education advocacy, equitable access to high-quality services, and transition planning for students preparing for life beyond the K–12 setting. Dr. Johnson has participated in the ASHA Leadership Development Program and has served as a volunteer for praxis exam development.
Research / Research Interests
Dr. Johnson’s research focuses on improving outcomes for racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse students, clinicians, and communities. She is especially interested in the recruitment, preparation, mentorship, and retention of underrepresented professionals within speech-language pathology.
Her research also explores the influence of race, socioeconomic status, bilingualism, multiculturalism, and educational opportunity on language development, academic achievement, clinical outcomes, and access to services. She is committed to examining how systemic and contextual factors shape the educational experiences of students with disabilities and other historically underserved populations. Through her research, teaching, and clinical work, Dr. Johnson seeks to advance culturally responsive practices, strengthen the preparation of future SLPs, promote educational equity, and improve access to effective communication services.
Academics, Education, Certifications
Dr. Johnson earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Justice and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. She holds an M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Howard University and a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Hampton University. Additionally, she also holds a Certificate in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studies from Radford University, which supports her commitment to responsive and inclusive services for children with diverse communication and educational needs.
Her additional clinical training and certifications include Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, Vital Stim Therapy, Melodic-Based Communication Therapy, and the Hanen Centre’s More Than Words program. These credentials reflect her dedication to continued professional development and evidence-based clinical and educational practice.
Dr. Johnson’s academic and professional interests include child language development and disorders, speech sound disorders, culturally responsive assessment and intervention, deaf and hard of hearing education, clinical education, professional leadership, special education advocacy, transition planning, and educational equity. She has developed educational curricula, facilitated discussions for college students, presented at professional and educational forums, and contributed to committees advocating the rights of students with disabilities.
Recent Publications
Johnson, K. (2025). Uniting voices: Uplifting opportunities for SLPs from marginalized communities. Presentation delivered at the Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, Summer 2025.
Johnson, K. (2020). Am I my hue? Skin tone and school discipline. University Council for Educational Administration. Roundtable discussion examining the relationship between students’ skin tone and disciplinary decisions affecting African American children.
Vandevelder, M., Johnson, K., & Thompson, A. (2016). Can you dig it? An interactive conversation on the versatility of the school and community garden. In Living the Work: Promoting Social Justice and Equity Work in Schools Around the World. Emerald Group Publishing.
Johnson, K. (2015). Impact of student gender and perceived skin tone on educators’ disciplinary decisions. University Council for Educational Administration. Presentation examining the relationship among colorism, deficit thinking, and disciplinary decisions affecting African American students.
Johnson, K. (2015). Critical conversation: My Brother’s Keeper—The impact of community mentoring on African American males in elementary schools. University Council for Educational Administration. Presentation discussing positive outcomes associated with community-based mentoring programs for African American male students.
Johnson, K. (2015). Ending the school-to-prison pipeline: Skin tone, facial features, and students’ names impact school discipline for African American children. Black Male Development Symposium. Presentation examining the influence of phenotypic characteristics and perceived identity on disciplinary decisions affecting African American children.
