Christina Barnes, SLP.D

Full-time Instructor
Department of Speech-Language Pathology

As a full-time instructor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Seton Hall University, I am passionate about fostering the development of future healthcare leaders. My teaching philosophy is rooted in creating an enriching and supportive environment where students can integrate academic knowledge with clinical experience, preparing them for the challenges of real-world practice. Since joining the department as an adjunct in 2017, I have actively worked with colleagues to enhance student engagement, promote interprofessional collaboration, and ensure clinical excellence. I currently teach courses such as Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Swallow Mechanism, Physiologic-Acoustic Phonetics, and Dysphagia.

My clinical background spans the continuum of care, including inpatient, acute care rehabilitation, sub-acute rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, long-term care, and home healthcare. I specialize in the assessment and treatment of acquired communication and swallowing disorders, working with patients who present with complex medical needs such as head and neck cancer, degenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. My diverse clinical experiences inform my teaching, enabling me, to provide students with real-life scenarios and challenges, enhancing their critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills.

In addition to my work across these settings, my experience as an interdisciplinary team member in palliative and hospice care brings a unique dimension to my teaching. I have worked extensively with patients in end-of-life care, focusing on complex communication and swallowing disorders. Through the embodiment of the care, comfort, and heal model, I emphasize ethical decision-making, patient dignity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I integrate these experiences into the Speech-Language Pathology program, equipping students to provide compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals with advanced or terminal conditions. This perspective not only enhances the quality of care but also fosters a deeper understanding of the holistic role that SLPs play in managing complex medical cases.

My commitment to continuous learning and my passion for improving patient care are reflected in my ongoing research and participation in advanced training. Areas of focus include examining clinical decision making of SLP’s in rehabilitation, standardization of practice patterns in exercise science, interprofessional integration in treatment parameters, and clinical training and assessment. I am proud to contribute to the professional growth of future speech-language pathologists, and I believe that modeling empathy, collaboration, and patient advocacy is key to their development as skilled, caring clinicians.