Alison has called Vermont home for much of her life, and loves living in a rural community and spending time outdoors. She holds degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders (M.S.) and English (B.A.) from the University of Vermont, and is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Her career has revolved around communication, first in print publishing and then as a speech-language pathologist, with its emphasis on people and language. At work, she is happiest helping individuals develop strategies and skills that improve their ability to navigate the world, whether in social or academic settings or in the broader community. 

Her philosophy is that we are all able learners, and can all improve our communicative skills, no matter what our existing abilities may be. She has considerable experience with augmentative alternative communication and a special interest in working with individuals who use speech-generating devices to communicate. Alison is also faculty advisor to Harwood Best Buddies, a student-led volunteer club that promotes awareness, inclusion, and acceptance by pairing students with and without disabilities in one-to-one friendships. Together, members of Harwood Best Buddies work to change our school climate, and the world, one friendship at a time!