A highlight of INTREPiD Student Research Day, this panel brings together distinguished Kingsborough Community College alumni and invited guest panelists to share their journeys from KCC to graduate school, clinical careers, doctoral research, and the technology industry.

This year’s alumni panel brings together Kingsborough Community College alumni who have gone on to earn graduate degrees and build successful careers — in speech-language pathology, audiology, bilingual education, psychological assessment, and related fields — joined by two guest panelists who bring the perspectives of doctoral research and the technology industry.

🎓 Meet the Alumni Panelists

Mariana Vasilita Mariana Vasilita has just earned her Doctor of Audiology degree and recently began her career as an Audiology Fellow. Her journey to this achievement was especially inspiring: while pursuing her doctorate, Mariana was also raising three children, ranging in age from 2 to 10, all while remaining a supportive friend and valued member of her academic community. Known for her kindness, generosity, and selflessness, Mariana combines clinical expertise with a genuine passion for helping people reconnect with their loved ones and the world around them. Her journey reflects determination, balance, and a deep commitment to serving others, even while balancing the demands of family and graduate study. Her patients will be lucky to have her—especially the little ones, who seem to trust her at first sight.

Natalie Mosseri At Kingsborough Community College, Natalie Mosseri became involved in undergraduate research and developed a strong interest in communication sciences and disorders. She continued her education at Brooklyn College, where she earned an Advanced Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders, and is now completing a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Touro University. Through clinical placements in schools and healthcare settings, Natalie has gained experience supporting children and adults with a wide range of communication needs, including autism, aphasia, fluency disorders, and social-pragmatic language challenges. Her journey reflects a commitment to evidence-based practice, lifelong learning, and helping individuals achieve their communication goals across the lifespan.

Anna Maria La Franceschina Anna Maria La Franceschina began her academic journey at Kingsborough Community College, where she served as a Peer Mentor and became involved in undergraduate research and academic leadership. After transferring to Brooklyn College and earning her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, she pursued a career in neuropsychological assessment. Today, Anna Maria is a Psychometrist Team Supervisor at Bridge Medical NY and a Certified Specialist in Psychometry, administering and overseeing comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations. Her career reflects a commitment to compassionate patient care, scientific rigor, and helping individuals better understand their cognitive strengths and challenges.

Crystal Gilbert Crystal Gilbert began her academic journey at Kingsborough Community College, where she became involved in undergraduate research and developed a passion for serving culturally and linguistically diverse communities. After transferring to Brooklyn College and earning a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, she continued her education at Hunter College, where she earned a master’s degree in Special Education. Today, Crystal is a Special Education Teacher with ADAPT Community Network, helping students with diverse learning needs reach their full potential. Her path reflects a commitment to research, education, and advocacy for inclusive and culturally responsive services.

Anastasiia Myslyk As a Kingsborough Community College student, Anastasiia Myslyk became involved in undergraduate research exploring bilingualism, cognition, and language learning. She later transferred to Brooklyn College and earned a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Touro University, building on her passion for communication sciences through both clinical work and scholarly inquiry. Today, Anastasiia is a Clinical Fellow Speech-Language Pathologist at Sea Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation, where she helps adults improve their communication and swallowing abilities. Her journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, evidence-based practice, and improving quality of life through compassionate clinical care.

Rawan Hanini Rawan Hanini is a speech-language pathologist currently specializing in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), feeding and swallowing, and language intervention. She currently provides services to children and young adults with complex medical and communication needs. Rawan earned her B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Children & Youth Studies and her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Brooklyn College. In addition to her clinical work, she has contributed to research on clinical supervision and bilingual language development, with publications and presentations at regional and national conferences, including the Cambridge University Press and ASHA Convention.

Imani Lyte Imani Lyte is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education at NYU Steinhardt as a CCTOP Scholarship recipient. During her time at Kingsborough Community College, she distinguished herself as a Student Ambassador, College Discovery Treasurer and Peer Mentor, Phi Theta Kappa member, K-Core researcher, and participant in NYC Men Teach. Through research, leadership, and service, Imani developed a strong commitment to educational equity and supporting diverse learners. She currently works with children in educational settings while preparing for a career in special education.

Nicole Nieves Nicole Nieves is a Kingsborough Community College alumna whose undergraduate experience was shaped by her involvement in K-CORE and student research. Since graduating, she has continued to build on that foundation while preparing for the next step in her professional journey: applying to graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology. Nicole credits her research experiences with helping her develop the academic, professional, and critical-thinking skills that have supported her success beyond KCC. She brings a valuable perspective on transitioning from community college to graduate school and the lasting impact of undergraduate research.

Oona Maria Toussaint Oona Toussaint is a full-time Speech-Language Pathologist with the New York City Department of Education, providing services to multilingual children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Previously, Oona worked briefly with adults with aphasia and Parkinson’s disease and currently volunteers with the National Aphasia Association. She also collaborates with speech-language pathologists in Finland, sharing clinical experiences and perspectives on serving diverse populations. Oona hopes to pursue a Ph.D. and teach in Europe in the future.

Julia Wallace Julia Wallace earned her AS in speech communication at KCC and her BA in communication sciences and disorders at BC. After some deep reflection, she decided to switch career paths from SLP to MSW (master of social work). She is currently a MSW candidate, and is expected to graduate in the Spring of 2027. This past semester, she interned as a social work student at a skilled nursing facility where she learned how to conduct psychosocial assessments and mental status exams. This Fall, she will be starting her second year and will be interning at a psychotherapy practice. She hopes to become a LSCW (licensed clinical social worker) and provide psychotherapy services at the VA as well as in a private practice.

✨ Guest Panelists

Not KCC alumni — invited to share the perspectives of doctoral research and the technology industry.

Gabriela Martinez LoyolaGuest Gabriela Martinez Loyola is a fourth-year PhD candidate at Western University. Her research explores the categorization and perceptions of Caribbean Spanish, examining the roles of language experience, gender, and exposure. Her interests include integrating Caribbean Spanish into academic research and pedagogy, advocating for linguistic inclusivity across all language varieties. Joining us as a guest panelist, Gabriela offers a perspective on the academic and research pathway within communication sciences. While many of our alumni panelists have pursued clinical and educational careers, Gabriela’s experience highlights opportunities in doctoral study, scholarly research, teaching, and academia.

Gina ChiodoGuest Gina Chiodo is a Principal Software Engineer at Shutterstock, where she leads the development of large-scale technology solutions used by millions of people worldwide. She holds an M.A. in Linguistics and Cognitive Science from the University of Delaware and a graduate degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering from Concordia University. Prior to joining Shutterstock, Gina worked at iLanguage Lab, where she combined expertise in language science and software development to create innovative language technologies. Her career demonstrates how research skills can translate into success in the technology sector, making her perspective especially valuable for students exploring careers beyond academia.

💬 What They’ll Cover

• 🎓  Transfer and graduate school experiences
• 🔍  Job searching and landing that first role
• 📈  Professional development and networking
• 🔬  Doctoral study and research careers
• 💻  Careers in technology and industry beyond academia
• 🛠️  The skills that helped them succeed after graduation

Panelists will take students’ questions throughout: a rare chance to hear directly from people who’ve navigated the path from KCC into clinical careers, graduate programs, doctoral research, and the technology industry, and to ask them anything.