School of Speech, Language, Hearing and Occupational Sciences Faculty & Staff
Jennifer Schoffer Closson
Associate Clinical Professor
Contact
- Office
- Curry 023
- Phone
- (406) 243-5261
- Fax
- (406) 243-2362
- jennifer.closson@mso.umt.edu
- Office Hours
Meetings upon request
Jennifer Schoffer Closson Ed D, CCC-SLP is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Speech, Language, Hearing, and Occupational Sciences Department. She developed the Mentoring, Organization, and Social Support for Autism Inclusion on Campus (MOSSAIC) program and co-developed the YETI (Youth Engagement Through Intervention) Social Skills program and intervention framework. Dr. Schoffer Closson has presented locally and nationally about autism, clinical education, and secondary transition. Having spent 15 years in public schools and private practice, Dr. Schoffer Closson is passionate about clinical education and producing high quality speech-language pathologists for Montana. She furthered her dedication to this state as the 2014 president of the Montana Speech-Language Hearing Association and current chair of the Montana State Special Education Advisory Panel.
- Curriculum Vitae
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Personal Summary
Jennifer Schoffer Closson Ed D, CCC-SLP is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Speech, Language, Hearing, and Occupational Sciences Department at the University of Montana. She developed the Mentoring, Organization, and Social Support for Autism Inclusion on Campus (MOSSAIC) program and co-developed the YETI (Youth Engagement Through Intervention) Social Skills program and intervention framework. Dr. Schoffer Closson has presented locally and nationally about autism, clinical education, and secondary transition. Having spent 15 years in public schools and private practice, Dr. Schoffer Closson is passionate about clinical education and producing high quality speech-language pathologists for Montana. She furthered her dedication to this state as the 2014 president of the Montana Speech-Language Hearing Association.
Education
2022 University of Montana Ed. D. Teaching & Learning (formerly Curriculum &Instruction) ABD
1999 Minot State University M.S. Communication Disorders
1995 Minot State University B.S. Communication Disorders
Courses Taught
CSD 110 - Introduction to Speech, Language, and Audiology. 3 Credits.
Offered variable semester. Introduction to the scientific study of human communication and its disorders and to the professions of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Overview of biological systems of speech, language, and hearing and the nature and treatment of communication disorders.
CSD 396 - Autism on Campus/SvcLrn. 2 Credits.
Prerq., junior or senior Standing, consent of instruct., and application required. This course educates students about autism in adults. The didactic portion addresses executive functioning and social needs. The service learning portion allows direct mentorship to people on campus with autism and related disorders.
CSD 420 - Speech and Hearing Science.
Offered intermittently. Prereq., CSD 222, CSD 320, and CSD 330. Physiologic, neurologic, and acoustic aspects of human communication, theoretical framework for speech and hearing science, and principles of acoustics applied to speech language pathology across the lifespan. Level: Undergraduate
CSD 445 - Social Communication Skills, Behavior, and Neurodiversity.
Offered intermittently. Prereq., junior or senior standing. This course explores and integrates social aspects of communication (e.g., behavioral and social skills/competence), communication accommodations, adaptations, and strategies for functional communication and independent living skills. Topics include foundational information on autism as well as assessment and treatment using evidence-based practices for autism spectrum disorder and related disorders. Delivery: Blended. Co-convened with SLP 545.
SLP 545 - Social Communication Skills, Behavior, and Neurodiversity.
Prereq. graduate standing. This course explores and integrates social aspects of communication (e.g., behavioral and social skills/competence), communication accommodations, adaptations, and strategies for functional communication and independent living skills. Topics include foundational information on autism as well as assessment and treatment using evidence-based practices for autism spectrum disorder and related disorders. Co-convened with CSD 445. Level: Graduate.
SLP 571 - Foundational Applied Clinic in Service Learning. 1-6 Credits.
(R-9) Offered autumn, spring, and summer; on campus only. Prereq., SLP graduate program standing or permission of Director of Clinical Education. Foundational Application of professional skills associated with the UM DeWit RiteCare Clinic. Assignment of cases and area of specialization will vary with clinical educator assignment. Level: Graduate
SLP 576 - Advanced Applied Clinic II. 1-12 Credits.
(R-18) Offered autumn, spring, summer. Prereq., SLP 570., coreq. SLP 575. Advanced application of professional skills in the UM RiteCare Clinic or off-campus. Assignment of cases and area of specialization will vary with the clients needs and availability. Out of state placement by approval of clinical director. Level: Graduate.
Teaching Experience
2011 to present Speech, Language, Hearing, and Occupational Sciences Department at the University of Montana
Research Interests
Autism through the lifespan, service learning
Projects
YETI (Youth Engagement Through Intervention) Social Skills Program
MOSSAIC (Mentoring, Organization, and Social Support for Autism Inclusion on Campus) Program Director
Field of Study
Areas of interest: Autism through the lifespan, cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies, clinical education
Publications
Nelson, H., Collins, G., Goforth, A., Alwell, M., Schoffer Closson, J. (2018, November) Speech-language pathology and psychology students’ perceptions of an interprofessional autism intervention: A quantitative study. Poster presentation for the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association, Boston, MA.
Schoffer Closson, J.K., Griffin, J. (2017, October) Always, sometime, never: What do Likert scales really tell us? Poster presentation for the Montana Speech-Language Hearing Association, Missoula, MT.
Schoffer Closson, J. K., Goforth, A., Schindorf, Z, (2017, February) Generalizing social skills: The path less traveled. Poster presentation for the National Association of School Psychologists, San Antonio, TX.
Thomas, P., Goforth, A.N., Schoffer Closson, J., Shindorf, Z.R., Yosai, E, Tilleman, M., & Holter, O. (February, 2016). Effectiveness and parent acceptability of YETI for children with autism. Poster to be presented at the annual convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, New Orleans, LA.
Goforth, A.N., *Rennie, B., *Hammond, J. & Closson, J., (2015). Strategies for data collection in social skill group interventions: A case study for children with autism. Intervention in School and Clinic, 51. Doi: 10.1177/1053451215585806
Schoffer Closson, J. & Stansberry, R. (2015). Montana Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The ASHA Leader, 20(4), 66. doi: 10.1044/leader.STSP.20042015.66.
Shindorf, Z, Goforth, A, & Schoffer Closson, J, (February, 2015) Effectiveness and parent acceptability of ‘Youth Engagement Through Intervention’ Social Skills Group for children with autism spectrum disorders. Poster presented at the Annual National Association of School Psychologists Conference, Orlando, FL.
Schoffer Closson, J & Goforth, A., (October, 2014) Block scheduling social skills groups: An intensive and inclusive model. Poster presented at the annual Montana Speech Language and Hearing Convention, Missoula, MT.
Affiliations
American Speech-Language Hearing Association
Montana Speech-Language Hearing Association
The Rural Institute at the University of Montana
Specialized Skills
YETI (Youth Engagement Through Inervention) Co-Developer
MOSSAIC (Mentoring, Organization, and Social Support for Autism Inclusion on Campus) Developer
Intro to College Co-Developer
Local and National Presenter
Professional Experience
2019 – present Clinical Assistant Professor, MOSSAIC Director, and YETI Co-Director, Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
2016 - 2019 Director of Clinic Education: Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
2013-2015 Assistant Professor/Clinical Supervisor/DeWit RiteCare Clinic Director of Pediatric Services, Communicative Sciences and Disorders, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
2011-2013 Assistant Professor/Clinical Supervisor Communicative Sciences and Disorders, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
2014 – 2015 Social Skills Intervention Trainer/Presenter, Montana Autism Education Project, Montana Office of Public Instruction, Helena, MT
2010 – 2011 Secondary Transition Trainer/Presenter, Montana Office of Public Instruction, Helena, MT
2006 – 2011 Speech Language Pathologist, Bitterroot Valley Education Coop, Stevensville, MT
2005 – 2011 Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist, Momentum Speech Therapy, Missoula, MT
2000 – 2005 Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist, Scottish Rite Speech and Language Clinic, Billings, MT
1995 – 2000 Public School Speech Language Pathologist/Aide, Illinois, North Dakota, Saskatchewan, and Montana
International Experience
Canadian Citizen
Honors / Awards
Honors
2020-21 AY Mentor for Kortney Sims, Newman Civic Fellowship Recipient, Campus Compact, Boston, MA
September 2020 Ranked #7 Nationally 20 Best Value Colleges for Students with Autism Best Value Schools for MOSSAIC
September 2020 Ranked #15 Nationally 25 Best Colleges for Students with Autism for MOSSAIC
August 2019 Ranked #7 Nationally 20 Best Value Colleges for Students with Autism 2018-2019 – Best Value Schools for MOSSAIC
August 2018 Ranked #15 Nationally 25 Best Value Colleges for Students with Autism 2017-2018 – Best Value Schools for MOSSAIC
July, 2018 5th ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE Award)
2018-2020 Mentor for Kathleen Cotter who earned the first UM SLHOS Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities’ Speech- Language Pathology Fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University
May 2018 Bertha Morton Scholarship recipient ($3,000)
Spring, 2017 Accepted into UMentoring Research program, Mentor: Steve Yoshimura
October, 2017 Recognized as a Student Wellness Advocate by UM Curry Health Center
August 2017 Ranked #7 Nationally 20 Best Value Colleges for Students with Autism 2017-2018 – Best Value Schools for MOSSAIC
August 2017 Ranked #20 Nationally Top 20 Colleges for Students with Autism – Online College Plan for MOSSAIC
November 2015 Awarded the State Clinical Achievement Award by the ASHFoundation
October 2015 Awarded the MSHA Service Award for outstanding dedication and excellence in service to the MSHA organization
April 2, 2015 Awarded the Western Montana Scottish Rite Educational Scholarship
March 2015 Nominated for the 2015 esteemed Louis M. DiCarlo Award for Recent Clinical Achievement, ASHFoundation
March 2015 Awarded the UM Americans with Disabilities Act Award for the University of Montana
Spring, 2014 Bertha Morton Scholarship recipient ($3,000)
Spring, 2014 Darrel and Elsie Minifie Scholarship recipient ($1200)
Fall, 2014 Awarded the Montana Speech-Language Hearing Association Meritorious Award for exemplary service to the organization, profession, and the communicatively impaired
March, 2013 University of Montana Student Affairs Faculty Recognition Reception honoree
2013 - 2016 Awarded the TTEAM (Training Teachers to Ensure Achievement and Membership) Scholarship through Curriculum and Instruction and the Rural Institute
2013 - present Doctorate of Education program in the department of Teaching and Learning (formerly Curriculum and Instruction), Phyllis J. Washington College of Education, University of Montana
2008 Florence, MT Public Service Award recipient
Publicity
Fall, 2020 Featured in Teen Vogue: Students with Cognitive Differences Say COVID-19 Derailed Their Routines
November 2020 Featured in U of M Kaimin: Snapshots of UM’s First Virtual DiverseU
Spring, 2020 Spotlight Interprofessional Education Champion College of Health, University of Montana
July 2017 Guest blogger for the Montana Speech-Language Association: Conversation Skills: Teaching them can be Free!
May 2017 Featured on the Montana Public Radio Pea Green Boat: Kids Like You and Me: Busting Myths About Autism
July 2016 Featured in Pre-ETS Showcase for Introduction to College Class
May 2016 Featured in the UM School of Journalism’s PBS documentary Aging Out: Autism in Montana
Spring, 2016 Recognized in Minot State University Alumni magazine for receiving the ASHFoundation Clinical Achievement Award for Montana
November 2015 Featured in U of M Kaimin: Autism in College: Myth vs Fact
October 2015 Featured on the MSHA webpage Spotlight Profile for my State Clinical Achievement Award
June 2015 Recognized in the “Awarded” section page 20 of volume 20 of the ASHA Leader for receiving the UM ADA award for developing the MOSSAIC program
February 2015 Cover Story Featured in the 2014 UM Vision Magazine issue in “The Onslaught of Autism”
November 2013 Featured in U of M Kaimin: Students with Aspergers Syndrome Find Support on Campus
September 2012 Featured in U of M Kaimin: Not Alone – Autism, More than Meets the Eye
Hobbies
Camping, word and number puzzles, volunteering, dogs, paddle boarding, skiing