Kim Arata, SLPD CCC-SLP ('09), is the Program Director of the Communication Disorders (CDS) program and a faculty member in the Department of Communication. She joined the department in 2018. Kim earned her clinical doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology from Loma Linda University and her master’s degree from Ball State University. Before returning to Geneva, Kim served as a speech-language pathologist for Nevada and North Carolina public schools, supporting students with complex communication needs. Those experiences deeply shaped her commitment to fostering connection and belonging through the gift of communication.

Disciplines/Field of Instruction

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Communication

Degrees Received

• S.L.P.D. Speech-Language Pathology, Loma Linda University
• M.A. Speech-Language Pathology, Ball State University
• B.A. Communication Disorders, Geneva College

Courses Taught

• CDS 220 - Language Development
• CDS 250 - Treatment Procedures in CDS
• CDS 280 - Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
• CDS 350 - Language Disorders in Children
• CDS 360 - Speech Sound Disorders
• CDS 450 - Clinical Experience in CDS
• COM 101 - Principles of Communication

Presentations/Publications

• Arata, K. & Layton, S. (2025, November 20–22). Listening to lives: A humanities-based approach to CSD education. [Conference session]. American Speech Language Hearing Association Convention, Washington, D.C., United States.

• Kavanagh, S. & Arata, K. (2025, November 20–22). Barriers to justice: Language difference in courtroom experiences and outcomes. [Poster presentation]. American Speech Language Hearing Association Convention, Washington, D.C., United States.

• Arata, K., Daher, N., & Hollister, J. (2025). Using reflective learning activities to increase student comfort in providing spiritually responsive care. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 24, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_PERSP-24-00069

• Hollister, J. & Arata, K. (2025, April 23–26). To reflect or not to reflect: Are clinical reflection assignments worth everyone’s time? [Conference session]. Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders Conference, Atlanta, GA, United States.

• Arata, K. & Hollister, J. (2025, April 23–26). Preparing students for spiritual conversations: Is it time we teach this? [Conference session]. Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders Conference, Atlanta, GA, United States.

• Arata, K. & Layton, S. (2025, March 20–22). Everyone loves a story: Using biographical narratives to enhance student learning. [Conference session]. Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.

• Arata, K. & Hollister, J. (2024, December 5–7). Educating students to provide spiritually responsive care through reflective learning: An efficacy study. [Poster presentation]. American Speech Language Hearing Association Convention, Seattle, WA, United States.

• “The Role of Spirituality in Holistic Care: A Call to Action for Speech-Language Pathology,” Pennsylvania Speech Language Hearing Association Annual Convention (April 2022)

• “Culturally Inclusive Materials for School-Based SLPs,” Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit (March 2022)

Work Experience

• Speech-Language Pathologist, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
• Speech-Language Pathologist, Progressus Therapy

Affiliations, e.g., membership in professional organizations, etc.

• American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA)
• Pennsylvania Speech Language Hearing Association (PSHA)