Founder & Executive Director

Dr. Portia Carr, graduated from Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2005. She graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with a Master of Science in 2007 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2021. Dr. Carr is the owner of Infinity Therapy, LLC which serves individuals with communication and swallowing disorders across the life span throughout Arkansas.

She is also an assistant professor of speech language pathology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Her current research focuses on telehealth for people with aphasia, assessment and treatment of acquired neurogenic cognitive communication, language disorders, and psychosocial aspects of aphasia. Dr. Carr serves as the vice president of the Arkansas Affiliate of the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (AR-NBASLH), vice president of the Specialty Diagnostic Resource Center, and the Arkansas Speech-Language Hearing Association (ArkSHA) State Advocate for Medicare Policy.  

President

Dr. Elizabeth Cleveland, PhD, CCC-SLP is the Associate Director of Partners for Inclusive Communities with the University of Arkansas. She is also the Director of Training for the Arkansas Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program and the Executive Director of the Specialty Diagnostic Resource Center. Dr. Cleveland is the Immediate Past-President for the Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has practiced speech-language pathology for almost 15 years. Her research is in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, interdisciplinary differential diagnosis, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for graduate students.

Secretary

Natasha Stephens brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role as Secretary for CAP. With a background in healthcare administration spanning numerous years, Natasha has held various administrative support positions in speech, occupational, and physical therapy settings. Her versatility and proficiency in managing operational aspects within administrative roles have been demonstrated time and again, earning her a reputation for excellence. Transitioning seamlessly from the private sector to academia, Natasha continues to advance her career with unwavering dedication and advocacy for quality healthcare administration. Beyond her professional pursuits, Natasha finds joy in spending time with her husband of 26 years and their three daughters, cherishing family moments in her spare time. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with her passion for compassionate care, make her a valuable addition to the CAP team.

Treasurer

Danni began her career as a speech-language pathologist with a Master of Science degree from Missouri State University in 2000. She gained diverse experience as a travel therapist in Southern California and continued her practice in the Midwest within home health, outpatient, and private practice settings. In 2017, she pursued FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) training and launched Mobile FEES Swallow Diagnostics, serving SNFs, home health agencies, and hospitals in the River Valley, Northwest Arkansas, and Northeastern Oklahoma.

In 2019, Danni founded Therapists In Motion, a private practice group offering in-home therapy services. Recently, she opened a specialty clinic in Fort Smith, AR, providing speech/swallowing, orofacial myofunctional, and physical/occupational therapy across the lifespan. Passionate about learning and improving her practice, she is also dedicated to caregiver support, inspired by her mother’s experience with expressive aphasia following a stroke. An active member of ArkSHA, she was elected VP of CE-Elect in 2019 and is serving as President for 2024-25. Danni enjoys playing golf, spending time with family, shelling at the beach, and traveling.