About Us

AN Overview

Many people wonder after an aphasia diagnosis and traditional treatment, what comes next?

The Aphasia Center of West Texas serves those with expressive aphasia, receptive aphasia, global aphasia, or primary progressive aphasia. The Aphasia Center is a safe place to access a network of support. Individuals and their loved ones learn aphasia communication strategies and practical tips of living with aphasia.

Members pay a low monthly fee to attend and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Our programs offer a variety of activities to practice adaptive communication techniques, develop meaningful friendships, and regain independence through a client centered approach. Our goal is not to treat aphasia medically, but to provide an aphasia toolbox for members and families who live life with aphasia’s challenges.

At the heart of our mission are the individuals with aphasia who inspire us by their courage, motivation, and resilience proving that there is LIFE after aphasia.

Executive Director

Kitty Binek

Kitty oversees all aspects of the Aphasia Center including financial management, operations and personnel. She came to the Center in January of 2010 from Centers for Children and Families, where she spent 10 years as the director of the Post Adoption Program. Kitty’s background is in social services and non-profit administration. She made the decision to get involved with the Aphasia Center, because she understands the critical need for this type of service and values the need for all people to effectively express themselves and be heard.
Speech-Language Pathologist and Program Director, MS, CCC/SLP

Beth Crawford

With over 20 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist in acute and rehab settings, Beth is responsible for the development and implementation of all Aphasia Center programming. Beth has trained all community volunteers and ensures proper outcome measurements for Aphasia Center members. She completed the Advanced Training in Supported Conversation Techniques from the Aphasia Institute in Toronto, Canada and continues to implement the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia.
Speech-Language Pathologist
MS, CCC/SLP

Kanada White

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, Kanada is responsible for aiding in the implementation of all Aphasia Center programming. Kanada has had the opportunity to learn in various settings across the continuum including adult acute rehab and pediatric outpatient therapy, but her heart lies with those with aphasia. She is passionate about helping people with aphasia live life to the fullest by overcoming communication barriers at home and in their communities.
Marketing and Development Director

Ashley McCalpin

Ashley is responsible for the annual marketing and development plans for the Aphasia Center. With a background in contracts, logistics, and event management, Ashley manages the Aphasia Center marketing materials, community relations, media trade agreements, and annual fundraising events. She has a passion for the non-profit sector in the Permian Basin and loves spreading aphasia awareness in the community through her role at the Aphasia Center.
Grants Director

Kathryn Shelley

Kathryn is responsible for the annual grant writing for the Aphasia Center. She has advanced training in Supported Conversation Techniques from the Aphasia Institute of Toronto, Canada as well as numerous Leadership and Nonprofit Management courses. Kathryn’s father acquired aphasia which inspired her to co-found the Aphasia Center.
Executive Assistant

Sharon Copenhaver

Sharon received a degree in Business and Finance from Texas A&M, and has 20 years of experience in financial services. She is responsible for all office-related functions from receivables, payables, database entries, mailings, and committee minutes. She is the first friendly voice most people hear when they contact the Aphasia Center.
Communication Facilitator and Certified Nursing Assistant

Shun Kelley

Shun has seventeen years of experience working with geriatric populations in nursing and healthcare environments. She leads conversation groups, supervises the computer lab, and oversees all participants as directed by the lead speech-language pathologist since the inception of the Aphasia Center. She completed the Advanced Training in Supported Conversation Techniques from the Aphasia Institute of Toronto, Canada.
Program Assistant and
Certified Nursing Assistant

Miriam Lujan

Miriam helps ensure all Aphasia Center members have the assistance they need to move confidently throughout their time at the Aphasia Center. A degreed Certified Nursing Assistant, she has experience in long-term care facilities, assisted living, and home healthcare. Miriam has many years of experience working with people who have aphasia.

Aphasia Center Staff

Tap image to see more info about our staff members.

Kitty oversees all aspects of the Aphasia Center including financial management, operations and personnel. She came to the Center in January of 2010 from Centers for Children and Families, where she spent 10 years as the director of the Post Adoption Program. Kitty’s background is in social services and non-profit administration. She made the decision to get involved with the Aphasia Center, because she understands the critical need for this type of service and values the need for all people to effectively express themselves and be heard.

Kitty Binek

Executive Director

With over 20 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist in acute and rehab settings, Beth is responsible for the development and implementation of all Aphasia Center programming. Beth has trained all community volunteers and ensures proper outcome measurements for Aphasia Center members. She completed the Advanced Training in Supported Conversation Techniques from the Aphasia Institute in Toronto, Canada and continues to implement the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia.

Beth Crawford

Speech-Language Pathologist and Program Director, MS, CCC/SLP

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, Kanada is responsible for aiding in the implementation of all Aphasia Center programming. Kanada has had the opportunity to learn in various settings across the continuum including adult acute rehab and pediatric outpatient therapy, but her heart lies with those with aphasia. She is passionate about helping people with aphasia live life to the fullest by overcoming communication barriers at home and in their communities.

Kanada White

Speech-Language Pathologist,
MS, CCC/SLP

Ashley is responsible for the annual marketing and development plans for the Aphasia Center. With a background in contracts, logistics, and event management, Ashley manages the Aphasia Center marketing materials, community relations, media trade agreements, and annual fundraising events. She has a passion for the non-profit sector in the Permian Basin and loves spreading aphasia awareness in the community through her role at the Aphasia Center.

Ashley McCalpin

Marketing and Development Director

Kathryn is responsible for the annual grant writing for the Aphasia Center. She has advanced training in Supported Conversation Techniques from the Aphasia Institute of Toronto, Canada as well as numerous Leadership and Nonprofit Management courses. Kathryn’s father acquired aphasia which inspired her to co-found the Aphasia Center.

Kathryn Shelley

Grants Director

Sharon received a degree in Business and Finance from Texas A&M, and has 20 years of experience in financial services. She is responsible for all office-related functions from receivables, payables, database entries, mailings, and committee minutes. She is the first friendly voice most people hear when they contact the Aphasia Center.

Sharon Copenhaver

Executive Assistant

Shun has seventeen years of experience working with geriatric populations in nursing and healthcare environments. She leads conversation groups, supervises the computer lab, and oversees all participants as directed by the lead speech-language pathologist since the inception of the Aphasia Center. She completed the Advanced Training in Supported Conversation Techniques from the Aphasia Institute of Toronto, Canada.

Shun Kelley

Communication Facilitator and
Certified Nursing Assistant

Miriam helps ensure all Aphasia Center members have the assistance they need to move confidently throughout their time at the Aphasia Center. A degreed Certified Nursing Assistant, she has experience in long-term care facilities, assisted living, and home healthcare. Miriam has many years of experience working with people who have aphasia.

Miriam Lujan

Program Assistant and
Certified Nursing Assistant

Board of Directors

The ACWT board of directors are committed community volunteers. They are responsible for the sustainability of the Aphasia Center’s programs and operations.

Aphasia Center of West Texas Board Members receive no financial compensation for their service.

Click board member image to see more info

Tap board member image to see more info

Leslie Whitehead, President

Randy Kuiper, Treasurer

Denise Minyard, Secretary

Cameron Long, Nominating Chair

Julie Andreopulos

Sherice Barndt

Annalise Griffice

Jonathan King

Jack Ladd

Amanda Potter

Cheryl Werner

Aphasia Anecdotes

Watch as members of the Aphasia Center share about their experience living with aphasia and the impact to their life and loved ones.

Play

Founding Aphasia Center member, the late Ann Semple, describes coming to terms with Broca's aphasia, right-side paralysis and living life after aphasia.

Founding ACWT Member and aphasia survivor, Ann Semple

Ann

After stroke, Edith, her son, and daughter-in-law describe the role of motivation and having a purposeful life after aphasia through attending regular programming.

Edith

Ken & Cindi describe Ken's stroke and resulting aphasia, plus their relief of finding community and resources they found at the Aphasia Center of West Texas.

ACWT Member and aphasia survivor, Ken with his wife, Cindi

Ken &
Cindi

Reis & Paula describe adjustments to life after stroke and aphasia including the power of new friendships and the strides Reis made at the Center.

ACWT Member and aphasia survivor, Reis with his wife, Paula

Reis &
Paula

AN Overview

Executive Director

Kitty Binek

Speech-Language Pathologist and Program Director, MS, CCC/SLP

Beth Crawford

Speech-Language PathologistMS, CCC/SLP

Kanada White

Marketing and Development Director

Ashley McCalpin

Grants Director

Kathryn Shelley

Executive Assistant

Sharon Copenhaver

Communication Facilitator and Certified Nursing Assistant

Shun Kelley

Program Assistant andCertified Nursing Assistant

Miriam Lujan

Aphasia Center Staff

Kitty Binek

Beth Crawford

Kanada White

Ashley McCalpin

Kathryn Shelley

Sharon Copenhaver

Shun Kelley

Miriam Lujan

Board of Directors

Aphasia Anecdotes

About Us

what we do

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Program Fees

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Transportation

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Partnerships

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Annalise Griffice

Amanda Potter

Cheryl Werner

Jonathan King

Jack ladd

Cameron Long, Nominating Chair

Julie Andreopulos

Sherice Barndt, RN BSN

Denise Minyard, Secretary

Randy Kuiper, Treasurer

leslie whitehead, President

Speech-Language Pathologist
MS, CCC/SLP

Program Assistant and
Certified Nursing Assistant