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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.

    Kitty Binek
  • 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.

    Beth Crawford
  • 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.

    Kanada White
  • Marketing and Development Director

    Tina Fields

    Tina comes to the Aphasia Center with over 20 years of progressive administrative experience across various industries. Her creativity and attention to detail compliment her diverse skill set as she takes on managing marketing materials, community relations, media trade agreements, annual fundraising events and development plans. She has a passion for learning, educating the community and promoting aphasia awareness through her role at the Aphasia Center.

    Tina Fields
  • 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.

    Kathryn Shelley
  • 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.

    Sharon Copenhaver
  • 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.

    Shun Kelley
  • 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.

    Miriam Lujan

    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

    Tina comes to the Aphasia Center with over 20 years of progressive administrative experience across various industries. Her creativity and attention to detail compliment her diverse skill set as she takes on managing marketing materials, community relations, media trade agreements, annual fundraising events and development plans. She has a passion for learning, educating the community and promoting aphasia awareness through her role at the Aphasia Center.

    Tina fields

    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

    Personal Stories

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

    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.
    Gary & Ronnie share their story of life before and after aphasia, how their family was affected and the impact of the Aphasia Center of West Texas in their lives.
    Reis & Paula describe adjustments to life after stroke and aphasia including the power of new friendships and the strides Reis made at the Center.

    Thank you for visiting our site. Please consider getting involved and helping  those with aphasia live their best life. 

    Program Fees

    Fees are $150/month for unlimited groups per week and $75/month for up to two groups per week. Program fees are billed on a monthly basis and sliding scale scholarships are also available. We are committed to serving those who need our services.

    Contact Us for More info!

    Transportation

    Individuals may pay a per-ride or monthly fee for transportation to and from the Aphasia Center in Midland on our mobility van. We also partner with Mission Center Adult Day Service to provide transportation to and from Odessa.

    Contact us for details!

    Partnerships

    WE COLLABORATE WITH OTHER LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO OVERCOME BARRIERS OF PARTICIPATION.

    Contact Us for More info!

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    Bob Dimit

    President/Owner, Ares Energy, LTD

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    Zack white

    Senior Accountant, Sproles Woodard, LLP

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    LAURA CHANDLER MAIORINO

    Community Volunteer

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    MALLORY LANGFORD, Secretary

    Communication & Event Specialist, UTPB

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    STEVEN RUNYAN

    Permian West Production Operations Manager,
    Coterra Energy, Inc.

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    TRACY GIDDENS

    Sales Manager, KPEJ-TV

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    Annalise Griffice,
    PResident Elect & treasurer

    Community Volunteer

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    Cheryl Werner

    Edward Jones
    Financial Advisor

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    Jonathan King, President

    Warren Cat
    Sales Representative

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    Jack ladd, Nominating chair

    Morales Law Office
    Partner

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    Randy Kuiper

    Baker Hughes
    Retired Sales Executive

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    leslie whitehead, Past President

    MS, CCC-SLP
    Speech Language Pathologist,
    Junior League of Midland