About – Staff Directory – HARC | Houston Aphasia Recovery Center

Staff Directory

Eleni Christou-Franklin, M.B.A.

Executive Director

Eleni has over twenty years of experience in non-profit management and development across the United States. She earned her Master of Business Administration degree from the Davies College of Business at the University of Houston Downtown. Eleni is a member of the Community Advisory Board at the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (ComD) at the University of Houston. She is also a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and is actively involved in the Junior League of Houston. Eleni witnesses firsthand the supportive environment that improves the overall quality of life for people with aphasia.

Kayla O’Conner, M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Kayla is a speech-language pathologist who began her journey with HARC as a volunteer. She has worked with both pediatric and adult populations throughout her career in schools, residential facilities, private practice and home health. Kayla’s love for neurology continues to drive her passion for supporting the aphasia community. She has presented both locally and nationally promoting education and advocacy within the field of speech pathology. Kayla is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech Pathology.

Cecile Thibodeaux, M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Cecile has a Master of Science in Speech Pathology from Lamar University and has 22 years of experience working as a speech pathologist in the United States and 15 years internationally. Throughout her career, she has focused on early intervention, aphasia, and autism. Cecile has worked with adults with aphasia in various settings, including university programs, skilled nursing facilities, home health, and private practice. Before HARC, she volunteered at the West Texas Aphasia Center in Midland, Texas. Cecile is passionate about the opportunity to be part of HARC’s dedicated team and is committed to helping individuals with aphasia.

Meagan Brittain, M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Meagan is a native Houstonian with experience working with the adult population in a private practice setting. She earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin and completed her master’s degree at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Her passion for supporting individuals with aphasia began during her volunteer work at Austin Speech Labs, where she discovered the profound impact of effective communication. Since completing her clinical fellowship, Meagan has dedicated herself to expanding her practice in this area, not only assisting clients but also collaborating with family members and caregivers to enhance communication and achieve personal goals.

Rachel Soleto, M.A. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Rachel is a speech-language pathologist who first experienced HARC as a student extern while studying at the University of Houston, and is excited to return to such an amazing organization! She received her undergraduate degree from Baylor University and her master’s from the University of Houston and has experience working in private practice, home health, hospital, and school settings. In particular, she has focused on treatment related to autism spectrum disorder, feeding/swallowing disorders, aphasia, language disorders, and apraxia. She has a special interest in research and treatment related to Primary Progressive Aphasia. Rachel is passionate about helping individuals feel more confident in their communication and advocating for vulnerable populations.

Cathleen Swallows, M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Cathleen is a speech-language pathologist with experience working with adults in acute, out-patient, in-patient, and skilled nursing settings. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and a former graduate student clinician of the Stroke/Aphasia Recovery (STAR) Program. She is a Texas Speech-Language Hearing Association member and serves as Co-Chair on the TSHA Business Management Committee. Cathleen enjoys opportunities to work with individuals with aphasia to reach their personal communication and life participation goals.

Yaquelin Rodriguez

Outreach Coordinator

Yaquelin began her journey with HARC as a health intern, before completing her Bachelors of Science in Health from the University of Houston. She was born and raised in Houston, and during her time at HARC, she aspires to serve as an advocate for the Aphasia community in Texas.

Paul Kariuki

Program Associate/CNA

Paul is a Certified Nursing Assistant with experience in long-term care, assisted living, and home healthcare. He has a background in hotel management, culinary arts, and computer processing. Paul is dedicated to helping people navigate all aspects of HARC successfully, and he believes that even the most minor things can make a big difference.