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.

Jackie Freer, M.A. CCC-SLP, CBIS

Speech-Language Pathologist

Jackie’s passion for helping people with aphasia started when she was one of the first volunteers at HARC in 2010. She received her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree from University of Houston in 2012. Since graduating, Jackie has worked in inpatient and outpatient brain injury rehabilitation and continues to find particular interest in neurogenic disorders and aphasia recovery. Jackie also takes great interest in assisting participants and caregivers navigate the journey through Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Jackie has co-presented at the Texas Speech and Hearing Association (TSHA) on “Evidence Based Treatment and Management of Auditory Comprehension Deficits in Aphasia”. Jackie also co-presented in the 2020, Aphasia Access Virtual Teach-in series on “Practical Tips for Integrating Participants with Primary Progressive Aphasia into an Aphasia Center” and “ACC and Telehealth: Supporting People with Aphasia”. Jackie was listed as a co-author in the Journal of Aphasiology on “Key wording practices in three aphasia conversation groups: a preliminary study” and co-author in a Medbridge article featuring “Treatment strategies for unilateral visuospatial neglect and anosognosia”.

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.

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.