Theresa Jingyun Yao, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Bio

Theresa Yao, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders and a senior speech-language pathologist at the Head and Neck Oncology Speech and Swallowing Rehabilitation Center. She received her clinical and research training at the University of Hong Kong, California State University East Bay, Stanford University, and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

Dr. Yao specializes in head and neck cancer rehabilitation, swallowing and voice disorders. She is a co-founder of the Bay Area Swallow Support (B.A.S.S.) group, which provides resources and support for individuals with dysphagia. She is also a Fellow for Life of the Bay Area Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Program, mentoring graduate students in healthcare as they develop community projects to address health disparities.

In addition to her clinical and research work, Dr. Yao serves on the Executive Board of the Asian Pacific Islander Speech-Language-Hearing Caucus and as the Continuing Education Content Manager for ASHA Special Interest Group 13 (Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders). She also represents California as an ASHA State Advocate for Medicare Policy (StAMP). She is deeply committed to serving individuals from diverse backgrounds with communication and swallowing disorders. She is a passionate advocate for her patients and the profession, continuously working to improve access to quality care.