Aubray Pontinen was hired as a clinical instructor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the fall of 2025.
Why did you choose to work at UMD?
One of my long-standing professional goals has been to help shape future speech-language pathologists (SLPs) through teaching. After spending more than a decade in clinical practice, I felt I had gained the experience and perspective needed to support and prepare the next generation of SLPs. I chose UMD because it’s home for me. I’m from this area and have deep roots in the community, which makes contributing to this program especially meaningful.
What do you like most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is being part of the Robert F Pierce Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic on campus. The clinic provides no-cost therapy services to members of our community, which makes it an invaluable resource for individuals who face barriers to accessing care. Before joining UMD, I often referred my own patients here when they had limited options elsewhere. Now, being part of the team that delivers these services is something I take great pride in. It’s incredibly rewarding to help people improve their communication skills, especially those who might not otherwise have access to support they need.
What is your research or teaching focus?
My primary focus is teaching graduate students the clinical skills they need to become effective speech-language pathologists. By the time they reach this stage, they’ve built a strong foundation in communication disorders through their coursework. My role is to help them apply that knowledge in real clinical settings so they can grow into confident, competent SLPs.
Do you have any advice for students?
My biggest advice is to find something you’re truly passionate about. For me, experiencing communication difficulties as a young child shaped the path I wanted to take. I knew how impactful the right support could be, and I wanted to provide that for others. When you choose a career that genuinely inspires you, showing up each day feels meaningful and energizing.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Being a mom of two young children, my free time mostly revolves around family adventures. I love being outdoors, especially in the snow or on the water, both of which Duluth has in abundance. When I’m not chasing my kids around, you can usually find me skiing, mountain biking, out on the lake, or snowmobiling. Staying active outside is my favorite way to recharge.