Guardians of the Stage

Presenters

Evyn Callahan is a doctoral student in the School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Central Florida. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and her Master’s degree in Athletic Training from the University of Connecticut where she was involved in research with the SOAR Lab and acted as the UConn Athletic Training Students Vice President. Working with the READY Lab at UCF under Dr. Colby Mangum, Evyn’s research interests include biomechanics in dance and performing arts as well as application of injury prevention and movement optimization in these populations.

Ann Eddins, Ph.D., M.B.A., CCC-A is Professor and Director of the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) at the University of Central Florida. She has nearly 30 years of academic experience within CSD and a passion for advancing academic programs, clinical services, and the development of faculty and researchers within the discipline. She is a classically trained neuroscientist and clinical audiologist and holds a Ph.D. in auditory neurophysiology from the University at Buffalo and completed post-doctorate training in neuroscience at the University of Florida. Her research and clinical interests are aimed at understanding the neural bases of auditory perception in normal-hearing and hearing-impaired adults with a focus on neural encoding and neural plasticity, aging, and rehabilitative intervention. She also earned MBA and MS degrees in business administration, with a focus on medical and health sciences management from the University of Rochester.

David Eddins, Ph.D., CCC-A is a certified clinical audiologist and a fellow of the Acoustical Society of America and of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. His research interests focus on four broad areas. His collaborative work investigating the impacts of aging on hearing, communication, cognition, and balance involves a variety of research methodologies and advance technologies. Trained as a classical psychoacoustician, understanding fundamental aspects of auditory perception and communication function in real-world settings is a major focus. This work extends to the study of voice quality perception. In the area of voice quality, Eddins partners with speech-language pathologists and engineers to investigate the perceptual, acoustic, and physiological bases of the perception of various characteristics of normal and dysphonic voices with a keen interest in the perception and understanding pediatric dysphonia. His research on hearing and balance enhancement and protection uses various technologies such as ear-worn devices, the use of augmented acoustic environments, and quantification of deficit and benefit via ecological momentary assessment. This work branches into investigations of hearing aid technologies, methods for treating hyperacusis and tinnitus, and the effectiveness of hearing protection devices. His research also involves understanding how the central auditory system processes sound and how that processing may change with aging, hearing loss, and comorbid conditions. This collaborative work frequently involves the use of basic and advanced electroacoustic and electrophysiologic methods. Eddins is actively involved in the development of laboratory, clinical, and ambulatory assessment methods. His research is funded by the NIH and several industry partners and is conducted in collaboration with a variety of scientists and clinicians at UCF and institutions around the world.

Bari Hoffman, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Dean in the College of Health Professions and Sciences and Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Dr. Hoffman served as Director of the Center for Voice Care and Swallowing Disorders at the Ear Nose Throat and Plastic Surgery Associates for more than 20 years treating individuals with voice and upper airway disorders specializingin treating injured singing voices along with pediatric and neurogenic populations, and individuals undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer. Her current research involves studying novel treatment technologies and biomechanical mechanisms for disorders of laryngeal function, while defining the high impact on quality of life factors. She implements 3-D computer modeling of upper and lower airway function, coping strategies of individuals with dysphonia, and respiratory muscle strength paradigms in a variety of patient groups. Dr. Hoffman has a significant record of peer-reviewed publications, authorship of three textbooks and actively lectures across the country and internationally on these topics. In recognition of her contributions to teaching, research, and service, she has received numerous awards within her university, state, and national associations

Jeffrey J. Lehman, MD, FACS, specializes in laryngology and otolaryngology. He currently serves as the medical director of the Center for Voice Care and Swallowing Disorders at the Ear Nose Throat and Plastic Surgery Associates in Orlando, Florida, a center he founded in 1989. Dr. Lehman completed his medical education and residency at the University of Wisconsin, where he received his MD and underwent specialized training in laryngology. Dr. Lehman holds significant academic positions, including clinical professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and a clinical professor in the College of Medicine at the University of Central Florida and at Florida State University. He is Board Certified in Otolaryngology, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality care to his patients. Outside of his clinical and academic responsibilities, Dr. Lehman holds a pivotal role as the Director of the Department of Professionalism for AdventHealth, where he contributes to shaping and maintaining professional standards in healthcare delivery. Dr. Lehman’s areas of expertise include laryngology, with a focus on professional voice care, as well as functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty, and rhinology and sinus surgery. His dedication to excellence and patient care has been recognized through notable achievements, including serving as the Past President of AdventHealth Medical Staff and receiving the Top Doctor Award for 25 years.

Colby Mangum, Ph.D., Med, LAT, ATC is an assistant professor in the Athletic Training Program in the College of Health Professions and Sciences at the University of Central Florida. She is the Director of the REhabilitation, Athletic assessment, and DYnamic imaging (READY) Lab within UCF’s Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Sciences. Mangum’s research focuses on improving the understanding and delivery of patient care for active individuals and athletes with chronic musculoskeletal injury with a special interest in dynamic musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging. Dr. Mangum graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science – Athletic Training. She went on to the University of Virginia where she earned her Post-Professional Athletic Training Master’s degree and her Ph.D. in Sports Medicine.

Tara D. Snyder is a Musical Theatre Voice Specialist and Associate Professor for Theatre UCF. She serves as the Coordinator for the MA in Musical Theatre Pedagogy. Her area of expertise is musical theatre, with an emphasis on the singing voice and related research in vocal health and stage violence. Tara has presented on topics including healthy vocal violence, Estill Voice Training in the musical theatre classroom, and social media’s impact on collegiate recruitment at international arts, musical theatre and voice conferences from New York City to Harvard University to Styria, Austria to London, UK. Her performance credits include regional theatre, film, television, opera, voice-overs, new show workshops, concerts, and studio recordings. Recent favorite roles include directing/producing/singing in a ReuKnighted: UCF Sings 50 Years of Hits at the internationally known Feinstein’s/54 Below in New York City, Rose in Gypsy, Lela Rogers in Backwards in High Heels and Miss Knag/Mrs. Wittiterly in only the 7th production of the stage epic The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Tara is one of only 40 Certified Mentor & Course Instructors in the world with Estill Voice International. She uses the Estill training model in the classroom as well as in her own professional endeavors. Tara is also an Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors’ Actor Combatant holding certifications in Unarmed, Single Sword, Quarterstaff, Knife and Rapier & Dagger weapons. Previous teaching engagements include the Professional Actor Training Program at Wright State University and Commercial Voice for the Capital University Conservatory of Music.

We extend particular gratitude to the staff and administration of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for their partnership over the past ten years.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the 
Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

• The Judith and David Albertson Endowment in the Arts
• Cartwright Family Humanities & Arts Endowment
• Phil and Jane Easterling
• LIFE at UCF
• Orlando Downtown Development Board
• OUC – The Reliable One
• Women’s Club at UCF, Inc.

Thank You to Our Festival Partners

• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
• National Young Composers Challenge
• Orlando Family Stage
• Orlando Shakes
• Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
• UCF College of Health Professions and Sciences
• UCF Global Perspectives and International Initiatives
• UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management
• Winter Park Institute
• WUCF