Jennifer Jones, PhD

Dr. Jennifer Jones is a nationally respected speech-language pathologist, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader dedicated to transforming the lives of medically complex children through therapeutic education and clinical innovation. As the Founder and Executive Director of Apparo Academy—a groundbreaking nonprofit school and therapy center—Dr. Jones has pioneered a fully integrative, inclusive model where children of all abilities learn and grow together under the care of expert therapists, nurses, and educators.

With over three decades of experience, Dr. Jones is a Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S), Certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (C/NDT), and holds a Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from the University of South Carolina. She has served in academic roles at USC and Augusta University, mentored numerous clinical fellows, and co-founded successful pediatric therapy businesses and mobile imaging ventures.

Her clinical expertise has made her one of the country’s most sought-after speakers on pediatric feeding and dysphagia, delivering courses and keynotes in over 20 U.S. cities, including Puerto Rico and internationally. Her signature lecture series, “Is it Skill or Will?”, challenges conventional approaches to feeding therapy by integrating behavioral, neurological, and medical frameworks.

In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Jones and her husband have adopted and raised five children with varying therapy and medical needs—an experience that fuels her deep empathy and fierce advocacy for families navigating complex care journeys. Her life’s work is both personal and professional, grounded in compassion and driven by a belief that every child—regardless of ability—deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Dr. Jones is a trusted advisor to educators, therapists, and nonprofit leaders and welcomes opportunities to serve on boards and partnerships where innovation meets mission, especially in areas involving early childhood development, disability inclusion, healthcare access, and therapeutic education.