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About the LDS Training Series’ Leader
The LDS Training Series was researched and designed by Lorna D. Sikorski, M.A., CCC. Lorna is a speech pathologist whose practice has emphasized adult second language learners for more than twenty years. As the founder of LDS & Associates, LLC, Ms. Sikorski has conducted professional training seminars on accent throughout the US and Canada since 1987. In addition to her role as principal seminar leader for the online and onsite basic and advanced accent training programs, Lorna coordinates the guest instructor programs for the Online Training Center.
Lorna has a rich and varied background. She is an active trainer for accented adults in a variety of settings, lending practical insights to the marketing segments of her workshops. Lorna has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses in phonology. She’s served on numerous CSHA, ASHA and CALSPAPP committees throughout her career and has published two articles in ASHA’s Seminars in Speech and Language. Currently, she is collaborating with Talaria, Inc. on an NIH grant to develop a quality distance learning program to improve American English skills in the medical setting for nursing professionals.
Lorna is a sought-after presenter for state and national conferences:
- 1996: she was an invited short course presenter at the New York State Speech & Hearing Convention.
- 1997: New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention asked her to present a one-day seminar on the role of intonation in effective communication.
- 1998: ASHA Convention, a panel forum for accent issues.
- 1999: Oregon Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention: Invited guest presenter on trainer preparation for accent.
- Dec 2000: Sole presenter for an ASHA Videoseminar on baseline skills for accent.
- Invited Guest Presenter October 25-26, 2001 in Heidelberg, Germany for the Overseas Speech-Language Pathology Fall conference
- March 2003: invited short course presenter at the New York State Speech & Hearing Convention. – back by popular demand!
- September, 2003 and March, 2004: Ms. Sikorski was invited to present the basic and advanced training courses at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, under the sponsorship of the Indiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
- May 2006, Lorna was an Invited Presenter for the New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association annual Convention.
- November 2006, Lorna co-presented a seminar at ASHA in Miami, FL, entitled “Designing Culture-Savvy Accent Programs for the Medical Professional.”
- November 2007, Lorna presented a seminar at ASHA in Boston, MA, entitled “Blending ESL learning with accent improvement in adult training programs.”
- November
2008, Lorna co-presented a seminar at ASHA in Chicago, IL, entitled “Conversational
Skills: A Critical Component in Corporate & Health Care Communication .”
No matter what the speaking engagement is, Lorna wins uniformally high praise by attendees (and organizers!) – without exception. These wide-ranging experiences have helped Lorna perfect the dynamic teaching style that is so highly prized by her workshop attendees.
The Global overview of LDS Training Programs