INTERNS & EXTERNS

Speech Language Pathology Extern: Desirée Perkins

Desirée is originally from Chesapeake, Virginia and moved to Jacksonville to obtain her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Jacksonville University. She has an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Radford University, as well as a minor in American Sign Language. For 4 years she was a part of Big Brother Big Sister, a mentoring program for at-risk youth. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree, she lived in the Philippines for 6 months volunteering at a non-profit organization, assisting in early childhood development and resident shelters for abused children. Afterwards, she came back to Virginia and worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant at ACME Therapies. Desirée is looking forward to investing in the children within the community of Jacksonville, along with growing as an SLP.

Fun Fact: Desirée lived in Okinawa, Japan for 7 years, loves dogs, and enjoys paddle-boarding, learning about new cultures, and eating curry dishes.

Speech Language Pathology Extern: Rebekah Cicero

Rebekah is from Jacksonville and received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from UNF. She is currently studying to receive her Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from Jacksonville University. Rebekah is excited to continue working in the Jacksonville community while expanding her knowledge and experience as an SLP.

Fun Fact: She is a mother of two beautiful daughters who attend Duval County Schools. She is a former Duval County School teacher. She loves working with children and watching them learn and grow.

Audiology Intern: Makenzie Pauline

Makenzie is from Merritt Island and is currently enrolled in the Doctorate of Audiology Graduate Program at the University of Florida. During her semester at JSHC, she will supervised by Dr. Jasmine Simmons. She is looking forward to working with children and expanding her knowledge on pediatric audiology. She also hopes to grow her diagnostic skills and learn more about hearing aids programming.

Fun Fact: Makenzie is originally from Australia but has been in the United States since she was two. She enjoys roller-skating and settling in with a good book, and she loves to bake, especially when she has people to share her treats with.