Leadership

Jennell  Vick

Jennell Vick

President & CEO

Jennell Vick, Ph.D., assumed the position of Executive Director in March of 2015 and was designated President & CEO in 2024. Dr. Vick comes to CHSC from the Departments of Psychological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Vick is no stranger to CHSC. Over 20 years ago, she trained as a Speech Language Pathologist at CHSC and received her Master of Arts from Case Western Reserve University’s Department of Communication Sciences. For eight years, as a Research Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Vick collaborated with one of the world’s top researchers in the area of speech production and cochlear implants. She then completed her doctorate at the University of Washington in Seattle and was in the inaugural class of Callier Postdoctoral Fellows at The University of Texas at Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders. She returned to Cleveland when she joined the faculty at CWRU in the Communication Sciences Program. Dr. Vick resides with her husband, Dr. Gregory Lee, and their two young daughters in Shaker Heights.

Contact Jennell at 216-325-7557 or jvick@chsc.org.


Sarah  Trimble

Sarah Trimble

Chief Development and Communications Officer

Contact Sarah at 216-325-7503 or strimble@chsc.org.


Bridgid  Whitford, AuD., CCC-A

Bridgid Whitford, AuD., CCC-A

Chief Programs Officer

Bridgid Whitford, AuD, CCC-A, has been with Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center (CHSC) since 1993, where she began her career as a clinical audiologist. Over the years, she has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities, including managing the Regional Infant Program (RIHP) in 2011. Director of Hearing Services in 2015 and Chief Program Officer (CPO)  in 2025.  

Throughout her career at CHSC, Dr. Whitford has strategically grown audiology services for adults and children with hearing loss. She has been responsible for staff development, compliance regulation, and strategic planning efforts, while advocating for people with disabilities and working with local and state legislators to improve services and funding for individuals with hearing loss.  She has been active in several statewide committees aimed at improving access to services for children with hearing loss.

In her newest role of Chief Program Officer (CPO), Dr. Whitford is a key member of the executive leadership team. She is responsible for overseeing and integrating the organization's service programs including Audiology; Speech, Language and Learning; Interpreting; and the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Dr. Whitford plays a crucial part in driving revenue and grant funding growth through program services, enhancing the CHSC brand and public image, and ensuring impactful work across all programs. She collaborates closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leaders to develop strategies that leverage the organization’s programs and elevate its reputation both in the community and as a workplace of choice.

Dr. Whitford holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami University, a Master's in Audiology from Kent State University, and a Doctor of Audiology from AT Still University.

Contact Bridgid at 216-325-7585 or bwhitford@chsc.org.


Timothy  Skaggs

Timothy Skaggs

Director of Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Timothy Skaggs first joined the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center’s Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing in December of 2021.  He initially took a staff position that would enable him to be part of a team of deaf professionals all working collaboratively for the betterment of the Deaf community. Timothy has a long history of working at a variety of deaf focused centers in numerous states including Deaf Services Center (DSC) in Columbus, Ohio; PAHrtners Deaf Services in Pennsylvania and Walden Learning Center for the Deaf in Massachusetts. He is very passionate about working to support the needs of the community.  In addition to his work at various deaf specific centers and schools, Timothy has taught American sign Language for 6 years at the community as well as the university levels.  Timothy was promoted to Director of the Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing in January of 2022, overseeing all programs and services including: vocational services, case management, advocacy and training, ASL programing and SignStage. He is looking forward to supporting the continued growth of the CCDHH and its committed and dedicated staff. Timothy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gallaudet University in Psychology.

Contact Timothy at (VP) 216-230-9003 or 216-347-8143 (TEXT ONLY) or tskaggs@chsc.org


Rebecca  Mental, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Rebecca Mental, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Director of Speech, Language, and Learning

Rebecca L. Mental, Ph.D., CCC-SLP joined the leadership team at Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center (CHSC) as Director of Research in 2018. Her responsibilities include designing protocol for collecting and analyzing outcome data, spearheading novel research initiatives, facilitating a culture of evidence-based practice and providing direct therapy to clients with speech and language needs.

Dr. Mental earned her Ph.D. in Communication Sciences from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in 2018 - her dissertation research was a collaborative effort between CWRU and CHSC. She designed and implemented a clinical research study that utilized visual biofeedback software for the treatment of older children and adults with speech sound errors. The software, Opti-Speech, allows the user to see a three-dimensional visual of his or her tongue moving in real time.

Dr. Mental has been associated with CHSC in varying capacities since she participated in her first graduate school clinical placement at the Center in 2012. She completed her clinical fellowship at the Center in 2017 and is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist licensed by the Ohio Board. Clinically, Dr. Mental enjoys working with both children and adults, with a special interest in Opti-Speech for the treatment of speech sound disorders. Dr. Mental also serves as adjunct faculty at CWRU, most recently teaching graduate-level courses on research methods and evidence-based practice.

Contact Rebecca at 216-325-7541 or rmental@chsc.org.


Kate  Gagne

Kate Gagne

Director of Administration

Contact Kate at 216-325-7579 or kgagne@chsc.org.


Michael  Rollins

Michael Rollins

Director of Data and Systems

Contact Michael at 216-325-7511 or mrollins@chsc.org.


Karen  Kantzes, AuD., CCC-A

Karen Kantzes, AuD., CCC-A

Director of Hearing Services

Karen Kantzes, AuD, CCC-A, has been with Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center (CHSC) since July of 1997. She served as Assistant Director of Hearing Services starting in 2021, supporting the Director in managing audiology services, creating programs to increase service accessibility, diversifying payers, and aligning with CHSC’s mission. Dr. Kantzes helped set pricing for services, managed the Audiology Patient Assistance Program, updated department policies, and trained new audiologists and staff. She also gathered documentation for CARF accreditation.

In 2025, Dr. Kantzes was appointed Director of Hearing Services, where she now oversees the development and management of programs and services within the audiology department. Her responsibilities include ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting staff development, and enhancing the quality of care provided to patients. Dr. Kantzes continues to play a pivotal role in leading the department while contributing to the strategic direction of the organization.

Clinically, Dr. Kantzes treats patients of all ages and has a broad range of experience in audiology.

Dr. Kantzes holds a Bachelor of Science in Hearing & Speech Sciences from Ohio University, a Master of Arts in Audiology from The Ohio State University, and a Doctor of Audiology from AT Still University.

Contact Karen at 216-325-7506 or kkantzes@chsc.org