Mike and Kathy Caputo, Founders of Voices of Hope for Aphasia, organize a cruise each year for people with aphasia and their families to enjoy travel again, in a safe, comfortable atmosphere. The 7th Annual cruise was another success with over 30 people coming together to enjoy onboard and onshore activities. Prior to their stop in Cozumel, Mexico, speech-language pathologist from LSU, Susan Duncan, contacted the Cozumel Sun News staff writer Aurita. Aurita had been sharing the story of her husband, Charles’ journey with aphasia. The story of their meeting is in this article!
Debbie Yones, M.S., CCC-SLP
Executive Director
Debbie is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and has over 10 years of experience working exclusively with patients with Neurogenic Disorders such as aphasia, ALS, and forms of dementia. She received her master’s degree from the University of South Florida and her bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College. Debbie is an affiliate of AphasiaAccess and the National Aphasia Association and is a member of the Academy of Neurologic Communication Sciences & Disorders. She is frequently invited as a guest lecturer to the graduate program at USF-Tampa, USF-St Petersburg, and others to talk about delivering patient-centered care to people with aphasia. In 2020, Mayor Rick Kriseman appointed Debbie to the St. Petersburg Committee to Advocate for Persons with Impairments (CAPI). Prior to earning her master’s degree, Debbie worked for over 15 years as a consultant providing business process and technology services to Fortune 500 Companies. You can contact Debbie via email or by calling 727.249.1953