It's all about teamwork
The Advanced Head & Neck Rehabilitation Center of Texas strives to provide the highest level of rehabilitative care with the compassion and understanding that patients deserve. Patients of The Center form trusting relationships and receive personalized care from the clinical team. Although there are many different people involved in your overall rehabilitative journey, this clinical staff ensures you have the best rehabilitative care available.
KATRINA M. JENSEN, M.A., CCC-SLP
Center Director
Katrina has been practicing exclusively in the field of Head & Neck rehabilitation for 30 years, including her training with the surgeons from the University of Pittsburgh. Following her 4 years training in Pittsburgh, in 2000, she returned to her hometown of San Diego where she developed comprehensive Head & Neck programs focused on alaryngeal rehabilitation as well as swallowing and voice disorders. In 2007, she joined Texas Health Care to establish their Head & Neck rehabilitation program, which has since evolved to become the Advanced Head & Neck Rehabilitation Center of Texas. "The Center," as it is commonly known, now serves as the largest rehab center of its kind, caring for the rehabilitative needs of patients throughout the region as well as international patients.
In addition to caring for patients, Katrina began conducting research surrounding radiation morbidity, lymphedema, and gastroesophageal/laryngopharyngeal reflux, particularly as it pertains to the head & neck cancer population. As a result, The Center works extensively with physicians and surgeons of various specialties to comprehensively care for this population. With this interdisciplinary approach, The Advanced Head & Neck Rehabilitation Center of Texas is now able to provide the most comprehensive evaluation and interventional methods to achieve the highest rehabilitative outcomes. Katrina's well recognized both nationally and internationally for her expertise in these fields and frequently provides consultative services to similar programs, both in the US as well as abroad.
Katrina's passion and enthusiasm for this unique population is evident throughout her work, In 2010, she founded NTLS, a non-profit organization which serves to benefit head & neck cancer survivorship through education, support and financial assistance.
Katrina has a proven record for advancing the field of head & neck rehabilitation, and she and her team at The Center continue to raise the bar for rehabilitative excellence.
In addition to caring for patients, Katrina began conducting research surrounding radiation morbidity, lymphedema, and gastroesophageal/laryngopharyngeal reflux, particularly as it pertains to the head & neck cancer population. As a result, The Center works extensively with physicians and surgeons of various specialties to comprehensively care for this population. With this interdisciplinary approach, The Advanced Head & Neck Rehabilitation Center of Texas is now able to provide the most comprehensive evaluation and interventional methods to achieve the highest rehabilitative outcomes. Katrina's well recognized both nationally and internationally for her expertise in these fields and frequently provides consultative services to similar programs, both in the US as well as abroad.
Katrina's passion and enthusiasm for this unique population is evident throughout her work, In 2010, she founded NTLS, a non-profit organization which serves to benefit head & neck cancer survivorship through education, support and financial assistance.
Katrina has a proven record for advancing the field of head & neck rehabilitation, and she and her team at The Center continue to raise the bar for rehabilitative excellence.
Makayla Maddux- Zaring, M.S., CCC-SLP
Medical Speech Pathologist
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Makayla received her undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University in 2013. She joined Texas Health Care after completing her Master's Degree at Baylor University in 2015 where she focused her interest in the field of head & neck oncology & rehabilitation. After completing the intense two year fellowship training with Katrina, Makayla has become one of the powerhouse clinicians at The Center.
When Makayla is not working, she loves a great game of trivia, singing Karaoke and listening to her husband perform with his band. |
ALLISON THOMPSON-KHaN, M.S., CCC-SLP
Medical Speech Pathologist
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After earning her Master's Degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2010, Allison completed her initial training at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center before joining Texas Health Care in 2011. She then completed an intensive two year fellowship program under Katrina and is the most senior of the clinical staff. Allison is an extremely compassionate clinician and is committed to providing the most advanced techniques and methodologies for evaluating and treating this population. Allison is an avid runner and has been known to take vacations to participate in marathons! More than anything, Allison enjoys spending time with her husband and active twin daughters.
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Zeinab Nehme, M.s., CCC-slp
Medical Speech Pathologist
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Zeinab (aka "Zee") received her Master's Degree from St. Ambrose University in Iowa in 2023 after completing her Bachelor of Science degree from UT Dallas in 2021. She then completed the intensive two year fellowship with Katrina and has become a strong member of The Center's team.
In her spare time, Zee enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. Thanks to modern technology, she has also helped her fellow colleagues in Lebanon to better understand rehabilitative techniques for the unique Head & Neck population. |
VIVIANA RODRIGUEZ-STEWART, M.S., CCC-SLP
After completing both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Puerto Rico in 2012, she went on to work extensively in the field of laryngology and voice disorders. With over 10 years experience, Viviana joined The Center in 2023 and is our premier voice specialist!
Viviana loves spending time with her family and is constantly looking for ways to keep her twins busy! When she has downtime, she enjoys movies, puzzles and perfecting her photography skills.
Speech-Language
Pathologist
Voice Specialty
Viviana loves spending time with her family and is constantly looking for ways to keep her twins busy! When she has downtime, she enjoys movies, puzzles and perfecting her photography skills.
Speech-Language
Pathologist
Voice Specialty
SYDNEY JONGEWAARD, B.S., SLP-A
After graduating with a Bachelor's degree, Sydney completed a post-baccalaureate program in Speech Pathology at Utah State University in 2021. She began working as an SLP-A within the pediatric world. After joining The Center in 2024, she realized her true passion is working with adults in head & neck rehab. Since joining The Center, Sydney has become a premier therapist, facilitating excellent improvements in our patient population.
Outside of The Center, Sydney enjoys spending time with her husband, dog and two cats. She loves to hike, read and explore farmers markets!
Outside of The Center, Sydney enjoys spending time with her husband, dog and two cats. She loves to hike, read and explore farmers markets!
CAROLINE BETANCES, B.S., SLP-A
Following her graduation from the University of Arkansas in May 2025, Caroline joined The Center as an SLP-A and has become an invaluable asset as a therapist. Although she plans to pursue a Master's degree and become a Speech Language Pathologist, we are happy to have her providing excellent therapy services for our patients.
Caroline enjoys travelling with her husband with France, Australia and Sweden being some favorite destinations. She also enjoys making matcha lattes, attending live events and volunteering at local animal shelters.
Caroline enjoys travelling with her husband with France, Australia and Sweden being some favorite destinations. She also enjoys making matcha lattes, attending live events and volunteering at local animal shelters.
CHLOE, TD-SLP
At the age of 7 months, Chloe completed 10 weeks of boarding school to become a therapy dog. After completing her training, she began working at The Center in 2022, providing comfort and emotional support to patients and families. Chloe provides a welcome distraction and support during procedures and treatments and has become an invaluable asset to The Center.
When she's not working, Chloe enjoys sleeping in, swimming and going to the dog park. She loves going for walks, playing fetch and spending time with her family.
"Fellows"
As part of Katrina's commitment to improve the understanding of rehabilitative needs within the unique head & neck cancer population, she maintains a rigorous fellowship training program. "Fellows" have all earned at least a Master's Degree and are heavily supervised throughout their fellowship tenure. It is not uncommon to see "new" or "unfamiliar" faces around The Center. These are the budding new clinicians of the future, and they greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn and develop their skills and expertise through patient interactions.