Dr. Givona Sandiford is an award winning, licensed/nationally certified speech-language pathologist, Certified Autism Specialist, SHRM Certified Professional, Certified ScrumMaster® and lifelong learner with nearly 20 years of experience working with pediatrics and adults with autism and other speech, language, voice, fluency, swallowing, and feeding disorders in multiple settings including private practices, schools, hospitals, telepractice, outpatient clinics, home health, and skilled nursing facilities. She is a member of the Forbes Business Council, has served as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, and has been an adjunct faculty member for undergraduate and graduate students in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Dr. Sandiford holds an advanced certificate in assistive technology and enjoys working with the nonspeaking autistic population.Dr. Sandiford is the developer of Melodic Based Communication Therapy (M.B.C.T.) , which was the subject of her 2008-2012 dissertation research. Dr. Sandiford's research on M.B.C.T. was the recipient of Loma Linda University's School of Allied Health Professions 2013 Outstanding Doctoral Research Award and has been published in and cited by multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Sandiford has spoken nationwide on the topic of working with nonspeaking autistic individuals and is the creator of several materials and apps to help parents, caregivers, and therapists access care for the nonspeaking autistic population based on her research and experience in the field. Dr. Sandiford started Melospeech, Inc. during the Covid-19 pandemic in order to provide consumers with effective options for specialized online or in-person speech therapy. She is a member of ASHA SIG 19, Speech Science, and ASHA SIG 11, Administration and Supervision.