Born and raised in the Bay Area, I am a product of the 1960's; too young for the draft in Vietnam and just about right for Watergate and the music of Chicago and Elton John. My father was a machinist engineer for NASA, and my mom was, and still is...an incredible mom. I am the much youngest of three boys.

After graduating from high school with interests in debate, choir, and theater, I enrolled at De Anza Junior College in Cupertino where I studied speech communication and reader's theater. Back in those days, tuition was $8 a quarter for a full time student. In 1980, I motored through the Northwest, landed in Sequim (pronounced Skwim), and eventually transferred to Washington State University in Pullman. While there, at various times, I was a disc jockey for KZUU Radio and a restaurant worker. I repaired Volkswagen Bugs too. With early ambitions of earning a degree in advertising, I changed directions after talking to a fellow worker who was studying Communication Disorders. Karen said, "Just take the introductory class and see what you think." Speech-language pathology has captivated me ever since.

Graduating in 1984, I began advanced studies at Western Washington University in Bellingham with visiting professor, Dr. Frank Wilson, a specialist in voice pathology. In 1985 and after an public school internship in Gig Harbor, Washington, I returned to Pullman and received an advanced degree in Speech and Hearing Science. My Masters thesis stemmed out of a study on professional burnout amongst audiologists. I remain thankful for the lively and scholarly assistance of mentor, Dr. Robert Potter during my graduate studies at WSU.

A clinical internship and friends landed me in Spokane, otherwise known as the "Lilac City," and I've been here ever since. By the way, for those of you out of the area, if you have never been to Eastern Washington, I would encourage you to visit. The pace, seasons, mountains, and people are terrific. And as the second largest city in Washington State, Spokane surprisingly enjoys a "small big town" feel.

And besides that, Spokane is the only city I know of that features a gigantic Radio Flyer Wagon slide; and it's one of a few with a river flowing or raging through its center. Additionally, the 1974 World's Fair was held here, and some argue that the place is full of potholes...or are those really sinkholes?

After graduating, I began work at Sacred Heart Medical Center, a large medical hub facility. I now understand that Sacred Heart is the second largest hospital in the state and, perhaps soon, will be the largest. My duties involved clinical speech-language pathology work, and stroke and head/neck rehabilitation. I also served on the Service Rehabilitation Committee of the American Cancer Society for several years. Working with head/neck patients, I couldn't help but notice that there were some major holes (no pun) in the medical needs of laryngectomees and voice patients. So in 1991, I started a medical company and practice that specialized in adult and pediatric voice disorders, artificial larynx dispensing, voice amplifiers, tracheostoma products, and a host of other hard-to-find clinical items. Over the course of several years, I designed, manufactured, and distributed several medical devices. They included a line of FDA approved tracheostoma filters, artificial larynx components, voice amplifiers, and a pneumatic larynx speaking device. Many of these items are still used by thousands of people around the globe. During this time, I was able to lecture, publish, and fill a unique calling for which I feel fortunate.

In 2003, I earned a doctorate degree at Gonzaga University with much of its emphasis in education, leadership, and head/neck rehabilitation. My dissertation came out of a quantative study dealing with artificial larynx reliability. A doctoral internship was completed in Spokane Public Schools.

The company I started changed ownership in 2004 and a majority of my professional time is now spent in the public schools and, to a lesser degree, I work with war veterans. I have expertise in voice, fluency, developmental communication disorders, and swallowing disorders. I'm certified through the American Speech and Hearing Association (CCC-SLP), licensed in Washington State, and hold an ESA Continuing Certificate too. I'm professionally listed with several organizations, but perhaps one of the most interesting is through the International Association of Laryngectomees, as an "Alaryngeal Speech Instructor." In my career, I have helped thousands of people learn how to speak without their larynx. I'm a fairly fluent esophageal speaker too.

Past and present, I've had various passions and interests. These  include writing, motorcycling, human rights advocacy, social justice, local history, and animal care/release. Politically, I'm concerned about the direction of our country, about how people and animals are treated, our dependency on oil and foreign-made products, and the economic depression that is now upon us. Spiritually, I believe in the Apostles' Creed and I am a trained, commissioned Stephen Minister through the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. Current studies include the preparation for  National Board Certification in Education under the Exceptional Needs Specialist pathway.

Culturally, travels abroad have taken me to Central Europe, Greece, Wales, several Caribbean islands, Canada, Mexico, and on several cruises. Two of my favorite spots on the planet are Yellow Stone and Hawaii, and I am intrigued with with Corinth, Greece...or any historic spot for that matter. I enjoy writing, cooking, creating, and growing fruit. My great uncle and aunt were the artists, Augustus John and Gwen John who attended the Slade School of Art in London. Interestingly, in 1912 Augustus sent my grandmother, Winnifred, a painting which she never received. It came over on the RMS Titanic.

I am longtime married to a wonderful person and we have a terrific son. We, along with a variety of creatures, live on a farm where we produce eggs, vegetables, fruits, and natural soaps. Noteworthy is our Ringneck Turtle Dove, Fran, who recently passed away but will live in our hearts forever. He was 24 years old.

Francis 1985 - 2009