Pilot to pilot training
IFR gets you to your FAA English Proficiency Goals
Dr. Karen Gallagher:
Speech-Language Pathologist
Pilot
Veteran
About IFR: Integrated Foreign-Accent Reduction for Aviators
Our Philosophy
Pilots work hard and expend significant resources to achieve every certificate, endorsement, and rating. English language proficiency or accented speech should not be a barrier to a career or life in aviation.
Expertise
Dr. Karen Gallagher is a Ph.D., CCC-SLP and a Pilot. This means that not only does she have the expertise in speech and language to provide you with the skills you need to meet the ICAO criteria and the FAA Aviation English Language Standards, she has the aviation vocabulary knowledge to make your speech & language training relevant. Dr. Gallagher will provide a scientific evidence-based approach to your speech and language training while using meaningful aviation scenarios and targets.
Our Services
We offer individualized, live virtual evaluations and one-to-one specific evidence-based training in accent modification and English proficiency training for members of the aviation community. Our approaches integrate scientific evidence with individual needs. We also offer partnership packages with aviation schools.
Learn more about Dr. karen gallagher
Karen Gallagher, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Dr. Gallagher earned her Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Arizona State University. Prior to her doctoral work she earned a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences at University of Washington. Her extensive clinical work has spanned decades as has her mentorship and teaching. Dr. Gallagher has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in phonetics, phonology, motor speech disorders, and many other speech and hearing courses at three different accredited universities. Before establishing IFR, she was the Program Director of Communication Sciences and Disorders at University of Alaska Anchorage. She has served as faculty at ASU and UAA. She has published peer reviewed scientific journal articles and a textbook chapter. She has been an invited speaker at dozens of national, state, and local conferences and events. She has served as a topic co-chair for the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and is a current member. She was named a Pat Tillman Scholar in 2016. Dr. Gallagher is a Veteran of the U.S. Army where she served as a Paratrooper and a Chemical Specialist. Dr. Gallagher's family is a multi-generational aviation family. She is a pilot who continues to pursue endorsements and ratings. Her husband is an Airline Captain and retired Lt. Colonel who flew refueling tankers. Her father-in-law is also a retired Air Force pilot. Her sons are currently pursuing pathways in aviation careers. Dr. Karen Gallagher brings her years of clinical and research expertise along with her aviation experience to provide members of the aviation community with focused, relevant, and effective tools to meet the ICAO criteria and the FAA Aviation English Language Standards.
