Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker is the founder and principal of The Whittaker Group, in Brookline, MA. An experienced speech-language pathologist, she brings over twenty-five years of expertise to her individualized, flexible, and comprehensive programs. She is known for her ability to bring out the best in her clients through her enthusiasm, creativity, and personal attention.

In addition to her own private practice, where she provides individual coaching, group training and workshops, she is a member of the Performance Improvement Team at The Workforce Development Center at Bunker Hill Community College.

Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker and Lynda Katz Wilner formed ESL RULES in 2006. Through this joint business venture, they provide workshops, and produce and distribute their unique training materials for accent modification and communication training. Their products include: RULES (Rules for Using Linguistic Elements of Speech), Medically Speaking RULES, and RULES BY THE SOUND. Marjorie and Lynda’s philosophy of training underscores each of these publications, with an emphasis on the suprasegmental aspects of speech and communication.

Nonnative English speaking professionals in the business/financial, high-technology, education, legal, scientific, and medical professions, among others, seek Marjorie’s services to take their communication to the next level for career advancement and professional success.

EDUCATION

Ms. Feinstein-Whittaker received her Master’s Degree from Boston University. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She is also a member of TESOL, with a particular interest in the English for Specific Purposes division. She served on the Board of the Corporate Speech Pathology Network (CORSPAN) as treasurer for 2005 and remains a current member.

PUBLICATIONS

Ms. Feinstein-Whittaker was featured in the April-June 2005 issue of Business Spotlight. “Speaking up for Yourself,” appeared in this German publication designed to help business professionals use English for international communication.

Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker and Lynda Katz Wilner were regular contributing guest columnists to the India New England Newspaper from 2006-2007. Visit www.indianewengland.com and click on archived issues.

An article entitled “Keys to Optimal Patient Care,” appeared in Advance for Healthcare Careers Annual Resource Guide and in ADVANCE for Speech-Language Pathologists in 2008.

“The Communication Component,” by Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker and Lynda Katz Wilner appeared in the February 2008 edition of Advance for Nurses.

Lynda Katz Wilner and Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker contributed an article, “Accenting the Positive,” to the April 2008 issue of Language Magazine, a publication of he Journal of Communication and Education.

ONLINE PUBLICATIONS

“Accenting the Positive: Simple Tips for Accent Modification,” appeared in www.selfgrowth.com in 2009.

PRESENTATIONS

Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker, Lynda Katz Wilner, and Lorna Sikorski presented “Integrating Language, Accent, and Culture in the Medical Community,” at the 2005 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention in San Diego, CA.

At the 2006 American Speech-Language-Hearing Convention in Miami, Florida, Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker, Lynda Katz Wilner, and Lorna Sikorski presented, “Designing Culture-Savvy Accent Training for Medical Professionals.”

“Using Scripts in Accent Training to Enhance Conversational Fluency,” was a joint presentation by Ms. Feinstein-Whittaker and Ms. Wilner at the 2007 MD TESOL Convention.

Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker, Lynda Katz Wilner, and Lorna Sikorski presented, “Conversational Skills: A Critical Component in Corporate and Healthcare Communication,” at the 2008 Annual American Speech-Language-Hearing (ASHA) Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker and Lynda Katz Wilner presented, “ Using Scripts in Accent Training to Enhance Conversational Fluency,” at the International TESOL Convention in New York City in April 2008.

Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker and Lynda Katz Wilner presented, “Accent Modification for Faculty: Striving for Communication Excellence,” a one-day workshop for research and clinical faculty at Massachusetts General Hospital in August 2009. Their presentation focused on Ten Tips for Effective Communication.

Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker and Lynda Katz Wilner presented, “Innovative Techniques to Teach Stress and Intonation,” at the 2009 MD TESOL Conference.

Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker and Marjorie North (retired Director of the Northeastern University Speech Department), presented, “ Effective Communication Skills for Non-Native English Speakers,” at Quinsigamond Community College, in Worcester, MA in April, 2009.

ESL RULES products will be showcased at the upcoming International TESOL Conference to be held in March, 2010. The exhibitors will also be presenting, “English for Medical Professionals-Assessments and Activities.”

PRODUCTS

MIAE – Mastering Idioms of American English with Lorna Sikorski, 2005 (www.ldsassoc.com)

RULES – (Rules for Using Linguistic Elements of Speech) with Lynda Katz Wilner, 2006-2007 (www.eslrules.com)

Medically Speaking RULES with Lynda Katz Wilner, 2007 (www.eslrules.com)

RULES BY THE SOUND with Lynda Katz Wilner, 2009 (www.eslrules.com)