Personal Connection Fuels Iyanna Nieves ’25, ’27MA CSD in Journey to Speech-Language Pathology
For Iyanna Nieves ’25, ’27MA CSD, the journey into speech-language pathology began not in a classroom, but at home—with a moment that would ultimately shape her calling.
“My younger brother has autism, so I grew up alongside him and saw firsthand what speech therapy can do,” Nieves said. “He was nonverbal until he was four years old, and I was incredibly inspired by his speech-language pathologist, who helped him develop so much language in such a short time.”
That experience sparked what would become a clear sense of purpose. While she once considered becoming a teacher, Nieves realized she was drawn instead to the field of communication sciences and disorders.
“Seeing his progress made me really interested in speech-language pathology,” Nieves said. “Since then, I’ve been passionate about working with individuals with communication disorders.”
An Iona University undergraduate alumna who double majored in Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, Nieves graduated in May 2025 and is now continuing her education in the University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders master’s program, with plans to earn her degree in 2027. A native of Yorktown Heights, N.Y., she has remained close to home while advancing toward her professional goals.
Like many graduate students, Nieves acknowledges that the path can be challenging at times—but Iona has played a key role in helping her stay grounded. Especially through her clinical experiences, she has found meaningful ways to reconnect with the reason she chose this field in the first place.
“Being in the clinic helps me reconnect,” Nieves said. “You see the families, the clients and the real impact of the work every day. That always reminds me why I chose this field.”
Working closely with both clients and undergraduate students has also given her a deeper appreciation for her own journey and growth.
“Even working with undergraduate students now, I see them just starting out, and it reminds me of where I began and why I’m doing this,” Nieves said. “I think Iona really helps keep that sense of purpose strong.”
Looking ahead, Nieves hopes to work in pediatrics, where she can support children in developing critical communication skills early in life, carrying with her a passion for helping others and a commitment to leading with purpose.
ABOUT IONA
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of over 4,000 students and an alumni base of 55,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona also continues to be recognized in prestigious national rankings. Most recently for 2025, Iona has been named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of top for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranked an Iona degree in the top 6 percent nationally for long-term return on investment. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business, meanwhile, is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review once again named Iona to its “Best Business Schools for 2025,” recognizing both its on-campus and online MBA programs. Connecting to its Irish heritage, Iona also opened a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland, located on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate. A school on the rise, Iona officially changed its status from College to University on July 1, 2022, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.