SHAA Mentor Program

The SHAA Mentor Program is designed to foster professional growth, leadership development, and meaningful connections among members. Through supportive mentor–mentee relationships, we strengthen our profession and build a collaborative SHAA community.

Mentees- Click here to submit to be a Mentee

An emerging professional (mentee) is an active SHAA member who:

• Has worked fewer than five years in the field

• Is an SLPA/AUDA

• Is seeking mentorship due to a career transition or professional growth opportunity

Please note: Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) participants are not eligible for this program.

This may include:

• Early-career professionals

• Professionals who have changed clinical focus or practice setting

• Professionals seeking leadership or management experience

• Individuals looking to broaden their professional perspective or skill set

• SLPA/AUDA professionals

Mentee Expectations

Mentees are expected to:

• Maintain consistent communication with their mentor

• Come prepared with topics or questions for discussion

• Be open to feedback and new ideas

• Follow through on goals and recommendations

• Respect the time and commitment of their mentor

• Keep all discussions confidential

Mentors- Click here to submit to be a mentor

A mentor is an experienced professional and active SHAA member committed to supporting the growth and development of fellow members.

Mentors may be seasoned clinicians, administrators, educators, or leaders who are willing to share their knowledge, insights, and professional experiences. Mentors serve as trusted resources by offering guidance, encouragement, and perspective to help mentees navigate career development, leadership opportunities, and professional transitions.

Through open communication and collaboration, mentors play a vital role in strengthening the profession and fostering a supportive SHAA community.

Mentor Expectations

Mentors are expected to:

• Maintain consistent and professional communication with their mentee

• Serve as a positive role model within the profession

• Share relevant experiences, insights, and best practices

• Provide guidance on career development, leadership, and professional growth

• Encourage goal-setting and skill development

• Offer constructive feedback and support

• Support confidence-building and professional decision-making

Program Framework

The mentorship structure is intentionally flexible.

SHAA recommends a 30–60 minute meeting every 4–6 weeks, but each mentor pair may determine a schedule and format that best fits their availability.

Meetings may be held:

• By phone

• Via video conference

• In person

The most important factors are mutual agreement, consistency, and commitment.

Match Assignment

The SHAA Membership Chair and Membership Committee will review mentor and emerging professional applications and facilitate matches based on:

• Professional background

• Areas of interest

• Stated goals for participation

The Membership Chair will contact participants regarding their match and provide initial connection information.

Mentors are typically matched with one to three emerging professionals per cycle, depending on mentor participation and stated preferences. Mentors may indicate how many mentees they feel able to support when completing the application.

Meetings

Mentors and emerging professionals are responsible for scheduling their own meetings.

Meetings should take place in a setting that supports open, respectful, and confidential conversation, whether virtual or in person. Establishing trust is essential to a successful mentorship experience.

Evaluation

Mentors are encouraged to check in periodically with their emerging professional to ensure the relationship is meeting expectations and goals.

These check-ins provide an opportunity to:

• Adjust focus areas

• Modify meeting frequency

• Refine discussion topics

Any concerns should be addressed early and collaboratively.

Mentor Program Timeline

SHAA conducts one formal mentor match cycle each year:

April Match

Mentorship runs from March through the SHAA Annual Convention.

• Jotform submissions are due by March 15.

• All participants will be contacted with match information by April 1st.

Participants may reapply in future years. While new matches are encouraged to promote fresh perspectives, continuing an existing mentorship is welcomed if both parties agree.

Support & Conflict Resolution

SHAA anticipates positive and productive mentorship relationships; however, challenges may occasionally arise.

If concerns related to communication, expectations, or compatibility occur, participants are encouraged to first discuss them directly with one another, if comfortable.

If additional support is needed, participants may contact the SHAA Executive Director at admin@alabamashaa.com.

The Executive Director may:

• Help mediate concerns or communication challenges

• Revisit expectations with both participants

• Reassign a mentor or emerging professional if necessary

Our goal is to ensure a respectful, supportive, and growth-oriented experience for all participants.

Application Review

All mentor and emerging professional applications will be reviewed by the SHAA Membership Committee. Matches will be facilitated based on professional background, areas of interest, and stated goals for participation.