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shaa executive board CAndidates
President
Carol Koch
Employer:
Samford University
Job Title:
Graduate Program Director and Professor
Professional Accomplishments:
ASHA Fellow; Board Certified Specialist in Child Language and Language Disorders; ASHA Convention Program Committee 2021-2023; SHAA Treasurer 2017 - present; SHAA Convention Track Chair for Pediatric (2019-2024)and Student (2019-2022) Tracks; ASHA AdHoc Committee to Plan Next Steps to Redesign Entry-Level Education for SLPs; ASHA Leadership Development Program; ASHA Leadership Mentoring Program; ASHA SIG 10 Associate Coordinator, 2021-2023; ASHA SIG 10 Coordinator, 2023-2024; Council for Academic Programs for CSD and AUD Board, 2023-2026.
Professional Honors:
ASHA Fellow; Board Certified Specialist in Child Language and Language Disorders; ASHA Innovator Award, 2023; ASHA Leadership Development Program; Samford University School of Health Professions Excellent in Student Mentoring Award, 2017-2018 and 2021-2022.
Offices Held and Committee Work:
Council for Accreditation for SLP and AUD - council member 2023-2026; ASHA: ASHA Convention Program Committee 2021-2023; SHAA Treasurer 2017 - present; SHAA Convention Track Chair for Pediatric (2019-2024) and Student (2019-2022) Tracks; ASHA AdHoc Committee to Plan Next Steps to Redesign Entry-Level Education for SLPs; ASHA SIG 10 Associate Coordinator, 2021-2023; ASHA SIG 10 Coordinator, 2023-2024; Speech-Language Hearing Association of Alabama: Treasurer 2017-2019; 2019-2021; 2021-2023; 2023-2025; Chair of Pediatric Track for Annual Convention: 2019-2024; Chair of Student Track for Annual Convention: 2019-2022 Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Member of Convention Planning Team, Pediatric Program Chair, 2015-2016; 2016-2017; 2017-2018; Member of Editorial Board for the Online Journal of Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2015; Participant in the Strategic Planning Meeting, 2015; Student Research Presentations Judge, Annual Convention, 2007-2015.
A few sentences about yourself and why you want to run for this position:
My broad professional experiences have helped me develop the perspectives and skills to serve SHAA as President. I would bring skills that span leadership at the state and national levels, clinical service provision, academic and clinical education, and a passion for service. I have been a SHAA Board member, a department chair, a program director, a faculty member, clinical educator, clinical coordinator, a practicing clinician, member of university planning, finance, and assessment committees, and Board member for a local agency serving young children with disabilities. These experiences have allowed me to develop the ability to consider multiple viewpoints and to be current in my knowledge of the academic, clinical, and research trends of the profession. I am ready to serve SHAA to support standards of excellence in light of evolving trends that impact the profession, to advocate for the science and practice of the disciplines of speech-language pathology and audiology, to support professionals, to advocate for quality services, and to support SHAA in achieving its mission.
Vice President for Convention
Meredith Street
Employer:
Children's of Alabama
Job Title:
Speech-Language Pathologist
Professional Accomplishments:
Presentations: Hansen, L. & Street, M. (2023). Assessing ASD and Commonly Co-Occurring Medical Conditions. 2- hr podium presentation at SHAA Convention. Birmingham, AL.; Hansen, L. & Street, M. (2022). Social Skills for School Readiness. MPART Series. 1-hr presentation and case-study for therapists and families at Mitchells Place. Birmingham, AL. Street, M. (2021). Introduction to Feeding Therapy and Assessment. A 1-hr presentation for Puzzle Piece speech and occupational therapy team. Birmingham, AL.; Street, M. (2020). Boom Learning: Interactive Therapy Across the Lifespan. A 1-hour virtual presentation for Solace Healthcare Providers. Denver, CO.; Koch, C. & Street, M. (2019). The Contrast Approaches for Speech Sound Disorders. A 1-hour podium presentation at American Speech-Language Hearing Association Annual Convention. Orlando, FL.; Koch, C. & Street, M. (2016). Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation: We Can Work It Out. A 1-hour podium presentation at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Annual Convention. Philadelphia, PA.; Street, M. (2015). Language Stimulation Strategies in an Early Intervention Setting. A 30-minute presentation for multidisciplinary staff at The Bell Center. Birmingham, AL.
Professional Honors:
Lifeguard Award: Infirmary Health System (2019) for Advocating for processes that protect the safety of patients and staff during MBS study; Above and Beyond Award for Clinical Excellence: Samford University (2016.)
Offices Held and Committee Work:
Convention Planning Committee for the Topic committee of Speech sound Disorders in Children for ASHA Convention 2022; Director of Publications, 2022-present; Public Information and Social Media Chair, 2021-present; Convention Committee (2021-present), Technology Track Chair, 2021-2023.
A few sentences about yourself and why you want to run for this position:
As a member of the Convention Planning Committee for SHAA and ASHA, I understand the importance of building a committee with varying educational backgrounds, work experiences, professional settings, and topic expertise in order to bring you a well-rounded professional development experience. These past few years, I have worked with the VP of convention and with management of the venue to provide a seamless experience and throughout the convention to reduce convention disruption. Last year, I worked with VP of convention to optimize technology while increasing opportunities for live and virtual sessions. As VP of Convention, I plan to work alongside the convention planning committee to build a convention that includes, inspires, and imparts new ideas and a new passion with our professional community.
Membership Secretary
Stephanie Bannon
Employer:
Self employed
Job Title:
Speech Language Pathologist
Professional Accomplishments:
Presentation Krishnamurti, S. & Zicarelli, S. (2012)Spanish Intelligibility of L2 learners: Rate, Proficiency, & Exposure Effects. Podium Presentation at the American Speech Language Hearing Association Convention. Atlanta, GA.
Professional Honors:
ASHA ACE Award for Continuing Education Excellence 2016-2023;
Offices Held and Committee Work:
Vice President of Convention SHAA 2023-2024; SHAA Recording Secretary 2019-2023; SHAA Public Information Chair 2017-2019; SHAA Membership Committee; SHAA AAC Committee, SHAA Convention Planning Committee.
A few sentences about yourself and why you want to run for this position:
I am a licensed Speech Language Pathologist with experience in schools, the adult neuro rehab setting, and acute care settings. I have lived in Huntsville and Birmingham. I am currently serving on the SHAA board as VP for Convention, and have enjoyed working with many of our members as we prepare for convention. I would like to help our organization grow its membership in the northern and southern parts of the state. I would like to begin a new initiative to improve membership in those areas as well as increase familiarity among our current members.
Membership Secretary
Tracy Bond
Employer:
All Talk, LLC DBA The SpOT Clinic
Job Title:
CCC-SLP/CEO
Professional Accomplishments:
Successfully opened 3 pediatric ST, PT, and OT clinics in 3 years and grown from 4 employees to 56 (during a pandemic); I have learned so much about not only business, but a therapy business perspective; I have had to learn to be organized and efficient while utilizing my time wisely (which has always been a strength, but has grown more with the clinics); Have trained my CFO and COO to take on tasks to alleviate some of the work off of me to free me up to become more involved at the state level.
Professional Honors:
Supervised graduate students in a University clinic; supervised numerous CFs in successfully completing their CF.
Offices Held and Committee Work:
A few sentences about yourself and why you want to run for this position:
I want to be more involved to help with professional issues across Alabama and to be able to attempt to help make any changes or suggestions needed for the betterment of speech-language pathologists and audiologists while providing excellent services to the families we serve. I have worked in numerous settings - early intervention, schools, outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing (as a treating SLP and a rehabilitation manager), university, home health, and private practice. I feel the vast experience in my 31 years of tenure as a speech-language pathologist lends me the qualifications. I have always been organized and efficient, but can now use those skills effectively and train others to do so as well. I am a "stickler" for timeliness in any task and feel that I can bring that to the table as the Membership Secretary. I have the time to devote to the position and desire to be a part of the board. I ran for the ABESPA Board District 4 for 2023, but unfortunately, I moved to Gulf Shores and had to withdraw my application prior to the winner announcement. I intend to run again in 2025 for District 1 with the hope and intention of implementing some changes at that level based on concerns from numerous fellow SLPs and Audiologists across the state. I look forward to the opportunity to grow professionally and personally and appreciate the chance.
Recording Secretary
Meghan Brown
Employer:
Children's of Alabama
Job Title:
Outpatient Speech Supervisor
Professional Accomplishments:
Member of Momentum's 2020 class for Upward Early-Career Program; Member of Children's of Alabama Ascend Leadership program 2023.
Professional Honors:
Recipient of Children's of Alabama 2022 Allied Health Distinguished Award for Speech Pathology and Audiology;
Offices Held and Committee Work:
Current Honors Committee Chair; SHAA convention planning committee 2022 and 2023.
A few sentences about yourself and why you want to run for this position:
As an SLP for 11 years, with 9 years being in the state of Alabama, I'd like to give back to this organization and learn more about the ins and outs of SHAA. What better way than by documenting meetings and keeping information up-to-date. I would be honored to serve as recording secretary for SHAA.
Treasurer
Jill Smith
Employer:
Children's of Alabama
Job Title:
Director of Hearing and Speech
Professional Accomplishments:
United Way of Central Alabama Medical Division Council Chair 2022 ASHA Healthcare Cohort graduate 2019 Jerger Future Leaders of Audiology graduate 2014 Children's of Alabama department director (hearing and speech.)
Professional Honors:
SHAA Distinguished Service Award 2023.
Offices Held and Committee Work:
ASHA Committee of Ambassadors for Alabama (audiology)2020-2023; ASHA LDP Healthcare Cohort graduate 2019; ASHA convention committee volunteer for program selection; Speech Hearing Association of Alabama (SHAA) board member- positions held include ASHA CoA liaison, VP for Convention, Audiology Councilor (2 terms); American Academy of Audiology (AAA) Leadership Development Committee Chair 2021-23, AAA Honors committee 2020-21, AAA Convention featured session committee and speaker selection 2018-2022.
A few sentences about yourself and why you want to run for this position:
I am an audiologist with 23 years of experience in pediatrics and leadership. My husband and have two teenagers and what feels like a zoo of animals at our house (2 dogs and a cat). I enjoy watching the speech and audiology community in Alabama lead across the country in our practice, service to others, and drive to become a better organization. I currently manage the budget, expenses and revenue for a multi-million dollar department in a large organization and think treasurer of SHAA is a natural fit for me.
Councilor for Speech-Language Pathology
Sonia Clecker
Employer:
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS)/Children's Rehabilitation Service (CRS)
Job Title:
Program Specialist for Speech-Language Pathology
Professional Accomplishments:
ADRS Leadership Training Institute, 10th cohort, 2019-2021 - graduate; SHAA Convention presenter: 2023, 2017, 2016; serve as the sole external quality control reviewer for all Alabama Medicaid-funded augmentative communication devices (ACDs) & worked with Medicaid to streamline the Medicaid ACD prior approval process & educate SLPs and device manufacturers to reduce the number of ACD denials; Directly involved in Early Intervention-Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic pilot program development and training; Responsible for obtaining and dispersing federal Covid relief ARPA funding to CRS and community providers, as well as clients to improve access to assistive technology, respite, and training; Invited presenter for various groups including: Alabama Medicaid, university training programs, Early Intervention, physician groups, Southeastern National Rehabilitation Association Conference, etc., for multiple topics, including: AAC Funding and Evaluations, Medicaid Orthodontia Provision & Parameters, Oral Health, Careers in Rehabilitation Services, and ASD and AAC; Developed CRS Craniofacial Orthodontia Clinic in collaboration with the UAB School of Dentistry and the Alabama Medicaid Agency to provide orthodontia services to children with craniofacial diagnoses (implemented 2019); Revised CRS Augmentative Communication Technology Clinic (ACT) to accept clients based on severe expressive impairments, rather than limited medical causative diagnostic criteria, which allows more children to be served by CRS interdisciplinary teams for AAC evaluations (expansion in 2018)
Professional Honors:
2019 SHAA AAC Professional Award Recipient; ASHA Award for continuing education: 3/2023, 11/2022, 2/2022, 4/2021, 9/2020, 2/2017, 3/2014, 3/2009;
Offices Held and Committee Work:
SHAA Councilor for SLP 2019-present; Children's Rehabilitation Service (CRS) liaison to the Alabama Medicaid Agency; CRS liaison to and member of the Oral Health Coalition of Alabama; Statewide Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Group 2023; Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council (AIACC) member; Montgomery Area Commitee on Employment of People with Disabilities (MACEPD): Board member, chair of auditing committee, and Annual MACEPD Governor's Awards Luncheon emcee 2018 & 2019; ADRS Medical Aspects of Disability Conference Planning Committee and Moderator: 2016 & 2018; Alabama Assistive Technology Expo & Conference (ALATEC) Planning committee and presenter: 2015-2017; STAR Advisory Council: 2013-2022; Alabama Department of Public Health Home Care Agency Advisory Council: 2013-2017
A few sentences about yourself and why you want to run for this position:
I have worked as an SLP for over 24 years in various locations, including the public school system, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient/outpatient providers, and now with the state of Alabama through CRS and our partnership with Alabama Medicaid. I have enjoyed speaking with SLPs across the state and trying to obtain answers to their questions and providing them with resources to better serve their clients. I don't pretend to know all of the answers to every question, but I promise I am tenacious enough that I will not stop until I find the resources and the answers needed. I will always make myself available via email and phone to speak with any SLP about their questions or concerns.
Councilor for Audiology
Missy Kemp
Employer:
Children's of Alabama
Job Title:
Audiology Supervisor
Professional Accomplishments:
Audiologist, Children's Rehabilitation Service 2001-2006; Audiologist/Senior Audiologist , Children's of Alabama 2006-2018; Audiology Supervisor, Children's of Alabama 2018-Present; SHAA Counselor for Audiology 2023-Present.
Offices Held and Committee Work:
SHAA Counselor for Audiology; SHAA conference planning committee 2022, 2023
A few sentences about yourself and why you want to run for this position:
With over 20 years of dedicated experience in audiology, I am excited to run for the position of Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama counselor for audiology. My extensive career has provided me with a deep understanding of the intricacies of diagnosing and treating hearing disorders, staying updated on cutting-edge technologies, and navigating the dynamic landscape of healthcare regulations. Throughout these years, I have actively engaged in professional development, collaborated with colleagues, and honed my skills to become a seasoned professional in the field. This wealth of experience not only reflects my commitment to audiology but positions me to offer valuable insights and leadership to the association. I am eager to leverage my expertise to shape policies, advocate for best practices, and contribute to the continued growth and excellence of audiology services in Alabama. Running for this position is not just a personal endeavor; it is a sincere commitment to advancing the audiology profession in our state based on years of dedicated service and passion for improving the lives of individuals with hearing challenges.
Councilor for School Affairs
Brittany Smith
Employer:
Hoover City Schools
Job Title:
SLP
Professional Accomplishments:
I’ve received grants at my school for AAC devices and therapy materials; helped advocate for SLPs in my district while increasing salaries for teachers as a representative on the district salary committee.
Professional Honors:
Leadership Team at my current school
Offices Held and Committee Work:
SHAA Counselor for School Affairs 2023-2024
A few sentences about yourself and why you want to run for this position:
I have been a school-based SLP for 10 years now and am beginning my 11th year. Working in the schools is my passion. I take great pride in seeing the success of my students, advocating for their needs, and educating parents/faculty/staff. I feel that I am qualified for this position based on my experience and knowledge of Alabama Administrative Code and my passion for being a school-based provider.