This is the Newsletter of the
Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Join us at MSHA in Grand Rapids!  Register now for the April 21-23, 2016 MSHA Conference at the Amway Grand Plaza/Curio Collection, A Hilton Hotel, in beautiful downtown Grand Rapids. 

Dawn Kutney, Editor
790 W.Lake Lansing Rd.
Suite 500-A
East Lansing, Michigan  48823
email address:  msha@att.net
Website: www.michiganspeechhearing.org
 

MSHA Executive Board:
President:
Kathy Rigley-Rowell, M.A., CCC-SLP
President-Elect: 
Laura Lenkey, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Past President: 
Julie Pratt, M.S., CCC- SLP
Secretary:
Beth Economou, M.A., CCC-SLP
Treasurer:
Sherry Riedel, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for Advocacy:
Kelli Pierce, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for Audiology Services:
Angelique Boerst, M.A., CCC-A
VP for Membership:
Gordon Krainen, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
VP for Professional Dev & Education:
Emmylou Garza-Prisby, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP Elect for Prof Dev & Education:
Terry Lange-Winkel, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for Public Relations:
Melissa Witsil, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for SLP/Healthcare:
Carolyn Doty, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for SLP/Public Schools:
Lori Tavtigian, M.A., CCC-SLP

MSHA Advisory Assembly:
Audiology Practice:
Angelique Boerst, M.A., CCC-A
Communications and Networking:
Erica Barker, M.A., CCC-SLP
Continuing Education:
Rosalyn Davis, M.A., CCC-SLP
Ethics & Standards:
Michelle Bailey, M.A., CCC-SLP
SLP Healthcare:
Julie Kiefer Eaman, M.A., CCC-SLP
Student Affairs:
Greg Spray, M.A., CFY-SLP
MSHA Members-at-Large
N.W. Michigan:
Open
S.E. Michigan:
Karen O'Leary, M.A., CCC-SLP
S.W. Michigan:
Kirsten Haverberg, M.A., CCC-SLP
N.E. Michigan:
Ashley Gutowski, M.A., CCC-SLP
Upper Peninsula:
Rachel Denis, M.A., CCC-SLP
Member-at-Large Representing Students:
Brittany Loomis, M.A., CFY-SLP
ASHA Advisory Councilors:SLP:  
Karen Kurcz, M.A., CCC-SLP
AUD:  Margot Beckerman, Au.D., CCC-A
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   Congratulations to the following MSHA members who were elected to the MSHA Executive Board recently:

President-Elect:  Natalie Douglas, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Central Michigan University
Vice President for Advocacy:  Kelli Pierce, M.A.,CCC-SLP, Comprehensive Speech and Therapy Center, Jackson
Vice President-Elect for Professional Development and Education:  Terry Lange-Winkel, M.A., CCC-SLP, Warren Woods Public Schools
Vice-President for Public Relations:  Erica Barker, M.A., CCC-SLP, Abby D Center, Petoskey
Vice -President for SLP/Public Schools:  Lori Tavtigian, M.A, CCC-SLP, New Boston Huron Schools

   These newly-elected Board members whill begin their terms on April 23, 2016. Thanks to these MSHA members for their willingness to serve their professional association in this important way.  Thanks also to those of you who voted in the recent election.  We appreciate your participation!

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April 21-23, 2016 MSHA Annual Conference
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids
March 23-25, 2017, MSHA Conference: Detriot Marriott Troy 
March 22-24, 2018, MSHA Conference Radisson Plaza Hotel, Kalamazoo

The next et cetera newsletter will be emailed to all MSHA members in Michigan in May.

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   We will have many outstanding Exhibitors at MSHA this April in Grand Rapids, including:
American Senior Communities
Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
Brookes Publishing Co.
Calvin College
Camp ALEC AAC Language Education Communication
Detroit Institute for Children
Detroit Medical Center/  Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan
Detroit Public Schools
Discovery Toys
Early On Michigan/Build Up
Encore Rehabilitation
Enovative Technologies
Grand Valley State University
Mary Free Bed Rehab Hospital
MBS Envision, Inc.
McGraw-Hill Education
MSHA Ethics Committee
MSHA Social Media Booth
MSHA Foundation (MSHF)
National Stuttering Association
Nutra/Balance Products
Origami Owl
Pearson Clinical
Prentke-Romich Co.
PresenceLearning, Inc.
Saltillo Corporation
Simply Thick, LLC
Simucase
Super Duper Publications
Therapy Source, Inc.
Therapy Staff
Tobii Dynavox
Total Education Solutions
Usborne Books and More
Western Psychological Services

Thanks to all of our Exhibitors and we look forward to another great MSHA Conference!














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   Help us celebrate the 10th Anniversary of  our MSHF (MSHA Foundation) by joining us in a fun fundraiser at the upcoming MSHA Conference.  The MSHF has given over $20,000 in scholarships to Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology students in Michigan's universities since it's inception in 2006.  We have more to do - we would like to help even more students with more funds as they work to become the next generation of SLPs & AUDs.

   Details forthcoming but conference attendees will have a chance to donate just $10 and receive a special recognition to reward their generosity and spread the word about the MSHF and its goals and activities.  Other surprises in store....stay tuned!

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Congratulations to the following MSHA members who received the ACE Award from ASHA (Award for Continuing Education) for the period April through September, 2015:

Elwood Anderson, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, Practice of Speech Pathology
Erica Barker, M.A.,CCC-SLP, Abby D Center, Petoskey
Hillary Bishop, M.A., CCC-SLP, Soliant Health
Donna Budzenski, M.A. CCC-SLP, Muskegon Public Schools
Brenda Burak,M.A.,CCC-SLP, Detroit Public Schools
Carol Gould M.A., CCC-SLP
Deanne Henagan, M.A., CCC-SLP
Kathryn Hillenbrand, M.A., CCC-SLP, Western Michigan University
Amanda Hopkins, M.A., CCC-SLP, Listening & Language Connections
Gregory Jacoby, M.A., CCC-SLP, Detroit Public Schools
Theresa Jones, M.S., CCC-SLP, Central Michigan University
Ronald Kelley, M.A., CCC-SLP, Western Michigan University
Gordon Krainen, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, University of Michigan Residential Aphasia Program
Susan Olney Latham, Ph.D.,CCC-SLP, St. Mary's College
Darcy Hardy Lees, M.Ed.,CCC-SLP, Ann Arbor Public Schools
Kimberly Mabie, M.A., CCC-SLP, Livonia Public Schools
Alan MacDonald, M.A., CCC-SLP, Encore Rehab
Sheryl Aaron Miller, M.A., CCC-SLP
Lea Dawn Norbotten, M.A., CCC-SLP, Spectrum Health
Gloria Polk, M.A., CCC-SLP, The Futures HealthCore
Robin Pollens, M.S., CCC-SLP, Western Michigan University
Jean Skeffington, M.A., CCC-SLP, Lakeshore Communication Disorders Center
Evelyn Sommerlot, M.A.,CCC-SLP, Eaton ISD
Katie Squires, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Central Michigan University
Thomas Southern, M.A., CCC-SLP, Residential Home Health
Theresa Sutton, M.A., CCC-SLP, Washtenaw ISD
Lori Van Riper, Ph.D., CCC-A, University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
Beverly Walton, M.A., CCC-SLP, Branch ISD
Natalie Wombacher, M.S., CCC-SLP, University of Michigan Health System
Santhamma Varghese, MClSc, CCC-SLP, Detroit Public Schools
Pablo Ysunza, M.D., Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Beaumont Health System

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   It is with sadness that we report the death of Deidra Clugston, M.A., CCC-SLP, who taught for many years in East Lansing Public Schools as a Speech-Language Pathologist.  Deidre, 64, of Traverse City, passed away on February 23, 2016.  Deidre is survived by her husband Greg and their two daughters Erin and Chelsey, and four grandchildren.  Deidra was a long-time MSHA member and began her career after graduating from Michigan State University with her MA in Speech Language Pathology.  She was granted MSHA Life Membership in 2002.  She was an accomplished, self-taught fiber artist.  Memorial contributions in Deidra's name can be made to MPN Resarch at www.mpnResearchFoundation.org and you can share your thoughts and memories with Deidra's family by way of her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

   MSHA members and colleagues extend their condolences to Deidra's family and many friends and fellow professionals.

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   Last year MSHA's Health Care Committee and the Public Relations Committee collaborated to develop two informational videos to be used on social media and websites to educate the public on what it is like to live with aphasia for the June National Aphasia Awareness Month.  These videos, What Exactly Is Aphasia? narrated by Detroit Tiger Announcer Rod Allen, have been viewed by thousands of people in our community and across the country improving public awareness of aphasia.  These videos will continue to be used in future projects for many years to come.  Several of you have asked for a re-print of this information.
 
Here are the Top Ten ways you can get involved with this MSHA project:
 
#1 Watch and Share both versions of What Exactly Is Aphasia?
#2  Show to current patients and caregivers as an educational resource
#3 Forward to your managers and administrators to advocate for your position
#4 Send to your referral sources and payers to promote your services
#5 Show at your support groups
#6 Educate your support staff
#7 Use during a community outreach program
#8 Use at your local school for career day
#9 Share on your social media to educate your family and friends
#10 Take a picture of  your aphasia advocacy and share on MSHA’s Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram
 
  Have you seen our 2-minute video What Exactly is Aphasia? which was made with the collaboration of Speech-Language Pathologists and individuals living with aphasia aiming to improve awareness in our state? Just click on the title to view this outstanding video.

  A longer version - the 6-minute video of What Exactly is Aphasia? is also available to share with patients, families and other professionals. The video focuses on the fact that aphasia does not affect the individual’s intelligence, only that individual’s ability to communicate. It also highlights the role of speech language pathology in improving communication.
 
   Volunteer committee members of MSHA have collected these resources to assist others in sharing information with other professionals and consumers.

   Check out our website:
http://www.michiganspeechhearing.org/aphasia_advocacy_project.php

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From the President

    As we make final preparations for this year’s MSHA Annual Conference, Making Connections, April 21-23, 2016 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, we hope you are just as excited to welcome so many esteemed speakers, a record breaking number of poster presentations, and several other new opportunities.  Here is just a sneak peak at some of the new and exciting events lined up this year:

Thursday evening -  Sporcle Trivia event (open to all at the MSHA Welcome Reception)
Friday morning - Annual MSHA Business Meeting will have a new (interactive) format – and offer CEUs!  Please join us!
Friday – Student Round Tables (undergraduate and graduate)
Friday evening - Praxis Trivia Bowl (open to undergraduate and graduate students) - we encourage others to come and cheer on their alma mater!
Friday Awards Luncheon – Keynote address by 2016 ASHA President Dr. Jaynee Handelsman. 

   Please see the article inside this newsletter about the 2016 Conference and all of the updates to the Program, which include additional classes and Poster Sessions.

   Please join us for what is sure to be an outstanding conference.  Whether you look forward to reconnecting with former classmates or colleagues, gaining clinical knowledge for your practice, networking for future opportunities or a little bit of it all, we welcome you and look forward to seeing you in Grand Rapids!

   In addition to planning the annual conference, MSHA members have been busy on a number of important and impactful projects.  Our Healthcare and Reimbursement committees have worked tirelessly to secure better health care coverage for our consumers.  Several victories were won over the past year, including broader coverage for habilitative services for children, revisions to definitions of “medical necessity,” and broader coverage for “cognitive” intervention.  The folks who track, research, and advocate for such changes are often required to go up against large institutions and respective stakeholders.  They have and continue to fight these battles to improve coverage and opportunities in order to serve and support people who need it the most.

   MSHA would like to humbly thank some of our stakeholders in these battles, including Tim Weise, Julie Pratt, Michael Rolnick, Elaine Ledwon-Robinson and Karen Kurcz.  The efforts by these folks and many others have had direct impacts on service delivery throughout our state.   Please see Elaine Ledwon-Robinson's article below which details their hard-fought achievements.

   Pictured here, at Rick Merson's retirement party in December, l-r: Erica Barker, Ellen Fairbrother, Tim Weise (standing in back), Rick Merson, Kathy Rigley-Rowell, Melissa Witsil (back), and Lizbeth Stevens.

   MSHA takes your feedback, thoughts, ideas and questions seriously. In fact, we count on it in order to affect positive change.  Our Executive Board and Advisory Assembly members would love to hear from you!  See you in Grand Rapids next month!

                                    Kathy Rigley-Rowell, M.A., CCC-SLP
                                            MSHA President 2015-2016

For more information, check out:
https://twitter.com/MshaLang
https://www.facebook.com/MI SpeechLanguageHearingAssociation instagramn.com/mshalang#
www.linkedin.com/company/mi-speech-language-hearing-association
www.pinterest.com/mshalang/
   
   For more information on how you can be involved with MSHA or to contact the board members visit:  www.michiganspeechhearing.org

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   On February 2nd, Julie Pratt , MSHA Past-President and former Vice-President of Advocacy, received notification that Blue Care Network (BCN) issued a policy statement endorsing cognitive therapy as a safe and effective component of the rehabilitation process (with specific inclusionary and exclusionary guidelines), effective March 1, 2016.    

   Two quotes capture many of our feelings about this accomplishment: 

►"All great achievements take time" (Maya Angelou)
►"With an enthusiastic team, you can achieve almost anything!" (Tahir Shah)

    For me, this journey started in 1980, when I participated in founding the Michigan Brain Injury Association.  Advocacy groups such as the MBIA ensured that Michigan’s no-fault therapy law provided robust treatment options for patients who experienced a traumatic brain injury as a result of a motor vehicle collision.  In contrast, individuals sustaining cognitive impairment from a non-motor vehicle related cause had limited to no access to cognitive therapy.  It has been heartbreaking to observe this difference on a daily basis:  a 16 year old with a TBI following a car crash received ample amounts of cognitive therapy, targeting attention, memory and executive functioning skills and was carefully guided in his return to school and ultimately community college; another 16 year old, who experienced significant brain impairment as a result of a virulent encephalitis, received speech-language treatment which could not target  specific cognitive/memory goals, as his medical insurance did not cover cognitive rehabilitation.  It was a Dickensian case of the “haves and have nots”.

   To address this disparity, a MSHA reimbursement committee began advocating for coverage of cognitive rehabilitation in regular meetings with Blue Cross Blue Shield, prior to 1999.  Each year, we reiterated this request, providing clinical research and efficacy studies.  At our invitation, Maureen Thompson, then the ASHA Director of Private Health Plans Advocacy, participated in a June, 2004 meeting, providing actuarial data as well as insurance precedents for coverage of cognitive therapy. 

   Throughout the years, MSHA’s advocacy team (core members: Julie Pratt, Dr. Michael Rolnick, Tim Weise and myself) continued to advocate for coverage of cognitive rehabilitation.  In July, 2013, Blue Cross Blue Shield announced a policy change endorsing coverage of cognitive therapy for acquired cognitive impairment following traumatic brain injury or stroke.    After a short celebration, we returned to the table with BCBS to request expansion of the cognitive therapy benefit to include individuals who experienced cognitive impairment following encephalopathy or brain tumor resection.  (December 2014). 

   During this time period, Blue Care Network (BCN) continued to reject claims for coverage of cognitive rehabilitation.  The MSHA reimbursement committee met with BCN in February of 2015 to request coverage of cognitive therapy.   One year later, BCN issued its policy change, endorsing cognitive rehabilitation therapy for individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury or stroke.   As with BCBS, there are many excluded diagnoses, including encephalopathy, status/post brain surgery, dementia and mental retardation, to name a few.  As with most insurance plans, the patient must show acquired cognitive deficits and there must be documentation of potential for improvements, based on the patients’ pre-injury function.  The patient must be able to actively participate in the treatment program. 

   This is a remarkable team achievement (go, team!):     however, we do have remaining goals of obtaining coverage for all patients with acquired cognitive impairment (e.g. post-encephalopathy and brain tumor resection).

   To close with a particularly pertinent quote:   “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world.  Indeed it is the only thing that ever has”  (Margaret Mead).  Never doubt that each of us can effect change for our patients, clients and profession!

                       Elaine Ledwon-Robinson, M.S., CCC-SLP
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Can’t wait to see you in Grand Rapids!
  
    Registration is underway for the 2016 MSHA Annual Conference, April 21-23, 2016, at the Amway Grand Plaza/Curio Collection, A Hilton Hotel.  The deadline to receive the Early Bird discount of 25% off your MSHA Conference registration is March 31, 2016.  

   MSHA members should have received all of the conference information and registration forms in the January et cetera. The deadline to register for the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids has been extended to March 28, so do contact the hotel as soon as possible to secure the conference room rate of $130. After March 28 registrations may have to be made above the contracted room block, will be subject to availability and a higher rate. All reservations can be made, modified, or canceled on-line at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/MSHA2016 or by calling toll free 1-800-253-3590 and asking for Reservations.  Identify yourself as a MSHA member to receive our special group rate. (Group Name: Michigan Speech-Language Hearing Association).
  
   Since the Preliminary Program went to press, we've added additional sessions and Poster Sessions (see article below). Be sure to check your program upon arrival for new sessions. We are pleased to announce that we have 40 total Poster Sessions available for our conference. This is by far the most Poster Sessions received and we thank all of you who have submitted your research, helping us to provide many different offerings for CEUs. As in the past, 35 Student Poster Sessions will be eligible for the $250 Award for Best Poster, sponsored by the four Michigan chapters of Psi Iota Xi (Theta Tau, Zeta Theta, Eta Sigma, and Eta Omicron).

   The Program Committee invites you to join us for the MSHA Annual Business Meeting on Friday, April 22nd, at 7:45 a.m.   Come and find out all of the great things that MSHA has been doing and consider getting involved. We need you!

   Please join me in thanking the following organizations who helped us sponsor some of our wonderful conference events:

♦Welcome Reception Thursday evening: sponsored by Wayne State University, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
♦Continental Breakfast Friday morning: sponsored by Detroit Medical Center (DMC) Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan
♦Undergraduate Student Session Friday morning: Michigan State University, Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders 
♦Graduate Student Session Friday afternoon: Eastern Michigan University, Speech-Language Pathology Program
♦Snack Break Friday afternoon: Central Michigan University, Department of Communication Disorders
♦Lanyards for all Conference Participants: Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids

   A big thank you to all of our sponsors and exhibitors!  You make our conference refreshing and fun and you provide valuable support to MSHA.

   Don’t forget to download the speaker handouts from the MSHA website prior to the conference! We will be posting them as we receive them.  And….be sure to brush up on your trivia for Sporcle!

   We are really excited to have as our Keynote Speaker Jaynee Handlesman, Ph.D., CCC-A, ASHA Fellow.  Jaynee is the Director of Pediatric Audiology in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan Health System. She is the 2016 ASHA President.  Jaynee will speak at the MSHA Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 22, 2016.

   We look forward to seeing you next month!  Contact MSHA for more information at (517)332-5691 or visit the website at www.michiganspeechhearing.org    
 
        Terry Lange-Winkel, M.A., CCC-SLP, Conference Chair
 
   To find out more about Grand Rapids or to go to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel website, follow the links below.  You can register on-line for your hotel room now.

  Hotel Website:
    www.http://amwaygrand.com/

 To Reserve a hotel room as a MSHA conference attendee:
https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=14205943

   To call in a reservation contact the hotel at 800-253-3590, ask for Reservations, and then say you are with MSHA to book within the block at our special rate of $130.00.

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Here are the additional classes added for the 2016 MSHA Annual Conference.

Thursday, April 21:

Double Miniseminar:  10:00 am – 12:00 noon
▲ Fact or Fiction: Urban Legends of Dysphagia
Speaker: Caroline Brindo, M.A., CCC-SLP, and Rachel Maxbauer, M.A., CCC-SLP, MBS Envision Inc.
 
Urban legends regarding dysphagia management are rampant. How is the practicing SLP to know which are fact and which are fiction? Opinions vary wildly. This course takes a close look at some of these legends and the research that exists to help the dysphagia therapist determine the best course of evidence based practice.

Miniseminar:  6:30 – 7:30 pm
▲ Enhancing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Service Delivery Across the Continuum
Speaker: Valencia Perry, Ph.D., CCC-SLP ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).

Changes in health care, schools and early intervention have created the need for speech-language pathologists and audiologists to show functional outcomes and demonstrate the value of their services.  Taking advantage of a broader range of service delivery options can help students and patients achieve goals more efficiently. Enhanced service delivery across the continuum of care includes the concept of practicing “at the top of the license” and can include using support personnel and telepractice. This presentation will discuss the forces behind these changes and how using service delivery options can make a difference.

   Here is the complete list of Poster Sessions for the 2016 MSHA Annual Conference:

Narrative Discourse in Bilingual English-Spanish Speakers
Presenters: Sarah Young and Courtney Karasinski, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Grand Valley State University
Auditory and Figure-Ground Ability Among University ESL Students: A Comparative Study
Presenters: Candace Neufville, Bomi Kim,  and  Darah Regal, Au.D., CCC-A, Andrews University
Tongue Twisters: Creating a Non-Profit Organization for Speech Therapy
Presenters: Allie Joan Slough, B.A., and Dr. Crina Tarasi,  Central Michigan University
Implementation of a Parent Education Program for Families of Speech and Language Impaired Children
Presenters: Aaron Hardy-Smith, M.A., CCC-SLP and Kimberly Stewart, M.A., CCC-SLP, Wayne State University
Clinical Supervision Methods: A Longitudinal Survey of Graduate Clinicians
Presenter: Denise A. Ludwig, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Grand Valley State University
Muscle Tension Dysphonia: What is it? Who Has it? And What to do When
You See it?
Presenters: Jean Skeffington, M.A., CCC-SLP and Katherine Marks, M.S., CFY-SLP, Lakeshore Professional Voice Center
Accurately Portraying the Starting Point  of the Lombard Effect
Presenters: Emily Wilson, B.S.; Callan Gavigan, B.S.; Pasquale Bottalico, Ph.D.;  Simone Graetzer, Ph.D.; and Eric J. Hunter, Ph.D., Michigan State University
The Graduate School Application Process: Challenges and Rewards
Presenter: Faith S. Williams, M.A., LLPC, Wayne State University
The Selection Process of Apps in the   Field of Speech-Language Pathology
Presenters: Candice N. Marrin, B.A., and Ana Claudia Harten, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Eastern Michigan University
How the Life-Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA) Improved Outcomes in Chronic Aphasia
Presenters:  Megan Medler, B.A.A., and Kathryn Atkinson, M.A., CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS, Central Michigan University
The Lonely Robin:  A Children’s Book to Target Liquid Speech Sounds
Presenters: Kelsey Meints and Courtney Karasinski, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Grand Valley State University
F2 Transitions in Stuttering Persistence and Recovery
Presenters: Gregory J. Spray, M.A., CCC-SLP, Michigan State University; Soo-Eun Chang, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, University of Michigan; Eric Hunter, Ph.D.; Jacob M.  Nitzkin, and Mark Berardi, B.S., Michigan State University
Identifying Morphological Awareness in Children’s Books: The Hows, the Whys, and the Impact on Preschoolers
Presenters:  Rakel Osentoski, Allison Sadro and Katie Squires, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Central Michigan University
Spoken Language Processing in the Bilingual Brain:  An fMRI Study
Presenters: Gregory J. Spray, M.A., CCC-SLP; Say Young Kim, Ph.D., National University of Singapore; Xin Yan, M.A.; and Fan Cao, Ph.D.,  Michigan State University
Contrasting Methods for Training Verbal Naming in Healthy Adults
Presenters: Elizabeth Meli, B.A.; Jaimie Manfre, B.A.; Samantha Suntres, B.H.K, B.Ed.; Dawn Atkinson, M.A.; Maria Meehan, B.S; Jessica Parrish, B.A., B.S.; Ching-I Lu, Ph.D.; and Margaret Greenwald, Ph.D., CCC-SLP,  Wayne State University
Language Abilities and Neural Processes for Selective Attention in Children from Lower Socio-Economic Status Backgrounds
Presenters: Laney Roehl, Michigan State University; Eric Pakulak, Ph.D.; Theodore Bell, Ph.D.; and Helen Neville, Ph.D.,  University of Oregon; and Amanda Hampton Wray, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Michigan State University
Implementing a Narrative Participation Goal in Aphasia Therapy Using Telepractice
Presenters: Robin Pollens, M.S.,CCC-SLP; Anna Larner, B.S.; Victoria Noack, B.S.; Stephanie Kimble, B.A.; and Nicole Sadocha, Western Michigan University
Various Speech Acoustic Parameters in Stuttering Persistence and Recovery
Presenters: Gregory J. Spray, M.A., CCC-SLP; Mark Berardi, B.S.; Soo-Eun Chang, Ph.D., CCC-SLP; and Eric Hunter, Ph.D., Michigan State University
The Effects of First Language Transfer and Metalinguistic Skills on Second Language Learning of Chinese and Spanish
Presenters: Valeria Rios, B.A.;  Xin Yan, M.A.; Bethany Sussman, Ph.D.; and Fan Cao, Ph.D.,  Michigan State University
Knowledge of Hearing Loss Among Students Pursuing Careers in Healthcare
Presenters: Erika Squires, B.A.A. and Lori Pakulski, Ph.D., CCC-A, University of Toledo
The Effectiveness of the Buddy Bench on Social Interactions
Presenters: Sarah Mongin, B.S., and Amber Zaddack, B.S., Grand Valley State University; and Christie Witt, M.S., CCC-SLP, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
Acoustic Characteristics of CSD Clinical Rooms and the Virtual Classroom at Michigan State University
Presenters: Nicole Jakubik, Jason Wu, Simone Graetzer, Ph.D., Pasquale Bottalico, Ph.D., Brad Rakerd, Ph.D.,  and Eric Hunter, Ph.D., Michigan State University
Preschool Language Environment
Presenters: Stephanie Carlson, B.A.; Amanda Terranella B.A.; and Natalia Rakhlin, Ph.D., Wayne State University
Evaluating Listening Effort Using Event Related Potentials
Presenters: Amy Kemp, B.A., Michigan State University; David A. Eddins, Ph.D., CCC-A, University of South Florida; Rahul Shrivastav, Ph.D., CCC-SLP,  University of Georgia; and Amanda Hampton Wray, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Michigan State University
Speech-Language Pathology Services in Indigenous Communities: A Review of Current Approaches and Needs
Presenters: Sara Acton, M.A., and Ana Claudia Harten, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Eastern Michigan University
Visuo-Orthographic Deficit in Chinese Dyslexic Children
Presenters: Xin Yan, M.A.; Gregory J. Spray, M.A., CCC-SLP; Deng Yuan, Ph.D.; and Fan Cao, Ph.D.,  Michigan State University
Changes in Speech Breathing During Late Adulthood
Presenters: Laney Roehl; Alyssa Rollins; Callan Gavigan, B.S.; Pasquale Bottalico, Ph.D.; Simone Graetzer, Ph.D.; and Eric Hunter, Ph.D., Michigan State University
Annoyance Ratings of a Wind Noise Reduction Algorithm
Presenters: Annette Shiley, M.A., and Lidia Lee, Ph.D., CCC-A, Eastern Michigan University
Pitch Accuracy in Relationship to External and Internal Auditory Feedback
Presenters: Mark Berardi, B.S.;  Pasquale Bottalico, Ph.D.; Simone Graetzer, Ph.D.; and Eric Hunter, Ph.D.,  Michigan State University
Acoustic Characteristics of CSD Research Laboratories and Recording Environments at Michigan State University
Presenters: Jason Wu, Nicole Jakubik, Simone Graetzer, Ph.D., Pasquale Bottalico, Ph.D., Brad Rakerd, Ph.D.,  and Eric Hunter, Ph.D., Michigan State University
Development of Language Processing in Preschoolers from Lower Socio-Economic Status Backgrounds
Presenters: Claire Meconi, B.A. and Amanda Hampton Wray, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Michigan State University; Eric Pakulak, Ph.D.; Theodore Bell, Ph.D.; and Helen Neville, Ph.D.,  University of Oregon
A Tale of Two Narrative Tests: Comparing the Test of Narrative Language and Test of Narrative Retell for Interchangeability
Presenters:  Lydia Wetters and Katie Squires, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Central Michigan University
Verbal Working Memory and Semantic Processing in Young Children: An Event-Related Potential Study
Presenters: Valerie Rose, Katelan Saunders, and Amanda Hampton Wray, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Michigan State University
Improving Parent Perceptions Through Family and Clinician Partnership
Presenters:  Madison Kontio and MaryBeth Smith, M.A., CCC-SLP, Central Michigan University
Effects of Social Stress on Speech
Presenters: Callan Gavigan, B.S., Alyssa Rollins, Nicole Jakubik, Emily Wilson, B.A., Simone Graetzer, Ph.D., Pasquale Bottalico, Ph.D.,  and Eric Hunter, Ph.D., Michigan State University
Effects of a Home-Based Lingual Strengthening Exercise in Healthy Older Adults
Presenters: Megan Rotunno, B.A., Chelsea Bischer, B.A., and Elizabeth Oommen, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Calvin College
Narrative Therapy for Children Who Stutter: Effectiveness and Outcomes of a Single Case-Study
Presenters: Kathleen Salata, B.A.A., Emily Corless, B.A., and Derek Daniels, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Wayne State University
Evidence-Based Phonics Game
Presenters: Kaleigh Cammenga and Janine L. Schmedding-Bartley, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Grand Valley State University
Psychiatric Disabilities and Speech-Language Pathology: Current Literature and New Concepts
Presenters:  Arista May, B.A., and Philip Smith, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University
Meeting the Reading Needs of Deaf Students in Mainstream Classrooms: Are Educators Adequately Prepared?
Presenters:  Aubree Jenkins and Jane Ashby, Ed.M., Ph.D., Central Michigan University

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     The Michigan Speech, Language, and Hearing Foundation (MSHF) is dedicated to supporting graduate students of speech-language pathology and audiology in the state of Michigan by providing scholarships. As a way of accomplishing this goal, MSHF will be sponsoring the annual Silent Auction at the 2016 MSHA conference in Grand Rapids. All donated items are welcome. In addition, donors will receive an acknowledgement as a tax-deductible contribution. In particular, we would like to encourage university departments as well as NSSLHA chapters to consider making a donation. Please stop by the auction table at the conference and make a bid on donated items.

   If you are interested in making a donation to the silent auction, please contact Dr. Heather Balog at heather.balog@balogspeechlang.com We appreciate your continued support!
 
Monetary Donations
MSHF welcomes monetary donations for continued efforts to support graduate students of audiology and speech-language pathology. All contributions are tax-deductible. If you would like to make a monetary donation to MSHF, please send your contribution to the MSHA Office:  MSHA, 790 W. Lake Lansing Rd. Suite 500-A, East Lansing, Michigan 48823.
 
MSHF Website
Please visit our new website at www.msha-foundation.org to learn more about the goals of MSHF, Board Members, and past and present scholarship recipients. Donations to MSHF can also be made on the website.
 
As always, the MSHF Board Members would like to thank you for your continued support of the Foundation!  

MSHF Board Members
Heather Balog, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Tamara Baubie, M.A., CCC-SLP, MT-BC
Laura Billetdeaux, M.S.,CCC-SLP
Derek Daniels, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Ellen Fairbrother, M.A., CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow President
Aaron Hardy-Smith, M.A.,CCC-SLP
Dawn Kutney, B.A.
Rick Merson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Treasurer
Karen O'Leary, M.A.,CCC-SLP
Anitta Y. Orr, M.A.
Judy Silverman, M.A., CCC-SLP, Secretary

Ad Hoc Members:  Kathy Boyer, M.S., CCC-SLP; Fran Eldis, Ph.D.,CCC-A/SLP, ASHA Fellow; Sandra Glista, M.S., CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow; and Lizbeth Stevens, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow
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    Here’s a common situation.  You’re at an event, maybe a party, perhaps some other social gathering and someone you just met asks “so, what do you do?”  You reply, “Well, I’m a speech-language pathologist.”  They probably didn’t expect that answer, based on their surprised look on their face.  They invariably will say something like; “my grandma saw one after her stroke,” or “my brother went to one when he was a child,” something along those lines. 

   My experience has been pretty positive usually when I answer that question.  I believe that most people feel that our occupation is important, one that makes a difference.  We do things that can truly alter someone’s life experience.  Of course, information about our field and what we do remains lacking.  I can’t tell you how many times a stroke survivor’s family or the client themselves have reported that they have never heard of aphasia until it affected their lives. Now, it’s all they can do to cope and deal with it.  Most are extremely thankful we are there to help them.  How many times have you helped a child grow and develop language or literacy skills that would have held them back in school and in life if not for your efforts?  I’m sure you have many cases like that.  It’s apparent that what we do is important to the clients/students we work with.

   That is why it’s so important to support and engage each other with educational opportunities as well as being aware of legislative issues that affect our work.  It’s powerful to network and share ideas with your fellow professionals in communication disorders.  In other words, it’s a great reason to belong to MSHA.  You already belong to MSHA, so you know its positive affect on your career.  What I am suggesting is that you invite your colleagues to join MSHA and tell them why you find it rewarding.  Ask them to check out the yearly conference or attend our fall lecture series. Tell them what a great value it is compared to any other educational experience.  Just a little nudge from you may get them to join and experience the benefits when they belong to a strong professional organization. So let’s continue on making meaningful differences in the lives of our clients as we learn from and support each other.     
 
Gordon Krainen, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
V-P Membership

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To see more photos from the 2015 MSHA Conference in Lansing, click here:

Photos MSHA 2015

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