Volume Forty Four, Number Two, June 2020
Save the Dates: Upcoming MSHA Conferences
MSHA Summer Symposium:
July 30 - August 1, 2020
Virtual
MSHA Conference 2021:
March 18-20, 2021
Kalamazoo Radisson Hotel
MSHA Conference 2022:
March 24-26, 2022
Kellogg Conference Center, East Lansing
The next et cetera newsletter will be emailed to all MSHA members in mid September
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Speech-Language Pathologists in Action
Alice K. Silbergleit, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Michigan representative Do we even remember what a normal workday was like? It seems like ages ago that we saw our outpatients in treatment rooms instead of on our computer screens for video sessions. How about the daily camaraderie and collaboration with our speech-language pathology colleagues over interesting patients, research ideas, favorite restaurants? Our clinical practices are likely changed for at least the foreseeable future. How we have adjusted is a true testament to the resilient, creative and collaborative nature of speech-language pathologists everywhere.
I hope these photos provide inspiration to us all that patient care goes on as we adjust to our new normal. The acute care speech-language pathologists around the world are frontline Healthcare Heroes. Here are two such heroes from Henry Ford Health System about to perform bedside swallowing assessments: Erica Boettcher, M.A., CCC and Krysten Isabell, M.A., CCC.
  Looking forward to the time when we can all gather together and raise the volume in any room again!
Alice K. Silbergleit, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Michigan representative to the ASHA Advisory Council
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Advocacy
Kelli Pierce, M.A., CCC-SLP At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, outpatient treatment facilities and schools were closed to mitigate the spread of this novel virus. This left many of our clients without the valuable services they needed to address communication and swallowing difficulties. MSHA advocated for inclusion of telemedicine services for reimbursement by insurers across the state. Expanding access to telehealth services represented an efficient and effective means to facilitate continued access to medically necessary care for beneficiaries and allow providers to continue their work during this time of social distancing and increased isolation.
Countless letters, phone calls, and emails were sent to providers requesting coverage for telemedicine services. We specifically targeted Michigan Department of Health Human Services for our Medicaid clients, as well as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network. Additionally, MSHA’s lobbyist, Noah Smith, worked with state legislators and Governor Whitmer’s office to advocate on our behalf. MSHA teamed up once again with our colleagues at the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association and the Michigan Physical Therapy Association to use our collective voices and spread our message loud and far, requesting access to and reimbursement for telemedicine for those we serve.
In mid-April, we were able to meet virtually with the Vice President of Health and Clinical Affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and were informed of the changes to their telemedicine policy, allowing for delivery and reimbursement of telemedicine services. In early May, MDHHS released bulletin MSA 20-22, which allows for reimbursement of speech-language pathology services delivered with both audio and visual capabilities. While both of these policies were released quite some time after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order, they did allow for retroactive billing to March. The provision of telemedicine services has been offered “until further notice” by many insurers, as the landscape and advancements in the fight against COVID-19 are ever-changing.
Thanks to all of you who wrote in, called, and emailed legislators and insurers to request coverage for the important work we do providing services to those with communication and swallowing needs!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
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Meera’s Words: A Children' Book
Abhinaya Krishnaraj B.S.  Meera’s Words is a children’s book that follows the story of a young girl who stutters and how she navigates her everyday life. This book was written and illustrated by Abhinaya Krishnaraj, a member of the Speech Neurophysiology Lab at the University of Michigan. She created this book as a culmination of her senior honor’s thesis in order to increase educational awareness of and encourage open discussions about childhood stuttering. It also features illustrations from children who stutter, with the purpose of utilizing aspects of therapeutic art in order to foster a supportive community for children who stutter. All profits from the book will be donated to the Stuttering Foundation of America, a non-profit organization helping those who stutter (https://www.stutteringhelp.org/ways-give). This book was created with the help of Kristin Hicks, Dr. Soo-Eun Chang, Dr. Emily Garnett, Professor Tom Willette, and Populore Publishing Company. Check out the book here, which was also presented at MSHA 2019: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087KYDNVT?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
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In Memoriam: Dr. Angela Massenberg
 Dr. Angela Massenberg
July 2, 1959 - April 7, 2020
Resided in Rochester Hills, Michigan
We are deeply saddened to report that Dr. Angela Massenberg passed away on April 7, 2020. Dr. Massenberg was a speech-language pathologist who owned her own company, Massenberg & Associates, LLC, a contract company that employed and placed speech-language pathologists primarily in school settings. She was also a former member of the MSHA Executive Council, in which she served as Vice-President for Programs in 2008 and 2009. Dr. Massenberg received her bachelor's degree from Wayne State University in Speech-Language Pathology, her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Eastern Michigan University, and her PhD in Audiology and Speech Sciences from Michigan State University. In 2015, she received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University. Dr. Massenberg was a faculty member at Eastern Michigan University for a number of years before launching Massenberg & Associates, LLC, in 1997. In 2011, she was lead developer for Picture Categories: Galore & More (Northern Speech Services), a therapy kit for children with language impairments. Throughout her career, Dr. Massenberg served as a clinician, teacher, mentor, volunteer, and a friend to many. She was deeply respected by her family, friends, and colleagues, and will be extremely missed.
Please click here to view Reflections of her Life
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Calendar of Events Import
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From the President
By Gregory J. Spray, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Dear MSHA Members,
I hope this message finds you well. Before I begin my update of the state of the Association, I would like to address the recent events that occurred in Minnesota. We are currently living in a time of profound hurt, anger, frustration, and, for many, a time of despair following the recent violent events targeting Black Americans. The shocking events that have unfolded most recently, as well as too many other killing in communities—including Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor—have brought pain, anger, and trauma to many of our members, and we cannot allow these acts to go unnoticed or unacknowledged: Black Lives Matter. The acts of violence towards People of Color are incomprehensible, unjust, and inhumane. In response, the MSHA Executive Board released a statement earlier this month which can be found on our website. In the coming months, we will be taking additional steps to ensure that MSHA is making positive changes to embrace diversity and equality throughout the profession. If you would like to provide input, please do not hesitate to contact the MSHA office to see how you can get involved.
As the global epidemic associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve internationally and domestically, the Executive Board has made the difficult decision to move to an online platform for the MSHA Summer Symposium. Unfortunately, we will not be able to gather as a collective organization this year; however, the Programs Committee has worked in earnest to reschedule speakers and lower the cost of attendance for our members. In the near future, MSHA will announce additional opportunities that are exclusive for members. Information about the symposium is provided below. You can also find additional information on the MSHA website.
To our MSHA members who recently completed their clinical degrees, congratulations on this significant achievement—you have dedicated countless hours and effort towards this goal. A special thank you goes out to the clinicians who provided the time and expertise required to develop these young professionals who will soon be competent clinicians within our field!
Finally, I would like to thank each of you for allowing me to serve you as President of the Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Like one of our great U.S. Presidents said, “our stories may be singular, but our destination is shared.” Together, I hope we can better advocate for the clients and students we serve, move the profession forward, and also bridge the connection between research and clinical practice. It is through your commitment to our profession and professional organization that these visions become a reality.
Sincerely,
Gregory J. Spray, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
MSHA President
Michigan State University
Michigan Medicine | University of Michigan
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MSHA Summer Symposium
Amy Prichard Sova, M.A., CCC-SLP, Conference Chair 2020 As part of our ongoing commitment to equipping Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists with the resources needed to provide effective services we are happy to announce that we will be bringing the 2020 MSHA conference virtually to you via the Zoom platform!
Join us for the revamped MSHA Summer Symposium.
We have thoughtfully deliberated on the logistics of the event as it is most evident this community prioritizes the interpersonal communications, the high-quality face to face presentations, and the educational experiences that the conference offers. This Summer Symposium holds the most promise to bring you the same vibrant programming, opportunities to reflect and connect over the emerging and salient topics in our field, and outstanding features you expect from MSHA. At a time when community is more important than ever, our summer symposium will be a great opportunity to engage with colleagues from around the state.
The three-day symposium will be 100% virtual, using Zoom meetings. The sessions will be live with class participation and the ability for questioning and answering in real time. We are pleased to offer two featured tracks, one for Public School SLPs, and one for Medical SLPs. Please see the Symposium Highlights for full information.
If you had already registered for the March conference please let us know what track you would like attend by registering here, or by going to the MSHA website. If you have not registered, you may do so here, or by mailing/emailing the registration form to the MSHA office.
Information on how to access the ZOOM sessions and ASHA CEUs and SCECHs paperwork will be sent to you a week before the start of the symposium. Handouts will be available in early July on the MSHA website.
We would like to thank all who have submitted papers and the invited speakers who have kindly agreed to make presentations via Zoom meetings. We are making every effort to make this symposium especially useful to all participants; we hope you will participate and strengthen our communication despite this difficult situation.
Thank you to the 2020 sponsors, listed below. Your continued support is appreciated!
Be well and I look forward to seeing you all when possible.
Cordially,
Amy Prichard Sova, M.A., CCC-SLP
MSHA VP for Professional Development and Education
To register for the Summer Symposium follow this link: 2020 MSHA Summer Symposium
Follow this link to the Symposium Highlights
Full Summer Symposium session information on www.michiganspeechhearing.org
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Thank You Sponsors
MSHA offers a heartfelt thanks to the following companies and universities (in no particular order) for their continued support of the MSHA Annual Conference. With their generosity the association is able to move forward with the mission of "providing professional support and development, public awareness, and advocacy for professionals in communication sciences and disorders and they individuals they serve."
Thanks again! Your commitment to making this event and association so successful is greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in becoming or have questions on becoming a sponsor please contact Jenny Fedewa at jennymsha@gmail.com
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May is Better Speech Hearing Month - June is Aphasia Awareness Month
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) created this special event in 1927 to raise awareness and promote understanding of hearing health and communication disorders. Ultimately, ASHA hopes to encourage hearing loss screenings, promote hearing loss prevention, and motivate people to seek treatment for hearing - and speech - related issues.
May is the month when everyone is busy spreading awareness about communication disorders, research as well as technologies that improve communication skills, and role of SLP’s, SLPA’s and audiologists. MSHA wants to do all of that, but equally as important, we want to highlight the ones responsible for providing better hearing and speech – our amazing SLP’s, SLPA’s and audiologists.
One of the best feelings in the world is expressing yourself clearly so people can understand you. Nothing beats a good conversation, through whatever means, with the people you love. Can you imagine how hard it can be for kids and adults who have difficulties in speech and hearing? It is the SLP’s, SLPA‘s and/or audiologists that change their lives forever!
While the month of June is most often associated with the start of summer, it is also National Aphasia Awareness Month. Aphasia Awareness Month began as a national campaign to increase public awareness about what aphasia is and to assist in recognizing the millions of people who are living with and/or caring for someone with the disorder.
 During these months of celebration and awareness, MSHA would like to remind you to ALSO take care of yourself. You deserve it!
Updates from LARA
Kelli Pierce, M.A., CCC-SLP I have been asked to provide the following information again to help keep you updated about rules and regulations with LARA. Here is some information to update you:
R338.621, 338.623, 338.627, 338.629 – Relicensure
►NEW RULE - requirements for continuous professional development (CPD) activities as a requirement for license renewal.
►20 hours required (comparable to other states in the region).
►applying for license renewal constitutes certification of compliance with CPD requirements – no additional documentation required o licensees should retain documentation of completion for 3 years in the event of an audit • at least 1 CPD credit must be completed in the area of pain management and symptom management.
►acceptable activities for CPD credits: Read More
MSHA Executive Board & Advisory Assembly 2019-2020
MSHA Executive Board:
President: Gregory J. Spray, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
President-Elect: Derek Daniels, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Past President: Lisa L. Register, M.A., CCC-SLP
Secretary: Katharine LaPierriere, M.A., CCC-SLP
Treasurer: Sherry Riedel, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for Advocacy: Kelli Pierce, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for Audiology Services: Open
VP for Membership: Ashley Gutowski, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for Professional Dev & Education: Amy Prichard Sova, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP Elect for Prof Dev & Education: Amy Prichard Sova, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for Public Relations: Erica Neller, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for SLP/Healthcare: Rosalyn Davis, M.S., CCC-SLP
VP for SLP/Public Schools: Michele Montmorency, M.A., CCC-SLP/A
MSHA Advisory Assembly:
Audiology Practice: Open
Communications and Networking: Sarah Killinger, M.A., CCC-SLP/A
Continuing Education: Sarah Choss, M.A., CCC-SLP
Ethics & Standards: Chelsea Ozuch, M.A., CCC-SLP
SLP Healthcare: Rosalyn Davis, M.A., CCC-SLP
SLP Public School: Alyssa Webster, M.A., CCC-SLP
Student Affairs: Danae Brownelll, B.S.
MSHA Members-at-Large
N.W. Michigan: Michelle Baumgartner, M.A., CCC-SLP
S.E. Michigan: Courtney Halbower, M.A., CCC-SLP
S.W. Michigan: D'Jaris Coles-White, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
N.E. Michigan: Open
Upper Peninsula: Kelli Pfiester, M.A., CFY-SLP
Member-at-Large Representing Students: Hannah Dale, Western Michigan University
ASHA Advisory Councilors: SLP: Cary Cekola, M.A.,CCC-SLP and AUD: Margot Beckerman, Au.D., CCC-A
ASHA STAMP Representative: Karen Kurcz, M.A., CCC-SLP
ASHA STAR Representative: Julie Pratt, M.S., CCC-SLP
ASHA SEAL Representative: Courtney Halbower, M.A., CCC-SLP
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