View From Outside

A Speech-Language Pathology graduate student from Vermont, studying elsewhere, wrote to us recently. Her assignment was a presentation on a state professional organization, and she chose the Vermont Speech-Language Hearing Association. We thought her impression of VSHA was apt when she wrote to tell us about it, and she gave us permission to share with you: . . . although VSHA is very small in comparison to other state speech/hearing organizations, it is very successful, filled with talented, intelligent people, more rewarding and a lot more fun than larger organizations where members may hardly know each other.
 
Current Issues for SLPs

 
Donna Fialkoff has had the following on her agenda for some time. She has agreed to be the “point person” for this. Her address: fialkoff@hcsvt.org  

Current Issues for SLP’s in the Public Schools

Purpose:

To stimulate dialogue between members of the profession regarding challenges in the public school setting since the implementation of No Child Left Behind.

To define the reality of our jobs today.

Objectives:

1. To identify our issues

2. To decrease the sense of professional isolation we currently face

3. To create an advocacy group if necessary

Some areas to consider for a discussion or open forum:

1. Caseload size and characteristics

2. Paperwork issues

3. Our professional status in the schools- are we special educators? Related service providers?

4. How connected are we with other SLP’s district and state wide?

5. How have things changed? What is the historical perspective from SLP’s who have been in the field for a long time?

6. What are grade expectations for oral expression and listening comprehension?

Monday, February 06, 2012   Search  
You are here: Professional Information * Regional Networking Groups
 
Regional Networking
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Here is an invitation to VSHA members

Vermont Speech Pathologists and Audiologists face classic challenges: large and demanding caseloads with rapidly changing professional needs and practices. We are scattered throughout a rural state of legendary snow, sleet, and ice. VSHA’s Regional Networks can help you address your issues, expand your usable knowledge, share your strategies, or just simplify credentialing. You probably don’t need persuading that you could enjoy the process as well as the benefit.

Give some thought to your professional needs and goals. Then think about how you want to work with other VSHA members to accomplish your goals. Your “focus” for a Regional Network might be a journal group that meets monthly over dinner. Or you might want to explore a topic relevant to your practice in a regular on-line chat.

Meetings can be face to face, in VSHA’s Forum or Chat Room on this website, or by the internet’s Skype to talk with several individuals at an appointed time.

Getting started

When you have an idea of your goals and methods for accomplishing them, there are several ways to get started. Two Regional Coordinators, Art Farnum and Nicole Howrigan have offered to be the “point persons” for their regions (Nicole will take family leave from April through July, 2008). If you live in Central Vermont, contact Art at hafslp@sover.net. If you live in Northwest Vermont, contact Nicole Howrigan at nhowrigan@enosburgk12.net. Those of you in other parts of the state, please contact Dinah Smith at AcademicPrograms@vsha.us.

Several of you expressed interest in Regional Network last spring and fall. You are listed in this link. Donna Fialkoff has offered a proposed topic which is also outlined in these pages.

You can bring your ideas or interests to the Forum at this website. Watch the postings to see who shares your interests and goals, and decide how to proceed. Make your agenda, establish your method for meeting, and start the process.

Membership

We have decided to offer Regional Networking for the time being to VSHA members only. As we start Regional Networking, we want to protect confidentiality. VSHA membership is based on a calendar year, from January to December. If you haven’t renewed your membership, now is the time. See the link for Membership on VHSA’s home page.

Please let the Academic Programs Chair (Dinah Smith) know what you plan so that it can be posted for others who may have the same interest. You can use the following e-mail address for Dinah: AcademicPrograms@vsha.us


Your Colleagues Interested in Networking
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Amy Jamieson, Central VT Med Ctr, Waitsfield/Barre, jajamieson@gmavt.net

Maureen K. Delaney, Hinesburg, 482-7031, cvslp@madriver.net

Sandy Henneberger, Colchester, henneber@verizon.net

Mary Kara Comeau, Burlington, mary.comeau@vtmednet.org

Ashley Couture, Burlington, ashley.couture@vtmednet.org

Carrie Ross, St. Johnsbury, carriesue_i@hotmail.com

Becky Smith-McKee, Rutland, tndsmom@verizon.net

Anne Christie, E. Middlebury, 388-4347, achristie@anesu.org   

LisaDurstin-Madigan, Upper ValleySouthStrafford, speechteech@earthlink.net    
                                               
Shelley Crowder, LSSU Stowe, shelley.crowder@Stowe.k12.vt.us

Lisa Abbott Moore, Bennington, mool@phin.org

Penny Hester Ingram, Copley Hosp. Morrisville, phester@starband.net
(any online possibility for meetings?)

Patty Sheridan, So. Burlington, pattysheridan@yahoo.com
(private practice Chittenden County)

Lisa Bernardin, Middlebury, lbernardin22@yahoo.com

Donna Fialkoff, CVUUS Hinesburg, fialkoff@hcsvt.org

Art Farnum,  Montpelier, hafslp@sover.net

Nicole Howrigan, Enosburg, nhowrigan@enosburgk12.net

Dinah Smith, Burlington, AcademicPrograms@vsha.us
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