The 2021 NDSLHA Convention was held on March 25, 2021 via Zoom webinar.

Topics

 Literacy-Based Therapy Blitz: A Framework and Evidence-Based Strategies -Marisha Mets

Participants will be presented with strategies to streamline their workload and confidently approach therapy sessions using a literacy-based therapy framework. Topics discussed will include structuring effective therapy sessions, targeting specific goals using evidence-based strategies, as well as scaffolding language skills in context. Participants will walk away with a solid framework, resources, and actionable steps to implement these strategies with their caseload.

Supervision Basics: Things I know for sure. -Melissa Passe

Beginning with understanding who we are and where we come from, this presentation uses introductory level content to introduce the participant to various aspects of supervision including establishing effective modes of communication, evaluating a supervisee, tracking of emerging clinical skills and determining appropriate feedback models. This presentation will also discuss how to have difficult conversations when necessary and the application of the ASHA Code of Ethics as it relates to supervision.

Adverse Childhood Experiences -Angie Jonasson, Carrie Weippert, Jennifer Modeen, and Catherine Gillach

Many public service entities and professionals have recognized a substantial increase in the number of clients (students, patients, clients) whose lives have been significantly affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES). This session will examine what school systems and caregivers should know about basic biological and physiological impacts trauma can have on a child’s brain and development, and what both individuals and systems can do to more positively work with children with trauma-based backgrounds. Be prepared to learn, contribute, and perhaps even enjoy yourself a bit during this interactive session.

 Speaker Biographies

Marisha Mets earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Washington. She has worked as a school-based SLP and in a private clinic. She shares therapy ideas and resources on her blog (SLP Now). Marisha also developed a membership for speech-language pathologists that includes digital tools and resources to streamline evidence-based therapy

Melissa S. Passe has served as the Director of Clinical Education at Truman State University for the past 28 years. Logging thousands of hours in supervision related activities she has served in several leadership roles in professional associations including chairing the ASHA CFCC and sitting on the ASHA Board of Ethics. Ms. Passe is co-author/presenter of ASHA’s CE course entitled “The 9 Building Blocks of Supervision” which has been viewed over 10,000 times. She presents widely on issues related to supervision, ethics and difficult conversations.

Angie Jonasson, Carrie Weippert, Jennifer Modeen, and Catherine Gillach are all self-proclaimed nerds and administrators or social workers in Grand Forks Public Schools. They collectively have over 101 years of experience in K-12 education and public service at all levels, and hold a “kids first” mindset at the heart of their daily operations. They are honored to share their stories, learning, and perspectives with other like minded professionals.

The 2020 NDSLHA Convention was held on October 1, 2020 via Zoom.

 Changes Ahead for ASHA Governance and Advocacy: ASHA and Its Members ~ Arlene Carney, Ph.D., CCC-A

This presentation will describe the proposed changes in the governance of the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association (ASHA) in 2020 and what they mean to ASHA members. These proposals will impact the structure and function of the Advisory Councils for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology and the election of the Board of Directors. In addition, the presentation will focus on the current advocacy work of the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association (ASHA), including its rationale and important priorities. Advocacy is the work not only of the staff of ASHA and its volunteers but of all its members. The objectives of this presentation are: 1) to explain the proposed changes in ASHA Governance and what the expectations are for ASHA members during and after the proposed changes; 2) to explain why advocacy is important to the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology; 3) to review the current focuses of advocacy activities in the 2020 Public Policy Agenda; and 4) to encourage ASHA members to participate in the advocacy mission of the association.

Ethical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Today: Dilemmas and Solutions ~ Arlene Carney, Ph.D., CCC-A

Ethical practice in our professions is more challenging than ever before as changes occur in technology, social media, regulations regarding licensure and certification, changes in reimbursement, documentation requirements, interprofessional practice, and the use of assistants, to name a few. This presentation has two parts – an overview of the ethics program at ASHA and the Code of Ethics [COE] (2016) and a working session to apply the COE to several scenarios that pose ethical dilemmas. The objectives of this presentation are: 1) to describe the Code of Ethics [COE] (2016) and the processes of the Board of Ethics; 2) to highlight some of the newer additions to the COE that may require a change in thinking; and 3) to pose a few scenarios that present dilemmas for practice along with potential solutions.

 The Connection Between Speech Sound Production and Literacy ~ Kelly Farquharson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

This workshop will discuss the role of phonological representations as they relate to the development of literacy skills for children with phonological disorders. For this purpose, phonological disorders encompasses both speech sound disorders and dyslexia. Discussion will include a review of relevant theories and application to clinical practice. Implications for assessment and intervention are included. Participants are encouraged to engage in discussions with the presenter and fellow audience members.

 Auditory Processing Disorders: A Fresh Perspective on the Buffalo Model from Evaluation to Therapy ~ Tricia M. Nechodom, Au.D, Angela Alexander, Au.D., CCC-A

Learn more about how Audiologists diagnose auditory processing deficits in children and how targeted therapy can improve auditory processing difficulties. Guest speaker, Angela Alexander, AuD, from the Auditory Processing Institute will provide an enlightening seminar on current diagnostic evaluations and the recommended therapies to help children meet their full potentials.

The annual North Dakota Speech Language Hearing Association (NDSLHA) conference was held on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at the Sleep Inn in Minot, ND.

Guest Speaker NDSLHA 2018: Dr. Ruth Stoeckel, CCC-SLP

NDSLHA 2018 Conference Speaker Bios:

Thursday NDSLHA Speaker Bio

Ruth Stoeckel, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a clinical speech-language pathologist at Mayo Clinic. She has worked as a clinician and independent consultant in schools, private practice, private rehabilitation agency, and clinic. She is on the professional advisory board of the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA) and edited the curriculum for CASANA’s intensive training institute on CAS. Dr. Stoeckel has presented both nationally and internationally and has co-authored articles appearing in the Journal of Speech, Language, And Hearing Research and Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.