By: Adanna Burrell, MS, CCC-SLP, Vice President for Member Engagement
As we move into the spring season and prepare to celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the momentum we’ve already seen across our Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) community during the first quarter of the year. Under the umbrella of Member Engagement, several committees including the Membership Committee, Social Media Committee, and the Diversity Committee have been working together to strengthen connection, visibility, and engagement among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists across Texas.
Together, these committees share a common goal—ensuring that every member feels connected to our professional community and has clear pathways to participate, lead, and grow within TSHA. Through social media engagement, membership outreach, and initiatives that promote inclusive participation, we are working to build an association where members feel both welcomed and supported throughout their careers.
One of the most exciting developments this year has been the launch of TSHA Zones, an initiative designed to foster small, regional micro-communities where members can connect with peers in meaningful ways. While TSHA conventions and statewide events provide invaluable opportunities for learning and collaboration, we also recognize that consistent, local connection helps members stay engaged throughout the year.
In December, we piloted Zone Meet-Ups in Dallas and Waco, which were intentionally designed to be welcoming, low-pressure gatherings where SLPs and audiologists could meet colleagues in their area, share experiences, and discuss the work they do every day to serve their communities. These gatherings were not formal events; they were simply spaces for professionals to come together, connect, and build relationships.
We also had the opportunity to share this initiative during a recent presentation in which attendees participated in small “micro-zone” groups organized by geography. Within minutes, professionals were introducing themselves, discovering shared experiences, and realizing how many colleagues were working right in their own regions. The activity demonstrated something powerful—meaningful connection can happen quickly when we intentionally create space for it.
The impact of these gatherings has already been felt. During the Waco meet-up, several local SLPs shared how the experience brought them closer together professionally and personally. What began as a simple meet-up quickly became the beginning of a regional network of colleagues who plan to continue supporting one another.
One particularly memorable moment came from a student attendee who shared that she almost didn’t attend the event at all. By the end of the evening, she had met multiple SLPs in her region, made meaningful professional connections, and expressed how impactful it was to feel welcomed into the professional community so early in her career. Stories like these remind us that connection often begins with something simple—creating a space for people to gather.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue expanding Zone Meet-Ups across the state. Upcoming gatherings are planned in several regions, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Waco, Laredo, and additional locations, as interest grows. Our next Zone Meet-Up will take place on April 18, and we encourage members to keep an eye out for the upcoming sign-up link.
These meet-ups are designed to be accessible and welcoming to professionals at every stage of their career. Whether you are a student, a new clinician, or a seasoned professional, Zones provide an opportunity to meet colleagues in your area and strengthen your professional network.
As Zones continue to expand, we are looking for members who may be interested in helping host or lead a Zone Meet-Up in their region. Leadership within Zones is intentionally collaborative and flexible, allowing members to contribute in ways that fit their interests and availability. If you are interested in helping lead a Zone Meet-Up in your area, we encourage you to reach out to the TSHA office at staff@txsha.org to learn more.
As we prepare for National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in May, we want to celebrate the incredible work happening across Texas every day. From schools and hospitals to home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, private practices, clinics, and universities, SLPs and audiologists are making profound differences in the lives of the individuals and families they serve.
This year, we invite members from across the state to share their stories with TSHA. Tell us your “why.” What inspired you to enter this profession? What does TSHA mean to you? How are you making an impact in your community?
We want to hear from professionals across every region and every practice setting. In fact, we’re considering a friendly statewide challenge during National Speech-Language-Hearing Month —encouraging members from across Texas to share their stories. The region or Zone with the most submissions may even be recognized as a “Zone of the Year” for their engagement and storytelling.
By sharing our stories, we amplify the voice of our professions, highlight the meaningful work happening across our state, and inspire the next generation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
How To Submit Your Story
Members can submit their National Speech-Language-Hearing Month stories to staff@txsha.org by sharing:
• Your “why” for entering the profession
• What TSHA means to you
• A meaningful moment from your work
• Photos or stories from your workplace or community
Submissions from schools, hospitals, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, clinics, universities, and private practices are all encouraged. Watch for additional details and submission information from TSHA in the coming weeks.
As we celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, let’s continue lifting one another up, sharing our stories, and strengthening the connections that make our professional community so impactful.
Because when we come together—across settings, across regions, and across Texas—we don’t just support our professions; we strengthen the voices of the people we serve