By: Michelle Mendietta, MS, CCC-SLP, TSHF Service and Education Awards Chair

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (TSHF) is proud to recognize the 2025 Service and Education Award recipients. These awards reflect the Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of people with communication disorders by supporting service endeavors within the speech-language pathology and audiology community. Each award honors individuals who demonstrate excellence, dedication, and meaningful impact within their communities and professional settings.

Judson Erik Mount Memorial Fund Award

Katie Ashdown was named the Judson Mount Memorial Fund Award recipient. The Judson Erik Mount Memorial Fund supports speech-language pathologists and audiologists who serve U.S. Military Forces veterans as well as professionals in these fields who are veterans themselves or are currently serving in the military. This fund honors service and clinical dedication by investing in providers who address the unique communication and hearing needs of the veteran population. The award underscores the Foundation’s recognition of both professional service and military service, and its commitment to expanding care for those who have served our country. Katie’s work reflects the spirit of the Judson Mount legacy through her commitment to supporting veterans, families, and the professions.

Young Leadership Award

The Young Leadership Award was presented to Madeline Beck in recognition of her emerging leadership, service, and contributions to the professions. Madeline has demonstrated strong initiative and a clear commitment to advancing speech-language pathology through engagement, advocacy, and professional involvement.

 

 

Cherry Wright Texas Educational Loan Support Trust Awards
The Foundation also recognized six recipients of the Cherry Wright Texas Educational Loan Support Trust, which provides financial support to professionals pursuing continued education and professional growth:

Jennifer Olveda, Alamo Heights ISD

 

 

 

 

Bertha Stephanie Kurmen, Northeast ISD

 

 

 

Kendall Adair, Northside ISD

 

 

 

 

Carmen Garcia, Northside ISD

 

 

Veronica Kraft, Northeast ISD

 

 

Christine Mendiola, Northside ISD

 

 

 

This trust was established to support clinicians who serve children and school communities while managing the financial demands of professional education. By easing loan burden, the Trust helps retain qualified professionals in public schools and promotes continued access to high-quality speech and hearing services for students statewide. These recipients represent school districts across the region and share a commitment to serving students and communities through high-quality speech-language services.

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation congratulates all award recipients and thanks them for their dedication to service, education, and leadership. Their work continues to strengthen the professions and expands access to care for individuals and families across Texas.