By: Lori Cochran, MS, CCC-SLP, Vice President for Educational and Scientific Affairs

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) Convention Scholarship Committee reviewed applications to award TSHA members and student members with scholarships to attend the TSHA 2026 Convention in Fort Worth. The TSHA Convention Scholarship Committee Co-Chairs are Justina Heintz and Brittany Rush.

TSHA 2026 Member Scholarship Recipients
Kathryn Box
Ayleen Garcia Hernandez
Rhonda Cage
Tanya Melendez

TSHA 2026 Student Scholarship Recipients
Prabuddha Bhatarai
Saranya Mundayoor
Jennifer Bigalke
Avery Holland
Ariana Solorio
Mary Wernig
Brianna Mascorro

Several Convention scholarship recipients sent notes of thanks to TSHA. These notes are excerpted below.

“I had the opportunity to attend the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention due to the generous scholarship that was awarded to me, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. I especially enjoyed spending time in the exhibit hall, where I connected with potential employers and learned more about opportunities across different clinical settings. Participating in the university games and the Praxis Bowl was both fun and motivating, allowing me to collaborate with peers and challenge my knowledge in an engaging way. I also attended several outstanding presentations on topics such as resume development, early language intervention, childhood apraxia of speech, and other evidence-based interventions and practices. Each session provided practical strategies and valuable insights that I look forward to applying in my future clinical work. Overall, the convention strengthened my professional confidence, expanded my network, and deepened my passion for the field of speech-language pathology.” —Jennifer Bigalke

“Thank you so much for granting me the TSHA scholarship for the 2026 Convention. Our school district no longer grants funds for our speech therapists to attend, and I find it so motivating to attend the convention. When attending the convention, I was able to attend some amazing sessions. Some of the most motivating sessions I attended were those that demonstrated actual therapy sessions and attached lists of the items used in the sessions. This information is so helpful to those of us working in the schools day in and out with the same students. These presenters really shine a light on ideas and motivation. So grateful for those sessions!” —Rhonda Cage

“My heart is so full after attending TSHA this year. There is something so special about being in a space with other professionals who are passionate about serving their clients and continuing to grow. I left feeling inspired, energized, and so grateful for the work we get to do every day. One of my absolute favorite sessions was the one on incorporating AI tools into our therapy materials and sessions. It was exciting to see how we can thoughtfully use technology to create more engaging, personalized, and efficient therapy for the families we serve. I’m especially looking forward to integrating these tools in ways that support my bilingual families and make resources even more accessible. I also loved the session on how nutrition plays a role in behavior and overall state of mind of the clients we serve. It was such an important reminder that our clients are whole individuals; their communication, regulation, mood, and learning are all connected. As clinicians, taking a more holistic lens truly makes a difference. A heartfelt thank you to the TSHA committee for this scholarship and for investing in professionals like me. Your support allows us to continue learning, growing, and pouring back into our communities.” —Ayleen Garcia Hernandez

“Attending TSHA 2026 as a first-year graduate student was an incredible experience for me. I was able to reconnect with students from my undergraduate program while also meeting new peers from across Texas! Throughout the convention, I attended sessions that opened my eyes to the wide range of settings and specialties within our field. Hearing directly from new and seasoned clinicians helped me better understand what different roles look like in practice and what areas I might want to explore in the future. I truly believe it is essential for students to attend TSHA whenever they can. The chance to sit in on diverse lectures, ask questions, and discover interests you didn't even know you had is invaluable before stepping fully into the field. This year, I was especially inspired by the continued innovation of bilingualism! These experiences strengthened my excitement for the clinician I am becoming. What stood out most, though, was the sense of community. TSHA is a place where you may arrive knowing no one, but you leave with connections that support, guide, and encourage you. The conversations I had, the ideas I exchanged, and the mentorship I witnessed all contributed to my professional growth. I am grateful to be part of a field that values collaboration, learning, and lifelong connections.” —Ariana Solorio 

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to attend the convention. As a PhD student focusing on hearing science, I especially valued the diverse range of speech and language presentations, which broadened my perspective beyond my primary area of research. Attending these sessions helped me better understand related fields and their clinical and research implications. Additionally, I presented a poster based on my PhD research, which was funded by the TSH Foundation. It was a wonderful opportunity to share my work with a wide audience and receive valuable feedback from clinicians and researchers with diverse expertise." —Prabuddha Bhatarai