National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (NSLHM) is celebrated each year in May as an opportunity to raise awareness about communication and swallowing disorders and the role speech-language and audiology professionals across Texas play in providing life-changing help. In 2026, the theme, "Speech and Hearing Hero," was selected to represent the dedication, resilience, and impact of professionals who champion communication every day. Like heroes, you step in at critical moments by advocating for access and empowering individuals to be heard. This theme celebrates both the visible breakthroughs and the behind‑the‑scenes efforts that make SLPs and audiologists in our profession true, everyday changemakers.
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Share Your Story to be Highlighted As 'Hero of the Week'
During National Speech‑Language‑Hearing Month, we’re excited to spotlight the stories of SLPs, audiologists, and graduates who make a meaningful difference every day. We’ll highlight a Speech & Hearing Hero to showcase the passion and impact that drive our profession forward, guided by a new theme each week.
- May 4 - 8: 'I am a Speech and Hearing Hero, and My Superpower Is..."
- May 11 - 15: "My Greatest Victory Is..."
- May 18- 22: "Thank You to My Speech and Hearing Hero Partner-in-Crime."
- May 25 - 29: "Before the Cape, Comes the Cap and Gown."
Share Your Testimonial
Celebrate Our Speech and Hearing Heroes
Week One: "I am a Speech and Hearing Hero, and my superpower is..."
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Jana Hernandez
Speech-Language Pathologist
I am the Speech and Hearing Hero, and my superpower is flexibility. Over the past 28 years, I have contributed to the field of speech-language pathology across a wide range of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, long-term care, Head Start programs, home health, hospitals, and schools. Each environment has required me to adapt my skills and approach to meet the unique needs of the populations I serve.
With most of my experience in the school system, flexibility has been essential in navigating complex situations. I have worked collaboratively with parents and advocates, adjusted therapy approaches when students were not making progress, and managed frequent changes to schedules and meetings—sometimes on a weekly basis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, while serving as a lead speech-language pathologist in a large Texas school district, flexibility became even more critical. I supported fellow SLPs, students, and families through rapidly changing circumstances, ensuring continuity of services and effective communication.
Over nearly three decades, the field of speech-language pathology has continued to evolve. Staying flexible has allowed me to grow alongside these changes, continually learning and refining my practice to provide the best possible care.
Allison Wilson
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
I am a Speech and Hearing Hero, and my superpower is connecting with students through language and trust. As a bilingual SLP assistant, I get to support students in their native language, which makes therapy feel more natural and meaningful for them. It also helps them feel more comfortable, confident, and understood.
I work closely with my supervisor to support families too, sharing information and simple strategies in their native language so they can help their child at home. I also collaborate with teachers by giving them helpful strategies they can use in the classroom to support their students every day.
Most importantly, my speech room is a safe space where students know they can be themselves and communicate without fear. It’s a place where their voices matter, and they feel supported no matter what. That’s the kind of impact I try to bring every day.
Dinah Porchia
Speech-Language Pathologist, Dynamite Speech Therapy Services
My greatest victory as a Speech and Hearing Hero is opening my private practice after 20 years of service in public education. Going into private practice was something I had briefly considered but not a real goal. While working in the schools there were so many things that I wanted to see improved and this transition gave me the opportunity to have a more meaningful impact on patients and their families. I love the relationships that I form with my patients and their families as well.
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Rosa Elkurd
I am a Speech and Hearing Hero, and my superpower is advocacy rooted in lived experience. I come from an undocumented, first-generation family. I know what it feels like to sit in a room where systems are confusing, language is a barrier, and your voice feels small. That experience didn’t just shape who I am, it shaped the kind of clinician I chose to become.
My superpower is making families feel seen, heard, and understood especially the ones who might otherwise slip through the cracks.
As a bilingual speech-language pathologist, I don’t just translate words I translate systems. I help parents understand their rights, the evaluation process, and what services actually mean for their child. I break things down without jargon, without intimidation, and without assumptions. I advocate fiercely so families don’t feel like they have to fight alone.
When I sit across from a parent who speaks Spanish, I see my own family. I know the hesitation, the respect for authority, the fear of asking “too many questions.” So I create space for those questions. I normalize them. I push for clarity, for equity, for access because I know how much it matters. And when I work with children who look like me, who sound like me, I’m not just providing therapy. I’m showing them that their voice belongs in every room. That their language is an asset, not a deficit. That who they are is enough.
My impact goes beyond goals and data. I build trust. I build confidence. I build bridges between families and schools.
That’s my superpower.
Adanna Burrell
I am a Speech and Hearing Hero, and my superpower is building bridges between communication, confidence, and community. I can see the whole picture, from the child to the classroom to the family to the systems that support them, and create solutions that actually work in real life. Whether I am implementing AAC, supporting language development, coaching people and teams, or partnering with schools, I bring strategy, compassion, and accountability to the table. My superpower is not just helping individuals communicate; it is creating environments where communication is supported, valued, and sustained long after I leave the room.
Dr. Melissa P. Garcia
Clinical Assistant Director/Professor, Baylor University
Being a bilingual SLP is my superpower. It allows me to connect with the individuals and families I serve, ensuring that language is never a barrier to care. I am able to assess and treat both children and adults in the language (Spanish/English) that is most meaningful to them, which leads to more accurate evaluations, more effective intervention, and stronger trust. Beyond direct services, I use this strength to educate and support other practitioners—sharing knowledge about culturally and linguistically responsive care across Texas, throughout the country, and even globally. This ability not only expands access to quality services within my community but also helps elevate the standard of care for diverse populations everywhere.
Jana Parker
Graduate Program Director, Baylor University
I am incredibly grateful that I get to be a speech-language pathologist, and if I have a superpower, it is getting to walk alongside students in their language and literacy journey. Through morphologically focused approaches like Structured Word Inquiry, I get to be there for the moment a struggling student realizes that English spelling isn't something you just have to memorize. Rather, it is a logical, meaning-based system that finally makes sense. Watching that click happen never gets old. Getting to help students strengthen their reading and writing skills, and seeing the confidence that grows from that, is something I will never take for granted. And perhaps the greatest privilege of all is serving as a graduate program director, pouring into the next generation of SLPs and watching them discover the profound difference they are capable of making in the lives of others. I don't take the responsibility of shaping future clinicians lightly , and I am humbled every single day by the calling that is this work.
Week Two: "My Greatest Victory Is..."
Carrie Drew
Clinical Associate Professor, Baylor University
My greatest victory as a Speech and Hearing Hero this week is helping a newly diagnosed elementary aged child gain access to sound. With the support of Sertoma club, we were able to provide hearing aids her family otherwise could not afford. With the help of a Spanish English interpreter, her mother was included in every step of the process. When we turned the hearing aids on, the child looked up, grinned and said, “I hear better!” Her mother’s tearful response said it all. She shared how grateful she was and that she after months of barriers, she finally felt her child was set up for success at school. Moments like this are why this work matters.
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Dinah Porchia
Speech-Language Pathologist, Dynamite Speech Therapy Services
I am a Speech and Hearing Hero and my superpower is relating and connecting with my patients because I have been in their shoes. In 2005, 3 years into my professional career, I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke during my pregnancy and experienced hemiparesis and luckily only minimal speech deficits. I received minimal speech therapy throughout rehab but continued to do exercises on my own to strengthen and improve my speech. Over the years, it has proven to be invaluable to relate to patients that I know how hard they are working to complete what might seem to others to be a simple task. Many family members also see in me a success story and what could be possible for their loved one. Having been through my own journey, I can stress how important maintenance and carryover of skills is across settings and not just in the clinic. I’m able to share my experiences on regaining skills and on living with a physical disability to this day.
Allison Wilson
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
My greatest victory as a Speech and Hearing Hero is getting to see my students find their voice and actually use it with confidence. Some of the best moments are when a student who used to be unsure starts communicating more—whether that’s saying a new word, joining in during class, or just expressing what they need without holding back.
Another big win for me has been finding my own voice. As an SLP-Assistant and co-chair of a committee, I’ve been able to advocate for SLP-Assistants across Texas, which is huge for me because I used to struggle with speaking up. Through volunteering with the TSHA committee, presenting to undergrads, and spreading awareness about our role, I’ve built so much confidence.
Now, being able to speak up for others in my field feels like a full-circle moment, and it pushes me to keep supporting and growing our SLP-Assistant community.
Adanna Burrell
My greatest victory as a Speech and Hearing Hero is developing people who go on to make their own impact. As a leader, coach, and mentor, I have the privilege of supporting SLP assistants, Clinical Fellows, and students as they grow in confidence, skill, and clinical decision-making. Watching them move from uncertainty to ownership in their roles, advocate for their students, and deliver high-quality services is incredibly rewarding.
There is something powerful about knowing that the guidance, structure, and support I provide does not stop with me, it multiplies through every clinician I mentor and every student they serve. That ripple effect is my greatest win. It is not just about what I do; it is about what I help build in others and the lasting impact that creates across our field.
Jana Parker
Graduate Program Director, Clinical Associate Professor
One of the most meaningful aspects of my work is witnessing the shift that occurs when a child who has experienced years of frustration and shame around reading and spelling discovers that the English writing system is not chaotic or arbitrary, but rather a fascinating and logically designed system rooted in meaning. When a child who has been stuck on CVC words suddenly understands how words are constructed morphologically and begins building and analyzing complex words with confidence, it is a powerful reminder that the right approach can transform not only a child's literacy skills but also their relationship with learning itself.
Laura Obuchowski
Speech-Language Pathologist, Fort Worth ISD
My greatest victories as an SLP have never been a single moment: they've been a pattern. Every time a child, adolescent, or young adult reaches for their AAC device and says exactly what they wanted to say, and the room goes quiet with surprise, that's it! That's why I do this work.
What strikes me every time is how rarely the breakthrough required something complicated. More often than not, what they needed most was expectant wait time. The expectation from their communication partner that something was coming. The willingness for that communication partner to be quiet long enough to let it arrive.
Those moments never get old. They remind me that our job as SLPs is not just to help people with disabilities develop communication skills that will serve them. It's also to shift our culture so that we all hold the kind of belief in a person that makes everyone around them stop, pay attention, and wait.
Tiffany Marie Cruz
Speech Pathologist, IDEA Public Schools
Over the course of my career as a speech-language pathologist, I have experienced several moments that reminded me why I chose this profession. One of my proudest moments occurred while working in a clinic with a one-year-old patient who presented with significant separation anxiety and was nonverbal. Initially, he struggled to separate from his mother and had difficulty engaging in purposeful play or communication. Through patience, consistency, and relationship-building, I helped him become comfortable in the therapy environment, develop functional play skills, and begin verbalizing. Watching him transition from distress and silence to engagement and communication was incredibly rewarding and reinforced the importance of individualized, compassionate intervention.
While working with adults in a medical setting, I also had the opportunity to work with a patient recovering from a craniotomy who required a tracheostomy. I played a key role in helping her progress toward decannulation by supporting her swallowing function and gradually reintroducing solid foods safely. One of the most meaningful parts of her recovery was helping her regain her voice using a Passy-Muir valve. Being able to communicate again restored not only her speech, but also her confidence and connection with others. Witnessing that transformation was a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of speech therapy.
In my current school-based setting, one of my proudest accomplishments has been building rapport with a highly aggressive middle school student who previously struggled to engage with adults and peers. Through consistency, trust-building, and a Total Communication approach, I have been able to increase his verbalizations and participation in communication exchanges. Establishing a positive therapeutic relationship with him has been a significant milestone and continues to motivate me as I support his growth both socially and communicatively.
These experiences have shaped me as a clinician and strengthened my passion for helping individuals find their voice, independence, and confidence across all stages of life.
Melanie McDonald M.S.,CCC/SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, Mane to Tail Theraphy of Texas, Inc
My daughter, a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, and I founded Mane to Tail Therapy of Texas, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to revolutionizing therapy through equine movement. Our mission is to unlock the potential of individuals with special abilities through hippotherapy, an innovative and evidence-based approach that uses the movement of the horse as part of speech and language intervention.
By combining the power of equine movement with specialized speech therapy techniques, we promote whole-brain activation while enhancing communication, social/emotional development, sensory processing, cognitive growth, and functional skills. Watching individuals gain confidence, connection, and communication through this unique therapy experience has been one of the greatest victories of my life.
Marivel S. Willingham, M.A., CCC/SLP
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley
As an SLP with a profound passion for working with individuals with autism, I volunteered to work with a small group of children in religious education classes. I was able to teach the Lord's Prayer and the 10 Commandments to both verbal and non-verbal children during the course of an academic year. This preparation allowed the children to receive the Sacrament of Communion. This was applauded by the children's parents, as well as leaders of the Catholic church and diocese. To this day, this accomplishment serves as one of my greatest victories as a Speech and Hearing Hero.
Week Three: "Thank You to My Speech and Hearing Partner-in-Crime"
Nathalie Lebrun and Alex Treviño
I want to take a moment to recognize Alex Trevino: Speech Language Pathologist and current Director of Special Education Evaluations at YES Prep Public Schools.
From the day I met Alex as an incoming graduate externship student, I remember thinking, this is the kind of Speech Language Pathologist I hope to become. That feeling has only deepened over time.
Alex leads with heart. Her warmth, compassion, and relentless commitment to doing right by students elevate not only the individuals she serves, but every team she is part of. She has a way of bringing out the best in people. She grounds her work in purpose while never losing sight of the seen and unseen lived experiences behind it.
Every student deserves someone like Alex in their corner. And every professional deserves the opportunity to learn from and alongside a leader like her.
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Chelsi Hansen and Dr. Nicki Brown
I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Nicki Brown for more than a decade, first as colleagues in the public school setting and more recently as fellow faculty members at Baylor University. Throughout that time, she has been a steady and trusted mentor, offering guidance not only in my role as a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Assistant Professor, but also in my role as a parent.
As a mentor, Nicki brings thoughtful, practical insight to student relationships and is always willing to collaborate and problem solve through complex or challenging cases. When I transitioned into higher education, she championed me through teaching my first class, mentoring clinical graduate students, and finding my footing in the university setting. She made mid-life career shift (which was unexpected and often overwhelming) feel both manageable and rewarding.
As a friend and fellow parent, Nicki and I have walked through many seasons of parenting together. She has been a sounding board, a steady voice, and someone who can laugh with me as I stumble through life with teenagers! While this may not fall within her official job description, her impact on helping me balance career and family has been crucial to me.
Beyond her professional wisdom, Nicki brings encouragement and perspective to the real, unfiltered moments of this work, including the many “cry in your car” days and the days when I stomp into her office for candy, Advil or to vent. She has shaped the kind of supervisor and mentor I strive to be, someone who leads with empathy while still holding high expectations for growth and excellence. Some of my favorite moments are when we often find ourselves reminiscing about our favorite memories working with middle and high school students in speech therapy and share these with our graduate students. As anyone who has worked in public education knows, it is a setting that will humble you quickly and teach you more than you ever expected.
In true Nicki fashion, she brings humor into everything, whether that is spontaneous hallway cartwheels, quick coffee runs between editing progress reports, singing 90's country songs to unsuspecting colleagues, or playing mahjong in our hotel room at TSHA. Her laugh is unmistakable and contagious. Dr. Nicki Brown, thank you for being my speech and hearing partner in crime.
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Jana Hernandez and Brandi Pace
I would like to thank my speech and hearing partner-in-crime, Brandi Pace. I first met Brandi when she was hired in a district where I served as Lead SLP. Two years later, we found ourselves working together again—this time in a new district at the same elementary school.
Our campus is located in a rapidly growing area, and as our caseloads have increased, our workspace has shrunk. This year, we were moved into a former teacher’s lounge, with our desks side by side. While the space is tight, it has created valuable opportunities for daily consultation and collaboration, especially when working through complex cases.
I also encouraged Brandi to help shape the future of our field by supervising graduate clinicians. Thanks to her involvement, two of those clinicians have since been hired by our district.
The transition between last school year and this one brought unexpected challenges when Brandi was diagnosed with cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing hair loss, she remained committed to her work and continued showing up for her students. Having supported my own daughter through a cancer diagnosis nearly ten years ago, I was able to better understand and support Brandi during this time.
We support each other in meaningful ways, and her partnership has made a lasting impact on my professional and personal life. I truly cannot imagine doing this work without her.
Miriam Branham and Anna Powers
Anne Powers is an SLP who has been an incredible leader and mentor to many. Her passion for people shines through her leadership example and thoughtfulness in all she does. Anne is currently the Head of School at The Parish School in Houston and is a respected and trusted leader who values others' opinions and supports others to help the children on that campus thrive!
Allison Wilson and Kayla Wiltz
Thank you to my speech and hearing partner-in-crime! I’m so grateful for my supervisor, Kayla Wiltz, who has truly been my partner-in-crime across our campuses. She’s been such a big support, and because of her, I’ve been able to keep growing as an SLP-Assistant by learning new strategies and building my skills every day.
I also want to recognize our Coordinator and Lead SLPs, Kelley Nettles and Chi Smith, for their constant support of SLP-Assistants in our district. They’ve made such a positive impact on our community and always make sure we feel supported and valued.
And of course, a huge thank you to the Klein ISD SLP-Assistants. We’re such a strong, supportive group that lifts each other up through the good and the tough moments. There’s always someone willing to help, and that kind of teamwork makes all the difference.
Deborah Rainer and Dr. Michaela Ritter
Dr. Michaela Ritter is an amazing mentor, team member, and friend. She supports her faculty and staff with a dedication that is unprecedented. She is known for challenging us but gives an uncommon amount of grace in all situations. I truly value her as a colleague and friend.
Laura Obuchowski and Kellie Cullen
Kellie Cullen is a brilliant SLP who has changed my life in more ways than I can express. She is a mentor to many, a fierce advocate for her students and colleagues, and an absolute master at coming alongside teachers, staff, and caregivers, meeting them right where they are. She sees the potential, inherent worth, and preciousness in every student she serves.
She is incredibly generous with her knowledge, the ultimate team player, deeply humble, and gifted at helping people realize they’re actually on the same team. She doesn’t let small frustrations or systemic challenges steal her joy. Instead, she carries that joy everywhere she goes, and it absolutely spills over onto everyone around her. She is the definition of someone who helps the people around her show up as the very best versions of themselves professionally.
Kim Richards and Jenna Lappi
I'd like to shoutout Jenna Lappi, campus SLP at Lakeshore Elementary in Humble ISD. Jenna was my partner in crime at TSHA Convention 2026, serving as a solid roommate, supporter during my presentation, and wing woman in constellation building. Jenna wears her heart on her sleeve for her students, being so deeply invested in their success that she is often moved to tears. She is always moving herself forward, keeping up with the evolution of the field and reflecting deeply on her practices for how to be more neuroaffirming. Jenna's students are the luckiest to have her supporting them!
Alex Treviño and Monica Spurgeon
I’d like to recognize Monica Spurgeon. I’ve known Monica since 2011 as a thought partner, and more recently as a co-worker. Monica centers the thoughts and experiences of families in all she does. She is an advocate for her students and goes above and beyond to model best practices for the SLPAs she supports. I am a better SLP because of Monica!
Kaylee and Victoria
My speech and hearing partner-in-crime is my best friend and fellow graduate student, Victoria! Having such a strong support system every day is truly a blessing. From studying and clinical preparation to much-needed lunch breaks, we are always there to support and encourage one another however we can. Finding my partner-in-crime has been one of the best parts of my experience as a graduate student at Baylor University.
Jana Parker and Dr. Michaela Ritter
My speech and hearing partner-in-crime is Dr. Michaela Ritter, a mentor whose unwavering support, investment of time, and genuine belief in my growth have profoundly shaped the clinician I am today. Her willingness to empower me to take on challenging cases, push the boundaries of my practice, and pursue my passion for language and literacy intervention has been an extraordinary gift, and I am deeply grateful for the ways she has lifted me up both professionally and personally. Thank you, Dr. Ritter, for being a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and inspiration.
Week Four: "Before the Cape, Comes the Cap and Gown"
Check back on Monday, May 25 for this week's hero!
Keep Conversations Going on Social Media
Promote NSLHM by downloading our social media graphics, posting them to your profile or story, and engaging with weekly prompts, or including a note on why you love being an SLP, SLP Assistant, or audiologist. Need some help with caption ideas? We wrote some below that you can borrow! Include #NSLHMTX to join the conversation!
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Facebook
- Join me in celebrating audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and assistants everywhere during National Speech Language Hearing Month! #NSLHMTX
- I’m proud to be a member of TSHA all year long, but especially right now because it's National Speech Language Hearing Month. Join me in celebrating the vital work that communication sciences and disorders professionals do everyday! #NSLHMTX
- My work as a Speech and Hearing Hero allows me to make a difference by helping people communicate and be understood. The impact this has on our community is what fuels my passion every day! #NSLHMTX #SpeechAndHearingHero
Instagram
- Join me and @TXSHA in celebrating audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and assistants everywhere during National Speech Language Hearing Month! #NSLHMTX
- Proud to be a member of @TXSHA during National Speech Language Hearing Month! #NSHM #txsha #HearingandSpeech #NSLHMTX
- There is extraordinary work being done by communication sciences and disorders professionals that ensure individuals in our community can communicate, and thrive. I am honored to be a part of this work and make a lasting impact on those I serve. #NSLHMTX
LinkedIn
- This year, I'm celebrating National Speech‑Language‑Hearing Month as a proud Speech & Hearing Hero, committed to connection, communication, and care.
- This National Speech‑Language‑Hearing Month, I’m reflecting on the impact our work has on communities and the dedication that defines our profession.
- During National Speech‑Language‑Hearing Month, I show up every day for those I serve because I’m proud to help others thrive.