2018 MSHA Conference Pre-Conference Speaker ANNOUNCED!

We are delighted to announce this year’s Pre-Conference speaker is world-renowned Speech-Language Pathologist, Dr. Scott Yaruss!

Dr. Yaruss is a Professor of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Michigan State University. In addition to conducting research on the development of stuttering in young children, Dr. Yaruss has extensive experience working with children and adults who stutter in a wide variety of clinical settings. He has served on the board of directors of the National Stuttering Association and on the Steering Committee of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Special Interest Division for Fluency Disorders. Dr. Yaruss frequently presents continuing education workshops to help speech-language pathologists feel more confident in their ability to help preschool and school-age children, adolescents, and adults who stutter. He has authored or coauthored than 130 papers, articles, chapters, or booklets on stuttering. He is also co-author of the Overall Assessment of the Speaker’s Experience of Stuttering (OASES), as well as School-age Stuttering Therapy: A Practical Guide, Early Childhood Stuttering Therapy: A Practical Guide, and Minimizing Bullying in Children Who Stutter: A Practical Guide for SLPs, and other guides published by Stuttering Therapy Resources, Inc. (www.StutteringTherapyResources.com).

Dr. Yaruss will deliver invaluable information to SLPs across the state through his nearly 6 ½ hour presentation entitled “School Age Stuttering Therapy: A Practical Approach”. Please consider being in this group to gain this information to utilize in your everyday practices. And of course, don’t miss the opportunity to network with Dr. Yaruss and purchase his newest book after Pre-Conference.

We are beyond excited to have Dr. Yaruss in Mississippi so sign up today to reserve your spot for Pre-Conference. As always, don’t forget about our Welcome Reception in the Grand Ballrooms afterwards! Learn. Network. Enjoy.

See you by the river!

Kim Ward, 2018 Conference Chair

2018 MSHA President’s Welcome

Happy New Year and welcome to MSHA 2018. I am honored to begin my service as 2018 MSHA President. It is my hope that “engagement in your state association” will be the theme for 2018. Involvement through professional service is highly rewarding. I challenge you to help promote the growth of our membership this year. MSHA continues to work tirelessly for both Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists behind the scenes at many levels. In 2018, I want that work to be transparent to all professionals especially in this state. MSHA is comprised of an Executive Board consisting of nine members. In addition, MSHA also consists of many committee volunteers who work on behalf of the membership. The more involved you are the more MSHA can do for our profession at the state and national level. Check the new and improved website frequently for updates on what MSHA is doing for you.

MSHA annual membership dues along with MSHA’s renowned continuing education conference continue to be our primary sources of income. Therefore, it is vital that we engage in conversation and promotion of both membership and attending the conference. MSHA’s continued success depends on this. It is crucial to become MSHA members and attend conference!! Let’s all spread the word!

The 2018 MSHA Conference will be held in Natchez on April 18-20. We will offer a welcome reception, honors luncheon and block party and of course top notch speakers and a plethora of topics. Remember that attending conference not only helps you earn necessary CEU’s but offers valuable networking and reconnecting with friends.

I would like to thank the 2017 Presidential Committee, Claudette Edwards and Rebecca Lowe for the guidance provided last year. Furthermore, I would like to welcome Kimberly Ward as President-Elect. This will certainly be an outstanding Presidential Committee. I am looking forward to working with the entire 2018 Executive Board and Committees as we engage our members and colleagues in our glorious state.

In closing, I would like to thank all the Presidents before me for leading the way and inspiring the Presidents that would serve after you. Thank you to each member for allowing MSHA to act on your behalf and know MSHA’s best interests are always at the forefront of every decision. Please consider volunteering for a committee or board position in the future!!!!!!

Amy Rosonet LeBert

MSHA President 2018