CSD/SLP Newsletter Winter 2025-2026

NSSLHA NEWS

NSSLHA Participates in Walk to End Alzheimer’s

On September 6th 2025 students from the Thiel College chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) proudly participated in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s and raised $710 for the cause. The event provided students with an opportunity to advocate for individuals and families impacted by dementia while reinforcing the role of speech-language pathologists in cognitive-communication intervention, counseling, and caregiver support. Student participation reflected NSSLHA’s ongoing commitment to service learning, advocacy, and community engagement.

Concussion Awareness Day: Education in Action

The Thiel College Concussion Management Team hosted Concussion Awareness Day on September 18th during Common Hour, engaging students, faculty, and staff in interactive education focused on recognition, reporting, and recovery following concussion. Activities included symptom-based challenges, simulation goggles, educational displays, and a concussion reporting pledge wall. MS-SLP students played an active role in education and outreach, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in student health and safety.

Joining Generations Event: 4th Annual Bleacher Buddies

The Thiel College NSSLHA chapter continued its valued partnership with St. Paul’s Senior Living Community through the Bleacher Buddies event, bringing students and residents together for the October 25th Football game against Case Western Reserve. Cold weather brought the festivities inside for an afternoon that included lunch, school spirit, conversation, and meaningful intergenerational connection. This annual activity highlights the social participation and quality-of-life outcomes central to speech-language pathology practice. The afternoon concluded with a special cake and song celebrating 20 years of Joining Generations!

Major and Minors Fair

The CSD/SLP program was featured at Thiel College’s Major and Minors Fair on October 30th where faculty and students met with prospective and undecided undergraduates to discuss pathways into Communication Sciences and Disorders and Speech-Language Pathology. Attendees learned about undergraduate coursework, clinical observation opportunities, graduate program options, and career outcomes across medical, educational, and community settings.

Students Attend the ASHA Convention

Graduate students attended the 2025 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention in Washington, DC November 20-22nd engaging in professional development sessions, poster presentations, and the expansive exhibit hall. Students explored evidence-based practices across the SLP scope of practice, learned about emerging technologies, and networked with clinicians and employers from across the country. Attendance at ASHA supports Thiel’s emphasis on professional identity, lifelong learning, and leadership development.

PROGRAM NEWS

New Faculty

The CSD/SLP program welcomed a new faculty member to the team. Amy Vaughn, Ph.D., CCC-SLP earned her master's degree in speech-language pathology and a master's certificate in gerontology from Case Western Reserve University and her doctorate in higher education administration and post-master's certificate in college teaching from Kent State University. She has worked with clients across the lifespan. Her areas of clinical interest include dysphagia, voice, motor speech disorders, and adult neurogenic disorders. She has presented her research in voice, dysphagia, and clinical education nationally and internationally. Recently, she co-authored a book on K-12 education with Dr. Amy Tepper. Dr. Vaughn is currently the principal investigator on a technology transfer project that will transform care for patients with tracheostomies.

Graduate Students Participate in Interprofessional Education (IPE) – Part 2

The second installment of Thiel College’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) experience on October 31, 2025 brought together students from speech-language pathology, physician assistant studies, and nursing for a collaborative, case-based learning simulation. Building on the introductory IPE session from the summer, this experience emphasized roles and responsibilities, interprofessional communication, teamwork, and patient-centered care as students worked in teams to develop care plans related to a clinical stroke case. Guided discussion and applied problem-solving strengthened the students’ skills which are essential for collaborative healthcare practice. Faculty facilitators included Professor Julie Kobak from the MS-SLP program.

Graduate Program is Accepting Applications

Students interested in enrolling in Thiel College's graduate degree program in speech-language pathology should apply online via the CSDCAS website.

Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) Application

The Thiel Advantage

High-quality program with no out-of-pocket fees
Graduate assistantships offered
Accelerated program completion in 14 months
Experienced faculty representing expertise across SLP scope of practice
Clinical practicum opportunities every semester including on-campus Center for Speech-Language Services

Please contact Dr. Amy Tepper, Program Director, at atepper@thiel.edu or 724-589-2298 with any questions or concerns.