90th Birthday Celebration

Celebrating 90 Years of MNSHA: People, Knowledge, Advocacy, Community and Value

Please join us as we celebrate 90 amazing years of MNSHA with friends, colleagues, and members—old and new! Not a MNSHA member? That’s OK- this is open for all SLPs and Audiologists!

Sunday, September 27
2:00–5:00 PM

Bryant Park Shelter
1001 West 85th Street
Bloomington, MN 55402

Come enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, memories, prizes, and celebrating 90 years of MNSHA!
Chances to win prizes just for attending!
Bring a friend and get an extra entry for even more chances to win!

Registration
Help us plan for the celebration by registering in advance so we can plan for food!
REGISTER HERE: https://mnsha.org/member-center/#/event-registration/birthday-1382

Celebration Agenda

2:00 PM — Arrive, mingle & enjoy refreshments
2:30 PM — Welcome & Introductions
3:00 PM — MNSHA History: 90 Years of Making a Difference
3:30–5:00 PM — Poster Roundtables

Welcome Keynote Presentation: MNSHA History: 90 Years of Making a Difference

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Presented by: Cindy McInroy, MA, CCC-SLP

Presenter Disclosure: Cindy McInroy is an employee of Bloomington Public Schools. She is a volunteer with MNSHA.

Abstract: The Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MNSHA) has played an important role in supporting and connecting speech-language pathologists, audiologists, students and communication professionals across Minnesota. This presentation will explore the history and evolution of MNSHA, highlighting significant milestones, professional advocacy, continuing education, leadership and opportunities for connection. Participants will learn how MNSHA has evolved alongside the professions it represents while continuing to support the needs of communication professionals throughout Minnesota. Through historical highlights, photographs, artifacts and an interactive timeline, participants will explore the people and events that have shaped MNSHA and consider how their own involvement can contribute to the organization’s future. Whether a longtime member, new professional or student, attendees will leave with a greater understanding of MNSHA’s history, impact and opportunities for engagement.

Learner Outcomes: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

1. Describe key events in the history and development of the Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MNSHA).
2. Identify significant milestones that have shaped MNSHA and the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology in Minnesota.
3. Explain how MNSHA has contributed to professional education, advocacy, leadership, and connection throughout its history.
4. Identify at least two ways they can engage with MNSHA to support the future of the profession.

Poster/Round Tables 

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Description: For 1.5 hours, the professional speech-language pathologists (SLPs) will navigate a dynamic, self-guided Round Robin Poster Session. Designed for targeted professional development, the session grants clinicians complete autonomy to navigate various topic areas, including advocacy, school issues, healthcare issues, higher education and mentoring for students and early-career professionals. SLPs move independently according to their personal clinical priorities. At each poster table, lead presenters deliver rapid overviews, followed by immediate, high-impact question-and-answer exchanges. Scanning QR codes will provide instant, downloadable briefs and handouts, ready for immediate translation into patient/client care in various settings.  Attendees can attend up to 6 poster sessions within the 1.5 time allotment.

Poster Table 1: Advocacy Issues in Minnesota Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Presented by: Jeremy Braun, MA, CCC-SLP

Presenter Disclosure: Presenter is a co-owner and works for Innovative Therapy Solutions, LLC contracting with schools in southeast MN.  He is a volunteer with MNSHA and currently is a co-chair for the Advocacy and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Abstract: Speech-language pathologists in Minnesota face critical policy and regulatory challenges that directly impact service delivery, clinician sustainability, and patient outcomes in school and healthcare settings. Key advocacy efforts led by the Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MNSHA) focus on reimbursement (Medicaid and Medicare) for services, the scope of speech-language pathology and audiology practice within the state, and equitable access to services.

Learner Outcomes: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

1. Identify two key barriers affecting speech-language pathology service delivery within Minnesota school/educational settings.
2. Describe advocacy strategies to mitigate education issues affecting SLPs and audiologists in service delivery across Minnesota communities.
3. Describe how to get support from MNSHA for practice in a school setting.

Poster Table 2: Speech-Language Pathology Issues in Minnesota Schools

Presented by: Malka Key, MA, CCC-SLP, and Laura Trudeau, MS, CCC-SLP

Presenter Disclosures:
Malka Key is an employee of Saint Paul Public Schools. She is a volunteer with MNSHA, serving on the Executive Council as Vice President of Schools and as a member of the School Issues Committee.

Laura Trudeau is an employee of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. She is a volunteer with MNSHA, serving as chair of the School Issues Committee.

Abstract: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Minnesota face systemic challenges in educational settings. School-based clinicians encounter high caseload sizes, heavy administrative burdens, and workforce shortages that impede individualized student support and intervention. Addressing these barriers is essential to improving the retention of school-based SLPs, protecting SLPs’ scope of practice, and ensuring high-quality person-centered care statewide.

Learner Outcomes:

By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

1. Describe two current issues affecting school-based SLPs in Minnesota.
2. Identify two new resources relevant to their own practice in the school setting.
3. Identify two ways to get support from MNSHA for practice in the school setting.

 
Poster Table 3: Speech-Language Pathology Issues in Minnesota Healthcare Systems

Presented by: Lisa Butcher, SLPD, MM, CCC-SLP

Presenter Disclosures: Lisa Butcher is a voice and upper airway clinician and supervisor at the Lions Voice Clinic, part of the University of Minnesota.

Abstract: Speech-language pathologists in Minnesota healthcare systems face significant systemic obstacles that impact clinical efficiency and patient care quality. A primary concern is low reimbursement rates from Medicaid and private insurers, which strain health system budgets and limit outpatient access. Complex prior authorization requirements frequently delay vital treatments for dysphagia, stroke recovery, and cognitive-communication disorders. Additionally, severe staffing shortages across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities add to compromised services in rural communities. Addressing these challenges requires advocacy for reimbursement for services.

Learner Outcomes: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

1. Identify two key barriers affecting speech-language pathology service delivery within Minnesota healthcare settings.
2. Describe advocacy strategies to mitigate healthcare issues affecting SLPs and audiologists in service delivery across Minnesota communities.
3. Describe how to get support from MNSHA for practice in a healthcare setting.
4. Identify two new resources relevant to practice in a healthcare setting.

 
Poster Table 4: Mentoring Graduate Students and Entry-Level Professionals

Presented by: Hsinhuei Sheen Chiou, PhD, CCC-SLP

Presenter Disclosure: Hsinhuei Sheen Chiou receives a salary from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and holds volunteer leadership roles with the Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the ASHA Asian Pacific Islander Caucus.

Abstract: Focused on the objective of creating successful mentoring programs, this roundtable aims to facilitate discussion of the unique aspects of various mentoring programs/models. The attendees (entry-level professionals, graduate students, clinical educators) will discuss various parameters of mentoring programs to ensure a formal or informal experience to better meet the needs of individual mentees. The discussion will also include strategies to increase the involvement of both mentors and mentees for attaining their personal/professional mentoring goals. Additionally, the session will focus on mentoring and supervision strategies related to various work settings while including documentation, licensure, ethical issues, and other areas that impact entry-level professionals and supervisors.

Learner Outcomes: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

1. Identify at least three practice-based issues affecting SLP service delivery in various employment settings.
2. Describe three specific strategies to achieve their personal/professional leadership goals pertaining to graduate school, state association, and various employment settings.
3. Describe three professional resources to enhance service delivery that can be used in educational and professional settings.

Poster Table 5: SLPA Licensure and Related Practice Information

Presented by: Cassandra Jantosik

Presenter Disclosure: Cassandra Jantosik is on the executive council of MNSHA as the VP of SLPA.

Abstract: This presentation will provide an overview of how SLPAs are regulated across MN — including licensure, registration, or certification approaches. This will also highlight ASHA’s and MN’s advocacy efforts to promote consistent, responsible regulation.

Learner Outcomes: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

1. Describe the steps included in the SLPA licensure.
2. Describe how SLPAs can be utilized in a school setting to help with service delivery.
3. Identify delegated tasks, training, and competency expectations, and boundaries to support ethical and effective service delivery.

Poster Table 6: All about MNSHA!

Presented by: Emily Aust, EdS, CCC-SLP

Presenter Disclosure: Emily Aust is the current past president of MNSHA and a special education facilitator in the Eden Prairie school district.

Abstract: Curious about MNSHA and how it supports speech-language pathologists, audiologists, students, and communication professionals across Minnesota? This presentation provides an overview of the Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MNSHA), including its mission, history, membership benefits, professional resources, advocacy efforts, and opportunities for networking and involvement. Participants will learn how MNSHA supports professionals at every stage of their careers and discover ways to connect, grow, and contribute to the profession.

Learner Outcomes: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

1. Identify at least three benefits of MNSHA membership.
2. Recognize opportunities for professional development, networking, and leadership through MNSHA.
3. Explain how MNSHA advocates for the speech, language, hearing, and communication needs of Minnesotans.
4. Identify ways to become involved with MNSHA at the student and professional levels.

Satisfactory Completion Requirements

Certificates of completion will be awarded after submission of a completed evaluation and submission of a completed assessment of learning. Partial credit is being awarded for this continuing education event. A link to the online assessment and evaluation will be provided.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Cancellations accepted until one week following registration. There is no fee for this event, so no refunds will be provided.

Professional Conduct and Discrimination Policy

All participants are expected to conduct themselves in professional manor. Please review MNSHA’s Professional Conduct and Discrimination Policy.

Complaint Policy

Questions and concerns should be emailed to the Association Office, office@mnsha.org . Complaints arising during or after an event, can be filed using the post event evaluation form or by contacting the Association office.

Accessibility Policy

The Association is committed to providing an outstanding experience for all participants at its events. We strive for full access to the activities of these events and accommodations relating to mobility, hearing, vision or other areas may be provided. We ask that requests for reasonable accommodations at the event be made as early as possible, and well in advance of the event, so we may explore options to best meet the individual’s need or provide a resource/suggestion to help meet the individuals’ requirement.

Potential Barriers: Although we strive to make this event as accessible as possible to all members, some barriers may remain due to financial, logistical, facility, vendor or volunteer/staffing limitations.

If the association is unable to provide an accommodation due to one or more of the reasons stated above and the individual feels attendance is no longer an option, the Association will acknowledge the barrier, however, since the event has no fee, there will be no refund issued.