Learn more about your Region 1 Regional Councilor and NSSLHA Vice-president Gina Nalesnik:
Academic status: 1st year master's student
Major: Speech-Language Pathology
Expected date of graduation: May 2010
University: The Pennsylvania State University
Area of professional interest: Speech-language pathology and audiology
I joined NSSLHA because: I was hoping that the access to the ASHA journals and other information would help me academically. However, I was surprised when I found that being a NSSLHA member has helped me as an individual as well. I have been able to connect with NSSLHA members throughout the country, read about issues and questions in the on line forums, and further knowledge and understanding regarding my future career. NSSLHA has helped me take a proactive role in my future. Joining NSSLHA has transformed me from being a student to being a future Speech-Language Pathologist. It has helped me take my classroom lessons and expand them to gain and understanding of my field. NSSLHA has encouraged me to embrace my future through volunteering, service work, and networking.
I applied for a position on the NSSLHA Executive Council because: My desire to become a regional councilor is fueled by my passion to learn and be inspired by an association which is constantly making new advancements in a field, a field which as NSSLHA members, we all are a part of. I hope to share information and promote interest in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, so this generation of NSSLHA members can be as inspired to become an advocate, clinician, or leading researcher in the field as past generations have been. As NSSLHA celebrates its 35th anniversary, I welcome the opportunity to commit to an association which has a rich history and a promising future.
My vision for my region is: to establish open lines of communication between all NSSLHA chapters. Being a President of a NSSLHA chapter is a difficult job and, like any other profession, it is necessary to have an extensive team who will offer advice, support, and help whenever needed. Excellent communication between chapters will also help to connect students with equal interests and aspirations within Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. It is my hope that these networking opportunities create relationships that last into our professional years.
As NSSLHA is an intermediate group, bridging the gap between a high school setting and a professional career-setting, I think it is imperative to begin establishing stronger bonds between these three groups. Through our local chapters our region can collectively promote Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to the high school populations which will hopefully increase membership and allow our field to grow. Also, I hope to continue to encourage ties between NSSLHA and ASHA members in order to connect students and professionals who share similar interests.
I would also like Region 1 to continue to expand its involvement in the community. Commitment to volunteering and service work by NSSLHA chapters is a great opportunity to expand knowledge and gain positive experiences, not only for a profession, but also for life.