Massachusetts Speech-Language Hearing Association

President: Thelma Hilton Pierce, EdS, M.Ed., CCC-SLP

Education:
B.S. in Communications Disorders – Suffolk University / (Cross registered at Emerson College) 1975
M.Ed. in Reading – Suffolk University, 1977
CAGS in Speech and Language Pathology, Northeastern University, 1986
Ed.S. in Education Specialist, NOVA Southeastern, 2017

MSHA Service History:
V.P. Clinical Practice, 2019-2021

President Elect: Robert Melchionna MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Education:
B.A. in Psychology, College of the Holy Cross, 1992
M.S. in Communication Disorders, Emerson College, 1997

Current Employment:
Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis MA - Speech Language Pathologist/Clinical Specialist
Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

MSHA Service History:
VP of Clinical Practice, 2016 - 2018
President, 2018, 2019
Immediate Past President, 2020

Immediate Past President: Martha Testa, PhD, CCC-SLP

Education:B.S.Ed. in Speech and Hearing Handicapped Education, State University of New York at Fredonia, 1975
M.A. in Speech Pathology, University of Tennessee, 1976
Ph.D. in Law, Policy and Society, Northeastern University, 1994

MSHA Service History:
State Education Advisory Leader (SEAL), 2016-2019
V.P. Education and Planning, 2020-2021
President, 2022-2023

Treasurer: Leila Denna Staiger, M.S., CCC-SLP

Education:
B.A. in Communication, UMass Amherst, 2008
M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 2016

Current Employment:
Consulting Clinician, Cotting Consulting

MSHA Service History:
Treasurer 2019-

Secretary: Adele Raade, PhD., CCC-SLP

Education:
B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, Western Michigan University
M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology, University of Florida

Current Employment:
Eastern New Mexico University

MSHA Service History:
Secretary, 2022
Liaison to the Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, 2021-2022

ASHA Service History:
SIG 1 Coordinating Committee, Associate Coordinator, 2021
SIG 1 Online Manager, 2021
SIG 1 Continuing Education Content Manager, 2020-2021
SIG 1 Professional Development Committee, 2015-2019
Reviewed Proposals for ASHA Conventions, 2017-2021

Vice President Clinical Practice: Henry Botzum, Au.D., CCC-A

Education:
AuD - University of Memphis
M.A. in Music, University of Northern Iowa
B.F.A. in Music, Ohio University

Current Employment:
Clinical Audiologist at Berkshire Medical Center

Vice President Education and Planning: Katrina Woodward, M.S., CCC-SLP, CDP

Education:
Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT
B.A. in Communication Disorders, minor Psychology, Southern Connecticut State University, 2000
M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, Southern Connecticut State University, 2002

Current Employment:
SDX Dysphagia Experts, Vice President
FEES Specialist, Certified Dementia Practitioner

Vice President Communications: Dayna Fisk, M.S., CCC-SLP

Education:
B.S. in Communication Disorders, UMass Amherst 2014
M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, Northeastern University 2016

Vice President of Advocacy: Jenn Mackey, M.A., CCC-SLP

Education:
B.A. in Communication Science and Disorders, University of Vermont
M.A. in Communicative Disorders, San Diego State University
Certificate in Teaching and Learning, MGH Institute of Health Professions

Vice President of Administration: Rachel Aghara, PhD, CCC-SLP

Education:
SUNY Genesco
PhD University of Texas at Austin

Current Employment:
Director and Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist at Vidya Associates

MSHA's Executive Council is made up of audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and faculty who practice in Massachusetts in a variety of settings. MSHA’s council and committees include both young and seasoned professionals.

Vision Statement

The Massachusetts Speech-Language-Hearing Association will be recognized as an authority and resource in the fields of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology by legislative bodies, related professional associations and consumers.

Quick Links

Mailing Address

Massachusetts Speech-Language Hearing Association
465 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 421, Waltham, MA 02452
theoffice@mshahearsay.org

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