ISHA’s Leadership Development Program Committee is excited to announce the graduates of the 2025-2026 Leadership Development Program (LDP). Six ISHA members participated this year, which marked the seventh cohort of the program. This year’s program was remarkable as for the first time, the program was offered for 19.5 hours of continuing education, and also featured the addition of a leadership project component. As part of the program, this year’s graduates designed and implemented a leadership project and presented their work at the ISHA Convention, in local NSSLHA meetings, or in articles published in the ISHA Voice. Projects were thoughtful and impactful, and showcased the meaningful ways that SLPs and audiologists impact their worksites and communities. Graduates and their projects were as follows:
- Kate Eichstadt: Addressing Developmental Differences in the Daycare Setting
- Kassidy Hansen: Understanding Your Child’s Language and Litera
- Sarah Mueller: Beyond the Therapy Room: SLPs as Instructional Leaders in the School System
- Tina Panzl: Leading Through Partnership: Initiating Parent Involvement Events in a Preschool for All Program
- Michelle Retzlaff: Insight to Impact: Elevating Team Emotional Intelligence for Self & Client Success
- Susannah York: Promoting Health Insurance Literacy for Families: A Guide to Understanding Therapy Benefits
Often, leadership opportunities emerge within our teams or workplaces before we feel fully prepared to undertake them. ISHA’s LDP is specifically designed to help build the confidence and skills needed for both professional and volunteer leadership. ISHA’s LDP, which builds upon materials available through the ASHA Leadership Academy and Leadership Development Program Toolkit, includes opportunities for learning facets of leadership, discussion with a network of peers, and personal reflection. Participants also receive support from committee members throughout the program and while completing a personal leadership project to enhance their workplace or community. By the end of the program, participants are able to develop goals for applying leadership knowledge and skills to professional and volunteer roles.
Participants had this to say about the LDP:
“Through the program, I gained a greater self-awareness of practical leadership tools and ongoing guidance that I can immediately use not only just in my professional life but also in my personal life.”—Sarah Mueller
“This has been a wonderful cohort that is supportive and diverse in its experiences, and people have really been able to share insights that were unexpected and thought-provoking.” –Susannah York
“My experience with the program has been amazing. I received practical tools to navigate different situations related to conflict resolution, influencing others, leading teams, and more.” --Kassidy Hansen
“I also felt incredibly connected to my cohort. Even though we are all at different stages in our careers and haven’t even met in person, I truly feel like I know these people. We’ve built real relationships around a shared commitment to learning, growth, and leadership. That sense of community, along with the skills and confidence I’ve gained, has made this experience both professionally meaningful and personally rewarding.” –Kate Eichstadt
"Participating in the LDP has been a very enjoyable and rewarding experience - both personally and professionally. I am very thankful for the supportive cohort and the leadership and guidance by the LDP committee. The monthly discussions brought along insight and an ability to get to know fellow professionals in the state." –Michelle Retzlaff
“The LDP gave me a cohort of like-minded individuals, who care deeply about their work and improving various aspects of our field. Through shared discussion topics and self-exploration, I gained exactly what I needed for my continued growth, while engaging with others with different perspectives and experiences.” –Tina Panzl
This program is not possible without the volunteer leadership of the LDP committee members, who facilitate the monthly meetings, serve as journal partners, and provide feedback about leadership projects. Committee members for the 2025-2026 cohort were:
- Valerie Brosius
- Barb Goodson
- Mary Smyers-Karaffa
- Tom Parton
- Sarah Sleeter
The Leadership Development Committee would like to extend a sincere thanks to Paul Doggett and Lauren Diekhoff their assistance in administering the program and hosting the virtual facilitated discussion meetings.
Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort of ISHA’s Leadership Development Program will open in May and are due by June 30. ISHA members who are interested in applying to this program are encouraged to check ISHA’s webpage for further information.