Class of 2026 Honorees
Published in the March 2026 issue of the ISHA Voice.
By Sarah Moon, chair of the Honors Committee
Fellow of the Association: Jordan Bowman
Jordan Bowman was recognized this year as an ISHA Fellow. Michelle Dineen sponsored Jordan’s nomination. Her nomination was co-sponsored by Tammy Ashby, Barb Goodson, Maria Claudia Franca, Carrie Kerr and Karen Kockler.
Jordan graduated from the University of Akron with a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology and began her career as an SLP at the Center for Neurorehabilitation Services in 2009. She continued with Genesis Rehab Services/Powerback Rehabilitation rising from clinician to Senior Therapist, Director of Rehabilitation, Clinical Director, and ultimately Vice President of Program Development in 2021. In 2024, Jordan continued her administrative leadership role into Business Development and now works for Athelas to strengthen strategic partnerships.
Michelle Dineen opened her nomination by describing Jordan as an "energetic, fun, hip, passionate SLP who loved medical-based practice.” This couldn’t describe Jordan more perfectly. She began her ISHA journey by joining the Medical Practice Committee which rolled into the Chairperson position, followed by Telepractice Committee, Reimbursement Committee, and finally the Executive Board as Vice President of Professional Services and then President, all while continuing her role as the ASHA STAMP.
As a clinician, Jordan consistently advocated for best practices, ethical standards and patient-centered care. Her outcomes-centered approach was pervasive in her clinical practice, operational leadership, business development, and wellness program management. Jordan cares for the whole person, whether you are a client, coworker or committee member. She seeks outcomes on a professional and personal level, achieved purposefully because of Jordan’s deep relatability and compassion. One of her supporters stated, “her genuine connection with others, paired with the unwavering drive to help, makes her an inspiring and energetic force… her energy lifts teams, strengthens partnerships and brings clarity to challenging situations.”
Jordan has recently become a Professional Member of the National Academies of Practice and Member of the National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies. ISHA relies on bridging the gap of interprofessional practice, and Jordan helps build those bridges. ISHA has moved forward as an Association because of Jordan’s leadership. She has been instrumental in the communication and movement of the Interstate Compact initiative. Through her clear and honest communication style she effectively conveyed the stakes of the compact.
Jordan’s individual determination and grasp of current issues have allowed her to have a positive impact pervasive within ISHA and well beyond. One of her supporters described her professionalism as “magnificently paired with her sharp sensitiveness and empathy, composing the ideal example of an accomplished leader who can easily connect with people at all levels.” Her mentorship, camaraderie and support were highlighted in a letter by a fellow ISHA member who described Jordan’s approach as “leading by example.” Jordan offered “belonging and direction” and offered a human connection that is required when leading others to a shared outcome of being purposeful, kind, energetic, and deeply inclusive. This is described as “leaving the lasting impact.” With only these qualities, trust and belonging occur on the communication continuum.
Driven vision for change through strategic partnerships cause Jordan to walk ahead of us and lead. But, mutual empowerment is what makes Jordan the leader who walks beside us. Her calm, persistent honesty with a touch of humor sets Jordan apart as relatable and approachable. While this describes the mindset of true fellowship, it also describes Jordan. She has taught many of us what walking beside one another can ultimately foster– shared vision of change for the better, both professionally and personally.
Because of these outstanding achievements through clinical service, service to ISHA, other associations and related organizations, ISHA is pleased to recognize Jordan Bowman as a Fellow of the Association.
Fellow of the Association: Carrie Kerr
Carrie Kerr was recognized this year as an ISHA Fellow. Tena McNamara sponsored Carrie’s nomination. Her nomination was co-sponsored by Christine Fletcher and Kim Pritiken.
Carrie became a speech-language pathologist in 1997, graduating from Illinois State University. She pursued additional certifications in Special Education Advocacy Law at William and Mary Law School and the Volunteer Advocacy Project-Family Matters. She is a certified LAMP therapist and Early Intervention therapist. Carrie is the regional manager for PRC-Saltillo, a position for which she was well-qualified through her past experience as owner and clinical director of Child's Nature, LLC and prior to that, as a therapist for Easter Seals.
Carrie has consistently worked to expand her clinical and leadership experience serving as an adjunct professor at Bradley University, as well as working in various clinical and educational settings, where she promoted advocacy and access to education for those with communication disorders. Her nomination for Fellow comes with endorsements of her outstanding performance in Clinical Service, Administrative Services, and Service to other Associations or Related Organizations.
Clinically, Carrie is a valued leader in our profession at the local, state and national levels. She has been a career-dedicated SLP in the area of alternative and augmentative communication, advocating at the top of her practice. As Tena McNamara stated in her nomination, “Carrie exemplifies the qualities of leadership, innovation and commitment that our profession desperately needs.”
The nurturing environment and elevated standard of care to both therapists and families at Child’s Nature was highlighted in Carrie’s nomination. One of Carrie’s co-sponsors described the support and expertise that Carrie frequently offered to other clinics on business and personnel matters whenever asked stating, “She was a fierce advocate for her clients and always did her best to support families through their AAC journeys.” Carrie’s management of a multi-disciplinary team fostered innovative clinical programs that utilize child-led play for a love of learning. Now, Carrie’s leadership and administration supports many professionals through her role with PRC-Saltillo.
Locally, Carrie served on the leadership team for the Peoria Area Speech- Language-Hearing Association (PASHA) as Honors Committee Chair, Corresponding Secretary and ISHA Representative. She tailored a Symposium highlighting the transition from high school to adulthood and college as the keynote speaker and panel moderator for parents and young adults with ASD. She further was the leader for a widely distributed project creating simple AAC boards for first responders in Central Illinois. Carrie appeared on the local news for promoting the communication boards and the accompanying recorded video tutorial for first responders.
Carrie received the Clinical Achievement Award from both ASHA and ISHA, and was honored with the WEEK News 25 Women in Leadership Award for her impact in the Peoria-area and surrounding communities.
Carrie’s service broadened to the state and national levels thanks to her high level of expertise with advocacy and AAC. She has actively engaged with the Council for Exceptional Children and has held influential roles as the Illinois STAR for ASHA and many ISHA committees such as Billing and Reimbursement and Legislative/Regulatory Committee. As a committee member, Carrie is described as “patient when situations require delicate attention and respectful to all parties involved.”
As an educator, through IEP workshops and AAC presentations, Carrie has earned a reputation for "possessing a remarkable ability to articulate complex concepts” which can then support understandable action plans. She is a sought-after speaker at ISHA, Closing the Gap and the Division of Early Childhood, teaching others about advocacy, Medicaid, and issues related to reimbursement. Carrie cultivated our ISHA members into leaders and fellow advocates through her committee role on the Leadership Development Team, and she was instrumental in ISHA receiving the ASHA Student Advocacy Grant.
One of Carrie’s former employees is quoted, “The families we serve often experience isolation and uncertainty navigating their reality of life. With Carrie, they find someone who will hear them, speak for them when they are unable, and ensure they get access to what they need. Carrie’s priority is, and always will be, advocating for those whose voice is not heard.”
Because of these outstanding achievements and service to the profession through your advocacy, ISHA is pleased to recognize Carrie Kerr as a Fellow of the Association.
Nominations for the Class of 2027 Honorees are due May 15th. Information, instructions and forms for the awards can be located on the ISHA website Honors Process.
