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ISHA’s Leadership Development Program

Published in the March 2025 issue of the ISHA Voice.

By Kim Peppler, chair of the Leadership Development Program 

Over the course of a career, a speech-language pathologist or audiologist may have many different roles.  Oftentimes, leadership roles develop within the workplace or teams, but there may not have been adequate preparation.  ISHA has a unique program designed to help members develop their leadership skills for both professional and volunteer roles.  ISHA’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) provides participants the opportunity to connect with other professionals while acquiring knowledge and skills related to effective leadership.  At the end of LDP, participants are able to develop goals for applying leadership knowledge and skills to professional and volunteer roles.  

This program utilizes material made available for state associations from the Leadership Academy and Leadership Development Program Toolkit from ASHA.  Program participants watch a one-hour webinar focused on a specific leadership topic each month and then meet virtually as a cohort for a facilitated discussion.  Some of the topics explored in this program include emotional intelligence, conflict management, influencing others, and high-performing teams.  

ISHA’s sixth cohort of participants recently completed this seven-month program and had their virtual graduation in March.  This cohort met virtually each month to discuss the various leadership topics related to their work setting, professional roles, or volunteer roles.  The facilitated discussions encouraged participants to reflect on past situations as well as make action plans for the future.  ISHA congratulates the 2025 Leadership Development Program participants on completion of this program and is excited to see how their leadership skills continue to develop. 

  • Amy Aneston
  • Rebecca Dressendorf 
  • Allison Gladfelter 
  • Juhi Kidwai
  • Karen Kockler
  • Elizabeth Mueller
  • Camille O'Quinn

The LDP participants were asked to share what they enjoyed about the program and what they learned: 

  • “Being a part of the LDP brought me together with other SLPs that I can look up to. The other SLPs in this cohort are exceptional people who genuinely have so much to give to those around them as well as the field. Our monthly discussions and reflections of the material were enlightening and a great way to perspective take. I feel like we had genuine learning moments as well as an understanding that we are not alone. I feel like I learned about leadership and practical ways to apply the leadership theories we discussed.”  - Rebecca Dressendorf
  • “I have always believed in being a life-long learner, so participating in the LDP seemed logical. Of course, I have taken continuing ed courses and attended ISHA and ASHA conventions for CEUs over the years, but none of those experiences taught me to look within to learn more about myself, to think about my place in the profession, or to see myself as a leader. I highly recommend the Leadership Development Program for everyone. It's like taking a retreat to reflect and learn about yourself, whether you're a new professional or an old one like me!!!” - Karen Kockler
  • "Participation in the LDP benefited my growth as a clinician and leader. Reflective practices and journaling not only proved to be an effective tool for self-reflection on my beliefs, assumptions, emotions, and skills, it also improved my growth as a leader regarding mindset and self-awareness of skills and areas that need improvement.” - Amy Aneston
  •  “I was hesitant to add to my schedule but I'm so glad I applied and was accepted. The program explored a variety of leadership topics, from conflict management to emotional intelligence. Through monthly team meetings I improved my communication skills by learning how to clearly articulate ideas, listen effectively, and manage conflicts more efficiently. We also explored how to help individuals recognize and manage their emotions and understand others' emotions. A crucial skill for creating a positive workplace culture and maintaining good relationships with colleagues and the families we serve.” - Elizabeth Mueller
  • "The two aspects I enjoyed most about the LDP was the supportive mentorship, offered within the monthly discussions and in the shared reflective journal, and my new sense of belonging within a larger community of leaders, cultivated with the other LDP cohort members during meetings and at the ISHA Convention. I think it's easy for each of us to feel like we are alone in an uphill battle to advocate for our clients, students, and profession - participating in the ISHA LDP gave me new leadership skills and a deeper sense of my community of allies and mentors on this journey.” - Allison Gladfelter

ISHA also appreciates the members of the LDP committee who facilitated the monthly meetings.  These members met with the LDP cohort and lead the discussions on the specific leadership topics. 

  • Kim Peppler
  • Tom Parton
  • Valerie Brosius
  • Carrie Kerr
  • Barb Goodson
  • Sarah Moon

Thank you to Paul Doggett and Ryan Dee with Bostrom for facilitating the virtual meetings for the Leadership Development Program.