August 2020 speech-language pathology master's graduate spotlights
14 Aug 2020
Seven students completing Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degrees – Alyssa Cook, Laura Munk, Anna Plettner-Nelson, Annie Prins, Erin Reynolds, Anna Sunderland and Kelly Woodworth – share Q-and-As ahead of the Aug. 15, 2020, commencement ceremony.
Alyssa Cook
Shoreview, Minnesota | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (B.S., Miami University)
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska for your master’s program?
I attended an open house at UNL while trying to decide where to attend graduate school. I was really impressed with everything Nebraska’s program had to offer, from the wide range of elective courses to the clinical facilities and incredible group of faculty. I am so thankful for the amazing education and experiences I was allowed through UNL’s program.
When did you know you wanted to become a speech-language pathologist?
I was always interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. After trying to decide between a few different careers, I came across speech-language pathology. It was the perfect blend of many of my interests. I appreciated the diversity of opportunities within the field in terms of settings, ages, and types of patients we can work with. I also loved that it was a job that allowed me the chance to make a positive impact in the lives of others on a daily basis.
What is something positive you can take away from the adjustments caused by COVID-19 that will benefit you as you begin your career?
More than anything it has taught me to be flexible, which I think is a really important skill to have in this field. However, I think it also has shown me that everything ends up working out the way it’s supposed to; I was still able to complete my last externship and graduate on time.
What’s next?
I’m excited to begin working as a new clinician and complete my clinical fellowship year!
Laura Munk
Shawnee, Kansas | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (B.S., Kansas State University)
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska for your master’s program?
The biggest factor in my decision to attend UNL for my master’s program were the classes and the diverse clinic opportunities that would prepare me to work in both a medical and school setting.
When did you know you wanted to become a speech-language pathologist?
I knew I wanted to become a speech-language pathologist in high school when I shadowed an SLP. I loved the diversity of clients and settings we can work in, as well as the impact our services have on individuals.
What is something positive you can take away from the adjustments caused by COVID-19 that will benefit you as you begin your career?
A take away from the adjustments to the end of my program caused by COVID-19 that will benefit me as I begin my career is learning to be flexible, and adjusting my plans to best meet the needs of my clients and their family.
What’s next?
I will be working as a speech-language pathologist at an elementary school in the Park Hill School District.
Anna Plettner-Nelson
Lincoln, Nebraska | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (B.S., University of Nebraska-Lincoln)
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska for your master’s program?
When I was applying for grad school I always knew I wanted to continue on at UNL. I had heard great reports about the program, especially how well they prepared you for starting your first job. And despite the unexpected changes that have occurred the past two semesters, I definitely feel ready to begin my clinical fellowship year.
When did you know you wanted to become a speech-language pathologist?
To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t entirely sure about speech pathology until I was already in grad school and began taking classes about adult communication disorders. I remember working with my first client with aphasia and starting my pre-externship at a SNF and finally being certain that I was in the right field.
What is something positive you can take away from the adjustments caused by COVID-19 that will benefit you as you begin your career?
One positive, that I didn’t see as a positive at first, is for the first time in five years I was forced to slow down. It’s given me time to find some balance that grad school really doesn’t allow. It’s highlighted for me that I will work the rest of my life and it’s important to give time and priority to family and other personal interests.
What’s next?
I’ve accepted a full-time position with Select Rehabilitation at Southlake Village in Lincoln.
Annie Prins
Overland Park, Kansas | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (B.S., Kansas State University)
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska for your master’s program?
I got accepted, and it was close-ish to home and offered me a small scholarship.
When did you know you wanted to become a speech-language pathologist?
In high school I just happened upon it and never looked back!
What is something positive you can take away from the adjustments caused by COVID-19 that will benefit you as you begin your career?
I learned a lot of patience.
What’s next?
I’ll be working at USD 305 school districts in Salina, Kansas.
Erin Reynolds
Omaha, Nebraska | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (B.S., University of Wisconsin, Madison)
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska for your master’s program?
UNL has a great program, and the amount of knowledgeable teachers and supervisors the program has was a huge advantage that helped with my decision to attend.
When did you know you wanted to become a speech-language pathologist?
I was volunteering at Munroe-Meyer Institute's Summer Camp and worked with a child that had her own way of communicating using this device (an AAC device), and I was in awe that someone helped her find the means to have a voice. I have been hooked ever since.
What is something positive you can take away from the adjustments caused by COVID-19 that will benefit you as you begin your career?
Flexibility. It is a trait that we all say is a great characteristic to hold as a clinician and COVID-19 surely tested this. This will be something I take away from these last few months of my degree and continue to reflect on for continued adaptability.
What’s next?
I plan to complete my clinical fellowship year at an outpatient clinic in Gretna called Tree Top Therapy. I am very excited for the opportunity and love the community of the work place!
Anna Sunderland
Sabetha, Kansas | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (B.S., Kansas State University)
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska for your master’s program?
I was impressed with the wide variety of clinical experiences offered during the UNL graduate program, both at the university clinic and in the greater Lincoln/Omaha area. Now, as I reflect upon my time in the program, it is very apparent to me that the opportunity to work and learn in a variety of settings with individuals across the lifespan (I’ve worked with clients ranging in age from 2 to 101!) has shaped me into the clinician I am today.
When did you know you wanted to become a speech-language pathologist?
I have held an interest in healthcare as long as I can remember, as my mother is a public health nurse. While in high school, I took a few foreign language courses and found myself completely intrigued by the intricacies of language and the motor movements that accompany accurate sound productions. Slowly but surely, I discovered that speech-language pathology was the career field that combined the two loves of language and healthcare, and I’ve never looked back!
What is something positive you can take away from the adjustments caused by COVID-19 that will benefit you as you begin your career?
This season of COVID-19 has encouraged me to seek new pathways of virtual learning. Although meeting with clients face-to-face remains my preferred method of service, it is exciting to witness the growing amount of learning opportunities made available worldwide via the Internet. The ability to share knowledge and collaborate with other professionals across the globe is a sign of a healthy industry, and I am encouraged by the profession’s response to the pandemic.
What’s next?
I am getting married this fall and will be moving to St. Louis shortly thereafter. I look forward to seeking employment in a medical facility serving geriatric populations. I am excited to continue learning!
Kelly Woodworth
Katy, Texas | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (B.S., University of Texas at Austin)
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska for your master’s program?
When I visited Nebraska and learned more about the program, it became clear that I would have the opportunity to get hands-on learning with a variety of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and methods that can be implemented for clients across the age span. I also appreciated that this program would provide me with a wide variety of clinical experiences and clients, instead of having to choose a certain "track."
When did you know you wanted to become a speech-language pathologist?
While in high school, I worked at a day camp with a young girl who used an AAC device to communicate. It was fascinating to see how she could communicate fully with the group of campers about her favorite activities throughout the day. As I gained more experience in speech-language pathology, I began to understand the impact communication has on every single aspect of our lives and wanted a career where I could give people a voice.
What is something positive you can take away from the adjustments caused by COVID-19 that will benefit you as you begin your career?
As the wonderful Lisa Lenz always says, "Be positive, be patient, be flexible." Going into the schools as an SLP, this mantra has never been more applicable – there are so many unknowns and unanswered questions, but positivity, patience, and flexibility will be my guide as I begin this new "adventure!"
What’s next?
I will be moving to Denver to work as a speech-language pathologist with Denver Public Schools.
Special Education and Communication Disorders