August 2022 Graduate Spotlights
12 Aug 2022
Ten students graduating from the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders shared Q-&-As ahead of the commencement ceremonies August 13.
Gabrielle Ainsworth
South Beloit, Illinois | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
What made you interested in a career in speech-language pathology?
I have wanted to be a speech-language pathologist ever since I was in 8th grade. For my 8th grade career fair, I observed an SLP, and I researched the field. I was fascinated by the different areas and the variety of clients we serve! Ultimately, I love working with children and adults to make a difference in their lives and this is the perfect career to do so!
Why did you choose Nebraska for your master’s program?
It seems crazy to me that I decided 2 years ago during the pandemic to move hundreds of miles away from home to a place I had never been before. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I really loved how the faculty at UNL made me feel important as they answered my questions and helped me make connections before I even committed to the school. Also, UNL incorporates augmentative and alternative communication into every course with hands-on experience programming devices. I have always been very passionate about learning and understanding how to use AAC with clients.
How has Nebraska’s master’s program prepared you for success as you move forward in your career?
UNL has provided me with such diverse experiences and allowed me to work with a variety of client populations. I feel well equipped to serve the different individuals I might encounter across my career. And if I ever need help moving forward, I have made such great connections to reach out to when I need help.
What does it mean to you to earn your master’s degree from Nebraska?
I am very proud to be earning my master's degree from Nebraska. The speech-language pathology program is extremely challenging and has pushed me in ways I could have never imagined. I feel prepared for my career, and I am grateful for the education I have received.
What’s next?
I have accepted a job in Woodstock, Illinois, at the Woodstock Community Unit School District. I will be working with 1st-5th grade and I am also leading the Life Connections Program with 18–22 year-olds who use AAC.
Brooke Anderson
Imogene, Iowa | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
What made you interested in a career in speech-language pathology?
All through high school I knew I wanted to be either a teacher or something in the medical field, but I couldn’t figure it out! My mom encouraged me to shadow a speech-language pathologist at our local wellness center and from there I was hooked! I absolutely loved it!!
Why did you choose Nebraska for your master’s program?
I found out about the program from the SLP I shadowed in high school. I loved that I had the option to complete undergrad here and go right into grad school if accepted. It was close enough to home but far enough away I felt independent.
How has Nebraska’s master’s program prepared you for success as you move forward in your career?
UNL has allowed me to gain knowledge from professors from different backgrounds and specialties. I loved being about to take that knowledge and apply it right from the start in clinic and eventually in both a school and hospital setting. Having a full 3 months in the school makes getting into a job at LPS a little less scary :)
What does it mean to you to earn your master’s degree from Nebraska?
Earning my master’s degree is one of my greatest accomplishments thus far. Completing it during COVID, facing new curriculum, and having to meet my cohort through online chats/zoom calls (thanks, COVID) was no easy task. But it has taught me that I can conquer difficult things with the right mindset and support system.
What’s next?
I will be working as a speech-language pathologist at Lincoln Public Schools at East High School and Everett Elementary starting right after graduation!
Hanna Anderson
Negaunee, Michigan | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
What made you interested in a career in speech-language pathology?
Growing up, one of my close family friends experienced a developmental delay. I experienced firsthand how her speech-language pathologist fought for her to receive the therapies she needed to thrive and excel. I was inspired to learn how a speech-language pathologist can give a voice to everyone, regardless of location and income.
Why did you choose Nebraska for your master’s program?
The focus on rural healthcare, high-quality education, and the variety of opportunities Nebraska offers its graduate students are unmatched. It only took a campus visit and a tour for me to learn that this was the university for me. Nebraska was hands down the best place for me to earn my master’s degree.
How has Nebraska’s master’s program prepared you for success as you move forward in your career?
I have participated in various externships that have given me diverse experiences. From UNMC’s NICU to UNL's AAC Lab, I have gained knowledge and experience in all areas of speech language pathology.
What does it mean to you to earn your master’s degree from Nebraska?
Being from rural Michigan, coming to Nebraska was a step outside my comfort zone. It allowed me to learn from and connect with speech-language pathology leaders in the field. I am fortunate to have professors and clinical supervisors who are well known for their knowledge, research, and experiences.
What’s next?
I will be starting my Clinical Fellowship Year at an outpatient clinic back home in Michigan. I am excited to take everything I learned at Nebraska and use it to improve the quality of life of people in my rural community!
Nicole Drake
Overland Park, Kansas | Master of Education in Special Education
What made you interested in a career in special education?
I first was interested in getting my master's in special education when I worked as a paraprofessional in a severe needs classroom.
Why did you choose Nebraska for your master’s program?
I chose Nebraska for my master’s program because they had a program where I could work on my Orientation & Mobility Certification, as well as get my Teacher of Students of the Visually Impaired Certification after.
How has Nebraska’s master’s program prepared you for success as you move forward in your career?
Nebraska has prepared me for my career because of the hands-on aspect in the program. Spending six weeks on campus working on Orientation & Mobility skills really helped to further my understanding. It was difficult to be away from my family, but I learned so much by having this experience. I would do it all over again!!!
What does it mean to you to earn your master’s degree from Nebraska?
It means so much to me that I receive my master’s degree from Nebraska. I have worked the past 2 years to get to this point and to show my children that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. No matter what age!!
What’s next?
After graduation, I will continue to work at the Kansas State School for the Blind. I am an Adaptive Physical Education teacher, but will also take on some students in Orientation & Mobility.
Bridget Leutzinger
Omaha, Nebraska | Master of Arts in Special Education
What made you interested in a career in special education?
I always knew since I was little that I wanted to be a teacher, but also knew I wanted something more. I struggled throughout school, always needing extra support, and luckily, I was blessed with great people to support me. Therefore, I aspire to be that person for my students. Also, in high school, I volunteered at Munroe-Meyer and fell in love with working with kids with special needs! I knew it was my passion!
Why did you choose Nebraska for your master’s program?
I chose Nebraska for my master’s program because I knew I still had so much to learn from the professors. Also, I chose Nebraska because of the supportive community within the special education department.
How has Nebraska’s master’s program prepared you for success as you move forward in your career?
The Nebraska master’s program prepared me for success by showing me I can grow through challenges. The master’s program allowed me to have a deeper understanding of all aspects of the job as well as provided me with resources to better support me in my teaching career.
What does it mean to you to earn your master’s degree from Nebraska?
It means so much to have my master’s degree from Nebraska because it has always been a dream of mine. I feel very fulfilled to have accomplished my dream!
What’s next?
After graduation, I am starting a special education teaching position with Elkhorn Public Schools.
Anna Schulz
Seward, Nebraska | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
What made you interested in a career in speech-language pathology?
I mentored four 3rd graders my senior year of high school and we worked mainly on reading and language. I loved the 1-on-1 or small-group setting where you really could get to know the students on a deep level and form a trusting relationship. I also really valued the relationships and friendships I had with people who have intellectual disabilities, autism, etc. I then shadowed a speech-language pathologist and knew that my purpose in life was to serve others and become a speech-language pathologist. My interest and passion in undergrad grew further as I was involved with Horses for Healing, research, and the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Why did you choose Nebraska for your master’s program?
It was close to home, it’s a great program, and it just felt right after exploring different graduate schools.
How has Nebraska’s master’s program prepared you for success as you move forward in your career?
Although I have a long way to go to reach my full potential, I feel so competent in coming out of the program as a Clinical Fellow. I had wonderful professors and supervisors who pushed me to be the best in AAC, language, articulation, cognition, swallowing, voice, hearing, social communication, and fluency.
What does it mean to you to earn your master’s degree from Nebraska?
I truly wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else for the past six years. I am grateful to finally graduate from my home state and join the work force!
What’s next?
I will be working full-time at two elementary schools. I hope to work part-time in the medical setting soon, as well!
Emily Stauffer
Lincoln, Nebraska | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
What made you interested in a career in speech-language pathology?
I've always loved the idea of working with children and child development was something I was always interested in. I earned my undergraduate degree in elementary education, but throughout that program I noticed how much language and communication skills impacted a child's learning. This was an area I really enjoyed working with, which led me to earning my master's in speech-language pathology! This is a career that I feel I can make a difference in so many ways.
Why did you choose Nebraska for your master’s program?
I decided to attend UNL because I am from Lincoln and grew up as a Husker fan. Earning a degree from UNL and staying close to family was important to me!
How has Nebraska’s master’s program prepared you for success as you move forward in your career?
My clinical supervisors both at UNL, Lincoln Public Schools, and Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital were extremely helpful in preparing me for my career! Each person provided advice and guidance to improve my clinical and professional skills. Completing my master's degree during the start of a pandemic also prepared me for being flexible in a variety of situations.
What does it mean to you to earn your master’s degree from Nebraska?
I have always had a passion for learning and continuing to learn. Earning my master's degree from Nebraska has given me the tools and knowledge for continuing to learn and grow throughout my career!
What’s next?
After graduation, I will be working as a speech-language pathologist for Lincoln Public Schools!
Clair Marie Trenhaile
Bloomfield, Nebraska | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
What made you interested in a career in speech-language pathology?
I was always drawn to a career in service to others but also wanted to pursue a path that allowed me to work in education. I first learned about the field of speech-language pathology when I was seventeen, and it's something I've wanted to do ever since.
Why did you choose Nebraska for your master’s program?
I attended Nebraska for undergrad and loved my experience. As the Covid-19 pandemic quickly changed all of our lives, I wanted something constant in a sea of uncertainty. Staying at Nebraska for my master's degree allowed me to build on relationships that I had formed during my previous four years of study. It was this support system that helped me to succeed throughout these past two challenging years.
How has Nebraska’s master’s program prepared you for success as you move forward in your career?
I gained so many valuable experiences throughout my membership in the inaugural Mid-Plains Professional Upgrade Partnership-Interdisciplinary Preparation (MPUP-IP) cohort. This allowed me to foster relationships within my speech-language pathology cohort, with future Teachers of the Deaf, and with Nebraska faculty. The collaborative mindset I developed through my membership in MPUP-IP is one I'll carry with me for the rest of my career.
What does it mean to you to earn your master’s degree from Nebraska?
I am so proud to hold a degree from such a rigorous and esteemed program. Being the first in my family to earn a master's degree makes it even sweeter.
What’s next?
I will be completing my Clinical Fellowship at Raymond Central Public Schools, serving students in grades K-12.
Allie Truitt
Rapid City, South Dakota | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
What made you interested in a career in speech-language pathology?
Speech-language pathology combines so many of my interests and career goals. I love that it combines language and creativity with science and the medical field. I love that it is a career that allows for a flexible schedule. Working with kids has always been something I have been interested in, but with this career field I also have the opportunity to work in other settings (i.e., hospital, nursing home) if I choose to later down the road.
Why did you choose Nebraska for your master’s program?
I was impressed with the program when I went to an open house. UNL provides a variety of clinical experiences and electives. It is also a top twenty program for SLP, so I was excited to be a part of that.
How has Nebraska’s master’s program prepared you for success as you move forward in your career?
I had to develop resiliency and flexibility while completing a rigorous master's program during a pandemic. Most of my clinical experience has been with masks or via teletherapy so I have learned to be creative with treatment. Despite all that was going on in the world in the last two years, our professors continually challenged us to be the best, most informed clinicians we can be. I grew so much as a person and clinician. UNL provides lots of on- and off-campus clinical experiences, so I feel prepared to work in a variety of settings.
What does it mean to you to earn your master’s degree from Nebraska?
After being at smaller colleges for my undergraduate degree, I loved getting to go to a Big Ten school. It was fun to experience the "Husker culture." Both campuses are beautiful, and I loved living in Lincoln.
What’s next?
I will be working as a speech-language pathologist at Black Hills Pediatric Therapy in Rapid City, South Dakota. I am excited to support little ones and their families with communication. It will also be nice to live closer to family!
Rebekah Urban
Highlands Ranch, Colorado | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
What made you interested in a career in speech-language pathology?
From a young age, I have always wanted to become a speech-language pathologist. My two younger brothers received SLP services, and I always enjoyed learning how I could help them with their therapy. As I grew older, my interest in the field grew more and more. Everyone deserves the ability to communicate, and it brings me so much joy to serve and advocate for people of all ages and their families.
Why did you choose Nebraska for your master’s program?
I chose to attend UNL for grad school because of their high rankings and multiple clinical opportunities the program offered. I was interested in the various research opportunities and the wide range of hands-on experiences with cutting edge technologies. Coming from out-of-state during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was unable to visit before deciding to attend. When I contacted the school and current graduate students at the time, their kindness and willingness to answer all my questions contributed to me committing to the program.
How has Nebraska’s master’s program prepared you for success as you move forward in your career?
Nebraska's master's program prepared me for success because of their high expectations in education and performance. I received experience with people of all ages who have speech-language disabilities within multiple settings. This rigorous program was very challenging, but I am prepared to serve those I work with and make research-based clinical decisions within my career.
What does it mean to you to earn your master’s degree from Nebraska?
By having a master's degree from UNL, I am now confident and competent to serve people with a variety of speech and language disabilities. I now know how to find evidence-based research to continue my education and collaborate with clients, families, and other professionals. I also have learned to persevere through any challenges. Getting this degree is my greatest accomplishment and I am very thankful and excited to be moving forward as a speech-language pathologist.
What’s next?
I am thrilled to announce I will be the new speech-language pathologist for Chase County Schools in Imperial, Nebraska. I am very excited to be joining the Longhorn community and serve students K-12 and their families.
Special Education and Communication Disorders