Student News and Information

Considering applying to graduate school?

Applying to graduate school can be one of the most exciting yet difficult things you will do as you prepare to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. We are fortunate in Arizona to have graduate training programs at all 5 of our higher ed institutions. We want to share some insight and information that might help you in your application process. Disclaimer: The information on this page is not considered exhaustive and may not be the most recent information available at each institution. ArSHA does not take responsibility for out-of-date information, and instead encourages the reader to check with each…

Opportunities & Things to Know

The graduate programs in our state offer a variety of learning opportunities. Besides the rigorous core courses that each program provides, there are electives that add to the learning experience. Below are some of these opportunities. Then, find some hints and tricks that will make your transition to Arizona and graduate school a little smoother. Disclaimer: The information on this page is not considered exhaustive and may not be the most recent information available at each institution. ArSHA does not take responsibility for out-of-date information, and instead encourages the reader to check with each individual institution’s website. Also, check with…

Student Spotlight: Undergraduate CSD Majors

We understand that this is not the undergraduate experience you planned. Many of you are wondering what your future holds. We want to say that we are rooting for you! Learn the information and do the work, and you will get through this. A big shout out to all of the undergraduate NSSLHA leaders! Your dedication means all the good that NSSLHA does continues even during the difficult times.

Roles and Responsibilities of ArSHA Student Representatives

The Student Representative shall lead the association in the areas of student recruitment and retention of student members through outreach to speech-language pathology students and audiology students in the state of Arizona. The student representatives will report  directly to the Past President. The duties of the Student Representative shall include the following: 

  1. In consultation with the board and the Association’s management company, monitor and supervise activities associated with student member recruitment and retention. 
  2. Identify and attend various events to promote student memberships. 
  3. Assist with the coordinating and recruitment of student volunteers for Advocacy Day. 
  4. Assist with the coordinating and recruitment of student volunteers for the Annual Conference. 
  5. Participate in the Student/Professional mentoring program led by the Community Relations and Cultural and Linguistic Diversity committees.  
  6. Adding to and updating the Student Center section of the ArSHA webpage in conjunction with the Communications committee. 

ArSHA Student Representatives

Libby Sarra, Aud D.

Graduate Student Representative, A.T. Still University
Libby is a second-year Doctor of Audiology student at A.T. Still University in Arizona. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Pennsylvania State University. Libby is dedicated to raising public awareness and education about audiology, emphasizing the importance of hearing health to overall well-being.


Amber Caras

SLP Graduate Student Representative, Midwestern University
Amber attends Midwestern University as a graduate student in speech-language pathology. She was a speech-language pathologist assistant for 26 years (SLPA) and is also an ASHA-certified C-SLPA. She hopes to one day open a private practice.

 


Haley Hinricks

Undergraduate Student Representative, University of Arizona
Haley is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Educational Psychology. She is a student employee for the L4 Lab on campus, working in the late talking toddler study. She hopes to attend graduate school for speech language pathology next year.


Allison Staib

Allison is a third year undergraduate student at the University of Arizona, studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Psychology. She plans to get her MS and become a SLP in school districts. Her advice to other students in SLHS is to get involved. Getting involved is a great way to have fun, make connections with students and faculty, and gain knowledge in the field!


Erin Frain

Erin Frain is a first-year graduate student at Midwestern University and a graduate of Purdue University. After earning their license, Erin wants to work in as many settings as possible throughout their career but hopes to start out in acute or subacute settings. Their advice to other students is to find balance as soon as they can and to not compare themselves to their classmates, instead choosing to learn from the amazing people around them!


Rebecca Rodriguez-Wilson

Rebecca is an SLPA providing services to the Queen Creek and San Tan Valley area, and a first year SLP student at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona. As an Autistic person herself, one of Rebecca’s passions is developing and advocating for neurodiversity rights and acceptance. In addition, she is dedicated to reducing the number of misdiagnosed bilingual students in her work as a future SLP. Rebecca’s advice to all students is to always take the time to truly self-reflect; whether that be daily, weekly or monthly, taking a moment to remember and reconnect to why you are in the field, and what impact you want to make in the world makes the hard work all the more fulfilling.


Samantha Thomas

Samantha is a fourth year undergraduate student at Northern Arizona University studying Communication Sciences and Disorders with minors in Psychology and Biology, as well as a certificate to be a Speech Language Pathology assistant. She is also the president of NAU's chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. Samantha plans to earn her Master's and become an SLP in a hospital setting. Her advice to students is to get involved early in your undergraduate career because you can learn a lot from your professors, clubs, and peers!


Julia Tomasulo

Julia is a first-year SLP graduate student in Northern Arizona University’s Full Time Track. She has an undergraduate degree in Linguistics with an emphasis in Speech-Language Sciences & Disorders. She is interested in speech and language development in multilingual children as well as pediatric feeding and swallowing. Her advice to other students is that everything works out and to never give up! It is important to trust the process of earning a foundational education in order to have a meaningful impact on this growing field!


Leah Durrant

Leah is a senior studying Speech and Hearing Science at Arizona State University. After graduating in 2023, she plans to earn her master's degree and hopes to work in pediatrics. Her advice for students is to open yourself up to new experiences and to not be afraid of change. Sometimes life takes turns you don't expect, but they can lead to wonderful opportunities!