Welcome Message from the PSHA President
2025–2026 Board Term
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is my honor to welcome you to a new year of service, growth, and impact with the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association (PSHA) and service as PSHA’s president until June 30, 2026. Whether you’re a returning leader or joining us for the first time, your commitment to advancing our profession and supporting those we serve is invaluable, and I’m excited for all we will accomplish together. As we move forward together, I want to take a moment to recognize and express my deep gratitude to my predecessors, Dana Bitetti and Erin Buckwalter. Under their leadership, we significantly increased our advocacy efforts and made meaningful strides to improve the professional lives of speech-language pathologists and audiologists throughout the Commonwealth. Their dedication and vision have laid a strong foundation for us to build upon, and I am eternally grateful for their support and guidance.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our Executive Board—both returning members and those newly joining us—for their tireless work, passion, and commitment to our mission. It is through your collective effort that we continue to grow, influence policy, and support our members in all settings. Together, we will continue to strengthen our voice, elevate our profession, and ensure that PSHA remains a vital resource and advocate for our community.
This year, our work will center on four key priorities that position PSHA for long-term strength and relevance:
- Growing Our Membership and Member Engagement
With shifting demographics and evolving professional needs, we are focused on making PSHA membership more valuable and accessible, especially for early-career professionals. We’ll offer exclusive webinars, mentorship, and job boards, showcase inspiring member success stories, and deepen engagement with CSD students across Pennsylvania. Through podcasts, themed discussions, social media, and personal outreach, we aim to build a stronger, more connected community.
- Strengthening Financial Stability
To sustain our mission, we are committed to balancing our budget, diversifying revenue, and improving operational efficiency. By expanding partnerships, enhancing events, and transparently sharing financial updates, we will ensure PSHA remains fiscally healthy and member-driven.
- Amplifying Our Advocacy and Public Voice
In today’s legislative climate, advocacy is more important than ever. PSHA will organize Hill Day experiences, partner with allied organizations, and keep members informed on key policy changes. We’ll empower grassroots action and celebrate our advocacy wins so members — and legislators — clearly see the value we bring.
- Improving Onboarding and Leadership Transitions
We recognize the importance of clear communication and smooth transitions. This year, we’ll enhance our onboarding processes for new members, board members and committee chairs, using technology, welcome materials, and structured support to help everyone feel confident and connected in their roles.
Read more about my goals and objectives here.
To ensure PSHA leadership focuses on what matters most to you, we need your input. Please take a few minutes to complete our member survey—your voice truly makes a difference.
Thank you for sharing your time, talents and dedication with PSHA. Mark your calendars for our Fall Event this October and be sure to save the date for our 2026 Convention at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center in the Poconos, March 26–28. We can’t wait to connect, learn, and grow with colleagues and friends. I look forward to working alongside you and seeing the incredible impact we’ll make this year.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Dr. Nicole Billak, Ed.D, CCC-SLP/L, ASDCS, LBS
President, Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association (PSHA)
