SCCSHA Spring 2026 Newsletter
- SCCSHA Account
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Table of Contents
President's Corner
Kathy-Ann Murray, M.S., CCC-SLP
President 2025–2026
Dear SCCSHA community,
As we move through spring, whether you’re just getting back from spring break, about to enjoy it (like me), or simply moving through the season in your own way, there’s a natural feeling of reset that this time of year brings. I recently planted zinnia seeds, and I can't wait to see what blooms in a few months! It has been a nice reminder that growth doesn't happen all at once; it is something we build over time. In that same spirit, we’re excited to keep learning, connecting, and growing together as a community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent virtual workshop in January on Trauma-Informed Care with SLP, Rachel Archambault. We were so grateful to see much thoughtful engagement throughout the session. Rachel shared meaningful, practical insights that many of us can carry directly into our work, and it was inspiring to learn alongside a community so committed to compassionate, client or student-centered care.
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We’re also excited to invite you to our upcoming Spring Luncheon Workshop on Friday, May 15th in Santa Clara. This year’s event will feature Alison Pentland, M.A., CCC-SLP, sharing about AAC evaluations. AAC is a core part of our practice, and we know it can sometimes feel like a challenging or intimidating area. This session is designed to help make this area more approachable and give you practical tools and confidence to carry into your evaluations. Tickets are now available! During the luncheon, we will recognize an outstanding SLP with the Honors of the Association, as well as award our annual scholarship to a deserving student. We look forward to celebrating with our awardees!
As we continue to strengthen our association, we are currently seeking candidates to fill several board positions for the upcoming year. These positions include Treasurer, Vice President, Newsletter Editor, and Community Outreach Chair. If you are interested in getting involved and making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to reach out. Your involvement helps shape the future of our community. Our Bylaws have more information about each role.
A quick reminder to renew your membership this summer so you can continue to enjoy member pricing for next year’s workshops and events. We have an exciting lineup in the works, and we would love for you to be part of it.
Thank you, as always, for your dedication, passion, and support. The SCCSHA board is so grateful that you're a part of this community and look forward to all that’s ahead.
P.S. What’s something new you’re exploring in your work, or what’s been inspiring you this spring? I’d love to hear from you!
Legislative Corner
Ann England, M.A., CCC-SLP
Legislative Liaison
POSSIBLE CHANGES COMING TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE CA DEPT OF EDUCATION: Education Omnibus Trailer Bill for Education
The Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) released a report in December 2025 on school governance that recommended transferring the California Department of Education’s operations from the State Superintendent to the California Governor and the State Board of Education, whose members are appointed by the governor. Governor Gavin Newsom picked up this idea and submitted a trailer bill to his proposed budget which will be voted on in June 2026 and possibly enacted January 1, 2027. If passed, the trailer bill would create, beginning January 1, 2027, an “Education Commissioner“ role, appointed by the Governor, to oversee the operations of the California Department of Education (CDE) replacing the Superintendent of Public Instruction as the day-to-day manager of the CDE. The Superintendent of Public Instruction would become a voting member of the State Board of Education and Community College Board of Governors and retain staff to carry out the duties of the office.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AND KEEP UP TO DATE ON GOVERNOR NEWSOM’S TRAILER BILL:
Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) December 2025 report:
EDSource Articles:
To Access Progress on Governor Newsom’s Trailer Bill:
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OTHER LEGISLATIONS ADOPTED IN 2025 THAT MAY IMPACT YOUR PRACTICE AND/OR THE PROFESSION:
Spring Luncheon Workshop
Assess, Don't Guess: A Practical Playbook for AAC Evaluations
Tickets are now on sale. Please visit www.sccsha.org/workshops to purchase tickets. We are offering a 10% discount on 4 or more tickets purchased.
Date: Friday, May 15, 2026
Time: 8:30am-1:30 pm, Workshop with luncheon to follow
Location: Delta Hotels Santa Clara Silicon Valley, 2151 Laurelwood Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95054
This will be an interactive presentation that provides an overview of AAC evaluations, highlighting three useful tools: AAC Evaluation Genie, Communication Matrix, and Dynamic AAC Goals Grid. Walk away with greater confidence in selecting assessment tools, interpreting results, and making informed AAC recommendations.
Our presenter will be Alison Pentland, M.A, CCC-SLP, AAC Specialist. Alison serves individuals in the Bay Area and beyond who cannot rely on speech as their primary means of communication. She earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from San José State University, where she participated in a specialized AAC training grant focused on educational settings. Her work includes AAC assessment, intervention, and consultation across home, school, and clinical settings, as well as training and coaching for families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams. In addition to her clinical work, Alison is actively involved in professional leadership and education. She currently serves on the board of the United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC) as Director of Public Information, helping to advance awareness and access to communication supports nationwide. She has also taught at the university level, supervised graduate clinicians, and presented on AAC topics for a wide range of audiences. Alison believes that communication is a fundamental human right and is passionate about empowering individuals of all ages to develop meaningful, effective ways to express themselves.
LUNCHEON MENU
1. Pan Roasted Frenched Chicken Breast. Served with seasonal vegetables and natural jus and rice pilaf.
2. Seared Salmon. Served with seasonal vegetables and citrus herb beurre blanc sauce and wild rice blend.
3. Braised Short Ribs. Served with seasonal vegetables and port wine demi and whipped potatoes.
4. Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli. Served with lemon butter garlic sauce.
Plated lunch includes: Fresh baked dinner rolls & butter, a Caesar salad, and Lemon cake for dessert.
Student Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a current undergraduate or graduate student in the field of Communication Disorders & Sciences or Audiology. The student must either attend school or reside in Santa Clara County. The student must submit a current transcript as well as a letter of recommendation. The scholarship funds will be paid directly to the student's academic institution. Please submit applications here.
Honors of the Association
Every year at our annual, spring luncheon, SCCSHA honors a member of our community who has contributed to the field of speech pathology and/or audiology.
The recipient must have contributions in 2 or more of the following areas:
Clinical service in communicative sciences and disorders.
Academic teaching in communicative sciences and disorders.
Research and publication in communicative sciences and disorders.
Administration and/or supervision in communicative sciences and disorders.
Service to our organization or related association
Submit nominations here.
“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood.” — Ralph G. Nichols
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