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Criterion V
Service to the University and Community

Introduction

Service is central to my academic philosophy. Service reflects my commitment to bridging university resources with community needs. As co-chair of the Disability Alliance Affinity Group and through initiatives like Camp Silver-Tongue! and the MNSU-Mankato Chapter of the National Stuttering Association, I extend support to underrepresented populations. My work with Camp Silver-Tongue! exemplifies my dedication to creating inclusive spaces where individuals can connect, grow, and thrive. These efforts align with the university’s mission of equity and outreach, ensuring that my contributions enhance the campus and the broader community.

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Service to the University and Community

My service contributions include the development and leadership of Camp Silver-Tongue! and the Mankato Chapter of the National Stuttering Association's Stuttering Support Group, which provides community support to individuals who stutter. As Co-Chair of the Disability Alliance Affinity Group, I help organize yearly events that promote Equity 2030 and disability advocacy. Similarly, I am a member of the Disability Advocacy Caucus. In this caucus, we advocate for disability rights and justice within the University community.

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Additionally, I have served on several key committees, including the Curriculum Committee, Dean Search Committee, Departmental Faculty Search Committees for tenure-track and clinical faculty members, the Interdisciplinary Practice and Research Committee, and the Research and Innovation Committee. Through these roles, I have helped shape ideas, policies, and practices that benefit the university and the community.

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I am also the Search Chair for AA26031, an open tenure-track assistant professor position in our department. In this capacity, I will lead the search process, coordinate meetings, evaluate candidates, and ensure compliance with university hiring policies. These experiences reflect my dedication to fostering collaboration, equity, and innovation within higher education.​

2023-2024

Service to the University and Community. 

One of my major achievements this year was the successful launch of Camp Silver-Tongue!, a camp for children who stutter. I organized and oversaw the camp, which focused on building children's confidence, resilience, and communication skills through Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and traditional stuttering treatment techniques. Participants and their families provided positive feedback on Camp Silver-Tongue! One camper expressed a significant shift in their perception of stuttering. In addition, I continued to lead the  MNSU, Mankato Chapter of the National Stuttering Association (Stuttering Support Group), which had an average of 6.3 participants per session. I serve as Co-Chair of the Disability Alliance Affinity Group, organizing events that promote Equity 2030 and disability advocacy.​

  • Objective​​​​​​​​​​

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  • Description

  • Lead Camp Silver-Tongue! to provide traditional and progressive therapy to children who stutter and supervise graduate and undergraduate students.

  • Camp Silver-Tongue!

  • Provided service to six children who stutter in the community; supported a marginalized community through traditional and progressive stuttering therapy techniques; and provided 24 clinical supervision hours to four graduate students and one undergraduate student in a hard-to-fill clinical competence category.  Carly Brundies and Dr. Strong analyzed the data and developed a working paper (Cross Reference Criterion II and Criterion IV).

  • Reflection: I created a safe space where children built confidence, and students gained hands-on experience. The program showed the impact of community-focused care and mentorship. This was the highlight of my tenure to date at  Minnesota State University, Mankato!

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  • Description

  • Deliver a presentation to promote awareness and understanding of stuttering.

  • Invited Presentation: Mankato Area Lifelong Learners Group

  • This presentation explored stuttering for the Mankato Area Lifelong Learners group, a community organization affiliated with the University. I aimed to promote awareness and understanding of stuttering, including its core behaviors, emotional impact, and evidence-based management approaches. Aligning with the group’s mission to foster vitality and lifelong learning, this presentation exemplified community engagement by addressing the informational needs of older adults and supporting their ongoing intellectual and social involvement. Cross-referenced under Criterion II.

  • Reflection: The audience’s engagement highlighted the importance of community outreach to reduce stigma and increase understanding.

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  • Description

Present on the intersection of race and disability in U.S. history.

Presentation: Disability Alliance Advocacy Group -- Disability Conversations Symposium: MNSU Disability Conversations: Radical and Common-Sense Approaches to Disability 

  • Presentation:  Part 1 -- Interwoven Histories: Disability and African American Treatment in the United States​​​

  • Part 2 -- Discussion Questions​

  • Video Transcript

This presentation, delivered at the Disability Conversations Symposium hosted by the MNSU Disability Alliance Advocacy Group, addressed the historical and ongoing intersections of disability and African American treatment in the United States. It explored legislative milestones, systemic barriers, and the need for equity and inclusion in higher education and beyond. Through this work, the presentation contributed to a community dialogue on disability advocacy and social justice, embodying the mission of community engagement and service under Criterion V. Cross-referenced under Criterion II.

Reflection: The presentation fostered critical conversations on justice and inclusion, reinforcing the value of intersectional approaches.

Camp Silver-Tongue
DAAG

2022-2023

Service to the University and Community. 

For a second year, I served on the Curriculum Committee for the College of Allied Health and Nursing, reviewing and approving over 300 curricular proposals, many of which aligned with DEI initiatives.

 

Additionally, I actively participated in the Disability Advocacy Caucus and helped organize and co-chair the Disability Alliance Affinity Group Symposium, contributing to the university's supportive and inclusive environment.

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  • Description

  • Continue serving on the Curriculum Committee as the Department of Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Services representative within the College of Allied Health and Nursing (Year 2).

  • Curriculum Committee member.

  • I served on the Curriculum Committee for a second year, reviewing and advocating for curriculum changes within the College of Allied Health and Nursing. The significant workload reflected university DEI initiatives and adjustments to programs and courses.

  • Reflection: While the work required considerable time and attention to detail, my editorial skills allowed me to contribute meaningfully to curriculum development despite the demanding schedule.

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  • Description

  • Continue membership in the Disability Advocacy Caucus.

  • Monthly caucus meetings.

  • I engaged with colleagues in the Disability Advocacy Caucus, discussing the ADA, ableism in higher education, and state-level disability policies. These meetings provided a platform for sharing ideas and advocating for inclusive practices.

  • Reflection: This caucus fosters collaboration and advocacy, offering valuable insights into disability issues and creating a supportive community for addressing systemic challenges.

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  • Description

  • Co-chair the newly formed Disability Alliance Affinity Group with Jessica Schomberg.

  • Organizing and leading affinity group meetings and events.

  • As co-chair, I helped establish this group to provide a space for open discussions on disability-related topics and advocate for systemic changes. The group’s efforts culminated in a campus-wide symposium.

  • Reflection: Co-chairing this group enriched my leadership skills and provided a meaningful way to advocate for disability rights, fostering a more inclusive campus environment.

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  • Actively participate as an affiliated faculty member in the Center for Rural Behavioral Health (CRBH).

  • Networking and community engagement.

  • I attended the CRBH Awards Dinner, where I networked with professionals and gained insights into community services supporting rural behavioral health. The event featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Cooke, author of A Canary in a Coal Mine.

  • Reflection: This event deepened my understanding of rural behavioral health challenges and strengthened my commitment to promoting well-being in underserved communities.

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  • Description

  • Lead the Mankato Chapter of the National Stuttering Association (NSA).

  • Monthly Stuttering Support Group meetings.

  • The Stuttering Support Group provided a space for individuals who stutter to connect, share experiences, and practice communication strategies. Graduate students participated, gaining valuable experience in supporting this population.

  • Reflection: Facilitating this group fosters a sense of community and normalizes stuttering while providing graduate students with real-world experience supporting individuals who stutter.

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  • Description

  • Recruit students in CDIS 617, Stuttering, to participate in Stuttering Support Group meetings.

  • Encourage student participation in support group activities.

  • Two students who stutter joined the group, and one to three graduate students participated in monthly meetings.

  • I encouraged graduate students to co-host or attend meetings of the Stuttering Support Group, where they engaged with members and gained practical experience supporting individuals who stutter.

  • Reflection: Graduate students' participation enriched group discussions and provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals who stutter, fostering professional growth and advocacy skills.

2021-2022

Service to the University and Community. 

In 2021-2022, I played a pivotal role in restarting the MNSU National Stuttering Association (NSA) Support Group, which held monthly meetings for people who stutter, averaging 4-5 participants per session. I also served on the Dean Search Committee and the Curriculum Committee, which allowed me to actively contribute to the hiring process and ensure curriculum proposals aligned with college-wide goals. Additionally, I became an affiliated faculty member of the Center for Rural Behavioral Health, which opened opportunities for collaborative research on the intersection of mental health and communication disorders.

Activity or Project

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Desciption

  • CAHN Dean Search Committee--Member

  • I participated in the committee, representing my department—successful Search and Hire.

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Desciption

  • ASL Faculty Member Search Committee--Member

  • I participated in the committee, representing my department.—successfulSearch and Hire.

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Desciption

  • Curriculum Committee--Member

  • I participated in the committee, representing my department. Successful Search and Hire.

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Desciption

  • Disability Advocacy Caucus--Member

  • I became an active member of the Disability Advocacy Caucus, attending their meetings as regularly as possible. Collaboration within this group at the end of Spring semester 2022 spurred the creation of an affinity group for individuals with disabilities, which I agreed to Co-Chair. Dr. Shomberg and I submitted a proposal for this affinity group for review in the first week of this academic year.

  • Collaboration within this group allowed me to join a disability book club currently run by Jenny Turner, Department Chair of Library Services.

  • Additionally, due to my attendance at the Disability Advocacy Caucus, I contacted Thad Shunkwiler, the new director of the Center for Rural Behavioral Health. In this meeting, I discussed ways to affiliate with this Center and agreed to support it as an affiliated faculty member. This affiliation will lead to a collaborative research project concerning individuals who stutter and mental health support, including applying skilled Cognitive Behavior Therapy.​

Activity or Project

 

Output/Deliverable​​​​​​

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Desciption

  • NSA MNSU Mankato Chapter of the Stuttering Support Group

  • The MNSU NSA Stuttering Support Group restarted in September of 2021. I held monthly meetings through May of 2022. Due to the pandemic, I offered the support group in person and via Zoom.

  • September – 4 members; October – 5 members; November – 7 members (2 in person); December – 3 members; January – 5 members (2 in person); February – 4 members (1 in person); March – 5 members, April – 4 members, May – 3 members, June – 1 member

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Desciption

  • MNSHA Presentation: Parent Perceptions, Special Education Processes, Ethical Practice and our Profession (Strong, W., Steinmiller, T.)

  • In this presentation, I explore how discourse and systemic practices shape parents' experiences navigating special education. Using qualitative methods, including grounded theory and critical ethnography, I identify key themes such as power dynamics, equity, advocacy, dignity, and voice. I demonstrate that parents often feel marginalized and misunderstood and highlight barriers like poor communication and systemic inflexibility. I advocate reframing teacher and leadership education through ethical frameworks emphasizing justice, care, critique, and professional responsibility to foster equity, empower parents, and improve collaboration within special education systems. (Cross-Reference: Criterion IV, Criterion II)

DAC
Parent Perceptions

2020-2021

Service to the University and Community. 

I actively participated in the Interprofessional Practice and Research Committee and the Equity and Inclusion Task Force, contributing to university-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

 

I also served on two selection committees within the Department of Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Services, assisting with hiring audiology and DEI-focused faculty members. My contributions helped the department and college make informed, mission-aligned decisions. 

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  • Description

  • Volunteer for department or college search committees.

  • Participation in two faculty search committees.

  • I contributed to two faculty searches in the Department of Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Services. My responsibilities included editing hiring documents, interviewing candidates, voting, and attending finalization meetings. These searches resulted in successful candidate selections.

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  • Serve on the Interprofessional Practice and Research Committee.

  • Participation in the committee and creation of materials for the Health for Heroes event.

  • Created a research-based flyer offering strategies for parents to enhance language development through daily interactions. Focused on tips like repetition, meaningful conversation, and scaffolding techniques.

  • Serve on the Interprofessional Practice and Research Committee.

  • Participation in the committee and creation of materials for the Health for Heroes event.

  • Developed an evidence-based flyer outlining key milestones in language development for children aged 0-3. Emphasized receptive and expressive communication skills and provided clear developmental guidelines.

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  • Participate in the Health and Biomedical Sciences Affinity Group.

  • Attendance and contributions to group discussions.

  • I participated in the Health and Biomedical Sciences Affinity Group, contributing ideas for collaborative research projects on concussions. Although the group’s progress was limited, I gained insights into departmental research interests and potential partnerships.

  • Serve on the Equity and Inclusion Task Force.

  • Participation in discussions and action planning for the Equity and Inclusion Task Force.

  • I contributed to discussions on improving equity and inclusion within the college. My contributions included insights from Equity Talk to Equity Walk and examples of diversity-equity practices from other institutions, such as Portland State University and Ohio’s Master’s Network Initiative in Education.

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  • Description

  • Restart the Mankato Chapter of the Stuttering Foundation of America (SFA).

  • Reestablishment of the SFA support group.

  • N/A.

  • I did not achieve this objective due to pandemic challenges, personal constraints, and clinical supervision responsibilities. While initially intended to restart the group, I recognized that the timing was unsuitable, so I reassessed the initiative when favorable conditions arose.

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  • Provide clinical supervision at the Speech-Language-and-Learning Clinic (Health Commons at Pond).

  • Supervision of graduate clinicians and clinical services.

  • I provided clinical supervision at Health Commons at Pond, supporting 13 families through telepractice and in-person services. Graduate clinicians rated the clinical experience highly, with feedback reflecting a mix of “very good” and “superior” evaluations.

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  • Join MNSHA and provide service through the Multicultural Issues Committee

  • Membership and committee participation in MNSHA.

  • I joined MNSHA and participated in the Multicultural Issues Committee, where I discussed statewide research and advocacy. While I did not have opportunities to steer legislation, I gained a broader perspective on multicultural challenges and established connections with professionals from other universities.

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  • Support a atudent with an APP Project

  • Advisee: Rebecca Schmitz, APP Project

  • Supported, advised, and provided editing toward an APP project that included

2019-2020

Service to the University and Community. 

I developed partnerships with faculty in the College of Allied Health and Nursing and established relationships with Bloomington Public Schools and Health Commons at Pond. These partnerships allowed me to secure access to clinical space and initiate speech-language services in the community. During the summer semester, I supervised students in providing telepractice services. I also served on the Interdisciplinary Practice and Research Committee, contributing to university initiatives focused on health and biomedical sciences.

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  • Forge and establish relationships with Allied Health and Nursing faculty and Bloomington Public Schools.

  • Partnerships with Bloomington Public Schools and Health Commons at Pond

  • Established clinical access and partnerships.

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  • Develop, submit, and persist in revisions/resubmission of a proposal for community-based clinical services.

  • Proposal for Health Commons at Pond services.​

  • Developed and implemented clinical services at Health Commons at Pond, including creating treatment rooms and marketing services to community members.

  • Provide supervision of graduate students at Health Commons at Pond.

  • Clinical supervision of graduate students.​​

  • Supervised graduate students in providing assessment and therapy services to multiple clients via telepractice.

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  •  Serve on university committees.​​

  • Interdisciplinary Practice and Research Committee.​

  • Contributed to campus-wide initiatives, such as the Health for Heroes event, and collaborated on interdisciplinary projects.

  • Volunteer professional services to the department, college, or university.​

  • Support for graduate selection and recognition.

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  • Assisted with graduate student selection and supported the Graduate Research Symposium, creating materials and judging presentations.

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  • Participate in professional development activities.

  • First-Year Faculty Cohort.

  • Attendance and completion of orientation activities.

  • Participated in faculty development to enhance knowledge of campus resources, teaching tools, and research opportunities.

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