12/09/2025
Finally got around to creating this post reflecting on my time at ASHA a few weeks ago! This was my third time attending ASHA and my 5th professional conference overall (I went to AZA twice in my previous life… IFYKYK). While I learned a lot from my first two ASHA conventions, I approached this year completely differently. The first two times, I attended as part of a school team and stuck with friends for every session and every exhibit hall visit.
This time, I went as a pediatric feeding therapist and as a solo business owner—so I ventured out on my own! I roomed with my best friend from grad school, but she works in cognitive rehabilitation, so we had no overlap in sessions. We spent time together at the hotel and shared some meals, but otherwise, I explored the conference independently.
This year, I focused on CONNECTIONS:
• I volunteered at the booth and loved sharing my passion for these brilliantly designed products with other SLPs. I met some of the kindest, most creative women I’ve ever had the pleasure of connecting with.
• I started with a planned schedule, but often changed it; attending sessions with new friends, splitting up topics to share notes, or skipping talks entirely to have meaningful conversations with inspiring and impressive women.
• I connected with like-minded business owners. I met people I’ve only talked to online. I met women I look up to and admire, and yes, I absolutely fan-girled over brilliant, generous leaders in our field. This is a profession where you should meet your heroes… and maybe even grab margaritas with them!
At Little Monkeys Speech and Feeding Therapy, everything I do is grounded in connection. Feeding, speech, and language are built on connection. I do this work because of connection.
This year’s ASHA Convention was my best experience yet and it was a beautiful reminder of my core values and why I love what I do.