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Please describe the specific qualifications and strengths you possess that make you the most qualified candidate for this office.
I have served as the president for the Massachusetts Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA) and the Council for State Association Presidents (CSAP). I have sat on ASHA's Legislative Council and Political Action Committee. I presently serve in a policy position with Massachusetts' Medicaid program (MassHealth) and have made sweeping regulatory changes in a program that was troubled historically by a lack of structure. I have also served in similar positions within the Massachusetts' Department of Public Health, helping to implement the state's universal newborn hearing screening program, and have developed a hearing health care program for the state's Department of Corrections.
I have studied within the international education policy program at Harvard University, graduating with a degree in administration, planning, and social policy. My studies there allowed me to ameliorate my understanding of policy issues, specifically those pertaining to inclusive educational practices within the U.S., as well as those from around the globe.
In what ways have you been innovative and effective in your service on committees, boards, councils, and work settings?
My committee work with ASHA includes the Ad Hoc Committee on Professional Advocacy; Committee on Nominations and Elections; chair, Joint Committee for State and National Association Relationships; Congressional Action Committee; Legislative Council; Political Action Committee; and Multicultural Issues Board. Within these roles, I was involved with the restructuring of ASHA's governance in the mid-90's, the AuD movement, and the enforcement of ASHA's nondiscriminatory policies.
Within MSHA I have served as president; vice-president, program development; chair, annual convention; and chair, Medicaid Reimbursement Committee. Accomplishments include a major restructuring of MSHA, resulting in a more efficient and effective organization. I spearheaded the passage of the requirement for CEUs for license renewal. I wrote the regulations for audiologists to become permanent providers within MassHealth. As president of CSAP, I ushered in the use and promotion of technology within state association business, as well as conducted a major reorganization of the Association's policies and procedures.
What do you want ASHA members to know about you?
Presently, I am employed as an associate professor at Salem State College, teaching courses in communication disorders, inclusive education, social justice, and special education policy. Previous to this, I was in a private audiology practice, worked as a clinical audiologist in a hospital and ENT practice, and served as a public school speech-language pathologist. I have also served in numerous leadership and policy positions that have had a direct impact upon the delivery of services within the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. However, my greatest accomplishment has been that of single-parenting my Cambodian-born son, Kiric. I return to Cambodia once or twice a year to collaborate with a number of local non-government organizations (NGOs) working in the areas of disability rights and inclusive education. My ultimate goal is to establish an American university in Phnom Penh, one that would offer special education/allied health training programs to its populace.
E-mail: thallahan@salemstate.edu
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