As a speech and language pathologist I am reminded each and every single day that the ability to communicate our wants, needs, and thoughts should not be taken for granted.
It is important to be cognizant of the fact that individuals are not endowed with an equal ability to communicate and this should not be a bar to effective communication in our society.
In my view, I get to support and help individuals bridge the gaps in communication inequality that exist and feel as though they too are being heard and their opinions values.
Alumna Angele Fournier (MScSLP ‘12) received the Horizon Award, which recognizes “a member who has worked five years or less and has demonstrated initiative, leadership and excellence in service delivery.”
Fournier worked at the Edmonton Catholic School Board in their early learning division for her first two years of practice. She then started work at the Centre for Autism Services of Alberta part-time where she provides both home and school-based support to individuals with Autism and their families, and also provides services to her hometown rural school division through private contracts.
In addition to those roles, Fournier holds a clinical educator position in the University of Alberta’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and gives an annual guest lecture on the topic of dual-language learners to UAlberta MSc speech-language pathology students. She was recognized this year in large part due to her contributions to guest lecturing and supervising students in the department’s Corbett Clinic.
“My experience as a guest lecturer and clinical educator have been challenging, rewarding and educational all at the same time! Students have an excitement to learn and try new things which in turn ignites my passion for teaching and pushes me to explore new ideas and ways of doing things,” said Fournier.
“Receiving this award highlighted to me that the work we do as speech-language pathologists does not go unnoticed, but rather is recognized and celebrated. Receiving this award will motivate me to expand my knowledge of the field as well as continue sharing my passion with others!”