2026 Honors of NSSLHA Recipient

Margaret Vento-Wilson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

“Dr. Vento-Wilson embodies the mission and core values of National NSSLHA. She inspires, empowers, and supports us as we navigate our academic careers. She strengthens our local NSSLHA chapter and promotes leadership through her actions. She leads through her presence, advocacy, and by example. Most importantly, she reminds us why we chose this profession and encourages us to grow as rising professionals.”
– CSU Long Beach SLP Graduate Students, Class of 2026

"I’m continually impressed by Dr. Margaret Vento-Wilson’s innovation, authenticity, and
commitment to her students. She is a living example of NSSLHA’s mission."
– Lucy Carvalho

"Dr. Vento-Wilson also strengthens our chapter through her educational and advocacy efforts. She has educated CSULB NSSLHA members about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and literacy, expanding students’ clinical knowledge and reinforcing the importance of accessible communication. She supports campus-wide AAC outreach events and models professional advocacy for access to communication, demonstrating how clinicians can champion equity and inclusion in meaningful ways. She promotes NSSLHA fundraisers and community service initiatives, such as the installation of a permanent AAC board at a local playground—an impactful project that reflects both service and advocacy.!”
– Lei Sun, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

2025 Honors of NSSLHA Recipient

IMPACT (Innovative Mentoring and Professional Advancement through Cultural Training)  
For their work in mentoring future CSD leaders.

2024 Honors of NSSLHA Recipient

Michael Burns, PhD, CCC-SLP
University of Washington

2023 Honors of NSSLHA Recipient

Stephanie Fleckenstein, AuD, CCC-A
University of Iowa

2022 Honors of NSSLHA Recipient

LGBTQ+ CSD Student Association
For their work supporting LGBTQ+ students studying communication sciences and disorders. 

2021 Honors of NSSLHA Recipient

Dr. Gabriela Simon-Cereijido, CCC-SLP
California State University, Los Angeles