Speech-Language Pathology Faculty Appointed Leadership Role in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Society

Jennifer Bergstrom, EdD, CCC-SLP, assistant professor in the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program at Salus, started the new year strong, as she began her term as the vice president (VP) of finance for the United States Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC) on January 1. 

USSAAC is an organization dedicated to supporting the needs and rights of people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). It was established in 1991 as a national chapter of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC). USSAAC believes everybody has the right to communication and advocates for access to communication in all environments for people who use or need AAC. Their community includes people who can benefit from AAC, family members, professionals from multiple disciplines, students, and AAC-related companies and institutions. 

In her role at Salus, Dr. Bergstrom is responsible for instructing pediatric language courses as well as coursework in professional issues and ethics. She also conducts research and works with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. 

Dr. Bergstrom has been involved with USAAC for over a decade, originally becoming a member in 2013. In 2017, she started assisting Amy Goldman, VP of finance at the time, with various needs, specifically helping launch donation methods through Facebook and, at the time, Amazon Smile. USSAAC relies completely on donations, so launching these initiatives was impactful for the organization, and fulfilling for Dr. Bergstrom. 

She will succeed Sarah Blackwood, a USSAAC founder and former president, as the VP of finance. “I have big shoes to fill, but I feel confident in my organization skills and ideas [going into the position],” Dr. Bergstrom said. 

In her new position, Dr. Bergstrom will be responsible for balancing the budget, managing all finances, and she hopes to increase donations during her two year term. Although Dr. Bergstrom admits the position is not the most “glamorous,” she is excited to give back to the organization in a meaningful way, and is looking forward to continuing working with and for USSAAC. 

“[Serving as VP of Finance] is a way for me to give back to the community that has helped build my career over time, and is also an example for our students. Service is a part of our positions, and can be a really beneficial part of our profession. Service makes me a better clinician and  educator,” she said. “Additionally, I’m thankful for the opportunity to interact with and learn from not only fellow colleagues and professionals, but also individuals who use AAC. I am just a professional, I can’t claim to know everything, but by investing and working with individuals who do use AAC, it positively impacts how I teach students and how I provide clinical services as an SLP.”