About

It was in 1980 when those pioneering few began meeting in the Webster Street building at CRC. Who would have thought that the Ulster County association would have grown to over 130 members? Those few professionals set the stage for all that followed.

As I spoke with a few of those pioneering women, I was impressed with the professionalism and helpfulness upon which our association was founded. Those qualities have been alive and well in each member who has helped SHAHV over the years including our 2005 executive council and committee members.

So now, let’s travel back in time to 1980, when that small group of speech, language and hearing professionals decided to create a group here in Ulster County. That group began informal meetings in the lobby of CRC on Webster Street where they focused mainly on topic discussions. Some of the founding members were Pamela Carroad, Ruth Miller, Theresa Pabon, and Brenda Ross. They named the association, “The Ulster County Speech and Hearing Association”. Previously, they were members of the former Mid-Hudson Speech, Language and Hearing Association.

In 1983, the group became more formal. A constitution was created and Deborah Mannello became president. The name was changed to the “Speech and Hearing Association of the Hudson Valley”.

In 1990, the association became inactive due to a lack of volunteers. It remained so until 1994 when a small group of people met in hopes of reorganizing. SHAHV was back in action in January of 1995 with Mary Roosa and Kim Terwilliger as co-presidents. During the first few years, our membership was comprised of a few dedicated individuals. We met to discuss issues and we even had a few presenters.

In 1997, SHAHV really began to take off. We awarded our first “Golden Apple” award to Deborah Wilcox for her dedication to SHAHV and her hard work in helping the reorganization effort. The “Distinctive Service Award” was given to Arnold Gottesman.

Over the next few years, SHAHV continued to grow. Orange, Dutchess and Sullivan counties were included within SHAHV’s membership area. We sponsored many wonderful seminars, organized public service announcements for “May is Better Hearing & Speech Month” and expanded the newsletter. SHAHV had consistent representation at Board of Regional Association Presidents meetings and NYSSLHA Lobby Days, distributed public information to doctor’s offices and radio stations, established the Ruth Miller Memorial Lending Library, and established an association website.
SHAHV obtained “provider status” for CEUs through ASHA on February 26, 2003. This helped the association provide low cost local continuing education for the membership. SHAHV has tapped the regional talent by inviting local professionals to present as well as inviting presenters that are known throughout the country. Our membership grew from approximately 15 in 1995 to well over 100 in 2004.

SHAHV strives to be a resource for the local speech, language, and hearing community. With the continued support of its members, the association will thrive. Thanks to all.

PRESIDENTS

2020-
Jennifer Harp 

2019-2020
Mary Anne Dempsey

2018-2019 :
Rebecca Halpern

2017-2018:
Pat DeCicco

2009-2017:
Andrea Abramovich

2005-2008:
Juli LaMoy

2001-2004:
Theresa Massimi

1999-2000:
Jennifer Petruski

1998:
Kimberly Terwilliger

1996-1997:
Mary Roosa

1995:
Mary Roosa & Kimberly Terwilliger

1990-1994:
Inactive

1989:
Deborah Mannello

1988 –

1986-1987:
Carol (Johnson) Giangrasso

1985:
Deborah Wilcox

1983-1984:
Deborah Mannello

1980-1982:
Informal Group

President/Nominations Committee Chairperson
Jennifer Harp

Vice President/Program Committee Chairperson
Ashley Annicaro

Past President/Legislative Committee
Mary Anne Dempsey

Scholarship Chairperson
Rebecca Halpern

Membership Committee Chairperson
Rachel Zukose

Recording Secretary
Christine Benken

Treasurer
Lauryn Forde

CEU Administrator
Megan Kelly

Newsletter Editor
Jessica Scanna

Website Administrator
Fiona Curley