Breen Honored by Ohio Speech Language and Hearing Association

In a ceremony Friday, March 14, UC Adjunct Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders Phyllis Breen will receive the 2014 Honors of the Association Award from the Ohio Speech Language and Hearing Association (OSLHA).

Nominated by members of her own department, Breen was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the education of future speech language pathologists, mentorship of clinical supervisors and clinic directors, support of excellence in clinical services and active service to OSLHA, the Southwest Ohio Speech Language and Hearing Association (SWOSHA) and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Her colleagues in UC’s College of Allied Health Sciences describe Breen as insightful, professional and knowledgeable, and a teacher who has inspired others to become active members of the profession.

"I’m very honored—and very humbled—to be given this award, and particularly to have been nominated by my colleagues,” says Breen. "I feel so fortunate to be part of a profession that has such a positive impact on people's lives. I have the deepest respect for my peers and our students.”

Breen joined UC’s Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty in 1988 after working as a general speech language pathologist in Detroit, Milwaukee and Cincinnati. This award is not the first time she’s been recognized by her peers—in 2006, she received UC’s Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member award.

With experience in home health, clinic and hospital settings, Breen worked as a speech language pathologist in Detroit, Milwaukee and Cincinnati before joining UC’s faculty in 1988.

She currently serves as the practicum coordinator for the speech language pathology program in the College of Allied Health Sciences, connecting CSD graduate students with practicum assignments in community and health care settings. She also coordinates the Speech, Language and Hearing clinics housed in the college.

In the field, Breen has served on the ASHA legislative council, chaired the OSLHA ethics and election management committees and served as president of the OSLHAA university supervisory group.

"In our department, we encourage all our students to get involved in our local, state and national organizations,” says Breen. "These organizations serve as places where students who will become our future leaders can network with peers, continue their lifelong learning experiences and advocate for the clients they serve.”  

She will receive the award at the 2014 OSLHA annual convention awards luncheon in Columbus.