SLHS Community Engagement (CE) Committee Literacy Project: As part of the CE Committee, 2nd year MA-SLP students Emma Kelleher and Arden Ricciardone alongside Nicole Gallagher, Clinical Professor and SLP, have partnered with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In the partnership, Emma, Arden, and Nicole have conducted monthly, pre-literacy groups in a Safe Home. These groups are designed to increase print awareness and pre-literacy concepts including letter and sound correspondence, sight words and associated signs. So far, 3 groups have been held with 2 more anticipated for this academic year.  

In addition, on March 24th, 2025, Emma, Arden, and Nicole provided the CCADV child advocates with a 90-minute, Speech-Language-Literacy Training. This presentation included: Speech-Language Pathologist scope of practice, speech language and literacy milestones, service provision settings, referral process, methods to support speech, language, literacy milestones, resources, and more.  Child advocates shared appreciation for the information and supplemental resources provided. Child advocates had a lot of questions, and we hope to provide future training presentations as this partnership continues.