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SCSHA Student Advisory Council (SAC) The SCSHA Student Advisory Council (SAC) aims to supercharge student engagement with SCSHA, offering a dynamic leadership platform within the organization. It ensures students’ voices are heard by providing the SCSHA Executive Board with insightful feedback on professional development, leadership opportunities, and programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Our students are the future of our fields! Let’s join together to ensure they are empowered and actively engaged in our remarkable state organization!
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Yesenia Benjamin, South Carolina State University Yesenia Benjamin is a junior Speech Pathology and Audiology major at South Carolina State University. She is on the track and field team, a member of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, NSSLHA, and the President of the American Sign Language Club.
Tyler Louise Brown is a second-year graduate student in the Master of Speech-Language Pathology Program at Francis Marion University. In May of 2023, Tyler Louise graduated from Francis Marion University with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Speech-Language Pathology. Currently, she is a graduate assistant, university tutor, national NSSLHA member, and the Francis Marion University NSSLHA chapter president. She is passionate about advocating that everyone deserves a voice. As a student clinician, she has experience in articulation, phonology, expressive and receptive language, feeding, and augmentative and alternative communication modalities. As she continues in the graduate program, she is excited to learn about all the different aspects of the profession and is open-minded to experience all settings and ages as the opportunities present themselves.
Candice Cole is a senior in the Speech-Language Pathology program at Columbia College. She is passionate about language disorders, networking, and collaboration in the speech pathology field because everyone deserves a voice. Becoming an advocate for children with autism and other communication disorders was driven by experience with her son, who is autistic. She enjoys cooking, exploring downtown Waxhaw, NC, and spending time with her family. Her interests include working with school-age children with communication disorders and pursuing a master's degree to become a speech-language pathologist. She is eager to serve on the Student Advisory Council again this year and partner with fellow peers at the 2025 SCSHA Convention.
Ever Curry is a first year Speech Language Pathology graduate student at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is a May 2024 graduate of the University of South Carolina Honors College with a degree in Biology. Much of her interest in speech language pathology is driven by her efforts to make communication as accessible as possible. She has a special focus on bilingual and bidialectal children with language disorders and literacy deficits, which is reflected in her participation in research at her undergraduate university, volunteering initiatives, and community outreach over the last few years. Alongside her speech pathology career, she hopes to make strides in the education system, advocating for the needs of culturally diverse students and their families.
Mykia Leake is an undergraduate junior at South Carolina State University, majoring in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. She is a dean’s list and is actively involved in several organizations, including the Emily E. Clyburn Honors College, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association. Mykia also participates in the Sign Language Club, serves as Corresponding Secretary for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Beta Sigma Chapter, and is the Parliamentarian for the Dedicated Outstanding Ladies Living Strong. Additionally, she represents her department as a Speech Language-Hearing Ambassador. After graduation, Mykia aims to pursue a master’s degree and gain experience in both school and private practice settings, with the ultimate goal of opening her own practice.
Ashlyn McCormick, Medical University of South Carolina Hi, my name is Ashlyn McCormick, and I am a first year SLP graduate student at MUSC! I'm from Central PA and graduated from Temple University May 2024. I have affiliations with organizations such as NSSLHA, Best Buddies, and Delta Zeta. I also have experience working with adults and children who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and gender affirming voice care.
Kayleigh Payne, Medical University of South Carolina Kayleigh Payne is a first-year student in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). In her program, she currently serves as a graduate research assistant in the area of voice, a College of Health Professions student ambassador, and a Communication Connection Aphasia Support Group volunteer. A Communication Disorders graduate from Bob Jones University, Kayleigh has a strong passion for feeding and swallowing, head and neck cancer rehabilitation, and supporting individuals with cognitive-communication disorders. Recognized for her dedication to leadership, academic achievements, and community involvement, faculty named her the Health Sciences Student of the Year Award at her 2024 graduation. Kayleigh’s diverse experiences span research, wellness education, and various clinical settings such as acute care, teletherapy, schools, and child development centers.
My name is Lindsey Plunkett, and I am from Aiken, South Carolina. I am a second year graduate student at Francis Marion University, and I will be graduating in May. I view communication as the key to building one of the most valuable aspects of life, human connection. These values are consistent in the way that I engage with clients, parents of clients, fellow students, professors, and other professionals. My goal in serving on the SCSHA SAC is to support students in gaining the knowledge, skills, resources, and experiences they need to become strong clinicians and professional leaders.
Na'Tiasia C. Rucinski is a second-year graduate student in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of South Carolina. A New Jersey native, she graduated from Stockton University in 2020. Na'Tiasia is dedicated to helping clients find their literal voices through therapy while providing a figurative voice through advocacy. As a member of professional organizations such as the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), the Reading League of South Carolina, the Association of International Educators (NAFSA), and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), Na'Tiasia is eager to influence how the executive board addresses student involvement and identifies areas where both undergraduate and graduate students can benefit from increased support and resources. Na'Tiasia is committed to creating an inclusive environment that empowers her peers and promotes growth within the speech-language pathology field. |
Tyler Louise Brown, Francis Marion University.
Ever Curry, Medical University of South Carolina 
Mykia Leake, South Carolina State University
Lindsey Plunkett, Francis Marion University
Na'Tiasia C. Rucinski, University of South Carolina.