Samantha Litz, MS, CCC-SLP, CNT

Speech-Language Pathologist, in-patient and out-patient settings, Carilion Children's

Adjunct Faculty, Radford University

"I am excited for the opportunity to serve as Vice President of Professional Development. As a speech-language pathologist with experience across diverse medical settings—including inpatient care, early intervention, outpatient services, and specialized clinics—I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the clinical, educational, and collaborative needs within our field.

In addition to my clinical work, I serve as an adjunct professor, a role that deepens my commitment to evidence-based practice and fuels my passion for lifelong learning. I genuinely enjoy expanding my own knowledge, but I am equally dedicated to creating opportunities for others to grow. Whether mentoring clinicians completing FEES training or educating new nurses and medical residents about the scope and impact of speech-language pathology, I strive to build confidence, competence, and curiosity in those I support.

These experiences have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to professional development initiatives. I would bring enthusiasm, clinical expertise, and a strong commitment to fostering high-quality learning opportunities for our members. I look forward to the possibility of helping our organization continue to learn, grow, and advance together."

Leadership Experience: 

Co-Chair of Aerodigestive Conference

FEES mentor

Professional Contributions and Memberships: 

Member of the National Association of Neonatal Therapists

Certified Neonatal Therapist

FEES mentorship for SLPs in MI and VA

Guest Lecturer (Grand Rounds and Neuroprotective Care conferences)

Adjust Faculty (teaching pediatric dysphagia)

Founding member of Baby Bridge Clinic helping bridge the gap from hospital to Early Intervention

Engagement or Participation in Professional Associations:

Annual attendee for NANT conference

Certified Neonatal Therapist

Member of the On-Boarding Team for NICU nurses and Pediatric Residents

Sidorela Doci

Owner, Doci Audiology

"I would love to continue with the position and get some work done!"

Leadership Experience: 

Clinical supervisor and owner 

Current SHAV VP of Audiology

Professional Contributions and Memberships: 

Private Practice Owner

Engagement or Participation in Professional Associations:

ASHA and SHAV member

Current SHAV VP of Audiology

Melanie-Joy H Dorn MA CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor, George Washington University

"It has been my honor to represent audiologists and speech language pathologists across The Commonwealth of Virginia. We have overcome many challenges and made great progress but there is still more to do. I believe that your vote is your voice and advocacy is our year round responsibility. We are specialists in communication of which listening is essential. I will continue to listen to our members, including students and lead you right up the front steps to The General Assembly in Richmond where your voice will be essential is affecting legislative decisions. I appreciate your vote to re-elect me to this position. My passion has been ignited and I will continue the momentum gained toward making Virginia the best place for audiologists and speech language pathologists to work. (this was written with the help of caffeine but not AI)"

Leadership Experience: 

My previous leadership experiences include supervising of graduate students and CFYs and the positions of Senior SLP and Director of Speech Therapy in medical settings. Currently, at George Washington University I am an undergraduate advisor, National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) advisor and mentor to new faculty. I have stepped up to fill in for the Director of Undergraduate Studies during a sabbatical.

I have been active in my state’s professional organization and joined the advocacy committee years ago working my way up to VP of Professional and Government Affairs to help guide students and peers through the year-round process of self, client, and professional advocacy. I am also a part of SHAV’s conference committee and mentor students who present poster sessions each year.

My volunteer experience on boards of directors and committees has been a rewarding journey marked by active engagement and collaborative decision-making. Serving on boards, I contributed to the strategic direction and governance of organizations, offering insights and expertise to ensure their success. As a board member, I participated in critical discussions, provided oversight, and helped shape policies and initiatives aligned with the organization's mission. In committee roles, I dedicated time to specific areas of focus, such as fundraising, community outreach, or event planning. Working closely with fellow committee members, I played a hands-on role in executing projects, organizing events, and implementing strategies to achieve organizational goals. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of effective governance but also allowed me to witness the positive impact of collective efforts in advancing the mission and objectives of the organizations I volunteered with. I have recently become The Stroke Comeback Center's Board Chair.

Professional Contributions and Memberships: 

Stroke Comeback Center Chair, Board of Directors, 2026-present

Secretary, Board of Directors, 2023-2025

Professional Advisory Council, 2017-present

Guest Lecturer, Community Lecture Series, 2019

American Speech, Language, Hearing Association (ASHA)

Member 1991-present

Voice and Upper Airway Disorders ASHA 2021 Conference Committee

Awards for Continuing Education 1996, 1998, 2019, 2024

Certificate of Clinical Competence 1992

Speech and Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV)

Vice President of Professional and Government Affairs 2024- present Member 1992-present

Advocacy Committee 2020-2024

Conference Committee 2021- present

Legislative Network 1999-2000

Co-Chair Adult Services Special Interest Group 1997, 1998

SHAV Presenter: 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2019, 2022, 2025

Northern Speech Services Peer Reviewer 2023 to present

LSVT/LOUD Certified Clinician 2011, Recertified 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023

LSVT eLOUD Certified 2013

Instructor, LSVT/LOUD® Certification for Graduate Students 2019, 2020, 2023,2025

Certified Vocal Yoga Instructor, Heather Lyle Vocal Yoga Method (HLM®), 2016

Vocal Yoga Instructor 2015 - present

Voicework Summit, Presenter 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024

Engagement or Participation in Professional Associations:

• SHAV VP of Professional and Government Affairs 2024-present
• Performed duties of office including:
• work with the Advocacy Committee to identify and meet advocacy needs of the membership and association
• supervise the activities of the Association to include (a) maintaining regular communication regarding speech pathology and audiology issues; (b) discussing political concerns of the membership with the Board; and (c) approving expenditures of lobbying services, if applicable
• monitor agendas and meeting minutes of relevant state boards and legislative committees; attending meetings when necessary
• organize and facilitate annual advocacy day event, advocacy education opportunities, and annual town hall meetings
• develop grants and initiatives on a local or national level for funding future advocacy initiatives
• work with the Vice President for Public Relations and Communication to publicize the needs for legislative action
• communicate on a regular basis with any SHAV Committee Chairs to plan activities and to obtain reports on status of activities
• develop an officer budget, including any needs from committees when requested
• submit quarterly board report prior to the scheduled Board meeting and update the shared Strategic Plan tracking document
• annually review and update, as needed, pertinent sections of the Policy and Procedure Manual
• maintain documentation covering the office within the Google drive

Juhi Vora

Speech-Language Pathologist, Clin IV

Warren Memorial Hospital, Valley Health

"I am a medical speech-language pathologist with over a decade of experience specializing in dysphagia and neurogenic communication disorders. I have extensive expertise evaluating and treating adult and geriatric populations across the continuum of care, including acute care, home health, and outpatient settings. I hold certifications in LSVT LOUD and VitalStim. I am also a published researcher, with my work focused on dysphagia care and job satisfaction in the home health setting. I am an active member of ASHA and the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV), where I currently serve as Board Member At Large, dedicated to building meaningful support and resources for early career SLP professionals.

Since my election in June, I have been actively working on developing a comprehensive resource repository for SHAV members, with particular emphasis on supporting early career professionals. This growing library will include clinical tools, free educational opportunities, community resources (including support groups), a directory of medical specialists across Virginia, relevant state legislative information, and additional materials to support best practice.

I have also been re-establishing the mentorship program by rebuilding the mentor list, creating and sharing mentor spotlight e-blasts, and serving as an advisor for Conference Connections to support continued growth and engagement. Much of this work is ongoing, and I am committed to further developing and rolling out high-quality, evidence-based resources for our members in the coming year.

I look forward to the opportunity to continue contributing to SHAV and supporting our membership."

Leadership Experience:

SLP collaborative Lead for Valley Health System since 2022

Lead for Front Royal Stroke Support Group since 2020

Professional Contributions and Memberships: 

Provided mentorship to 3 full-time students, 2 part-time students and 2 Clinical Fellows since 2020

Author to "Dysphagia Management in an Acute care Setting in a Patient Post-Covid-19", soon to be published in ASHA perspectives

Co-Author to "Beyond the Visit: What Makes Home Health Therapists Tick (and Stick)?", published in Home Health Care Management & Practice, Sage

SHAV and ASHA membership

Engagement or Participation in Professional Associations:

SHAV Board Member at Large since June 2025

SHAV 2025-2026 Conference committee member

Council of Academic Accreditation for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, starting Jan 2026