Student Speak Out November 2021

Ashlesha’s insights and tips on being an AHA

“I’ve been working as an AHA for two organisations in the past year (the last year of my Master’s degree). I thoroughly enjoy working as an AHA as I feel any experience within the SP department is always valuable . The first AHA position I applied for was advertised through the university. The company, Just Therapy, interviewed me via zoom and then set up a profile for me, which allowed their clients to choose their providers. Here I had my first experience in joint sessions and holding sessions with clients in their home environment. “I was offered my second AHA position by my clinical educator/clinical lead after my roster three placement at the private clinic. Transitioning into this AHA role was much easier than the first as I had already met some clients and the sessions were based in the clinic. “For me personally, I have greatly benefitted from both positions . They have exposed me to the variety of roles and settings speech pathologists are involved in; for example, social skills therapy was a huge part of our scope of practice which gave me immense anxiety due to the sheer volume of possibilities and variations one could use. But my experience

6 Student Speak Out | November 2021