National SAA Past President Interview: Kaitlyn Kennedy, AuD

Celebrating 15 Years of National SAA!

Over the past decade and a half, the national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) has accomplished so much as an organization, building a strong foundation for the future of the audiology profession. The success and growth of national SAA is contributed largely in part to the vision and leadership of its past presidents. To honor and reflect on their hard work, the national SAA communications committee conducted an interview series with several national SAA past presidents.

Our next interview is with Kaitlyn M. Kennedy (she/her/hers) who earned her AuD at Missouri State University. Dr. Kennedy served as national SAA president between 2015-2016.

Why did you originally join the national SAA?

I initially joined the national SAA because a third-year who was on the SAA Board told me I should. I joined and became part of the communications committee (then media committee) the following year.

How long did you serve on the national SAA Board of Directors or as a volunteer for national SAA?

Three years as a student and four years as a professional (with SAA Advisory Committee and the Academy  Board).

What is the most valuable lesson you learned from being a member of national SAA?

The most valuable thing I learned as a member is that being part of a professional (or student) organization can have a huge impact. Even if you’re not actively volunteering, simply being part of it opens up a ton of opportunities moving forward.

What is your favorite memory from your term as national SAA President?

My favorite memory from my term as national SAA president isn’t one moment—it is the Board I got to work with. I still consider them friends today and look forward to seeing them at conferences, catching up over the phone, or supporting them in what they do. Honestly, I admire and respect each person who I had the opportunity to serve with. It has been amazing watching them all take on various leadership roles, career positions, and continue to change the field.

Where are you working now?

Mercy Hospital – St. Louis. I am currently working with pediatric patients in my hometown. Since it is a new position, I’m primarily doing pediatric diagnostics. However, in my career, I’ve been extremely lucky to have the chance to practice almost our full scope, often at the top of my license.

In what ways did being involved in national SAA influence your career?

This is so difficult to put into words. Involvement with national SAA influenced my career in more ways than I think I even recognize. Initially, it exposed me to the importance of being part of a professional organization, especially from a coding/billing and advocacy perspective. I didn’t understand it at first, but others on my Board did. Through their passion, I learned a lot more and understood the importance of the topic. The SAA demonstrated the importance of my voice and opinion in the field. Initially, it was representing the student voice and perspective to professionals. Those experiences taught me how to form a supported opinion, how to write a proposal, how to submit an abstract for presentation, and how to present. Through this, I also learned the importance of collaboration for the success of big projects.

Most directly, I believe I was able to practice pediatrics through connections I made in SAA. As the SAA president, you can sit on the Academy Board and represent the student voice. During my year in that position, I met a Board member who later became my boss, giving me my first opportunity to work in pediatrics.

Through SAA, I have met numerous colleagues, mentors, and friends. People I can call, text, or email with any audiology (or life) problem imaginable. I know they will help me find the correct answers, give me different perspectives to look with, and challenge me to grow. The people I have met through SAA have gotten me through the first eight years of my career. I know they’ll continue to help me through many more.

Are you currently involved with the American Academy of Audiology?

I am currently involved as a member-at-large on the Academy Board of Directors.

As a new professional, I was fortunate to have the past president position to serve in. It allowed me time to figure out what was important to me professionally so I could apply to committees I would be interested in. From there, I had the chance to join the New Professionals subcommittee (turned committee), become the New Professionals Committee chair, help plan a new professionals conference that turned into a professional development conference, and volunteer as an SAA Advisory Committee member.

What’s one piece of advice you would like to share with current SAA members?

One piece of advice I have is don’t take your peers for granted. Audiology is a very small field. Your peers from school, SAA, or other groups can help support you, find jobs, and serve as mentors throughout your career.

This interview was completed by Eliana Dachman, a third-year audiology student at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York, NY. Eliana is a member of the SAA Communication Committee.