Alumni Awards & Recognition

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The School of Communication Sciences and Disorders Alumni of Distinction Award

Recognizes an alum who demonstrates significant impact in one or more of the following areas:

  • Professional achievement
    • The recipient is dedicated to their chosen profession and goes above and beyond in their line of work; they are a role model in their profession and this impact reaches groups, individuals, and/or their larger chosen profession
  • Significant contributions to research and/or education
    • The recipient stands out in the field of research as having made compelling and impactful progress towards the advancement of their discipline, and is committed to continuing their learning and education either through everyday practice or higher education
  • Commitment to community and leadership
    • The recipient is a leader who is committed to bettering their community or the Western community, successfully enriching the lives of others through community service and exemplary leadership

*Based on nominations received, the selections committee may determine that there may be one recipient from the Speech-Language Pathology program AND one recipient from the Audiology program.


Current Winners

2026 Alumni of Distinction Award Recipients

Kathy Simon

Kathy Simon, MCISc., R.SLP(C), is a registered speech-language pathologist, founder and owner of Alberta Therapy Co., and a passionate advocate for inclusion where every individual has the opportunity to communicate, connect, and belong. Since founding Simon Says Speech in 2020, which has since grown into Alberta Therapy Co., Kathy has built one of Alberta's growing multidisciplinary therapy clinics. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded to include speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists, behavioural consultants, child life specialists, and therapy assistants, providing comprehensive, neuro-affirming care through a collaborative team approach.

Raised in rural Newfoundland, Kathy developed a deep appreciation for storytelling, gathering people together, and building meaningful relationships. Her Indigenous roots have further shaped her commitment to cultural humility, listening first, and providing care that respects each family's unique experiences and values. These experiences continue to influence her leadership and clinical philosophy while fueling her passion for improving access to high-quality services for rural and underserved communities. Kathy is an energetic, approachable clinician who believes meaningful progress happens through connection and empowering families. Her therapy is play-based and creative, with a strong focus on coaching caregivers and developing creative solutions with the people who know a child best.

Beyond her clinical work, Kathy is deeply committed to advancing the profession through mentorship, education, and innovation. She has cultivated a workplace culture rooted in collaboration and lifting others up. Kathy is equally dedicated to serving her community. She has developed caregiver education initiatives, free language screenings, educator & workplace workshops, and creative resources that improve access to meaningful support for children and families. Through community partnerships, volunteerism, and professional education, she continues to advocate for inclusion and individualized, neuro-affirming care.

Driven by the belief that every child deserves to be understood and every family deserves to feel supported, Kathy leads with compassion, curiosity, and authenticity. Whether supporting a child, mentoring a clinician, or building innovative resources, her goal remains the same: creating meaningful connections and developing a space that feels safe and welcoming for all.

Dr. Michael J. Vekasi

Dr. Michael J. Vekasi is currently a Senior Trainer for Digital Health with Health Shared Services in Alberta’s provincial health system. He has been a clinical audiologist with a caseload focused on vestibular diagnostics as well as a multi-disciplinary vestibular clinic. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor with A.T. Still University, teaching vestibular assessment and management to post-professional Doctor of Audiology students, and a Sessional Instructor at MacEwan University. He obtained his Au.D. from A.T. Still University, his M.Cl.Sc. (Audiology) from Western University and a certificate of Advanced Studies in Vestibular Sciences and Disorders from Salus University. He is Editor of the Striking the Right Balance (vestibular) column in Canadian Audiologist, Chair of the National Vestibular Special Interest Group, and volunteers his time with CAA (Canadian Academy of Audiology), ACSLPA (Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologist), and SAC (Speech & Audiology Canada).

Past Winners

2025

2025 Alumni of Distinction Award Recipients

Melinda Hinch

Melinda Hinch

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Western Ontario in 1989, Melinda pursued a Master of Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology from UWO, graduating in 1991. Her dedication to learning and leadership continued with a Master of Education in Leadership and Curriculum from the University of Windsor in 1997. 

Melinda’s professional journey in speech-language pathology began with the Halton Board of Education, where she focused on teaching kindergarten language classes. Shortly thereafter, she embarked on an impactful career with the Greater Essex County District School Board, serving for over three decades until retirement in 2025. During Melinda’s tenure, she embraced numerous opportunities to create and analyze curricular resources designed to support the communication development of all students in the areas of oral and written language, emotional literacy, play, math vocabulary, and functional communication. Her expertise led to a secondment to the curriculum department, where she played a pivotal role in advancing the Right to Read: the Ontario Human Rights Commission Action. Under her leadership, the board gained recognition for its proactive approach, surpassing provincial standards with the implementation of literacy screeners, diagnostic tools, and targeted literacy and language interventions. 

Following Melinda’s retirement, she has redirected efforts toward a specialized interest in reading interventions for students with complex profiles including Developmental Language Disorder, Autism, and Down Syndrome. Additionally, she remains deeply committed to advocacy, striving to ensure these students receive evidence-based interventions that empower them to thrive to their fullest academically and beyond. 

Andreas Seelisch

Andreas graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) in 2006 and a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2008. He recently earned his Master of Business Administration from the Jack Welch Management Institute in 2024. His thesis work at the National Centre for Audiology examined the sound quality impact of frequency compression technology, and he has published on this and other topics.

He regularly lectures at conferences, scientific meetings, and in the media, as well as at post-secondary institutions including the University of Toronto, Western University, Conestoga College, Humber College, and St. Lawrence College, where he is faculty.

In addition to over a decade of clinical experience as an audiologist, Andreas serves as Director of Audiology at Hearing Solutions, Ontario’s largest independently owned hearing healthcare network. In 2025, he completed his term as President of the Canadian Academy of Audiology, where he continues to serve on the Executive Board.