Inaugural Speech Uncensored Podcast Fellow

Megan’s story:

“When COVID-19 hit, my opportunities for getting involved in speech drastically diminished. I decided to pursue an unconventional route, which led me to reach out to Leigh Ann who welcomed me with open arms. I was excited to marry my past experiences in marketing with my new interest in speech. I also really enjoyed the content of the podcast, so it motivated me even more to work specifically for SUP.”

A little bit about Megan:

Megan Taban, resides in Los Angeles, California and is currently applying to graduate programs for Communication Sciences & Disorder. Prior, Megan graduated from Chapman University with a B.A. in Strategic & Corporate Communication. At Chapman, one of her greatest accomplishments was becoming the President of Consulting for the university’s Tamid Group, a student-led consultation organization where she helped start-up companies refine and accomplish their business-driven goals. She also earned Magna Cum Laude and Departmental Honors for graduating as one of the top students in her class. After her undergraduate studies, Megan landed a job at an eminent advertising agency. Soon after, she discovered SLP and decided to switch fields in order to pursue a more meaningful career. Megan reached out to the Speech Uncensored Podcast because she believes in its mission to spread medical-related SLP knowledge.

3 unique facts about megan:

Fact #1: I believe the word “quitting” doesn’t deserve such a bad rep. Sometimes, quitting allows you to refocus in a new direction and attract the things that are meant for your life.

Fact #2: My absolute dream is to have a house in Lake Como, Italy.

Fact #3: I once got stung by a bee on my tongue. Thankfully, I’m not allergic!

Why the speech path?

I decided to pursue the speech path because I want to make a difference at the root of people's lives. There’s no denying that communication is essential to nearly every transaction that occurs throughout our lives. Speech-language pathology will allow me to engage in meaningful work that bridges people’s communication barriers, while also providing me diverse challenges and continual opportunities for growth. The Speech Uncensored Podcast has provided me the perfect opportunity to transition from marketing to SLP, in addition to helping me gain deeper insight into the practice itself.

Future career goals:

As of now, I plan to work in a pediatric or school setting where I can help kids find true confidence in their voices. I’m specifically excited to utilize treatment modalities that involve semantics and literacy. I can also see myself working on the other side of the age spectrum with geriatric patients. With some time, experience, and a sprinkle of patience, I’m sure I’ll find clarity regarding my future pursuits!

megan’s contributions and achievements during the Fellowship:

Offered website layout/design advice + ideas for driving traffic
Offered IG branding/content advice
Provided feedback on blog posts
Assisted in developing an SLP podcast directory
Compiled resources to be integrated into website (targeting information for graduate students and topics surrounding cognition)
- created Dementia, Concussion, and RH infographics
Summarized treatment modalities for future blog posts (including the Masako Maneuver, Goal Attainment Scaling, SOVT, & CART).

What have been the benefits to you during this inaugural fellowship?

I’ve benefited from this fellowship in a number of ways, but the most significant reward was being able to refine my communication skills through conversations and meetings with Leigh Ann.

What was your favorite part of the fellowship?

My favorite part of the fellowship was researching and summarizing different treatment modalities. It provided me insight into what type of strategies are used when treating clients in real life, which is exactly what I was looking for. It was also exciting to see Leigh Ann take my website and social media advice and apply it to her platforms.

Would you do it again?

Absolutely! I would do it again because I developed as a professional, and I was able to help a prominent SLP podcast continue to blossom.