Kim Gold graduated with an M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). Originally from Miami, she graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor of science degree in psychology and earned her master of arts degree in crime, law and justice from Pennsylvania State University. She is also the current vice president of CommunicAID+Nation, an organization that focuses on speech-language disorders.
How did you get involved with CommunicAID+Nation?
CommunicAID+Nation was started by a Georgia State alum, Meagan Glover. Meagan approached me during my first year at Georgia State and asked if I would like to help start a chapter of the non-profit organization at Georgia State. I served as president of the organization from Summer 2013- Spring 2014, and have served as vice-president from Summer 2014- Spring 2015. It’s been a really great experience to watch the Georgia State chapter grow! I’m really proud of everything our group has accomplished!
I met Taylor Tweedle through the CSD program. She’s a natural-born leader and very passionate about communication disorders, so she was a great fit to serve as CA+N president. She’s done a fantastic job leading CA+N this year! Taylor, myself and the rest of the CA+N officers work really well together and with the help of CA+N members have been able to accomplish a lot this year, including two very successful fundraisers such as one at Eddie’s Attic. One of our first officers, Daniel DeWitt, is a musician. He was able to connect us with the venue in Decatur, as well as recruit Faye Webster and the Shadowboxers to play.
What made you choose GSU and the College of Education & Human Development, and in particular, the program you’re graduating from?
I was drawn to the CSD program at GSU because it was a small program in a big city. Having the school in the heart of Atlanta allows for a variety of clinical experiences, as well as the opportunity to learn from professionals working in different settings. As for the program, the clinical experiences included medical and school settings, and they have their own speech-language-hearing clinic on campus. It’s been a great learning experience! I also love the access GSU provides being downtown. You are surrounded by hospitals, schools and organizations, so the possibilities for internships are endless.
What are your research interests?
I am really interested in the issue of early intervention and barriers for families trying to access services. I had the opportunity to explore this issue more in-depth as a research project with a few of my fellow trainees in the Georgia Leadership & Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (GaLEND) program this year.
Who has had the biggest influence on your academic and/or career trajectory at the College of Education & Human Development and why?
The entire faculty in this program has been very supportive and helpful during my time here. One of the most influential people in my future career plans has been Dr. Debra Schober-Peterson. I had the opportunity to have her as a professor, clinical supervisor and a faculty advisor for CommunicAid+Nation (CA+N). Dr. Schober-Peterson always challenged us to do our best and was constantly raising the bar.
What are your career goals?
I would love to work with an interdisciplinary team in a medical setting. Both CSD as well as the GaLEND program have prepared me for a medical position where I can collaborate with other professionals to provide the best care possible to clients.
What clubs, activities or hobbies do you have outside of the classroom?
I am a member of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association as well as doing the work with CommunicAID+Nation. This past year, I was also a trainee in the Georgia Leadership & Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (GaLEND) program, an interdisciplinary training program for students who want to work with individuals with disabilities and their families.
What has been the biggest challenge in your work as a student?
I think my biggest challenge has been to recognize that I’m going to make mistakes and that’s okay. The important part is to learn from your experiences so you can perform better next time. If you’re afraid of making a mistake, you’ll never challenge yourself and grow as a clinician.
What is your favorite quote?
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” —Paulo Coelho