Celebrating Tanya Doran and the Impact of Speech-Language Services in CCSD
May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time to recognize the incredible work done by speech-language professionals across the country. In Cache County School District, our team of dedicated Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and technicians (SLTs) serves nearly 2,000 students across 27 sites. Among them is Tanya Doran, a beloved SLP at Millville Elementary, who is retiring this year after 29 years of service, all within our district.
Tanya’s path to education began with a passion for the medical side of speech-language pathology. However, a part-time job at a school during graduate school opened her eyes to the joy and fulfillment of working with children. “Schools are such a positive environment,” Tanya explained. “You see progress and you get to release some of the kids. You’re really able to make a difference.”
Over the years, Tanya has worked with a wide range of students—from those with articulation challenges to nonverbal students using assistive technology. “I see all my kids twice a week, except for the essential elements classes. I see most of those students every day,” Tanya explained. Her sessions are tailored to each child’s needs and interests. “I write all of my units myself. I use fun things that I know the kids would be engaged with and I am excited about too. Because if you’re excited, then they’re excited,” Tanya explained.
CCSD’s speech-language program currently supports 1,960 students through a comprehensive team that includes:
- 31 full-time and 7 part-time Speech-Language Pathologists
- 4 full-time and 6 part-time Speech Language Technicians
- 4 employed graduate students
- 2 Speech-Language Coordinators
This team works collaboratively to provide essential services that empower students to express themselves, build relationships, and succeed academically. “Good communication is huge,” Tanya emphasized. “Students need to know they’re in a safe place to try and to ask questions.”
Speech-language classrooms are where this safe place happens for a lot of students.
Even after nearly three decades, Tanya’s passion hasn’t faded. “The fact that I have done it for 29 years and I still love my job is incredible,” she expressed. “I still love the kids.”
As Tanya prepares for her next chapter, we celebrate her legacy and the tireless work of all speech-language professionals in our district. Their work changes lives - one student, one voice, one breakthrough at a time.
