Midwestern University-Glendale Student Receives Award for Excellence in Speech-Language Pathology

For AnnaList Prawitt West (SLP ’26), earning the 2026 Arizona Speech-Language Hearing Association (ArSHA) James Case Student Clinical Award is a testament to the hurdles she’s overcome to succeed. This award is given to one exceptional student at each graduate university in the state of Arizona. While winning the award is an honor for any recipient, the accolade carries particular emphasis for her.

AnnaLisa got her undergraduate degree in special education, which she says is “not the typical path that SLP students take.” Most speech-language pathology students completed an undergraduate degree in communication disorders. 

For this reason, several graduate schools tried to dissuade her from applying. AnnaLisa said, “some admissions counselors at other schools even expressed skepticism that I was serious about this profession. They’d say things like, ‘How do we know you actually want to stick with it?’ That discouraged me because I knew I wanted this career, but the other schools made me unsure if I’d be able to succeed.”

She found a different attitude while applying to Midwestern University. “I remember getting a voicemail from Dr. Stephanie Christensen saying they see my unique undergraduate background as an asset to the program. And I’ve felt that attitude the entire time I’ve been at Midwestern,” AnnaLisa said. “The confidence and trust my professors have in me has made all the difference and has helped me thrive here.”

AnnaLisa was accepted into the SLP leveling program at Midwestern, which is a path for prospective speech-language pathologists who did not get an undergraduate degree in communication disorders. This option allows students to complete prerequisite coursework online prior to their first fall semester and start on track with their cohort.

Alisha Kleindel, M.S., CCC-SLP, Director of Clinical Education in Speech-Language Pathology – Glendale, commented, “Having served as Annie’s professor, mentor, and supervisor at Midwestern, I’ve seen her evolve into an exceptional clinician who perfectly balances rigorous clinical reasoning with deep, person-centered compassion. From earning certifications in SPEAK OUT! and Opening Minds Through Art to her advanced work with the CITI Program and MBSImP, she has shown an unwavering commitment to the adult neurogenic population.

“Annie doesn’t just complete tasks, she elevates them,” Dr. Kleindel continued.

AnnaLisa says receiving news that she was the award winner was emotional. “All this confidence and trust from my professors was a stark contrast to the feedback I was getting from admissions counselors at other schools just a couple years ago,” she reflected.

While the award is a recognition of her hard work and diligence at Midwestern, AnnaLisa says her most rewarding experience has been connecting with patients to help them live more fulfilling lives. 

“I was a student leader in an aphasia support group here at Midwestern. The first time I went, I was so inspired by all the people in the group,” she recalled. “They had varying communication abilities from their strokes or brain injuries, but their positive attitudes and joy to receive speech therapy is what keeps me motivated.

“They’re so happy to communicate with loved ones again; one patient was working to improve their speech so they could participate in their son’s wedding. That’s what influenced me to work with adults. Being part of a patient’s recovery and seeing their gratitude as they make progress, even little by little, is incredible.”

AnnaLisa appreciates the hands-on experiences she’s had at Midwestern, whether in simulations or working with patients at the clinic. Ultimately, interacting with patients is what developed her confidence and helped her realize this is the right career for her.

“Patient-focused care is essential for speech therapy, and it’s important for the patient to know they’re your biggest priority,” AnnaLisa explained. “If they know you care about them, they’re going to trust that you’re giving them the best care possible, even if you don’t know the answers to everything. My professors have been a great example of that for me.”

Commenting on AnnaLisa’s patient interactions, Dr. Kleindel said, “She is a natural leader and tireless patient advocate. Whether she is leading aphasia support groups, conducting free diagnostic screenings, or spearheading an IRB-approved capstone project on mentorship for those living with Parkinson’s disease, her work is always defined by organization, clarity, and a collaborative spirit. She represents the very best of what a future speech-language pathologist should be.”

Learn more about the SLP Leveling program.