Sharí graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology from California State University, Sacramento in 2005. She held a special recognition in her research in Applied Communication Sciences Lab (ACSL) and as the local National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSLHA) president of her university. Shari then became the student representative of the California Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA) while completing her coursework for her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology with special class authorization from California State University, Sacramento in 2007.
It is in these early experiences that Shari developed a passion for research and supporting parents and SLPs as they sought solutions for their children to have easier access to communication. In the role as local NSSLHA president and CSHA student representative, she helped start and organize California State University, Sacramento’s annual conference and began co-presenting alongside Dr. Laureen O’Hanlon, PhD, CCC-SLP. Shari spent her early career as a special education teacher and SLP working in a classroom of children who predominantly used PRC Pathfinders and in the San Juan Unified School District as an itinerant SLP and technology specialist. Shari relocated to Washington State in 2009 and became part of the AAC evaluation team at Mary Bridge Children’s Therapy Unit in Puyallup. She started working with area assistive technology specialists in switch access and began creating switches and modifying toys to support her clients in their access to communication and technology. Shari later transitioned to primarily working early intervention and supporting early communicators going out to homes and coaching parents as they learn to advocate for their children with special needs.
It was once Shari and her spouse realized they needed an immediate solution to supporting their eldest son’s communication that she sought out technology for his communication and Shari quickly became emersed back into her initial passion of supporting others in their search for access to technology and a voice. Now she feels she is living her dream as a regional consultant for PRC-Saltillo and excited to be assisting others as they navigate the vast options of technology to help gain additional tools to be heard.
Financial: Sharí Sayán is a salaried employee-owner of PRC-Saltillo.
Nonfinancial: No relevant nonfinancial relationships exist.