The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center will keep operating its Speech-Language Pathologist and School Psychologist Regional Consultant initiative during the 2026–2027 school year under newly awarded funding.
The program delivers regional professional learning, consultation and targeted coaching intended to bolster speech-language pathology and school psychology services throughout Ohio, according to Crawford County Now. It is part of a statewide effort divided into six regions, each staffed with consultants in both disciplines, aimed at improving special education practices and procedures, aiding professional retention and responding to workforce shortages.
Eric Turlo, MOESC Director of Student Services, told the outlet that regional consultants give practitioners, especially those in smaller and rural districts, a colleague network and access to experienced professionals familiar with both technical demands and school-based realities. He said the grant enables continued capacity building and stronger district services for students.
MOESC's consultant team comprises Speech-Language Pathologist Johanna Gilland and School Psychologists Kylie Dennison-Rebon and Julia Pilla. Crawford County Now reported that their work includes professional development, consultation, coaching and networking opportunities. Stated priorities include professional learning and targeted coaching; Evaluation Team Report and Individualized Education Program practices; integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and evidence-based decision-making; workforce development and retention; and regional access and collaboration.
The initiative also links to mentoring efforts through the Ohio School Psychologists Association and the Ohio School Speech-Language Pathology and Educational Audiology Coalition IDEA Communities of Practice.