Amanda Balltrip Voice Studio

I’m so excited to start reading braille music with my amazing student, Freya!

Braille music uses the same six-dot system, but instead of letters, it represents pitch and rhythm. I can’t wait to learn and grow alongside her on this journey! 🎶

Please join me in celebrating Jo Kachakeche! The heart she has put into the development of her artistry over this last year has earned her a spot in the 2026 class of The Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts. Out of over 1,250 applicants, Jo has been invited to spend three weeks on Northern Kentucky University’s campus to further cultivate her talent and discover her voice. I am so proud of you, Jo!

I also want to celebrate Freya Spurgeon and RJ Collins for being selected as vocal music alternates. It is no small thing to be invited to finals and identified as alternates as sophomores. Your hard work does not go unnoticed and great things lie ahead of you. I am ever proud of you both!

I’m not very judgy… but she is. 👀

Congrats to BVS students Wynter Mason (Witch), Conli Bray (Cinderella’s step mother), Maddy Braun (Rapunzel), and BrynLee Dugger (Cinderella) and the entire cast of Pulaski County High School’s Into the Woods! You all were wonderful with such expressive singing and storytelling. Bravi! I was also so happy to see former BVS student Kaeden Worley in the audience who is doing great things with UK Opera Theatre!

I love seeing my students shine. 🥰✨

Jo Kachakeche, Freya Spurgeon, and RJ Collins participated in their final audition for The Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts Vocal Music this weekend at NKU! Just to make it to the final round of GSA is quite the accomplishment. Please join me in celebrating their work, heart, and talent and wish them luck as they await results.

Way to go, y’all!! I am so proud of each of you! 💗

In early March I had the opportunity to participate in ’s Advocacy Day in Frankfort. Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology students from EKU, UK, Murray State, and WKU joined together with mentors from KSHA to advocate for HB 266 and SB 177.

HB 266 ensures that SLPs and AuDs are recognized as essential healthcare providers within the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Development Fund. SB 177 helps modernize Kentucky’s SLP licensure system and makes it easier to align with interstate licensing agreements.

I’m excited to say that as of March 5, both bills have passed their respective chambers and are moving forward! Thank you Representative Donworth and Representative Truett for meeting with our team from EKU!

I also want to shout out my mentor for the day, Brianna Hairston, as well as Dr. Kellie Ellis and Hannah Stewart. Thank you for your guidance - I left feeling excited and empowered to do more of this work.

If you’d like to know more about these bills, why they’re important, or how to help advocate, I’d love to chat with you. ☺️

I’m excited to represent EKU as we travel to Frankfort next week to advocate for our wonderful profession!

So proud of these future leaders! 👏

During the KSHA Convention, Dr. Kellie Ellis led an engaging and empowering Student Advocacy Training session, equipping students with the tools and confidence to advocate for themselves, their patients, and our profession.

These passionate students didn't just attending KSHA — they’re shaping its future. The future of our professions is in great hands!

I’m grateful to have attended my second convention last week! From sitting in on sessions about how to communicate swallow studies to incorporating music in therapy, I left Friday feeling empowered and hungry for more. I was especially proud to see my professors Adria Thompson and Dr. Kellie Ellis presenting. I had a sneak-peak into Dr. Ellis’ work as her GA, so it was really cool to see her present her work. 🤓

I had a very sweet full-circle moment running into to , one of my first voice students who is now also teaching voice and pursuing SLP at UofL. I’m so proud of you and excited for your future!

Next up, I’ll be heading to Frankfort for KSHA’s Advocacy Day!

Tonight I got to catch two of my former students play their own joint mini piano recital. Both of them played about 15 minutes of music. And they were fantastic! Bravo, ladies!

Thank you for letting me assist today, Greta! I enjoyed getting some voice screening experience with you!

It was a pleasure participating in the Parkinson’s in Motion event today at the Community Center. The event was informational and very well organized. It was also a pleasure to collaborate with a future SLP - Amanda Balltrip.