We are pleased to congratulate EBS Regional Director, Darlene Robke, M.S., CCC-SLP, on receiving the 2019 Martha Mullins-Callender Award! Darlene was presented with a plaque commemorating this honor by the Communication Disorders Foundation (CDF) of Virginia at the annual Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV) Conference on March 9th, 2019.
The Communication Disorders Foundation of Virginia established the Martha Mullins-Callender Award in 1989 in memory of Martha’s contributions to the field and the state association. The Martha Mullins-Callender Award is presented to an individual working in the field of communication disorders who is a “champion” of the profession and a true example of Martha’s beliefs. This award recognizes a communication and sciences disorders (CSD) professional who works to ensure that CSD services, professions and professional organizations flourish in the marketplace.
Additional information regarding the Martha Mullins-Callender Award is available on the Communication Disorders Foundation of Virginia (CDF) website: https://www.cdfvirginia.org/awards-and-honors
Darlene D. Robke is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) with over 25 years of clinical and administrative experience. She received her Bachelor of Arts in speech and communication sciences from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She then received her Master of Science from East Carolina University in speech language and auditory sciences. She has also completed the certification program in assistive technology at George Mason University. Darlene worked as a traveling SLP for many years where she provided services in a variety of healthcare settings and geographic locations throughout the United States. She was a rehabilitation manager in skilled nursing and assistive living facilities in Manassas, Virginia. Darlene served as the interim director of special education and the coordinator of student support services for Manassas Park City Schools. She has also provided both school-based and early intervention (EI) services in northern Virginia. She is a certified EI provider and has completed the northern Virginia master coach training. Darlene was the professional development manager from 2012-2017 and the 2018 associate editor for ASHA Special Interest Group 11, Administration & Supervision. Darlene is also a member of Special Interest Group 16, School-Based Issues. She is the past president for the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV) and has served in a variety of executive board positions for the association from 2012-2018. Darlene was awarded the SHAV Fellow Award for her outstanding contributions to the professions. This award recognizes a communication and sciences disorders (CSD) professional who works to ensure that CSD services, professions and professional organizations flourish in the marketplace. She has been employed by EBS Healthcare for over 12 years and is currently serving as a regional director. Darlene is passionate about engaging students in both state and national association activities and she greatly enjoys providing mentorship, training, and support for EBS professionals throughout the Southeastern United States.