2016 ISTAR Annual Report - 30th Anniversary Issue

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

THE STARS OF

ISTAR th

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

ISTAR is an academic institute of the

Message from the Executive Director

Institute for ­Stuttering ­Treatment and Research Suite 1500, College Plaza 8215 112 Street Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8 T: 780.492.2619 E: istar@ualberta.ca

As I write this message, I am beginning my s­ econd

­centre for stuttering treatment, research and speech

month as the new executive director of ISTAR. Since

improvement. As the Faculty of ­ Rehabilitation

joining, I have been touched by a large number of

Medicine is in the process of creating its own ­

individuals and organizations who believe in what we

­strategic plan, we too need to develop a new plan

do and support ISTAR. The passion and pride of all

for ourselves. In coming months, I will be meeting

of our supporters says a lot about the respect that

many of you to discuss p ­ riorities, resources and the

ISTAR has earned and sustained over 30 years. I look

­structure of the institute. This will help us to develop

­forward to ­personally meeting each of our ­partnership

a vision shared and owned by all.

organizations and members of our ­executive council.

I have no doubt that I have ­inherited an organization

I want to thank ISTAR’s founders Deborah Kully and

that has a world-class reputation and strong brand

the late D ­ r. ­Einer Boberg, as well as the other past

loyalty.

executive d ­ ­irectors—­ Marilyn Langevin, Deryk Beal

The last few months have been a particularly ­exciting

All of this would have been difficult to achieve w ­ ithout

and busy time for ISTAR. We have received $500,000

the skills, work and dedication of our c ­ linicians and

from our l­ong-standing partner organization, the

staff. A big thank you to you all.

and Holly Lomheim—for their contributions to ­ISTAR.

2016 Annual Report Managing Editor Amanda McCarthy Copy Editor Laurie Wang Writers Amanda McCarthy Laurie Wang istar.ualberta.ca

­Alberta Elks Foundation. This donation will help grow ISTAR’s presence in Calgary and will contribute to

In addition, we are proud to be an institute of

our new Client Assistance Fund.

the F ­aculty of ­ Rehabilitation Medicine, the only free-standing faculty of r­ehabilitation medicine in

We also celebrated our 30th anniversary this year,

North America. We will continue to work together for

which

the public good.

was

recognized

during

a

well-attended

event in May 2016. A large number of partnership ­organizations, donors, volunteers, former clients and

Thanks for letting us share this report with you. Enjoy.

their families, and staff were present to celebrate all of ISTAR’s accomplishments. It was a truly humbling

Sincerely,

experience for me.

Aside from regular client sessions, our staff and ­clinicians were busy running two separate intensive programs for adults and teens. In addition, the ISTAR

Anwar Haq, PhD, MBA

Edmonton and Calgary locations have been home to

Executive Director

nine trainees from across the country in these recent months. To understand the impact of these intensive therapies, one has to attend final speeches. Each ­ speech is inspiring to hear.

The

Faculty

of

Rehabilitation

Medicine,

in

­collaboration with the Department of C ­ ommunication Sciences & Disorders and ISTAR are in the final s­ tages of ­ recruiting a research chair in ­ stuttering. This ­recruitment will enhance our ambitions and r­ esearch portfolio, ­

and

continue

ISTAR’s

­ long-standing

­tradition of ­research excellence.

While building on our strengths, we want to be even more ­ ambitious—we want to be an international

1

Dreaming BIG in Belgium International student finds ­inspiration, ­career goals during ­internship at ISTAR

By Amanda McCarthy Hundreds

of

people

seek the help of ISTAR for

fluency

treatment ­

each year—clients come from all over the world to work with therapists specialized ­

in

helping

­reduce the instance of stuttering. But did you know that ISTAR not only helps clients, but also its student ­clinicians?

currently conducting her studies in B ­ elgium can vouch for that.

Leblanc, who became interested in stuttering after taking a course during her p ­rogram, was recommended to ISTAR through her ­professor. Ever since then, she’s been keen on following the fluency career path, and in part, has ISTAR to thank for it.

“I had never heard of Edmonton or ISTAR before. But after I knew where my ­internship would take place [ISTAR], I was very excited and looked for more ­information on the internet. I was very curious and was attracted to the story of ISTAR—how it all started,” Leblanc

[

“ISTAR gave me the motivation I needed to dream bigger.”

also grew her knowledge of stuttering and fluency treatment, which opened up a whole new world for her.

“I have learned a lot about stuttering—the treatment itself as well as the research. I had the chance to be part of an Intensive Clinic for adults, so I could follow the whole process,” she says.

This internship was the best decision I made during my education to become a speech-language pathologist. Not only because of the experience that I have gained with specializing in stuttering, but also because I was able to overcome a new, challenging part of my life. It was a life-changing period!”

A life-changing period for her and the clients she helped treat.

“I remember one particularly great day. We were working with a group of clients who were at the end of their treatment. At the end of treatment, clients are required to give a presentation to a group of people, this time it was a group of 25. Another intern from the U of A and I were coaching the clients, with the help of the ISTAR

Julie Leblanc, a master of speech and language ­pathology ­graduate

explains.

But Leblanc didn’t just gain the benefits of personal growth; she

]

Leblanc says that she’s always found it hard to meet new people, and was very motivated to improve her English. This is why she chose to take the internship at ISTAR—an institution that deals with correcting speech would be a sure-fire way to help her with her own language issues, she thought.

And she was right. “I really wanted to get to know myself, to ­improve myself, to become more fluent in English. ISTAR definitely helped me do that. I was able to grow as a person, with all of the

team, telling them it was going to be okay and that they were going to do great. And they did,” she smiles.

I was amazed at the progress they had made. It was a great m ­ oment, just to see how happy they were that they had overcome a major challenge in their lives. That’s what this is all about.”

Now that Leblanc has graduated from her master’s program, she plans to follow her dreams of becoming a speech-language ­pathologist in her native Belgium.

“ISTAR gave me the motivation I needed to dream bigger. Now that I’ve g ­ raduated, I plan on working in a stuttering institution here in Belgium, with an extra s­pecialization—European Clinical ­Specialization Fluency Disorders.”

While she is indeed dreaming bigger and moving forward in her career, she won’t forget everything ISTAR has done for her.

“ISTAR has really helped me reach my goals. I would highly ­recommend the ­institution for other students who are interested in stuttering and want to delve ­further into the subject,” she says. “The team at ISTAR is very structured, p ­ rofessional and supportive. They really give you what you need to succeed.”

“ISTAR is not only a champion in helping individuals with stuttering, but also in helping students pursue their dreams.”

feedback the therapists gave to me, and was able to work on my ­English-language skills.”

*Photo: Julie Leblanc (right)

2

ISTAR: One Man’s Dream Created a Legacy Wife, son of late Dr. Einer Boberg create endowment fund in his honour

explains. “It wasn’t until he started feeling the stress of wedding planning that the issue started to re-emerge.”

The stress of wedding planning and also the stress of meeting his ­future wife’s family continued. When Dr. Boberg arrived in En-

By Amanda McCarthy

gland, he wasn’t able to speak to anyone. On top of that, he was

What started as a chance meeting in a hot tub at Fairmont Hot Springs ­ Resort in Columbia Valley, BC has now resulted in a ­world-renowned ­stuttering ­treatment facility.

The Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR) was founded in 1986 by Dr. Einer Boberg, a stutterer himself, who vowed to help other sufferers. In honour of Dr. Boberg’s legacy, wife J ­ ulia Boberg, together with her son Dr. Peter Boberg and his wife S ­ unwoo Kahng have created the Dr. Einer Boberg Memorial Endowment Fund, which will provide approximately $150,000 to help with the institute’s operational costs.

[

their

marriage ­

ceremony.

So he did what he thought was

best—he left.

“After our wedding, E ­iner left me a note saying that he was ­ leaving and he wouldn’t be back ­ until he had his s­tuttering under control,” Julia ­remembers.

“After

some

time,

we

met. He told me that

“If one man’s dream has already made it this far, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Peter Boberg

]

Since its inception, ISTAR has garnered thousands of clients, ­making it a huge success. But the journey to establish ISTAR wasn’t as ­simple as one may think. In fact, Julia Boberg remembers her ­husband’s journey as a quite remarkable story filled with p ­erseverance, ­dedication and passion.

“Einer and I met in Vienna in 1960 when he was a music student carrying on a career as a violinist,” Julia says. “Shortly after, we were engaged. And that’s when his stutter started to flare up.”

Dr. Boberg’s trouble with stuttering dates back to his childhood, when he was living on a farm with his family. His speech issues dissuaded him from s­ peaking to people, so he spent most of his time conversing with the animals, which acted as soothing and non-threatening outlets for practice.

“When I met him, I wouldn’t have known he was a stutterer,” Julia

3

­expected to read out an excerpt from the Anglican Church during

he had ­ re-thought his whole life. He had quit music and was ­ going to make a ­ career in ­s p e e c h - l a n g u a g e ­pathology to ­figure out why ­people ­stutter.”

And the most c ­rucial part of his ­ realization was going ­

that

this

was

to

be

his

­mission for the rest of his life. And it was.

In 1986, with the help of co-founder Deborah Kully, ­ ISTAR was founded. What happened after that was nothing short of a miracle.

In a hot tub at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, the Bobergs’—and ISTAR’s—journey had taken an unexpected turn.

“When Einer went to take a soak in the hotel’s hot tub, a ­ nother gentleman was also there,” Julia explains. “They got to talking, ­

mostly about ISTAR, and as it turns out, the man was Don Fowler, a

He showed before and after tapes of stutters, and I remember being

member of the Alberta Elks ­Association who said they were looking

so happy to see how impressed everyone was by my dad’s work

for a project to fund.”

with stuttering and the efficacy of the treatments.”

After many meetings with the Elks, the national Elks Purple Cross

After that, Peter knew that he also wanted to help those who were

Fund ­offered a start-up grant, while the Alberta Elks ­Association

suffering from speech issues. He went on to become a volunteer

agreed to make an annual pledge for five years. This pledge

with ISTAR, c ­ onducting interviews with clients, both during the pre­­­­­­

­agreement turned into a ­relationship that is still going strong to this

and post-treatment stages.

day, much past the ­five-year ­agreement.

“I conducted interviews and was an interview subject myself, for “Without

the

help

them to ­practice on,” he smiles. “Those interviews had a very deep

of the ­ Alberta Elks,

and lasting i­mpression on me. It really taught me to understand and

ISTAR

respect what my father had accomplished.”

wouldn’t

be

where it is today,” says ­Julia.

Peter’s deep respect for his father’s achievements and all the good that comes out of ISTAR gave him the motivation he ­needed to

As ISTAR grew, so did

continue his i­nvolvement with the institution, and to keep his ­

the Boberg family. ­Einer

­father’s legacy going—to keep ISTAR within the family and support

and

the ­institute and the clients as a whole.

Julia

welcomed

two sons, Charles and Peter. Peter, who is now

“Setting up an endowment fund in my dad’s name was a way to

a ­successful ­economist

both ­celebrate and contribute to the future of the institute, as well

living in Boston, helped ­

as a way for me and my family to remember the dedication he had

create

to treating stuttering.”

the

ISTAR ­

­endowment fund in hopes of sharing some of his

And Julia’s sentiments are much the same.

success with the ­ institute his ­ father cared so dearly

“I want to make sure his legacy goes on and that ISTAR continues

about.

to thrive.”

“He was very driven to help

“I know how deeply the institute affects the lives of individuals—

­people—that was ­always his

whether they’re stutterers, family members, or the clinicians who

thing,” Peter says. As a young

are out there in the field,” Peter adds. “So I sincerely hope that ISTAR

boy, he remembers ­watching the ­natural growth of his father’s pas-

continues its mission of ­research and treatment. If one man’s dream

sion for stuttering treatment.

has already made it this far, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

“I remember the first time I was t­ruly exposed to my dad’s work,”

*Photo: The Boberg family: Charles, Julia,

Peter says. “My eighth grade ­science class took a field trip to his

Peter and Einer in Ann Arbor, MI, 1994

office. This was before the institute was formed and my dad was conducting clinical research out of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the U of A.

4

‘The World is Her Oyster Now’ Grateful mom thanks ISTAR for giving teen daughter her life again

By Laurie Wang, with reports from Michelle* “She’ll grow out of it,” people would often say to Michelle about her daughter Jaiden. “Just spit it out!” Michelle was tempted to scream in frustration.

At four years old, Jaiden seemed different to her mom. Michelle ­noticed she never wanted to play with other kids. Even in ­playschool, the teacher said she just loves to play by herself in the little kitchen and doesn’t like to interact with other kids.

“I noticed when she wanted to tell stories – and she’d get ­excited to tell them – she would get stuck looping her sentence. Much like a broken record: ‘Mom do you know…Mom do you know…Mom do you know…that Jonny’s cat…that ­Jonny’s cat...had kittens!” ­Michelle ­explained. “Not knowing what was g ­ oing on, often I would ­encourage her to speak faster by rolling my wrist to ­encourage speed and say ‘OK, OK, hurry up.’”

Feeling as though something might be amiss, Michelle sought out speech ­therapy at the time, but the therapist said that all was common for a f­ our-year-old and that Jaiden would “grow out of it.”

But Jaiden didn’t “grow out of it.” As the years passed, she got more and more frustrated and it seemed the only time she could ­communicate clearly was when she was very angry.

“I often would brush her off, or worse, ignore her,” Michelle admitted.

“The other kids couldn’t understand her and would leave her out, so she got used to playing alone at recess.”

Jaiden was always very intelligent, as evidenced by her posters and journal entries growing up. But as the years through school ­continued, her ability to avoid, change the subject, daydream and ignore teachers grew stronger.

“She became a master of avoidance. She would often go into her own world, pretending she was a fairy rather than pay attention in school. After all, she was very hard to understand when she spoke and while the teachers tried, I have no doubt if I was tuning her out,

5

they were too. She spent most of grades one, two and three in a daydream.”

By the time grade four hit, it was obvious to Michelle that s­ omething was very wrong. Jaiden was unable to hold a conversation and would only speak at people, not with them. Her lack of attention and jitteriness when speaking continued to affect her grades in school.

ADHD, Asperger’s and Tourette syndrome were ruled out in t­ esting.

Stuttering was never brought up as a possibility at this time. In ­ grade five, Jaiden did psychological, intelligence and ability testing as recommended by a teacher. The test revealed she was extremely intelligent, achieving the 98th percentile in comprehension. She was a child with the ability to excel at school.

But Jaiden was in a very dark place. She was angry, frustrated and defiant. “I believe her inability to communicate and ask a simple question just made her want to lash out at the world. She was often in tears. She wouldn’t look a ­person in the eye when speaking to them or when spoken to. She was also selectively mute. She had few friends and didn’t fit in at school at all,” Michelle said.

By this time her grades had eroded so badly, she was no longer passing. Her confidence was destroyed.

“My sweet, intelligent and passionate daughter cocooned herself into the only safe place she knew – her mind,” said Michelle. “After watching my curious, happy child spiral on this downward trajectory to the place she was now, I was extremely fearful she would commit suicide by the time she was an adult.”

“Our only beacon of hope was she still enjoyed being with her­ ­family. ­However, she would never engage with us and was always on the perimeter. I felt like we may be losing her emotionally. She had become depressed and rarely smiled. She was on a slippery slope and I didn’t know how to get her off of it.”

It was at this time that Michelle heard about the Institute for ­Stuttering ­Treatment and Research (ISTAR) through a friend.

“She was a true friend. She defied social convention to keep quiet and out of compassion and kindness, offered me an olive branch in my time of pain and said ‘I heard this show on CBC about this ­intensive stuttering program at the U of A. This woman spoke about how it has transformed her life,’” Michelle said.

At that point, it was as if a light bulb went off for Michelle. Oh my

and words cannot describe how very grateful we are that ISTAR

God! Jaiden stutters!

exists today.”

[

“My sweet, intelligent and passionate daughter cocooned herself into the only safe place she knew – her mind”

]

These days Jaiden still cries but it is tears of joy and acceptance.

Recently, she completed a one week refresher session at ISTAR. ­ When her mom picked her up, she was in tears.

“Hon, what’s wrong?” Michelle asked her daughter.

“The stuttering she exhibited was not in the stereotypical sense of

“Mom, I don’t know,” Jaiden replied. “I’m overwhelmed. It’s just

­bbbbbbbbbaby. I just thought her brain was working faster than

so nice to be around people who get you and are like you. They

her mouth so she couldn’t get the words out on time. We had lived

­understand what you’re going through ‘cause they’re going through

with this peculiarity of Jaiden’s for so long, and we were always told

it too.”

she’d grow out of it, so it became the norm.”

“Jaiden, I think you have found your home.”

Jaiden warily and enthusiastically enrolled in the intensive teen workshop at ISTAR. “I remember leaving her there. The first day they had to do cold calls.

.

After the terror I saw in her eyes, it took all my power to show tough love, to walk away, to leave her in the hands of the p ­ rofessionals and to not run back to make the cold calls for her. I cried for her that

*Photo: Jaiden (right) with her younger sister

day,” Michelle admitted.

However, even though the work was hard, the mornings were early, the cold calls were scary and speaking to strangers was terrifying, Jaiden persevered.

“She did it!” Michelle said. “To this day, she still does daily ­exercises to ­maintain fluency. After all, contrary to what we have heard her whole life, this is ­something she will not ­‘outgrow.’”

Her parents, teachers and loved ones all saw a transformation in Jaiden. She is your typical lively ­ 14-year-old now.

“She has numerous friends and is constantly increasing her conversation skills to communicate with people. She is willing to ask for directions to the bathroom. She will answer the phone even if she doesn’t know who it is!

She will order food at the kiosk. She asks questions.

She expresses her opinions. She gets up in front of a crowd and speaks. She joined the school play!

Her marks have skyrocketed and she is top of the class,” Michelle beamed.

Michelle shudders at the thought of where J ­ aiden would be ­ without ISTAR. “Stuttering stole her ­childhood but it will not take her a ­ dolescence and adulthood! ISTAR has given that time back to her to be the best she can be. The world is her oyster now

6

Creating Masterpieces: The Art of Research Researcher, speech therapist talks about the impact her research has made on lives of ISTAR ­clients

Fate or coincidence? Langevin believes that this is the field she was

By Amanda McCarthy

fluency class, which was taught by Dr. Einer Boberg, and that was

meant to be in all along. And with all of the people she’s touched, the research she’s completed, and the impact she’s made during her time with ISTAR, she may just be right.

“After being accepted into the speech-language program I took a it—I knew stuttering treatment was for me. I never wavered.”

When looking for the best possible way to treat patients, research is After the first fluency class, Langevin went up to her professor,

one of the most important channels.

Boberg, and told him of her dream to become a speech-language pathologist. “I walked up to him and I said ‘I’m Marilyn Langevin and

And that’s something that Marilyn Langevin knows to be true.

I want to work in your clinic,’ and that’s where it all began.”

Langevin, who recently retired from her role as director of research at the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine’s Institute for Stuttering

Langevin was lucky enough to have been able to complete her

Treatment and Research (ISTAR), spent much of her 20-year career

practicum with ISTAR, where she was offered a full-time position

deeply involved in the behind-the-scenes research that goes into

upon completion.

finding effective treatments for patients who stutter.

“I started out as a clinical coordinator, and then from 1996 to 2002 I was clinical director. In 2002, I went to Australia to complete my

And she loved every minute of it.

PhD, and was recruited back to ISTAR in 2007. It was quite the “Before I came to ISTAR, I was a paralegal working in a law firm.

­journey,” she grins.

One day, I just decided that I wanted to work more directly with Before Langevin travelled overseas to complete her doctoral ­degree,

­children,” she says. “In particular, children with special needs.”

she was immersed in the world of stuttering research. Her focus was While many people simply dream of switching careers, Langevin

on ­ clinical ­ research, conducting her own research and reviewing

made it ­happen. Once she had the idea in her head, she decided to

studies from other ­institutions and researchers and incorporating

move forward, and applied at the University of Alberta.

it into clinical practice. And when she returned to ISTAR in 2007, it was as if she never left.

[

“I walked up to him [Dr. Einer Boberg] and I said ‘I’m Marilyn Langevin and I want to work in your clinic,’ and that’s where it all began.”

]

“Research is such an important part of what we were doing at ISTAR—what we were trying to achieve. Not only conducting our own research, but also taking into account other people’s research and looking at some of the things they have learned that maybe we haven’t considered. And using that, along with our own extensive

“I went into sciences, and during my time there, I met a girl who

knowledge about stuttering, to produce effective treatments for

said she was planning on going into speech-language pathology. I

­clients,” Langevin says.

thought it was an i­nteresting field, but I wasn’t sold at that moment.

“Another important aspect of research is equipping future

7

Then when I had to look for a new course to take in the winter

speech-language pathologists with the expertise we learn from

semester, in order to replace one I had dropped, I picked up the

our research, so that they can carry on providing these effective

academic calendar and it literally fell open to the introductory ­

­treatments. That is one of the many things I truly enjoyed doing

course into speech-language pathology that was being offered at

during my time at ISTAR. And I was able to do that by teaching a

that time,” she smiles. “Three days after it started I knew that’s what

fluency class, supervising trainees at ISTAR and mentoring ­students

I wanted to do.”

in research.”

Aside from producing great fluency therapists, Langevin has made

and school-aged ­children, and how they are affected by bullying

a big ­impact during her time at the institute on clients as well.

resulted in the creation of an e ­ ­ ducational ­ program that aims to ­prevent ­bullying toward all children. This program is currently being

“I like to think that the patients we’ve treated have achieved the

used by speech-language pathologists all over the world.

things they wanted to achieve in their lives. And I truly believe that one of the ­greatest gifts we can give to another person is o ­ urselves—

Although Langevin is taking a step back from her role at ISTAR, she

our values, knowledge, laughter,” she says. “I really hope that my

won’t be shying away from her love of research. After winning the

impact has been able to help people do that—to share themselves

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology Editor’s award

with the world the way they want to.”

in 2009, a major milestone in her career, and taking on a research fellowship this year in Australia, it’s very clear that research is very

During her time as clinical director and director of research,

much a part of who she is.

­Langevin has worked very closely with clients who come to ISTAR looking for help with their fluency. Her relationships with her clients

“There’s still lots of work to do yet when it comes to my research,”

and progress they have made with her assistance are her biggest

she says. “But I will also be enjoying life in other ways. I’m actually

accomplishments, in her eyes.

going to be taking a Bachelor of Fine Arts in September 2016 from the U of A, believe it or not!

“Hearing from the clients after therapy—about their lives, what they’ve done, how they’ve had children and gotten a new job, or

I fully intend to have a career as an artist. But, I guess, in a way, I

made a phone call that they wouldn’t have been able to before.

kind of ­already have, haven’t I? Research and treatment is kind of

That’s what it’s all about,” Langevin says with a look of pride. “They’re

a form of art—we’re helping people re-shape themselves into who

out there doing things as easy as playing baseball, or going to their

they want to be. We’re creating pieces of art—masterpieces. That’s

children’s hockey meetings. They’re able to say their names—they’re

what all my clients have been to me, and to ISTAR, I’m sure.”

not afraid to introduce themselves anymore.”

When Langevin was not working with her clients directly, she was busy ­coming up with new ways to assist speech-impaired children.

*Photo: Marilyn Langevin (middle) with former client Shelli ­Teshima

Her research into the social impact of stuttering on pre-school

(left) and former student Catherine Leonard (right)

8

‘Generosity, Kindness & Loyalty’ Elks member praised for contributions to ­ISTAR

By Amanda McCarthy When Don Rush began his career in installation services for farm equipment right out of college, he never would have imagined he’d be where he is today.

After seven years in the farm equipment and building sales ­industries, Rush tried his hand at dairy equipment sales and ­installation, later becoming ­owner-operator of a registered purebred jersey herd for over 20 years.

When it came time to retire and spend some much-needed time ­relaxing, he just couldn’t fight the feeling that he needed to be doing something more—something bigger.

Thus began Rush’s stint with the Alberta Elks Association—an unexpected role with an organization that would change the ­ ­operations of an ­up-and-coming institution, now known as ISTAR. The relationship between the Elks and ISTAR began in 1985, when a chance meeting between Dr. Einer Boberg, founder of ISTAR and Don Fowler, Elks past president took place in a hot tub at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in C ­ olumbia Valley, BC. Ever since, the Elks have been a prominent source of funding for ISTAR, providing support for operational costs, scholarships and the like.

Rush’s personal journey with the Elks began in 1978. And some years ­later, ­ISTAR entered his radar. “In 1993 I was asked to serve on the judiciary ­committee with the Elks Association, and that’s where it all began. After that, I served on a variety of committees, and in 1999, decided to run for an elected position on the Alberta Elks Foundation.”

Rush was a part of the Foundation for three years, acting as chair for his third year, which qualified him for an automatic seat on the ISTAR board. This was the start of his ongoing relationship with ­ISTAR. “I ran for various positions on the Elks Foundation when ­available, and when my qualification as an automatic Elks member for the

9

ISTAR board expired, Deborah Kully asked me to serve as a ­member-at-large,” he explains.

As a member of the Elks, Rush also served the Alberta Elks ­Foundation as the secretary treasurer for five years before serving the Elks Association as ­secretary treasurer for another three years.

With all of the hard work he’s done for ISTAR under his belt, Rush decided it was time to take a step back, officially resigning this past June.

“I’ve seen a lot of good come out of the Elks Association and Elks Foundation, and of course, ISTAR,” Rush remembers. “There have been many changes throughout the years, and I’m happy to have been a part of that.

I am proud to be have been able to help in developing both the Boberg and Kully scholarships, which are currently being award by the Elks.”

[

I can’t say enough about Don as a person.

He’s generous, kind and loyal.”

Holly Lomheim, ISTAR Clinical Director

]

But that’s not all Rush has contributed to. In 2003, ISTAR was ­nearly out of a home. In a car, travelling home from an ISTAR meeting in Edmonton, Rush and another Elks member, Bill Ward, came up with a plan to save the institute they believed in so dearly. They ­presented their plan to the Elks conference in Brooks, Alberta, and fundraising for a new location began that summer.

“We were also at that time maintaining a discussion with the ­University of Alberta to make ISTAR into an official institute of the university.

It ended up working out, and the university took over responsibility of ­housing ISTAR, placing them on campus in College Plaza, which is where they remain today,” he says.

And Rush’s contributions only went up from there. He was also a major part of presenting ISTAR with a donation for $500K earlier this year, and an a ­ dditional $100K to be paid out over the next three years.

With the major impact Rush has made during his Elks career, he still

“I’m going to be taking some time to catch up on some ­promises I

remains humble about his role in making ISTAR the great institution

made to myself, mostly spending more time with my family. ­ISTAR is

it is today.

like another family to me, though. So I definitely won’t be ­completely gone.”

“I only looked at things as doing my job. I saw what needed to be done and I did it,” he says. “It was impossible to leave a ­visit with ­ISTAR without feeling better than when you arrived. The ­positive energy that showed in the entire staff was unavoidable and ­ ­contagious. It made it easier to want to make a difference.”

While Rush may refer to his efforts as a duty, the ISTAR staff saw it a little differently, especially ISTAR clinical director, Holly Lomheim.

“Don’s support for ISTAR over the years has been steadfast and

*Photo: Don Rush at the ISTAR 30th anniversary celebration

immeasurable. In his role as our ISTAR Foundation Board Chair ­

with ISTAR clinical director Holly Lomheim

and Elks representative, he has been instrumental in helping ISTAR bring in donations to help us continue to work with clients who ­stutter,” she smiles. “I can’t say enough about Don as a person. He’s ­generous, kind and loyal.”

Now, a month after his retirement, Rush is taking some time for leisure ­activities. But he insists he won’t be completely out of the picture.

10

YEARS A 1971 Dr. Einer Boberg ­becomes ­founding chair of the ­Department of Speech ­Pathology and Audiology at the ­University of Alberta

1972

1985

1986

Dr. Boberg starts i­ ntensive program for the treatment of stuttering

A chance meeting brings together Dr. Boberg and Don Fowler, then ­chairman of special ­projects for the Alberta Elks

Financial support ­secured from Alberta Elks ­Foundation

Former student clinician Deborah Kully hired as clinic coordinator

1987 ISTAR launches first three-week intensive clinic

ISTAR incorporated under the Alberta ­Societies Act as a ­not-for-profit centre affiliated with U of A Julia Boberg, wife of Dr. Boberg, takes position of office manager for ISTAR

Marilyn Langevin, research director for ISTAR, ­publishes Teasing and ­Bullying: ­Unacceptable ­Behavior (TAB) – a first-of-itskind bullying ­prevention program

11

MORE 3,000

IMPACTED

Kully uses interactive audiovisual ­technology to assess and treat stuttering at a distance

Julia Boberg retires from office manager with ISTAR

ISTAR ­formally ­ stablished as a e ­university ­institute in the Faculty of ­Rehabilitation ­Medicine at the U of A

1998

2000

2004

Satellite office established in Calgary

A dedicated research position is created thanks to a grant from an ­anonymous donor group

2005

2007

AT A GLANCE 1988 Communication I­ mprovement Program founded as an affiliated program of ISTAR

1992 20th anniversary of the first intensive clinic celebrated

1993

1995

1996

A new Elks Purple Cross grant for the Elks c ­ linician for children ­position ­established, along with new therapy materials for the Elks Children’s Clinic Room

Dr. Boberg passes away

Kully appointed ­executive director of ISTAR

THAN LIVES

D TO DATE

ISTAR celebrates its 30th anniversary Largest single gift in ISTAR’s history ($500K) received from the ­Alberta Elks Foundation

Dr. Boberg/Kully ­Clinical Research Fund launched

ISTAR Endowment established

Research including f­ irst-of-its-kind DNA bank for genetic analysis ­conducted

2012

2014

2015

Dr. Anwar Haq ­ ppointed as new a ­executive director of ISTAR

2016 12

THANK YOU For 30 years, donors have been making a difference in the lives of ISTAR clients. Children, teens and adults have been able to receive much-needed fluency treatment thanks to the generous gifts we receive.

A BIG

THANK-YOU also goes out to our dedicated volunteers for making this past year, and the past 30 years, a

great success.

January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016: Over $100,000

Hairy Hill Elks Lodge #304

Big Valley Elks Lodge #147

Hanna Royal Purple Lodge #258

Block, Garth & Paula

Alberta Elks Foundation ($500K donation made to ISTAR Foundation March 22, 2016)

Hardisty Elks Lodge #167

Boser, Kelvin & Callista

Hythe Royal Purple Elks Lodge #106

Cameco Corporation

$20,000 - $100,000

Johnston, Dr. David & E. Jun

Camrose Elks Lodge #70

Leduc Elks Lodge # 156

Camrose Royal Purple Lodge #49

Mannville Royal Purple Elks Lodge #205

CanadaHelps.Orga

Marshall, Geoff & Dr. Colette Fournier Marshall

Connelly, Phil & Kirsteen

Boberg, Dr. Peter & Sunwoo Kahng Burke, Gail, Mark & Ashley Estate of Ruth Newell TELUS Community Board (2014-15 fiscal)

Cormack, Robert Craig, Garth

Picture Butte Elks Lodge #268 (2014-15 fiscal)

Crowsnest Pass Elks #584

Pilger, Richard & Marion

Dew, Linda

Pope John Paul I Assembly #2754 Knights of Columbus

Drayton Valley Elks Lodge #391

Boberg, Julia

Rowlett, James & Margaret

Edson Royal Purple Lodge #51

Calgary Elks Lodge #4

Rumbold, Arnold & Grace

Ellenwood, Darrel

Donovan, William & Christine

Sherwood Park Elks Lodge #481

Flynn, Dr. Peter

Fondation Franco-Albertaine

Stavely Royal Purple Elks Lodge #99

Grande Prairie Elks Lodge #285

Fort Macleod Royal Purple Lodge #28 (2014-15 fiscal)

Stettler Royal Purple Lodge #60

Grimshaw Royal Purple Elks Lodge #80

Superfluity Shop

Hardisty Royal Purple Lodge #156

The Dinner Optimist Club of Edmonton

Heisler Elks Lodge #305

Valleyview Royal Purple Elks #42 (2014-15 fiscal)

Hering, Abe

The Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children

$5,000 - $19,999

Martens, Terry & Deborah Kully-Martens RealtorsÂŽ Community Foundation

$1,000 - $4,999

Vegreville Elks Lodge #143

Edson Elks Lodge #87

Hernandez, Dr. Ivonne Hodge, Dr. Megan

$250 - $999

Hussein, Ibrahim

Bara, Dr. Barry & Sheelagh

Acme Elks Lodge #216

Joy, Dr. Anil & Anila

Barons Elks Lodge #224

Ahorro, Nathania

K J Roofing

Chapman, Allan

Alberta District #14 Elks

Kanabel Inc

Delburne Elks Lodge #206

Barrhead Elks Lodge #332

Kassam, Shamez

Desaulniers, Dr. Pierre

Benalto Elks Lodge #404

Knight, Dr. Brian

Eaglesham Royal Purple Lodge #318

Benjamin, Marc & Laurie

Kovacevic, Dejan

Edmonton Community Foundation

Bentley Royal Purple Lodge #264

Leaker, Rick & Sandra Foy

Acme Royal Purple Elks Lodge #103 Agrium Inc

13

Okotoks Elks Lodge #31

Johnston, Gord

Lung, Dr. Kevin

Crnogorac, Rajko

Murray, Dr. Frederick

Mannville Royal Purple Elks Lodge #205

Crowsnest Pass Royal Purple Lodge #159

Officer, Benjamin & Lisa

Medicine Hat Elks Lodge #412

DeGryse, Shirley

Olds Elks Lodge #100

Myrnam Royal Purple Lodge #242

Dunn, James & Sandy

Orlecky, Loretta

Olds Elks Lodge #100

Edgerton Royal Purple Elks Lodge #224

Penn-co Stucco Limited

Pemberton, Dr. George & Teresa

Fedak, Lori

Penney, Audrey

Phoenix Fence Inc

Felts, Dennis

Pietrusik, Celina

Piché, Allen & Lorna

Gardner, Greg & Nancy

Pietrusik, Donna

Pill, Jaan

Gateman, Richard

Pilgrim, Craig

Ponoka Royal Purple Lodge #27

Green, Marie

Piorkowski, Gregory

Raymond James Canada Foundation

Greenberg, Sheila

Pooley, Erwin & Arleen

Rogers, Alex

Haley, Dr. Frank & Eva

Prokopetz, Murray & Angela

Sexsmith Elks Lodge #284

Hall, Lisa

Rapp, Christine

Sexsmith Royal Purple Elks Lodge #266

Hamm, Cheryl

Ross, John

Stanford, Henry & Dr. Lois

Hansen, Ray

Rowlett, Dayna

The Madill Family

Haverland, Lyle

Saunders, Rose

The Wagners

Hebb, Kevin & Fran De Beer

Siroski, Kelly

Trenville Royal Purple Elks Lodge #248

Holowaychuk, Dennis

Spence, Dr. Matthew & Cynthia

Wainwright Royal Purple Lodge #92

Hughes, Dr. David G.

Stawnichy’s Meat Processing

Warner Royal Purple Elks Lodge #72

Irma Elks Lodge #366

Swanson, Leonard & Ruby

Wetaskiwin Elks Lodge #91

Janet Gibson Speech Pathology & Audiology Services

Tsoukalas, George

Wightman, Laird Zaps, Dale

Kelvin Investments Ltd Kennard, Lawrence

$50 - $249

Kumar, Ashok

Alderliesten, Hans & Jannie

Lawson, Ronald

Aboughoushe, Samia

Leduc Royal Purple Lodge #41

Bacque, Crystal

Leiman, Peter & Diane

Bell, Dr. John

MacNab, Jean

Bloomer, Vaughan

Magee, Dolly

Dieleman, Dr. Levinus & Anne Bradley

Manning Elks Lodge #286

Brown, Patrick

Maris, Victor

Chamberlain, Barbara

McIsaac, Adam

Chernausava, Hanna

McLeod, Lloyd & Helen

Christensen, Dale & Cathie-Lou

Moore, Gordon

Larsen, Robert

Vermilion Elks Lodge #131 Viking Elks Lodge #83 Warren, Douglas Webster, William Welwood, Ruth West, Catherine Wiegand, Derek Wilson, Janet Wolch, Ronald Zalmanowitz, Connie

PL ANNED GIFTS

Desaulniers, Dr. Pierre Schoenberger, Jacqueline

14

Your gift to ISTAR will ensure that 足children and adults who are 足experiencing fluency 足issues will be able to one day communicate with 足confidence.

Give to the ISTAR Client Assistance Program CONTACT: John Voyer t. 780-248-5781 e. jvoyer@ualberta.ca You can also donate online at istar.ualberta.ca *Tax receipts will be issued from the University of Alberta.

giving.ualberta.ca