Let’s start the conversation about the 3.8 million sports concussions that occur every year. After 4 weeks approximately 15% of athletes who have sustained a concussion develop postconcussion syndrome. Athletes who have sustained 3 or more concussions also have a greater risk of experiencing difficulties with attention, concentration, orientation, reaction time, auditory processing, memory, word finding, disorganized thought processing, problem solving, sequencing, organization, planning, or social communication. We must be proactive not reactive. Know the importance of brain health, the role of speech-language pathologists and the cognitive-communication signs and symptoms that they can treat within the athletic community. Help us make an impact in the lives of athletes and their support networks. Get involved today by joining a program!
Head to Speech, Incorporated is the first ever 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization solely dedicated to developing, monitoring and improving upon educational, scientific and charitable initiatives for athlete brain health, sports concussions, and their effects on speech-language, hearing, and cognitive-communication skills. We advocate for speech-language pathologists and audiologists to be included in sports concussion management protocols and to serve on interprofessional teams throughout student, professional and former athletes' continuum of care and lifetime for post-concussion syndrome and neurodegenerative disorders.
"I have partnered with Head to Speech regarding opportunities to research and obtain data on athletes of all levels. My staff and I have participated and been a part of the 2023 Head to Speech Summit in creating more awareness in brain health. Being a CEO of a sports therapy business I bring my knowledge of athletes in how they function and move. My understanding of sports at all levels can also help with understanding athletes."
"Athletes are taking a more holistic approach to their health these days, and that includes brain health. This is a positive change for the sports industry and Head to Speech is perfectly positioned to address this need. The challenge is that athletes are unaware of available services and that SLPs can work on cognition."
"Speech-Language Pathologists have a role in working with athletic trainers and coaches to integrate brain health coaching, mindfulness and cognitive-communication tasks into players' sports drills, fitness routines, and daily activities. By doing so we are able to examine their cognitive-communication skills and outcomes in the areas of attention, reaction time, auditory processing, memory, thought organization, word finding, reasoning, problem solving, sequencing, planning, organizing, and social communication."
"I wasn't aware of the concussion and speech-language pathology component until speaking to Dr. Pope. This needs to get more "air time". Especially the "prehab" to expedite the return-to-play and learning portion. Strategic partners in communicating the effectiveness of this method is key."
"There are a lot of Head to Speech programs that invest in the well-being, personal advancement, and professional development of the student athlete. All of the issues and service offerings are important to support the student-athlete throughout their athletic journey. The BOD will use our collective resources to break through the barriers of entry to help educate these players. "
"I believe one of the most important issues for me is the overall brain health. These conversations are more than just for the athlete, they are for the coaches, parents, and athletic supports. In bringing awareness to the overall brain health will increase conversation, as well as ensure health beyond the organization in that now family and supports can spread the message of brain health. It also ensures that conversations around mental health are being discussed thus increasing awareness of preventive measures for both brain health and mental health."
"Head to Speech can continue to promote brain health through community events, continue to teach young athletes about concussion early on through guest lectures at sports camps and sports practices, and equip more professionals to know the signs and symptoms of concussion and next steps through a bigger online presence. I am an African American woman from the South who is very familiar with sports, particularly football due to the huge college football presence in Alabama. I know about health literacy and know how to market information to target populations. Being a Black woman helps me as does my experience on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee at my job."
"Developing career pathways to pipeline HBCUs will incorporate a combination of understanding the unique needs of the culture, engaging stakeholders and creating strategic partnerships. As an athletic trainer, we have the same struggle of having programs at HBCUs as SLP. Head to Speech may be able to utilize interprofessional collaborations to increase the awareness of sports concussions and their residual affects."
"Overall, and consistent with the strategic priorities are first and foremost "quality, ethical, and research-based services to consumers. As a practicing SLP and a clinical private practitioner, my sense of strategic planning includes attention to professional development on a consistent basis. This PD should include the major areas of clinical practice: knowledge of speech/language/hearing disorders, research advancements, marketing, ethical practices, business management, and consumer rights."
"I have years of experience with professional women organization’s fundraisers. Therefore, I have the ability to reach out to Professional Athletes and other professionals affiliated with sport programs. I am an African American female that will enhance Head to Speech Board of Directors because I will bring a wealth of information and experience from working in Corporate America for Fortune 500 companies where diversity is valued. "
"I consider awareness and education, recruitment and training, and partnerships as the most important issues that should be considered over the next three to five years. I am committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion goals within the board and facilitating them within the broader community. "
SLP Starts Nonprofit for Sports TBI, Brain Health
Listen to our Head to Speech Ambassador Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Invite us to speak on your platform and raise awareness today! Â
LISTEN NOWOnce you complete our ambassador application you will receive an onboarding questionnaire and recurring Ambassador Zoom link for Meet & Greets! Our headquarters are within the Washington, DC area. However, we are a national organization! Our events are hybrid (in-person and online) and have a self-study option. We encourage you to raise awareness and donations within your community! We will send you everything you need to host your Head to Speech events!
SIGN UPThe Brain Workout Program is perfect for school wellness, physical education programs, intercollegiate athletic programs, sports clinics, camps, leagues, and Corporate Wellness. Contact us today to schedule your 30-min consultation and we will send you our Brain Workout Assessment!
CONTACT US TODAYBy sharing your story or the story of someone you know provides our community with insight into athletes' lives. Share a testimonial on how our brain workouts are beneficial to completing sports drills and physical fitness exercises, managing nutrition and wellness goals, and/or reducing mental health issues.Â
SHARE YOUR STORYThe Head to Speech Ambassador Box is a seasonal subscription box that helps us sustain our donations and Ambassador engagement! The box is curated by our Interprofessional Task Force made up of Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists, and Allies for our inclusion in sports concussion management. Our seasonal themed boxes are centered around our brain workout challenges and contain 4-6 health, wellness, fitness, nutrition or sports performance products ranging from books and journals to athleisure clothing, brain healthy workout plans, self-care routines, and recipes! We offer these boxes to our Head to Speech Community and incorporate them as part of our swag given to our program participants.
Our Ambassador Box Pitch Competition is held during our Summer Bootcamp for Performance, Leadership and Innovation. Learn about evidence-based practices, current trends, and what our Ambassadors need to be successful in brain health and sports concussion management. Accelerate your partnership through strategy sessions and the completion of an independent project to move our purpose, vision and mission forward. Get your innovative ideas, services, programs, and products aligned with Head to Speech!
Our Concussion Recovery Care Packages provide athletes and their support networks with FREE cognitive-communication therapeutic resources and materials that support them working out their brain and body, as well as return-to-playing, learning, working, and activities of daily living.
Request a package by indicating if the athlete is a student, professional or former athlete.Â
REQUEST A PACKAGEThe items on our Amazon Wish List help us provide Brain Workout Starter Packs and Concussion Recovery Care Packages. We also utilize these items to provide preventative education demonstrations for student, professional and former athletes, and their support systems.
Ways to get involved:
100% of donations go towards programs for student, professional and former athletes, as well as their support systems affected by the lack of education and resources for brain health, sports concussions, and cognitive-communication skills. You will receive a donation acknowledgment letter from Head to Speech Incorporated for donations $250 or more. Checks payable to: Head to Speech Incorporated 3540 Crain Highway Suite 509 Bowie, MD 20716.
"I have brought my knowledge and background in auditory processing disorders to Head to Speech because many of the athletes who have suffered head injuries and concussions, even mild concussions, may have suffered trauma to systems involved in processing auditory information, but there is a lack of awareness and understanding of how such head injuries can affect the athlete's abilities to process and understand what is said to them. This can affect their social lives, education, work, and life in general."
"Head to Speech is a great nonprofit program that provides a much-needed educational service to athletes, families, and those who work with athletes. I have contributed to the concussion prevention and educations work that Head to Speech has done to support those who may experience concussion and those who provide support to athletes."
"I served on the Board of Directors of Head to Speech due to the opportunity to be a part of something that is making a huge impact not only in my direct community but I believe will help to educate all facets of the health field. This is to include not only the field of Speech-Language Pathology but all involved in sports such as sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health. I have been very excited to aid in making such a groundbreaking change through education within the health field and sports community."
"My interest in concussion management is very personal. My father who was an athlete all of his life suffered many concussions. The result being cognitive deficits and affecting his quality of life as an elderly senior. I also have two grandsons who are energetic and curious, and will certainly play sports. Their protection and those of other athletes is my utmost interest."
Help us reach our fundraising goal to secure funding and ensure programming through 2025-2026.
Help us make the Head to Speech® Sports Concussion & The Effects on Cognitive-Communication Skills Awareness Campaign & Toolkit the leading national health communications and social marketing awareness campaign from a speech-language pathologists' and audiologists’ perspective designed to increase public knowledge and awareness on head injury, sports-related concussion and the effects on speech, language, hearing and cognitive-communication skills in a time-effective and efficient manner.
Proceeds go towards research, policy and advocacy, increased media partnerships and sponsorships, printing and distribution, brand ambassador training, operational and travel expenses, national and international support to address health disparities, etc.
Our awareness campaign and toolkit initiatives will include:
Help Head to Speech continue to provide evidence-based courses as a continuing education provider with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Our Academy supports the educational needs of sports medicine and rehabilitation providers, coaches, athletes, and support groups including academic advisors, vocational counselors, spouses, family members, and caregivers!
Proceeds from the Head to Speech Academy provide graduate school scholarships, professional fellowships and travel stipends to those demonstrating an interest in adult neurogenic disorders, traumatic brain injury and sports-related concussion research, clinical leadership and innovation.
Our 3 Signature Programs are:
Our Ambassadors receive Sports Concussion Fundamentals webinars during our monthly Meet & Greets!
Help us build a community that not only provides resources to athletes with concussions and their support systems but also connects health, wellness and fitness communities with opportunities to facilitate and host a support group or a fundraiser using the Head to Speech® Brain Workout & Meals Program!
Proceeds from the Head to Speech® Brain Workout & Meals Program help us provide the following:
Facilitate a support group that focuses on athletes and their support systems by discussing the following: Return-to-playing, return-to-learning, and vocational training, overview of concepts, such as dual tasking and mindfulness.
Encourage the inclusion of SLPs and AuDs in traditional modes of care delivery, including co-treatment with physical and occupational therapists.
Share resources and tools within an engaged community!
Interested in sponsoring the SPRING 2025 Head to Speech® Interprofessional Task Force Summit? The generosity of our sponsors and donors makes it possible for attendees to enjoy a fabulous Summit with fellow Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, as well as health and rehabilitation professionals, sports management professionals, athletes and their support systems. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected].
Exclusive-One Available
Exclusive-Twenty Available
Exclusive-Five Available
Unlimited available
First 10 Task Force Members
$408 for late enrollment
Payment Plan $19/month
Payment Plan $9/month
Take Advantage of our Group Rate We offer 30% OFF for private practices, organizations, or community collectives with no more than 5 individuals who make up that group. Educational institutions, corporations, and associations, and sports and fitness leagues may inquire regarding customized educational and licensing agreement opportunities.
VALUED AT $1,745
Everything included for your private practice or community collective at the very best price!Â
Customized Educational and Licensing Agreement Opportunities
Contact [email protected] to customize activations and partner on ongoing educational opportunities.Â
Customized Educational and Licensing Agreement Opportunities
Contact [email protected] to customize activations and partner on ongoing educational opportunities.Â
Invite Head to Speech to your next community event! We'll be there to raise awareness and fundraise within your community! Our Founder, Dr. Tabia Pope proudly invites all community collectives, especially sports parents to get involved! She is the wife of Patrick Pope, a retired International Basketball Federation (FIBA) player, Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Player of the Year and All American in 2003, and All Time Leading Scorer at Saint Augustines University from 1999 - 2003. She is also a sports mom of two boys and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Partner with us if player safety is of the upmost importance to you and your community!
Head to Speech offers three groups including the Head to Speech Interprofessional Task Force, Head to Speech Academy, and Head to Speech Community for Athletes with Concussion & Their Support Systems.
Advisory Council, Masterclasses & Interprofessional Summit Planning
Join an Interprofessional Task Force of leaders and active participants interested in doing the following:
1) Advocate for speech-language pathologists and audiologists in sports concussion management to ensure athletes receive education, counseling, timely identification, assessment, and interventions for post-concussive speech-language, hearing and cognitive-communication disorders.
2) Share how the sports and medical communities can improve upon the current referral processes, educational, clinical, scientific, and charitable initiatives in sports concussion management and cognitive-communication rehabilitation.
3) Engage on an ongoing basis within our Facebook Group and meet annually at the Head to Speech Interprofessional Summit in order to audit current protocols, programs, interventions, and resources; Discuss problems and solutions; Identify ways to utilize the Head to Speech Awareness Campaign and Toolkit in various communities; and carryout action plans by monitoring their outcomes.
Continuing Education & Professional Development Courses
Our courses are specifically designed for the following key groups:
Sports & Fitness
The Head to Speech Brain Workout Community provides brain health education, neurocognitive training, live discussions, and resources for the sports & fitness community!
We welcome college, professional & former athletes and their support systems from family and coaches to teammates, medical personnel, academic advisers, vocational counselors, and the people that make up an athlete’s entourage play a fundamental role in their brain health, post-concussive cognitive-communication rehabilitation, and cognitive aging.
Athletes under the age of 18 require their legal guardians consent and involvement.Â
Share this campaign with friends, family, or those in your professional network to help support OUR PROGRAMSÂ at Head to Speech Incorporated.
Use the social buttons below to share this funding campaign!Â
50% Complete
Register today to watch our Live Informational!