Allison Haskill, a professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department (CSD) at Augustana College, has dedicated her career to shaping future speech-language pathologists while also making a significant impact on the local foster care community.
As co-chair of the CSD Department and director of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program, Ms. Haskill is known for her commitment to student development and her tireless efforts to support vulnerable children.
In college, she was initially on the path of a political science and international relations major, but a university requirement put her in a class about disabilities. The class was taught by a speech-language pathologist who would become her mentor, and sparked a change in academic direction. “My mentor asked me to consider teaching speech language pathology,” she recalled. “There was also an opportunity to work on a grant, and my interest stayed on for my doctorate.”
She is the mother of four adult children: Logan, Liam, Amy, and Amber, a set of twins and an adopted set of foster kids all the same age. “Yes, it was a challenge, having four kids going through all the same things at the same time,” she reflected. “It was very challenging sometimes.”
Beyond her academic responsibilities, Ms. Haskill has been deeply involved in the local foster care community, a passion that stemmed from her personal experience. “My husband and I saw how these kids in foster care life were moving frequently, and the disruptions of that and how it affected them.”
In collaboration with her children and husband, Dr. Haskill co-founded QC Closet2Closet in 2013, a non-profit dedicated to providing new and gently-worn apparel to children living in foster care. What began as a small initiative has grown exponentially. “That first year they helped 55 kids and last year they helped over 1,300,” said Ms. Haskill, who served as its director – overseeing day-to-day operations – until this year. She remains on its board.
According to a nomination letter from Kathy Jakielski, a colleague, Closet2Closet has “garnered numerous local, state, and national awards and recognition” and has thrived due to Ms. Haskill’s “heroic investments of daily time, focused commitment, and clear vision.”
“Not a single day passes without the Haskill family working on behalf of working towards realizing C2C’s mission,” the nominator wrote.
Ms. Haskill views Closet2Closet as a unique family endeavor. “Some families, you know, get together and do softball or whatever, and we did this. It was just something really special the six of us could focus on. I really loved meeting the people in the community and it was just really fun being a big part of our life.”
Another colleague, Claire Cook, described her as “the epitome of someone who has made her mark in the Quad Cities.”
In a letter of support, Ms. Cook highlighted the professor’s role in creating Augustana’s first master’s program in speech-language pathology and her ability to balance her professional responsibilities with her community work and family life. “She does all of this while raising four incredible children and being a part of her community in other ways,” she said, emphasizing her compassion and empathy.
Echoing the sentiments, Karen Sheraden noted Ms. Haskill’s “unparalleled” dedication to her students and her instrumental role in both the Augustana CSD Department and Closet2Closet. “She works endlessly and tirelessly to ensure that both are a huge success,” Ms. Sheraden wrote. She also highlighted Ms. Haskill’s commitment to involving her students in community-based programs, instilling in them a strong work ethic and a sense of purpose.
Reflecting on her career and community involvement, Dr. Haskill expressed a deep sense of fulfillment. Her dedication to both her students and the foster care community exemplifies her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Words of Wisdom
Asked what advice she would give her younger self, she said “That thing the flight stewards say, ‘in the case of an emergency put the mask on yourself before trying to help the person next to you?’ I think there’s something to that. Get lots of sleep. Take care of yourself. Don’t forget about yourself. You’re no good to anyone else if you’re not taking care of yourself.”
Bio
Education: Speech-language degrees including a Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno, 2001; M.S., University of Nevada, 1998; B.S., University of Nevada, 1996.
Family: Husband Daniel; children Logan, Liam, Amy, and Amber.
