Dr. Taylor Hicks-Hoste Named President-Elect of SMA: Advancing Education and Collaboration in Selective Mutism
The Selective Mutism Association (SMA) has announced Dr. Taylor Hicks-Hoste as its new President-elect. With a background in school psychology and therapy, and years of hands-on experience supporting children with selective mutism (SM), Dr. Hicks-Hoste brings deep knowledge, meaningful perspective, and a clear vision for SMA’s future.
From Camp to Commitment
Her connection to selective mutism began in a practical, heartfelt way—through direct work with children and families. It was during her time at Thriving Minds’ Confident Kids Camp that Dr. Hicks-Hoste developed a strong passion for working with children with SM. The camp, designed as a therapeutic space to help children gradually overcome the challenges of SM, gave her exposure to evidence-based practices and the transformative power of supportive intervention.
That passion turned into a growing professional commitment. By 2020, Dr. Hicks-Hoste was working full-time as a school psychologist, while also providing clinical services part-time at Thriving Minds. This dual role positioned her uniquely at the intersection of educational systems and mental health care—two crucial arenas for the early identification and support of SM. Recognizing her school-based expertise, SMA invited her to join its Board of Directors that same year. Since joining SMA’s Board of Directors in 2020, Dr. Hicks-Hoste has worked on several key initiatives that aim to close gaps in professional awareness and competence around SM.
Bridging Schools and Clinics
Recognizing that educators are often the first line of identification for children with SM, Dr. Hicks-Hoste co-led the development of a web-based training course specifically tailored for school personnel. Spanning over a year of collaborative work, the course delivers digestible, practical content for teachers, counselors, and administrators—making it easier to spot early signs of SM and respond in alignment with best practices.
Training Educators, Reaching Families
To meet the needs of families and professionals looking for a concise, accurate explanation of SM, Dr. Hicks-Hoste also assisted in the creation of an “Understanding SM” video. Produced in partnership with an animation studio and voice actor, the video is accessible, engaging, and suitable for sharing with educators, extended family, and other members of a child’s support team.
A Vision for SMA’s Future
When Dr. Hicks-Hoste stepped forward to apply for the presidency, she submitted a formal letter to the Board outlining her qualifications and her vision for SMA’s future. Her presidency is grounded in two key strategic priorities:
Enhancing educator-facing resources and support, ensuring early, school-based interventions can be implemented with greater fidelity and confidence.
Expanding SMA’s efforts to reach individuals currently living with SM, recognizing that SM often persists beyond childhood and that adults with SM remain underrepresented in clinical literature, treatment models, and peer support spaces.
Cultivating the Next Generation
A core theme of Dr. Hicks-Hoste’s leadership is cultivating inclusive and intergenerational engagement. Drawing from her prior role leading SMA’s volunteer subcommittee, she launched a new Student Advisory Board this month composed of five members ranging from high school sophomores to college sophomores. The advisory board serves as a space for young people—many of whom have personal or volunteer experience with SM—to influence SMA programming and contribute to awareness initiatives. This work ensures the next generation of professionals and advocates is not only included, but empowered from the start.
Leading with Connection
As she takes on this leadership role, Dr. Hicks-Hoste is focusing her presidency on elevating lived experiences and fostering authentic connection across the SM professional community. Rather than viewing SM treatment as a siloed specialty, she positions it as a field that thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration—among school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, clinical psychologists, social workers, educators, and caregivers. Her emphasis on “realness, connectedness, and vulnerability” speaks directly to professionals who often navigate the emotional labor, systemic barriers, and clinical gray areas involved in treating SM. Under her leadership, SMA aims to be not just a source of knowledge—but a hub for reflective, practice-informed dialogue.
Join the Movement
SMA invites educators, clinicians, researchers, and allied professionals to connect with its growing network. Whether you're looking for training resources, peer collaboration, or ways to contribute your expertise, now is the time to become part of the conversation shaping the future of SM care.
Visit www.selectivemutism.org to learn more, access resources, or become a member.
Learn more about Dr. Hicks-Hoste here.