Curious what it actually takes to change hearts and minds when advocating for the CAA profession? Turns out, advocacy is a skill like anything else in this field, and it starts with the right mental model. Whether you're a practicing CAA facing pushback in the OR, an AA student finding your voice online, or a pre-AA just starting to understand our profession's fight for recognition, this episode gives you a framework you can actually use.

In this episode I sit down with Adrienne Evans, SLP-turned-Pre-AA and co-host of the Pre-AA Pathways Podcast, to break down her original V.O.I.C.E. Framework for advocacy.

In this episode we discuss:

• The V.O.I.C.E. Framework: Validate, Own, Identify, Cite, End with inclusion
• How to respond to misinformation and disinformation about the CAA profession without escalating
• Why validation is a form of psychological grounding that lowers defensiveness in hard conversations
• How to identify the root cause of a misconception before you try to correct it
• Applying the framework in both online comment sections and in-person conversations
• Why most advocacy conversations won't change a mind on the spot — and how repetition and small efforts build relationships and long-term change

Resources Mentioned:

• Adrienne Evans' VOICE advocacy framework — SLPtoCAA.com/advocacy
• Adrienne Instagram, TikTok
• Contact Adrienne
• Non Traditional Pre-AA Club
• Pre-AA Pathways Podcast

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Interview Prep School for $97, you receive

• Step-by-step interview prep guide (themed)
• 2 hr interview workshop
• Insights from current AA students
• On camera practice
• Interview questions bank
• Tons of feedback
• Confidence

Enroll Now

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This new take on the PROCESS series is at the core of what I love to share, the messy middle. What if you could witness the making of a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant in real time, not as a polished highlight reel, but as it is actually unfolding? In all things, I care far less about the end result and far more about who you are in the becoming.

This Pre-AA to CAA PROCESS series follows Britton Robinson as her journey unfolds from 2024 through 2028, an ongoing conversation that captures the growth, the pivots, the waiting, and the wins along the way. It is about honoring growth as it happens and having the courage to tell your story before you know how it will end. This is the Pre-AA to CAA [PROCESS] of Britton Robinson.

Need to Catch up?

• ep. 89 Britton's Pre-AA to CAA Journey PART 1
• ep. 90 Britton's Pre-AA to CAA Journey PART 2

Drop me a quick voice note!

Interview Prep School for $97, you receive

• Step-by-step interview prep guide (themed)
• 2 hr interview workshop
• Insights from current AA students
• On camera practice
• Interview questions bank
• Tons of feedback
• Confidence

Enroll Now

Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.

Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!

Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

The 2026 AAAA* President had a marketing undergrad degree, years in hospitality as a bartender, one EMT night class, and a long stretch of prerequisites. This might not sound like the “perfect” route into the CAA profession, but it can be the exact training ground to build a great CAA and an even better leader. We recorded this LIVE Season 5 Finale on April 10th, 2026 from the AAAA National Conference main stage (my podcasting dream come true). It also ended up being one of my favorite conversations, not only because Emily openly discusses her imposter syndrome and test anxiety, but because it will make your big dreams feel possible again.

*American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants

Connect with Emily Mycyk, 2026 AAAA President

A HUGE Thank You to my Season 5 PROCESS sponsor, Harmony Anesthesia Staffing.

Harmony is CAA-owned, clinician-forward, and leading the way in the CAA locums market. Schedule your free 15-min consult and see how locums can work for you. Say 'hi' to Rad and Sasi for me when you do!

Drop me a quick voice note!

Interview Prep School for $97, you receive

• Step-by-step interview prep guide (themed)
• 2 hr interview workshop
• Insights from current AA students
• On camera practice
• Interview questions bank
• Tons of feedback
• Confidence

Enroll Now

Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.

Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!

Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist