Karol Musher has witnessed extraordinary change in her 54 years as a speech language pathologist at Texas Children’s. When she first arrived, there were no computers and just a single hospital building. Today, both she and the institution have grown tremendously, yet her passion for helping patients has remained constant.
Unlike many speech pathologists who focus primarily on articulation and spoken language, Karol has devoted much of her career to helping children and young adults build skills in reading, spelling and writing. From preschoolers as young as four to college-aged students, she has guided countless patients to find their voices through the written word.
What has kept Karol here for more than five decades is her love for the work and the relationships she’s built with patients and families. While many friends and colleagues have moved on to retirement during her tenure, Karol has remained a fixture in the department. She has shared previously she cannot imagine doing anything else that would feel more meaningful or impactful or bring value to families.
For over three decades, fellow Speech Language Pathologist Cathy Turk has shared a journey of dedication, laughter and lifelong learning with Karol. “It has been my privilege to work alongside Karol for more than 30 years. From my very first day at TCH, she welcomed me and made me feel like part of the team. Karol has been so much more than a colleague, she has been a true and treasured friend. It’s been an honor to witness her dedication, compassion and heart every single day. Here’s to you, Karol; may your retirement be filled with joy, fulfillment and new adventures. Keep shining… you truly are the best!”
Karol’s influence has extended well beyond the walls of Texas Children’s. A lifelong advocate for education, she has held numerous roles that have shaped programs and communities across Houston. She served as a part-time educational consultant at St. John’s School, an adjunct assistant professor in the University of Houston Department of Communication Disorders and led the founding of the STARS Program at the Jewish Community Center, an initiative supporting children with autism. Today, the Karol Musher STARS Early Childhood Intervention Program at the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood School continues her legacy by providing a comprehensive, team-based approach to help preschoolers with disabilities and developmental delays reach their fullest potential.
Her leadership has also touched many other organizations. She served on the Bureau of Jewish Education through the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, played a central role in developing programs for children with special needs, and led as president of the Houston Jewish Community Center board from 2001–2003. She has been a board member at the Emery-Weiner School, a consultant for KIPP Academy, and a member of KIPP’s board from 1997–2002.
Karol’s impact on her patients and their families, her colleagues and the community at large is immeasurable. We thank her for her years of dedicated service.