Scholar Spotlight: Layla Winemiller

Inching closer to her dream career

When Layla graduated from Blanchester High School in 2024, she knew she wanted to go to college. “I wanted to major in speech pathology, but figuring out how much it would cost, and how to get a loan or financial aid was so confusing. I knew there were scholarships out there, I just didn’t know how to find them.”

Enter David Hesson, Director of Programs for The Chatfield Edge.

“My mom reached out to David, and he invited us to meet with him. He helped me a lot looking at what we could afford and deciding which college would be best for me.” No one in Layla’s family had graduated from college, and Layla was hoping to be the first generation to do so. “Filling out the FASFA and then looking at financial aid offers from various colleges, it was hard. David helped us look at exact prices and weigh the good and bad about different colleges. He was so helpful.”

Pursuing her passion at Miami University

Coming from a large family of four sisters and two brothers, financial assistance was crucial to Layla. She admits she was shocked when Miami University in Oxford, Ohio offered a full scholarship. “That’s where I wanted to go, so I was thrilled.”

Today, at 19, Layla lives in Oxford year-round and attends classes fulltime while also working as a pharmacy technician at CVS. Because some of her high school classes earned her college credit, she expects to receive her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology in three years instead of the standard four. Then she’ll start looking at graduate schools because a master’s degree will be necessary before she can go into private practice.

Mentoring makes a difference

Layla also has received constant support from her Chatfield Edge mentor, Amber. “Applying and attending college can be super stressful. Having someone like Amber on my side has been so helpful. She’s a graduate of Miami University and calls me sometimes to check in and see how I’m doing. I really like her. She makes me feel so understood. I feel less stressed with all my college work because of Amber. She helps me like stay motivated and not feel so overwhelmed.”

During the recent school semester Layla was required to do 12 1/2 hours of observation in the school’s Speech and Hearing Clinic where people of all ages – from children to elderly – are assessed and treated for communication disorders. Doing so helped solidify her plans for the future. Long term, Layla hopes to specialize in pediatrics, and in helping people recover from traumatic brain injuries. “I just love working with kids!” she says.

Regardless of where she lands, Layla says once she is financially established, she wants to open a food pantry. “I volunteered at one in my hometown throughout my high school years and I just loved it.”

“I’ll always be grateful for The Chatfield Edge. The guidance in applying for school, the help with finding financial aid, and the mentorship once I started school have been so valuable. They even paid an unexpected $500 bill I received from Miami.”

If you are ready to start your educational journey and need support, reach out to us today on our website (chatfieldedge.org) or by calling us at 513-875-3344. We look forward to bringing you into our Chatfield community!