Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPs

Guest: Yvette Hyter, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by trauma-informed care specialist Dr.Yvette Hyter to discuss how CSD professionals can incorporate trauma-informed practices, why it matters, how trauma-informed practices fit into culturally responsive practice, and how CSD students can be involved in trauma-informed practices. Join us for an informed hour packed with immediate actionable items for your CSD practice.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Jennifer Ruckner, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Jennifer Ruckner, the owner of Tots to Teens Therapy. They will discuss essential professional needs for starting a private practice, business structures, and how to determine if private practice is right for you. Join Renee and Jennifer for a discussion that helps define some important considerations for private practice success—demystified!Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Hillary Cooper, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Hillary joins Renee to discuss the role of state associations and why non-profit status matters. They explore different classifications of non-profits, involvement in state associations, and how it affects local issues. These are just some of the topics Renee and Hillary will discuss. If this discussion can help you launch the non-profit you have been dreaming of, our goal is met.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Walt Fritz, PT - In this episode, Renee is joined by Walt to discuss manual therapy and how it applies to SLP practice. Walt brings his unique perspective and skill set to the forefront of this conversation, including evidence-based practice and shared decision-making. Join Renee and Walt for an hour packed with innovative concepts for the ever-evolving SLP practice repertoire.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Fred Stal, MS CCC-SLP, CBIS - In this episode, Renee is joined by Fred to discuss how Head and neck cancer patients face unique challenges in their assessment and treatment journey. Late effects of radiation and lymphedema can further complicate their recovery. This episode will explore the assessment, treatment, and impact of late effects on these patients. Let's explore the complexities and strategies to navigate these issues effectively. Join Renee and Fred for this hour of research-based clinical practice and the role of the SLP with this population.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Eric Blicker, SLP.D, CCC-SLP, BCS-S - In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Blicker for a productive discussion about the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and dysphagia. Eric provides evidence-based research to support the interplay between these disease processes and findings SLPs may see on FEES. Join Renee and Eric for a knowledge-filled, research-based discussion.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: John Ashford, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Ashford to discuss aspiration, pneumonia, and factors associated with both. Join us for a knowledge-packed hour and a deeper dive into laryngeal aspiration.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Nikita Pangarkar, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Nikita for a discussion about culturally sensitive care for immigrant clients. What considerations should we, as SLPs, consider when evaluating and treating across the lifespan? How can we empower ourselves to provide quality care that demonstrates cultural humility? Join Renee and Nikita for a deep dive into serving the immigrant client community.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Jill Adlin, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Jill to discuss alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) for medically complex patients/clients across the lifespan. Renee and Jill both share a passion for communication as a basic human right and seek to decrease the abandonment of AAC devices. As Jill says, join us to “GEEK OUT ABOUT AAC.”Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Laura Purcell Verdun, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Laura for a deep dive into atypical Parkinsonism. Identification and treatment considerations, as well as why it matters, will be explored. How does the differential diagnosis impact early treatment, and how can SLPs provide evidence-based and meaningful treatment? Identify immediate practices you can implement for rehabilitating this unique diagnosis.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guests: Jackie Rodriguez, MS, CCC-SLP & Fe Gonzalez Murray, EdD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Jackie and Dr. Murray as we discuss growing up and working as Spanish/English bilinguals. The discussion is an honest conversation about what it's like to be a bilingual practitioner, yet not feeling bilingual enough to fit in any space. Through the conversation, the group will explore topics such as linguistic competency, masking, imposter syndrome, considerations for recruiting and training bilingual SLPs and training, encouraging, and supporting current practitioners.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Ed Bice, MEd., CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Ed Bice to discuss standards of care for dysphagia treatment. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion, including ethics, informed consent, and competence. Learn how all those components are intertwined and how to implement them into your practice immediately.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Treasyri Williams Wood, SLPD, CCC-SLP/L - In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Treasyri Williams Wood to discuss the many facets of aphasia. Whether SLPs are involved in the rehabilitation of the acute phase of the chronic phase of aphasia, what does our EBP treatment look like? What techniques and strategies are we utilizing across the continuum of care? How can we implement or even create a community-based support group to address the needs of our patients with aphasia? Join Renee and Treasyri as they explore the expansive world of aphasia care.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Shari Robertson, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Shari Robertson to discuss burnout and resilience-building strategies. Shari teaches us how to identify signs and symptoms of burnout in ourselves and in others. She also identifies research-based strategies to mitigate both stress and burnout. Join Renee and Shari for a “new year, new you” style podcast designed to inspire new ways to handle our professional challenges.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Megan Battles Parsons, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Megan Battles Parsons to discuss a framework for structuring clinical practicums that empowers students to increase knowledge and active participation in their education. How can one devise a mentor/mentee educational program? What key components have proven successful in this type of program? Join Renee and Megan as we discuss ways SLPs can implement educational strategies in other clinical roles, including patient education.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

In this episode, Renee reviews two very different aphasia case studies: Case study 1: a 40-year-old patient who had a stroke post chemo/radiation for stage 4 lung cancer with global aphasia.Case Study 2: a 53-year-old patient who had a stroke after foot surgery 3 years ago and was in SNF when the world shut down. She had no therapy for a YEAR, and she could not leave the SNF. Once home, she used a wheelchair and had significant expressive and receptive language deficits due to aphasia.Join Renee as she reviews how co-morbidities impact recovery, access to medical care and therapy in the acute phase of stroke, the importance of stroke education, and both effective and ineffective therapeutic interventions.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Brooke Beilman, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Brooke to discuss journeys with the head and neck cancer population. Brooke will review the speech pathologist's role in HNC, including a review of the scope of practice and understanding of the importance of prophylactic care. Renee and Brooke will discuss identifying the root etiology of swallow dysfunction and the role lymphatics play in acute and chronic swallow dysfunction. A review of relevant historical, current, and future research is included, as well as ways we, as SLPs, can advocate for our patients. Join Renee and Brooke for an hour of fast-paced information and research into the “unchartered waters.”Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Stephanie Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Stephanie to discuss compassionate communication strategies. Whether you are utilizing these strategies in therapy, with caregivers or colleagues and multi-disciplinary teams, we can build the skills needed to enhance collaboration and innovation. What does the 4-step pathway entail? How can we, as SLPs, remain non-reactive when tough situations or conversations occur? Join Renee and Stephanie for an interactive and empowering delve into compassionate communication!Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Jackie Rodriguez, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Jackie to discuss cultural considerations in a variety of SLP treatments. Renee and Jackie will also discuss dialectal density and how it impacts the assessment of patients with suspected motor speech disorder. Being aware of how to navigate a patient’s SDOH and how that impacts patient education and treatment is an important component of an ethical-based treatment model. Join Renee and Jackie for an information-packed hour of learning and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Terresa Ross, MS, CCC-SLP -In this episode, Renee is joined by Terresa to discuss ethics, shared decision-making, and informed consent when evaluating and treating patients with dysphagia. We will also discuss advocacy for patient choice in relation to patients/caregivers and the medical team. Join Renee and Terresa as they discuss practical applications of these concepts with case studies.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S - In this episode, Renee is joined by George to discuss dysphagia care and how SLPs can improve clinical decision-making. How do we, as SLPs, make decisions? Are we providing all options to patients or simply making a “solid” recommendation? We will discuss utilizing research-based practices to reduce mistakes while dispelling some common practices and myths surrounding dysphagia care. We will also use these strategies to review case studies, providing real-time takeaways for the practicing clinician.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Adria Thompson, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Adria to discuss how we, as SLPs provide dementia care to patients/clients and how we provide support to caregivers. We explore everything from communication strategies to mealtime interventions and many things in between. Both Renee and Adria have a close family member with dementia, so this discussion is near and dear to our hearts. Join us for an inspiring hour of discussion and learning.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Alison Barclift, MSEd, CCC-SLP - One misconception is that once children grow into adults, their needs diminish. For some autistic people, that is true. However, legal and caregiver concerns change and are not widely known outside the autistic community. So, join Renee and Alison, who have worked with autism across the lifespan for 20 years, for this educational and empowering hour for SLPs and families/caregivers of autistic adults.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Natalie F. Douglas PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Natalie F. Douglas, a speech-language pathologist and professor at Central Michigan University. Dr. Douglas’s research focuses on bridging gaps between clinical research and the needs of practicing clinicians, empowering them to provide research-based interventions to their patients/clients. Dr. Douglas joins Renee to review current research initiatives and provide strategies and training for patients, healthcare providers, and caregivers who are navigating communication disorders related to neurological disorders.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Amy Larocca, MS, CCC-SLP - When you think of Parkinson’s Disease, most people picture Michael J. Fox or Mohammad Ali, but what does Parkinson’s Disease or Parkinsonism look like in the general population? In this episode, Renee is joined by Amy Larocca, MS, CCC-SLP, who works primarily with People with Parkinson’s (PwP) and other neurological disorders. They will discuss how Parkinson’s disease treatment differs from other neurologic etiologies. Join us for a collaborative discussion regarding resources and community support for PwP and their loved ones.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Linda Meyer, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this inaugural episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Linda Meyer, PhD, CCC-SLP. Dr. Meyer was an instrumental part of the team that advocated for insurance coverage for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services and devices and AAC training/therapy. We will discuss the historical development of AAC services and devices in our profession with adolescents and adults and the advocacy work done to achieve reimbursement for both devices and services through Medicaid and other insurers in Virginia. This model served as a template for other states. Further, we will discuss the continuing responsibility of SLPs to advocate for ongoing reimbursement as funding sources become more restrictive. Through collaboration, advocacy, and evidence-based practice, DMAS approved coverage for both items. In addition, Dr. Meyer has remained an advocate throughout her career, not only for patients but for issues at the state level.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference