SLP Learning Hour

Guest: Stephanie Cohen, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC - In this episode, Stephanie introduces the concept of selective eating and the importance of using a family-focused approach. She shares the importance of looking at a selective eater through the PFD framework to rule out possible medical, nutritional, feeding skill, or psychosocial factors contributing to a child’s selectivity. Stephanie wraps up this episode by sharing the importance of using a responsive feeding approach when working with children and families.

Guest: Margaret Curley, MS, CCC-SLP: This episode focuses on advocacy for the SLP. We will chat with the fabulous Margaret Curley in NY state about advocating for the individual SLP. Participants can expect to learn about effective strategies for advocating for the individual SLP, learn about self-care and preservation strategies, and discuss various scenarios where they can learn how to advocate for themselves effectively.

Guest: Courtney Gebhart, MA, CCC-SLP - This episode focuses on advocacy within our field's different workplaces with Courtney Gebhart, a private practice owner. Participants will learn strategies for advocating in healthcare or private practice, billing questions, school districts, and service reimbursement, including talking to supervisors and finding resources to support changes.

Guest: Cori Regan, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCBA - This episode focuses on advocacy at the state level for speech-language pathologists with Cori Regan. Topics will also include state requirements, why you would reach out to state officials, why we see ‘reach out to your legislature or senator,’ what we are advocating for, and reimbursement for services.

Hosts: Jessica Hunnemeder, MA, CCC-SLP and Stephanie Reed-Foti, SLPD, CCC-SLP - This episode focuses on advocacy at the national level within the field of SLP. Participants will learn strategies for effective advocacy, including navigating legislative processes, engaging with policymakers, and leveraging collective voices for systemic change.

Guest: Nina Kraus, PhD - In this session, Garrett Oyama, MS, CCC-SLP, along with his guest, Dr. Kraus, delve into the intricate relationship between sound, the brain, and speech, providing invaluable insights for SLPs. Renowned scientist Dr. Nina Kraus will share groundbreaking research from her book, highlighting how the brain processes sound and the profound implications for speech therapy. Discover how auditory experiences shape neural pathways, the importance of musical training in enhancing auditory skills, and the role of sound in cognitive development.

Guest: Matthew Guggemos, MS, CCC-SLP - Join us as we sit down with the extraordinary speech therapist and professional drummer Matthew Guggemos for an unforgettable exploration of the intersection of speech therapy and music mastery. Uncover the secrets of meta-learning and the transformative power of embracing diverse skills. From the beat of the drum to the cadence of communication, Matthew shares profound insights on how being a musician enhances the therapist's toolkit. Music may have a reputation for being a soft science, but there are multiple evidence-based and practical ways of using music to increase the efficacy of speech therapy. For example, helping to distinguish signal-to-noise in this world of increasing noise and distraction. Tune in to this rhythm-infused episode to groove your way through the world of speech therapy CEUs. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, there's something for everyone in this harmonious blend of expertise and music magic.

Guest: Chucky Kim - This deep episode explores the metaphorical bridges between speech and music, revealing their shared elements that foster deep connections with others. Our guest, with a background in music education, music technology, and philosophy, unpacks the parallels between musical expression and the subtleties of speech. The episode emphasizes how both speech and music play vital roles in forging profound emotional connections. Additionally, we explore the integration of cutting-edge technologies in music for speech therapy. From low-cost digital tools to AI-assisted musical experiences, discover the exciting potential of these innovations in therapeutic interventions.

Guest: Isabelle Engler, MT-BC, NICU-MT - In this captivating episode, the host and a previous colleague in music school (now a successful music therapist and children’s book author) will discuss a wide range of topics, exploring the enchanting synergy between speech, music, children's books, and developmental narratives. Discover the profound impact of music and storytelling and how they go together on childhood development. Our hosts share anecdotes, illustrating how melodies become catalysts for expressive growth. Gain insights into specific strategies, from incorporating music into speech exercises to selecting narrative-rich materials for therapeutic sessions. Tune in for practical tips on leveraging the captivating fusion of music and narratives to nurture the potential within every child. Join us for a delightful exploration that creates a symphony of growth and expression in young storytellers.

Guest: Heather Leavy Rusiewicz, PhD, CCC-SLP - While music is often integrated into many speech-language pathology (SLP) areas, the specific art of beatboxing remains a novel but potentially impactful tool to support communication goals and objectives. This session aims to introduce professionals to beatboxing through a clinical lens. By way of observation and guided practice with a professional beatboxer and SLP, participants will be familiarized with the history and fundamentals of beatboxing. The theoretical and empirical connections of beatboxing to SLP, including speech and voice production, will be discussed. The potential impact of beatboxing on engagement during the intervention, especially within a group setting, will be explored. Participants will reflect on ways to integrate beatboxing into practice for individuals of different ages and communication needs.

Guest: Brea Murakami, MM, MT-BC - Research demonstrates that musicians often have better speech-processing skills than non-musicians. This episode provides an overview of the OPERA hypothesis, which outlines five mechanisms (Overlap, Precision, Emotion, Repetition, and Attention) and explains how music experiences can benefit speech and language processing. The guest will share real-life case examples of how singing can be used to practice speech-related goals, along with intervention ideas and variations that non-musician speech-language pathologists can lead.

Guest: Erik X. Raj, PhD, CCC-SLP - This exciting episode features an interdisciplinary SLP, associate professor, and rock musician discussing the intersection of music and speech theoretically and experientially. Discover how music technology and music-based tools can be implemented as practical, evidence-based interventions in your practice, as well as how your own personal musical journey (or any creative journey) can fruitfully influence your contributions to a disparate field such as speech therapy.

Guest: Margarita Dela Cruz, SLPA - In this final episode, we dive into the ethical challenges faced by a speech therapy assistant in a school-based setting, where the pressure to prioritize detailed developmental reports over therapy sessions becomes overwhelming. Through the Nonviolent Communication (NVC) lens, we explore the journey of reframing language and transforming these challenges into opportunities for empathetic communication and ethical practice.

Guest: Elizabeth Perry, MS, CCC-SLP - This episode discusses David Burns' "Five Secrets of Communication," showcasing these skills' significant impact on healing old wounds and building constructive relationships. Learn the secrets and power of effective and compassionate communication.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of compassionate communication through the lens of a case study where a helping professional was deeply impacted by an experience within a toxic workplace culture. We will navigate the challenges faced by the professional in a daycare setting, where the absence of acknowledgment, appreciation, and even the removal of a thoughtful gift create an environment that demands resilience and empathy. Learn real-world applications of NVC and gain tools for navigating workplace challenges with grace.

This episode explores the challenges of communicating effectively with the administration about overwhelming caseloads. Our anonymous guest shares the struggle of articulating the impact on job efficiency. Plus, we'll explore why many clinicians might opt for compliance over confrontation.

This episode dives into the challenges faced by new and seasoned speech-language pathologists (SLPs) as they navigate the often turbulent waters of school-based therapy. We will explore a range of issues, from “bullying” co-workers to unexpected caseload expansions. Join us for insights into maintaining compassionate communication amidst chaos and strategies for standing up for your professional well-being. Learn how to weather the storm and shift towards a more supportive and fulfilling work environment.

In this first episode of the miniseries, join host Stephanie Michele Sweigart | MS, CCC-SLP, as she explores solutions and inspires listeners to cultivate compassionate communication in their lives. Guided by core values of empathy, authenticity, and growth, practical tools and insights will be provided that empower individuals to navigate work challenges with understanding and resilience. The goal is to promote positive change, foster personal and professional growth, and build a community centered around compassionate communication in a safe and supportive space.

Guest: Marileda Cattelan Tome, Ph.D., CCC-SLP - This Making Sense of Myo episode features Dr. Cattelan Tome, who explains the importance of malocclusion on speech and swallowing functioning. She then dives into treatment planning for myofunctional disorders.

Guest: Piya Gandhi, DDS - Dr. Gandhi, a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, shares the impacts tethered oral tissues can have on oral functioning. Dr. Gandhi shares her “Function First” model for diagnosing tongue and lip ties and the process of frenectomies. Throughout the episode, Dr. Gandhi shares the importance of interdisciplinary care for frenectomies and how she collaborates with SLPs throughout the process.

Guest: Melissa Vagts, MSP, CCC-SLP, - This episode explores how knowledge of orofacial myology allows speech pathologists to effectively use differential diagnosis to determine the best care plan for their patients. Melissa explains when a myofunctional approach would not be appropriate and the qualifications a patient needs to effectively participate in a myofunctional program. Melissa wraps up this episode by sharing ways knowledge of typical oromyofunction can allow SLPs to modify treatment approaches to include myofunctional concepts to support speech and swallowing skills.

Guest: Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP - This episode features a practical and informative perspective of myofunctional therapy for speech sound disorders and the oral stage of swallowing. Char discusses “myo” treatment from three points of view. She covers the rationale behind myo (and why sometimes its treatment validity is unfairly questioned) and, most importantly, outlines the essential components of myofunctional therapy.

Guest: Janine Steine, MA, CCC-SLP, TSHH - This episode features Janine, who shares the importance of interdisciplinary care. Janine explains why interdisciplinary care is important to treating myofunctional disorders, care providers that might be involved with orofacial myofunctional disorders, and signs that a referral is needed.

Guest: Patricia Fisher, MS, CCC-SLP, COM® - This episode explores the relationship between ankyloglossia and disorders that speech-language pathologists treat. Patricia shares her knowledge on ankyloglossia. She starts the episode by explaining the characteristics of ankyloglossia and the impacts it has on the oral mechanism. Patricia then explains how ankyloglossia can impact speech, swallowing, voice, and fluency disorders.

Guest: Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, COM® - Listen in as Hallie shares an overview of an orofacial myofunctional evaluation, how it relates to the assessment of speech and feeding and provides examples of when a patient might benefit from a referral to a myofunctional evaluation. Hallie ends the episode by sharing the general goals of a myofunctional treatment plan and an overview of a typical myofunctional treatment session.

Guest: Angela McLeod, PhD, CCC-SLP, QOM - This episode explores the relationship between orofacial myofunctional disorders and speech sound disorders. Dr. Angela McLeod shares ways that an orofacial myofunctional disorder can impact speech sound production. Dr. McLeod shares how improving orofacial myofunction can improve a patient’s ability to produce accurate speech sounds. Listen in as Dr. McLeod presents the evidence behind using a myofunctional approach to treat speech sound disorders. To wrap up this episode, Dr. McLeod shares that considering the potential presence of orofacial myology concerns when addressing articulation disorders is an important component of differential diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment.

Guest: Mary Billings, MS, CCC-SLP, COM® - Mary shares the foundational role swallowing plays in craniofacial development. Mary explains the deficits an individual with an orofacial myofunctional disorder might have and shares about swallow patterns. Listen in as she discusses how myofunctional therapy can be used to support individuals in correcting their swallow patterns to improve the overall physiology of the craniofacial complex.

Guest: Kristie Gatto, MA, CCC-SLP, COM®️ - This episode explores the craniofacial complex and its foundational in the physiological processes of speech and swallowing. Listen in as Kristie Gatto, MA, CCC-SLP, COM®️ shares her knowledge on the anatomy and physiology of the craniofacial complex and how it relates back to the physiological processes speech pathologists treat.

Guest: Linda D’Onofrio, MS, CCC-SLP - This episode features Linda D’Onofrio, who has spent her career studying, teaching, and spreading awareness about orofacial myofunctional disorders. She will discuss what orofacial myology and myofunctional therapy are. Linda then discusses what an orofacial myofunctional disorder is and the signs and symptoms of OMDs. She then dives into how a patient with an OMD can impact speech and articulation skills and why a myofunctional program can support these patients. Listen in as Linda shares the evidence behind using myofunctional therapy to support speech and swallowing goals and whether or not the treatment of orofacial myofunctonal disorders is within an SLP’s scope of practice.

Guest: Tiffany P. Williams, Ph.D., CCC-SLP - In this episode, Dr. Williams discusses the professional skills needed to treat and assess speech sound disorders in the telepractice setting. She will discuss assessing, treating, and facilitating the generalization of learned skills into other settings. Dr. Williams will provide actionable strategies and resources for clinicians.

Guest: Taina Jimenez-Lopez, SLPD, CCC-SLP - Dr. Jimenez-Lopez will discuss the best practices when supervising the use of telecommunications in various settings and explore which states have regulations on telesupervision and what is expected of the supervisor and supervisee. The conversation will be centered on what should be considered to conduct an effective supervision experience via telepractice.

Guest: Roxana Gonzalez, MS, CCC-SLP - This episode features Roxana Gonzalez, who explains the expanding role of tele-assessments in the field of speech and language pathology. Various types of assessment tools and practical strategies to conduct virtual assessments will be discussed. The benefits and challenges commonly faced by evaluators will be outlined. Participants will be able to take away practical tips to enhance patient experience in the virtual setting.

Guest: Kristin Martinez, MA, CCC-SLP - This episode explores challenges and best practices related to school-based case management in telepractice. Opportunities to prepare for case management responsibilities in a new teletherapy assignment and tips and strategies related to case management will be discussed.

Guest: Kellie Paul, MS, CCC-SLP - This episode explores a comprehensive framework for participants to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and utilize telepractice platforms in their service delivery effectively.

Guest: Gila Cohen-Shaw, MA, CCC-SLP - This episode delves into the practical methods and myriad benefits of integrating mindfulness and movement practices into your routine as a clinician. Exploring how these practices contribute to heightened focus, reduced stress, and increased emotional resilience, as well as emphasizes the pivotal role of self-care in optimizing your abilities as an SLP. By cultivating mindfulness, you're equipped to offer better support to your clients and maintain a sustainable, impactful practice.

Guest: Kelli A. Uitenham, CsCD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Dr. Kelli A. Uitenham joins host Karin Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, as they discuss the professional skills necessary for providing skilled speech therapy services via telepractice for medical cases. She will discuss the treatment of dysphagia, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke rehabilitation, and traumatic brain injury cases. She will also explore when and how to incorporate caregivers, as well as how to provide training, compensatory strategies, materials, and more.

Guest: Megan Ramirez, MS, CCC-SLP - In this fifth episode, host Karin Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Megan to explore the power and importance of working with parents via teletherapy. Megan, who specializes in working with autistic children and the early intervention population via teletherapy, shares her knowledge of how to empower parents to become the agents of change in their children’s speech and language skills. The guest will discuss what parent coaching is, the research behind parent coaching via teletherapy, and the benefits of parent coaching for speech and communication outcomes.

Guest: Dr. Kelli A. Uitenham, CsCD, CCC-SLP - In this 4th episode, host Karin Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, and Dr. Kelli A. Uitenham discuss the professional skills needed for providing accent modification services via telepractice. Dr. Uitenham will discuss how to get started in accent modification, where and how to market, how to manage initial consultations, what to do for an initial analysis, and what happens in a typical session. She will also discuss what is necessary and functional when providing accent modification sessions via telepractice.

Guest: Tara Roehl, MS, CCC-SLP - In the third episode, host Karin Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Tara to discuss the journey to the exciting world of international telepractice. The experienced SLP guest shares her experiences and insights on providing services to clients across borders. From licensing issues to navigating cultural differences, this episode is packed with valuable information for SLPs looking to make a difference on a global scale.

Guest: Tricia Castellan, OTR/L - In this second episode, host Karin Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Tricia Castellan. Tricia explores and prepares the listener to incorporate a multidisciplinary team approach while utilizing telepractice. She will explore the benefits and limitations of this approach while also discussing things to consider when planning sessions. She will review strategies for communication, treatment planning, and family involvement. Finally, Tricia will provide resources for you to use with your teams.

Guest: Tara Roehl, MS, CCC-SLP - In the first episode, host Karin Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Tara Roehl to discuss who is the right fit for telepractice. They'll discuss what skills the SLP will need to begin and some common misunderstandings about who is the right fit to receive therapy. They'll also explore important considerations when identifying clients for telepractice. If you have ever thought about starting telepractice or including this service delivery into your current practice, this episode is for you.

Guest: Judith Likavec Davis - MS, SLP - In the final and sixth episode of Ease Into AAC, Kate Thomson and her guest Judith Likavec Davis will delve into what a life with AAC as a primary communication method at home can look like. They’ll discuss some myths and misconceptions that parents may have, and provide effective strategies for parents to implement AAC at home.

Guests: Darren Trentephol, Jeff Stephan & Amy Goldman - In the fifth episode of Ease into AAC, Kate Thomson is joined by Darren Trentephol, a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist and the President of AGOSCI from Queensland, Australia, Jeff Stepan, a Speech Language Pathologist from America, and Amy Goldman, the President of the US Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC) to discuss all things support for Speech Pathologists new to implementing AAC or struggling with implementing AAC in a meaningful way for the people they support. They will discuss resources, training, podcasts, and books that are helpful when starting in AAC and provide tips and tricks for speech pathologists struggling to implement AAC.

Guest: Cheri Dodge Chin, ClinScD, CCC-SLP - In the fourth episode of Ease into AAC, Kate Thomson and her guest Dr. Cheri Dodge Chin explore the use of AAC in a classroom setting. For clients to achieve their communication goals and integrate into a classroom setting, having access to a communication method like AAC is essential. Encouraging AAC use in a school setting requires collaboration between clinicians and classroom teachers. In this episode, Kate speaks with Dr. Chin about what clinicians can do to support better their clients and their families in creating better access to and understanding of AAC in their school community. They will discuss some strategies to improve AAC use during class and in communication with teachers and other educators and some challenges of AAC use in schools.

Guests: Sheree Brisbane, Hayley Hobson & Christa Wessels - In the third episode of Ease into AAC, Kate speaks with three Speech Pathologists about the different aspects of implementing AAC with clients. From getting familiar with AAC through speech therapy sessions to using it at home and in life, speech pathologists need to know how to best support their clients in using it every day. Kate, Christa, Hayley, and Sheree share their experiences implementing AAC with clients and what they’ve found to be most effective in the clinic and the community.

In the second episode of Ease into AAC, Kate Thomson dives deep into the different assessment considerations for Speech Pathologists to identify their client’s AAC needs. Assessment is one of the most critical aspects of client care as a speech pathologist, so it makes sense to dedicate an entire episode of this series to explore this topic in depth. Discover how to determine which AAC method will best support your clients in achieving their communication goals.

In the first episode of the 6-part Ease into AAC Podcast mini-series, Kate Thomson explores the foundations of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and what makes this communication method so essential and valuable. During this episode, Kate introduces you to the differences between low-tech and high-tech AAC options and lifts the lid on common misconceptions about using AAC. This episode provides a depth of understanding that benefits both Allied Health Professionals and families alike.

Guest: Terlenda Lassiter, MA, CCC-SLP - This course explores dysphagia concerns that may be associated with concussion and head injury. The presenter discusses the symptoms of dysphagia and provides case studies of athletes with dysphagia following concussion/TBI.

Guest: Alicia Smalls, MPH, MA, CF-SLP, CBIS - This course explores the role of speech-language pathologists in public health, including increasing their knowledge of the incidence and prevalence based on risk factors, identifying and addressing disparities in access to healthcare and speech-language pathology referrals, and strategies to tackle the silent epidemic by contributing to sports-related concussion initiatives as a field, individually, and within our communities. Alicia discusses the epidemiology of mild traumatic brain injury in sports concussion research, highlights the lack of access and provision of speech-language pathology services within the athletic community, and addresses the areas of the brain affected and cognitive communicative deficits that may arise.

Guest: Jay Lucker, Ed.D., CCC-A/SLP, FAAA - This course explores several topics on sports concussions and hidden hearing loss. Dr. Lucker highlights how hearing loss and auditory processing disorders impact student-athletes with sports concussions, in addition to the steps to take to check to see if an athlete may have an auditory processing disorder after a concussion.