SLP Learning Hour

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.

Guest: Tiffany C. Gurley-Nettles, Ph.D., CCC-SLP - This course explores neuropsychology to understand behavior as it relates to the brain and the influences of illnesses or brain injuries on behavior and cognitive functions. Dr. Gurley-Nettles discusses how brain injury and behavioral and emotional changes emerge from the injury itself, the distress from adapting to the changes following the TBI, or a combination of the two. She highlights how clinical neuropsychologists have been instrumental clinically and scientifically in the identification of problems, signs, and symptoms of sports-related head injuries. Additionally, she addresses their involvement in the areas of effective treatment plans following the cognitive and behavioral assessment, as well as the facilitation of recovery monitoring, returning to sports, school, and community reentry.

Guest: Shawnee Harle, MA - This course explores mental toughness and emotional intelligence as it relates to athletes and sports concussion management, however, these strategies are also for SLPs and AuDs to help them ignite the leader within. Helping student-athletes manage the fear behind concussions, which may lead to reducing the stigma, increased reporting of signs and symptoms, and decreased fear of isolation during protocols and repercussions, such as losing playing time and scholarships will be discussed. In addition, being unafraid of post-concussion cognitive-communication difficulties may lead to increased advocacy of accommodations. Shawnee highlights what is lacking within the sports community, which is a lack of addressing the athletes’ overall well-being. Steps to incorporate before, during, and after warming up the body and the mind, as well as preparing to deal with the “storms” from playing the sport by applying the social-emotional pillars and cognitive-communication strategies to athletic training, brain health, and the everyday physical exercises will be provided.

Guest: Danielle Hyde, MA, SLP-CCC, Reg. CASLPO - This course explores helping athletes who have sustained sports-related concussions develop their communication and cognitive skills to gain independence, reduce their frustrations, successfully return to work or school, and return to the activities and social interactions that are important to them. Danielle discusses skilled assessment and treatment, as well as collaborative and person-centered approaches to help understand challenges, identify specific goals and develop evidence-based treatment plans to achieve successful communication and swallowing outcomes.

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****Guest: Dr. Arlene Carney, Ph.D., CCC-A - This podcast provides listeners with scenarios and answers to questions about ethical issues related to the supervision of audiology assistants, avoiding conflicts of interest in working with device manufacturers, ethical issues that can arise when managing instrumentations, and the relation between ASHA’s Code of Ethics and state licensure and other regulatory boards.

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****Guest: Lynne Brady Wagner, MA, CCC-SLP - This podcast provides listeners with scenarios and answers to questions about ethical issues regarding potential conflicts between autonomy and beneficence in providing services to cognitively communicatively impaired adults, ethical issues related to informed consent in providing services for patients with communication impairments, and speech-language pathologist’s role in the four quadrants decision-making model when making decisions on services for patients with communication disorders.

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****Guest: Pamela Wiley, PhD, CCC-SLP - This podcast will introduce listeners to the importance of ethical decision-making in private practice, how ethics influences hiring and personnel supervision, the role of ethics in building business relationships, how ethics influences the growth and development of private practice, and the relationship of ethics and successful client recruitment.

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****Guest: Lynn Williams, PhD, CCC-SLP - This podcast will introduce listeners to strategies for developing interprofessional teams, the requirements for ethical interprofessional practice, strategies for addressing and negotiating conflicts and competition in interprofessional practice, developing successful interprofessional teams in school practice, and the ASHA Code of Ethics principles and rules related to interprofessional practice.

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****Guest: Yvette Hyter, PhD, CCC-SLP - This podcast will introduce listeners to the role of ethics in international practice, the types of unintended outcomes that can occur when practicing overseas, the use of culturally responsive approaches to assessment and intervention, the international guidelines and policies to be aware of in the development of international practices, the importance of developing sustainable international practices, and the role of volunteerism in overseas programs.

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****Guest: Lauren Calendruccio, Ph.D., CCC-A - This podcast will provide listeners with information about the ethical requirements for research participants’ informed consent, ethical issues related to publication of research findings, culturally appropriate approaches to research design and implementation, confidentiality and security of research information, pre-registration of research studies, and ASHA’s Code of Ethics principles and rules on the conduct and use of research.

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****Guest: Lynne Brady Wagner, MA, CCC-SLP - This podcast will provide listeners with information about the foundational principles of ASHA’s Code of Ethics, ethical issues surrounding palliative care and patient safety, the relationship between ethics and cultural competence and cultural sensitivity in medical speech-language pathology practice, and ethical issues that can arise from poor decision making in medical practice.

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****Guest: Melissa Jakubowitz, MA, CCC-SLP - This podcast will introduce listeners to the required ethical considerations in developing and establishing a telepractice, requirements for selecting telepractice platforms, the confidentiality of client information,  licensure for international telepractice services, client safety during telepractice sessions, and ASHA Code of Ethics principles and rules that are related to the ethical conduct of telepractice.

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****Guest: Theresa Rodgers, MA, CCC-SLP, ASHA-F, EdS (LD) - This podcast introduces listeners to scenarios that explore ethical violations that can occur in school practice related to overly large caseloads, student confidentiality issues,  telepractice, client abandonment, ethical issues that can arise when a school clinician has a private practice and issues related to clinicians’ lack of understanding of school district requirements for their positions.

Guest: Melanie Hudson, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow - This podcast provides listeners with scenarios and answers to questions about ethical issues related to initiation and termination of supervision, the ethics requirements for supervisor client/clinical fellow communication, financial compensation for supervisors, and the principals and rules in ASHA’s Code of Ethics that provide guidance on the conduct of clinical supervision.