SLP Learning Hour

Join host Michelle Dawson and expert guests as they dive into all things Dysphagia in this special 9-episode series made in conjunction with the Dysphagia Outreach Project titled "Understanding Dysphagia."For some of our patients, their prognosis is such that palliative care and hospice will be necessary so that they can have joy in their season of winter. But have you ever wondered what your role as the SLP on the team was during that time? Wonder no longer. Join Michelle and Caitlin as they spend a heartfelt hour discussing the differences between palliative care and hospice, the power of an advanced directive, and the unique role of the SLP on the team for both pediatric and geriatric cases.Earn .1 ASHA CEU from this episode when you complete the accompanying course on Speech Therapy PD. - Originally Aired June 2021 -

Join host Michelle Dawson and expert guests as they dive into all things Dysphagia in this special 9-episode series made in conjunction with the Dysphagia Outreach Project titled "Understanding Dysphagia."In this hour, Sarah shares the basic science behind what a stroke is, how it can result in dysphagia, best practice for the SLP on the evaluating and treating team, as well as how to reduce your own stroke risk factors, and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke.Earn .1 ASHA CEU from this episode when you complete the accompanying course on Speech Therapy PD. - Originally Aired June 2021 -

Join host Michelle Dawson and expert guests as they dive into all things Dysphagia in this special 9-episode series made in conjunction with the Dysphagia Outreach Project titled "Understanding Dysphagia."This hour is dedicated to educating our colleagues and members of the community to the comprehensive definition of a pediatric feeding disorder and its current prevalence, how a diagnosis of this disorder can impact ability to learn in other developmental areas and wraps with a call for action to engage in interprofessional practice for optimal patient outcomes.Earn .1 ASHA CEU from this episode when you complete the accompanying course on Speech Therapy PD. - Originally Aired June 2021 -

Join host Michelle Dawson and expert guests as they dive into all things Dysphagia in this special 9-episode series made in conjunction with the Dysphagia Outreach Project titled "Understanding Dysphagia."In this episode, Brooke, who is an advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration between PT, OT, RD, and SLP for patient care, educates us to common signs and symptoms for dysphagia status post head and neck cancer treatments, appropriate evidenced-based treatments, as well as the impact of lymphedema and fibrosis on dysphagia. If you work with a patient, or have a loved one, who is currently receiving treatment for a head and neck cancer, then this is the episode to tune into to learn functional strategies, evidence-based treatments for dysphagia status post head and neck cancer and to establish the safest least restrictive and tastiest oral diet.Earn .1 ASHA CEU from this episode when you complete the accompanying course on Speech Therapy PD. - Originally Aired June 2021 -

Join host Michelle Dawson and expert guests as they dive into all things Dysphagia in this special 9-episode series made in conjunction with the Dysphagia Outreach Project titled "Understanding Dysphagia."This hour is dedicated to dysphagia from trauma, the dysphagia cases that graduate school really didn’t prepare us for. Gunshot wounds, hanging, seizure post-ETOH withdrawals, this hour covers it all and then some. Plus, Jessica shares what interprofessional practice team members we should seek guidance from, how to collaborate with them, and answers all the “what ifs?” in between. Enjoy the hour dedicated to evidence-based practice for trauma-induced dysphagia.Earn .1 ASHA CEU from this episode when you complete the accompanying course on Speech Therapy PD. - Originally Aired June 2021 -

Join host Michelle Dawson and expert guests as they dive into all things Dysphagia in this special 9-episode series made in conjunction with the Dysphagia Outreach Project titled "Understanding Dysphagia."In this episode of Understanding Dysphagia, Maggie and Katie share their expertise on best practices for neurodegenerative disorders and how understanding the nuances of their complexities is critical for the treating speech-language pathologist in developing an appropriate plan of care. If you have ever worked with or dream of working with individual who has Parkinson’s disease, Guillain-Barre’ syndrome, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), then this hour will fill your cup. Join Michelle as she shares the combined knowledge and passion of Maggie and Katie and the world of neurodegenerative dysphagia.Earn .1 ASHA CEU from this episode when you complete the accompanying course on Speech Therapy PD. - Originally Aired June 2021 -

Join host Michelle Dawson as she dives into all things Dysphagia in this special 9-episode series made in conjunction with the Dysphagia Outreach Project titled "Understanding Dysphagia."If you have ever dreamed about working in a NICU, or if you work in Early Intervention or an outpatient pediatric clinic, and have wondered what potentially could have happened with the little one before arriving on your caseload, then this is the episode for you. In this episode of Understanding Dysphagia, Michelle and Casey share experiences from their hearts about the vital importance of continuity of care from NICU to Early Intervention and why we are all part of the same team to achieve the highest favorable outcomes possible for our littlest patients. Casey walks us all through the typical development process for swallowing with a medically fragile infant, the negative impact of feeding with elevated respiratory support, as well as clinical decision-making for nipple flow rate selection, and the roles and responsibilities of members of the multidisciplinary team.Earn .1 ASHA CEU from this episode when you complete the accompanying course on Speech Therapy PD. - Originally Aired June 2021 -

In this episode, Jenny McGlothlin, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, discusses how anxiety can impact children’s food inventory and desire to eat. She also discusses the importance of parent coaching when services might not be appropriate and the use of a responsive feeding framework.

In this episode, Laura Hellfeld, RN, MSN, PHN, CNL, and Sleep Practitioner, shares her experience as a neurodivergent individual with selective eating tendencies. She discusses her experience with feeding therapy, the importance of access to the same foods, and the importance of neurodiversity-affirming feeding therapy. To wrap up the episode, Laura shares tips for working with parents of selective eaters.Earn .1 ASHA CEU from this episode when you complete the accompanying course on Speech Therapy PD

Guest: Marsha Dunn Klein, OTR/L, MEd, FAOTA - In this episode, Marsha shares the importance of meeting a child where they are at by considering all factors that can shape an individual’s eating experience, including sensory differences, past experiences, trauma, and relationships. Marsha also shares the importance of intrinsic motivation and her journey of redefining the “try it” concept and rethinking what exposure and desensitization mean to her over the course of her career.

Guest: Diane Bahr, MS, CCC-SLP, CIMI - In this Making Sense of Selective Eating episode, Diane discusses the importance of feeding development in advancing diet textures and provides a brief overview of oral sensory-motor development and how it supports feeding/eating/drinking progress.

Guest: William Sharp, PhD - Dr. Sharp shares the role a psychologist takes on a feeding team and an overview of the psychosocial domain of PFD. He then shares about when an SLP should refer to a psychologist before diving into sharing about Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.

Guest: Praveen Goday, MD - In this episode, Dr. Goday discusses the importance of the medical domain of PFDs. Listen in as Dr. Goday shares how gastrointestinal disorders can impact eating preferences, nutrition, and weight loss and when an SLP should be referred.

Guest: Raquel Durban, MS, RD, LD/N - In this episode, Raquel is the featured guest who discusses the dietician's role on the PFD team. Raquel shares how the dietician works with SLPS and other team members, the importance of compassionate global care, and how nutritional deficiencies can impact selective eaters.

Guest: Lily Gulion, MS, OTR/L, and PhD student - In this episode, Lily joins Madi to discuss how pediatric feeding disorders can be addressed in schools and the importance of inclusive mealtimes. Listen in as she shares how mealtimes are included in the general education day, discusses the social aspects of school meal times, and gives ideas about managing PFDs in the school.

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.