Podcasts about slps

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Alyssa Antcliff—SLP and founder of IndiAide—about what's actually happening with your clients between sessions, and how technology can finally give you the full picture. Alyssa shares how her frustration with paper handouts and vague "it went fine" updates led her to build a between-session therapy management platform, and why remote therapeutic monitoring might be the reimbursement pathway you didn't know existed. If you've ever wished you had more data to work with before your clients walked back through the door, this one's for you.Bullet Points to Discuss: Why paper-based home materials keep falling through the cracks How a pre-COVID teletherapy client reshaped Alyssa's thinking on carryover What remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) isWhich clients benefit most from between-session supportHow IndiAide works, from clinician dashboard to family-facing tools Who qualifies for RTM reimbursement—and how to pitch it to your supervisorHere's what we learned: The gap between sessions is where progress gets lost—or made. Paper handouts don't fail because families don't care—they fail because there's no follow-through built in.RTM is a reimbursement pathway that's actually growing—and SLPs are largely missing out on it. IndiAide lets families mark activities complete, rate difficulty, and send photos or videos—so you're not flying blind at the next session.More data between sessions means better decisions when they're back in the room. Learn more about Alyssa Antcliff: Website: https://www.indiaide.com/home Website: https://www.indiaide.com/blog/rtm-for-slps-webinar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiaide_rtm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/IndiAide-61582771767836/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-antcliff/ RTM Guide: https://info.indiaide.com/rtm-guide Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

What if you could build a private practice that fits your life and not the other way around? Today's guest is using her private practice to see medically complex clients of all ages on her own terms. And her story might just be the push you've been waiting for.I'm excited to introduce you to Carly Kloack, a speech-language pathologist and the owner and founder of Climbing Mountains Therapies in Denver, Colorado.Carly has specialized interests and experience in medically complex therapeutic services for feeding, swallowing, neurodevelopment, speech, language, and cognitive-communication. She has worked with a comprehensive age range including infants, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics.After years of moving across the country every few months as a travel therapist during the pandemic, Carly knew she wanted two things: variety and flexibility. She loved working with both adults and pediatrics, from acute care to infant feeding. But she didn't love the lack of control over her own schedule.So she started her private practice — on the side, with word-of-mouth referrals, and a whole lot of courage.In this episode, Carly discusses how she started her practice without quitting her day job, why she's doubling down on a niche, and why her biggest piece of advice is simply: just do it.Outside of patient care, Carly loves the variety that comes with her schedule and is grateful to her patient's mom, a website designer who helped build her practice's website. In her free time, she enjoys being back in Colorado, close to family and the mountains she grew up loving.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How travel therapy prepared her to think creatively about her careerThe power of saying “yes” when referrals come from unexpected placesWhy she chose to build a part-time practice that works with her hospital job, not instead of itHow she's building a referral network in Denver where SLPs send each other the clients they're not the best fit forCarly is truly proof that you don't have to quit your job, go all in overnight, or have a decade of business experience to start. She took it step by step, kept the variety she loved, and built a practice that actually fits her life and not the other way around.Her story does not have to be the exception. You, too, can achieve the career of your dreams if you simply start taking steps to get there.Want to build your private practice to the point where YOU control your schedule just like Carly has? Learn more about our Start Your Private Practice Program, where Carly got the legal and logistical guidance she needed to set up her practice the right way. To learn more, please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.Or, if you already have an existing private practice and you're ready to take it to the next level we'd love to support you inside the Next Level Private Practitioner. You can learn more at www.nextlevelprivatepractitioner.com.Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.Resources Mentioned:Follow Carly onInstagram: instagram.com/climbingmountainstherapiesllc/Facebook: Climbing Mountains Therapies LLCCheck out her website: climbingmountainstherapies.comWhere We Can Connect:Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

We learned in grad school that working on joint attention and language will lead to speech development. But for the estimated 30% of autistic children who never develop functional, fluent speech, that's not the whole story. Dr. Karen Chenausky, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a speech scientist, SLP, and director of the SPAN Lab at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. She takes us beneath the iceberg to explore the hidden contributors to speech development in autism, including the motor-speech disorder component our field rarely talks about. In this episode, you'll learn: -Challenges that can limit spoken language in autism include joint attention, receptive language, speech perception, sensory differences, fine/gross motor cascades, and motor speech challenges -Minimally speaking vs. minimally verbal vs. pre-verbal: what each term really means, and why we wait until about age 5 to classify a child as 'minimally verbal' -How Dr. Chenausky identifies suspected Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) in minimally speaking children using Iuzzini-Siegel's (2015) criteria, plus the catch-22 when a child doesn't produce enough speech to diagnose speech motor disorders -What to evaluate in a minimally speaking preschooler: the motor component of speech, language comprehension and expression, nonverbal IQ, and gross/fine motor skills -An invaluable assessment tool you may not know SLPs can use: the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales for capturing fine and gross motor performance -Auditory-Motor Mapping Training (AMMT), the intonation-based treatment inspired by Melodic Intonation Therapy, and the promising findings on who benefits most (hint: phonemic repertoire and readiness-to-learn skills mattered) -JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation), Connie Kasari's play-based intervention that builds the prerequisite skills for language -A Monday-morning session framework: three-tiered tasks (mastered, on-the-cusp, challenge) that keep the child at a 70-80% success point in their zone of proximal development -Writing pivotal speech goals that expand the phonemic repertoire while diversifying language expression -When to prioritize robust AAC, because every child deserves access to all the ways of communicating -Dr. Chenausky's call to the field to develop more reliable methods to assess nonverbal IQ and receptive language in children with motor praxis and visual processing/visualmotor challenges Research referenced in this episode Chenausky, K., Norton, A., Tager-Flusberg, H., & Schlaug, G. (2018). Behavioral predictors of improved speech output in minimally verbal children with autism. Autism Research, 11(10), 1356-1365. Free link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30230700/ Chenausky, K., Brignell, A., Morgan, A., & Tager-Flusberg, H. (2019). Motor speech impairment predicts expressive language in minimally verbal, but not low verbal, individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Autism & Developmental Language Impairments, 4. Free link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35155816/ *To connect with Dr. Chenausky, Google search "Karen Chenausky SPAN Lab"

How do mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression influence language and communication?Guest: Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful discussion about the connection between adolescent language development and mental health. As mental health concerns continue to affect students across school and clinical settings, this conversation considers the role speech-language pathologists can play as part of an interprofessional team. Michelle and Kary also discuss how emotional well-being may affect assessment findings, goal development, and intervention planning, and offer strategies to help SLPs better understand and support the whole student.About the Guest: Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience working in a pediatric hospital setting. Throughout her career, she has specialized in working with adolescents and has had the opportunity to work closely on interdisciplinary teams alongside psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, pediatricians, and advanced practice nurses, supporting school-age children and adolescents with complex communication, learning, and mental health needs.Show Notes:Contact Kary on her website: Woven Language + LearningLove Money: National Alliance on Mental IllnessMentioned in this episode:Register for the Back-2-School Conference

In this episode, Jayson Davies sits down with Kelli Fetter, founder of Handwriting Solutions, to explore the world of dysgraphia — from the challenges of diagnosis and assessment to evidence-based, school-based intervention strategies. Kelli shares her personal journey as both an OT and parent of a child with dysgraphia, and explains why she believes school-based OTs are the most well-positioned experts to lead the charge on handwriting support.Kelli and Jayson dig into practical topics including how to assess handwriting across different cognitive load levels, the difference between top-down and bottom-up intervention approaches, and how MTSS frameworks can be used to build tiered handwriting programs in schools. They also discuss the emerging "science of writing" movement and why now is a critical moment for OTs to step into a leadership role in this space.Whether you're new to school-based practice or looking to sharpen your handwriting intervention skills, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can bring directly to your students. Listen now to learn how to confidently support students with dysgraphia and written expression challenges — and why it's never too late to make a difference.Listen now to learn the following objectives:Explain the OT's role in supporting students with dysgraphia within a tiered MTSS framework, including how to collaborate with teachers, SLPs, and special educators to address written expression as a shared team goal.Apply assessment strategies across varying cognitive load levels — from tracing and near-point copying to dictation and self-generated writing — to identify automaticity gaps and guide intervention planning.Design intensive, frequency-based handwriting intervention models (such as handwriting clubs or camp programs) that leverage motor learning principles to produce faster, more meaningful outcomes than traditional once-weekly sessions.Click here to register & get the best deal on the 2026 Back to School Conference!  Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.comSee you in the next episode! 

What if you could build a private practice that actually fights burnout instead of causing it? Today's guests are doing just that, and they're serving adults in the process.I'm thrilled to introduce you to Jane Hohman and Josie Friedman, two speech-language pathologists and co-owners of Comprehensive Communication Partners, PLLC, based in the Chicagoland area.Switching from hospital systems to private practice was the key that unlocked not just better care for their patients, but also better lives for themselves. Jane and Josie now see clients in their homes, in a shared clinic space, and via teletherapy — all while staying energized, engaged, and excited about their work.In this episode, Jane and Josie discuss how they transitioned from burnout to balance, built a partnership that actually works, and created an adult-focused practice that serves clients with neurologic conditions long after the hospital would have discharged them.Josie Friedman earned her Bachelor's degree from Indiana University and her Master's degree from Rush University. She has experience across outpatient, inpatient, and day rehabilitation settings, with special clinical interests in swallowing disorders, aphasia, and cognitive-communication impairments. Josie especially enjoys leading group therapy sessions and support groups for individuals with aphasia, cognitive-communication disorders, and social-communication challenges. Outside of work, she loves exploring Chicago's restaurant scene, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.Jane Hohman earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Master's degree from Northwestern University. Her experience spans skilled nursing, outpatient, inpatient, and day rehabilitation. Jane has a strong clinical interest in evidence-based interventions for aphasia and cognitive-communication disorders, with particular enthusiasm for supporting higher-level executive functioning skills to help clients return to work or school successfully. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new recipes and spending time with family and friends.Together, they are passionate about working with the adult neurogenic population and providing functional, personalized therapy that meets clients where they actually live — whether that means working on cognition in someone's kitchen, running a Parkinson's group in their subleased clinic space, or leading an aphasia support group.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How to know when it's time to leave a “dream job” that's burning you outThe power of a partnership—and how to divide and conquer based on your strengthsWhy saying “yes” to everything in the beginning (networking, patients, opportunities) pays off big laterJane and Josie are truly living proof that private practice doesn't have to mean pediatrics, and it doesn't have to mean going it alone. Their story does not have to be the exception. If two full-time clinicians can start a business over dinner, work nights and weekends while staying employed, and slowly build a practice that gives them freedom and fulfillment, so can you.Want to build a private practice that lets you serve adults on your own terms just like Jane and Josie did? Learn more about our Start Your Private Practice Program. To learn more, please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.Or, if you already have an existing private practice and you're ready to take it to the next level we'd love to support you inside the Next Level Private Practitioner. You can learn more at www.nextlevelprivatepractitioner.com.Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.Resources Mentioned:Follow Jane and Josie onInstagram: instagram.com/compcommpartners/Facebook: facebook.com/compcommpartnersLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/comprehensive-communication-partners-pllc/Check out their website: compcommpartners.comWhere We Can Connect:Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

Matt Phillips is a person who stutters, speech therapist at the Sisskin Stuttering Center, and PhD student at Michigan State University. His personal experiences as a person who stutters have influenced his clinical practice and research interests, which are centered around improving the lives of people who stutter through stutter-affirming practices. As a speech therapist at the Sisskin Stuttering Center, he provides telehealth speech therapy to children, teenagers, and adults who stutter using an Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS®) framework to help his clients reduce the struggle associated with stuttering, communicate more easily and spontaneously, and participate more fully in life. At Michigan State University, Matt works with Dr. Bridget Walsh in the Developmental Speech Lab, where he researches two major questions: (1) why do some children who stutter stop during childhood, whereas others continue into adulthood, and (2) why are some children more negatively affected by their communication difference than others, and how can SLPs help reduce the adverse life impact of stuttering.Matt's website: https://www.mattcphillips.com/Listening to Voices That Matter: The Speech Therapy Experiences of People Who Stutter: https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_JSLHR-24-00792........................................⭐️ Help us grow by subscribing and rating our podcast on any platform (don't forget to leave a 5 ⭐️ review)❤️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support our podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Local accountability takes center stage on the St. Louis Morning Brief. Marc and Kim break down Webster Groves' lawsuit against a bankrupt fireworks vendor that canceled just days before the Fourth of July, leaving dozens of Missouri and Arkansas cities scrambling. They also spotlight a Post-Dispatch report exposing the growing split in the local Democrat Party, as Wesley Bell's union endorsement collides with Cori Bush's backing from the Democratic Socialists of America in the CD1 primary. Sobering numbers come out of St. Louis Public Schools, where enrollment has collapsed from 43,000 to under 17,000 students, forcing potential closures of up to 22 schools — a direct result, Marc argues, of years of failed leadership. The segment also covers a watchdog group's push to investigate the St. Louis County Health Department director, and closes with the somber discovery of a child's body near Belleville tied to a parental kidnapping case. The Marc Cox Morning Show keeps its finger on the pulse of the region. Hashtags: #MarcCoxMorningShow #STLMorningBrief #WebsterGroves #SLPS #CoriBush #WesleyBell #DemocraticSocialists #STLCounty #MissouriNews #LocalAccountability #STLNews #FaithFamilyFreedom #STLRadio

In this episode of the Legal Nurse Podcast, we delve into the specialized world of speech and language pathology with expert witness Elizabeth McKinney, who brings 17 years of experience in geriatric care and a wealth of advanced certifications in her field. Elizabeth McKinney sheds light on the extensive educational requirements and ongoing certifications necessary for speech-language pathologists, highlighting their critical role not just in communication but also in swallowing safety, cognitive assessments, and patient advocacy across all care settings. Listeners will gain an insider's perspective on how speech-language pathologists contribute to both pediatric and adult care, often working behind the scenes with vulnerable populations in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, and even home health. The episode also tackles the legal and ethical responsibilities of these professionals, especially in complex cases involving aspiration pneumonia, diet management, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Through compelling case examples including wrongful death due to preventable choking, Elizabeth McKinney illustrates the real-world stakes of clinical decisions and the vital interplay between nurses, dietitians, and speech pathologists. With her unique view as an expert witness, Elizabeth McKinney discusses both the high standards set by the profession's code of ethics and the impact of proper documentation, team education, and timely intervention on patient outcomes and litigation. Whether you're a healthcare provider, legal professional, or simply curious about the hidden dimensions of post-acute care, this episode will deepen your understanding of how speech and language pathology can shape and safeguard patient lives. What You'll Learn in This Episode on The Overlooked Impact of SLPs in Elder Care and Litigation Here are 5 discussion questions answered in the podcast: What are the implications when recommended swallowing safety precautions are not followed in skilled nursing facilities? How can impulsive or improper diet recommendations by speech-language pathologists contribute to adverse patient outcomes and potential litigation? What mechanisms exist for nurses, dietitians, and speech-language pathologists to communicate and collaborate regarding dietary changes and patient safety? How does the ASHA Code of Ethics guide the practice and decision-making of speech-language pathologists, especially when unethical practices are observed? In what circumstances are speech-language pathologists likely to be named as defendants in malpractice litigation, and how common is this compared to other healthcare providers? Get the free transcripts and also learn about other ways to subscribe. Go to Legal Nurse Podcasts subscribe options by using this short link: http://LNC.tips/subscribepodcast. https://youtu.be/tEBuol12ahY Your Presenter for The Overlooked Impact of SLPs in Elder Care and Litigation Pat Iyer Pat Iyer is a seasoned legal nurse consultant and business coach, renowned for her expertise in guiding new legal nurse consultants to successfully break into the field. As the host of the Legal Nurse Podcast, Pat addresses critical challenges that legal nurse consultants face, such as difficulty in landing clients and a lack of response from attorneys. Through her insightful episodes, she emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating one's value to potential clients. With a wealth of experience, Pat has empowered countless consultants to overcome these hurdles and thrive in their careers. Connect with Pat Iyer by email at patiyer@legalnusebusiness.com Elizabeth McKinney Speech-Language Pathologist, Expert Witness, Advocate Elizabeth has been practicing as a speech-language pathologist for 17 years. She graduated from the University of Florida with her bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders with a minor in gerontology and her master's degree in speech-language pathology. She has devoted her career to the care of geriatrics in skilled nursing facilities across Florida. Elizabeth has been an expert witness since 2023 and has served on nearly 20 cases nationwide. When she is not on this podcast, she is enjoying the Florida lifestyle with her husband and two kids. She enjoys reading, volunteering, and running in her spare time. Connect with Elizabeth McKinney by email at emckinneyslp@gmail.com

Gain practical strategies to gather meaningful information during bilingual evaluations.Guest: Damaris Sánchez Rivera, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeMichelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Damaris Sánchez Rivera, MS, CCC-SLP, host of the Spanish-language podcast SLPs en Acción, for a thoughtful conversation about ethical, strengths-based evaluation and treatment approaches for bilingual children. Together, they explore how clinicians can approach bilingual assessments with confidence, cultural responsiveness, and joy while supporting children and families across a variety of settings.About the Guest: Damaris Sanchez Rivera's, MS, CCC-SLP, clinical experience includes working in private practices, charter schools, and home settings. Damaris is currently the Outreach Program Director at a non-profit organization where she coordinates hearing, vision, and speech and language screenings for preschools and Head Start centers for more than 1,000 children every year.Contact Damaris:IG: @speechloveandplaymusicLinkedInListen to SLPs en Acción:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeShow Notes:Bilinguistics: The Ultimate Speech Language Parent Questionnaire LibraryRelated Course: “Understanding Medical Interpretation”Find Resources: FindHelp.orgThe Children's Trust MiamiDolly Parton Imagination LibraryDolly Parton Imagination Library Bilingual InstructionsDysphagia Outreach ProjectHablamigo: Bilingual resource for K-5 studentsLove Money: The United WayMentioned in this episode:Register for the Back-2-School Conference

Show Notes: slpnow.com/259A caseload number can look tidy on paper, but it never tells the whole story. In this episode, I break down why caseload does not equal workload, what the 2024 ASHA survey tells us, and why so many school based SLPs feel stretched thin even when the numbers look manageable.I also walk through a simple way to make invisible work visible, so you can use data and clear language to advocate for support without making it personal. If you are feeling behind, this is your reminder that the system may be the problem, not you.Resources:- 2024 ASHA schools survey- SLP Now Academy- slpnow.com/pod

What happens when two SLPs and BCBAs get together to tackle the biggest conversations in our fields? You get an honest discussion about collaboration, research, and keeping students at the center of every decision.Today, we're flipping the script and I'm answering some of the questions I hear most often about speech therapy and ABA, from choosing AAC vocabulary to navigating current topics like gestalt language processing, prompting, and aided language modeling. I share why I believe we have to move beyond an "all or nothing" mindset and focus on what the research tells us while making thoughtful, ethical decisions for each individual learner. Dr. Giles and I also dig into functional communication, response forms, and why collecting meaningful data should guide every intervention we use. My hope is that these conversations help bridge the gap between disciplines so we can spend less time debating and more time helping our students communicate with confidence.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs leads to better outcomes for learnersHow I think about AAC vocabulary, response forms, and functional communicationMy perspective on gestalt language processing, prompting, and current researchWhy data driven decision making should shape every communication interventionMentioned In This Episode:Grab Say it With MeEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

Show Notes: slpnow.com/258What if it actually felt doable to leave work at work?In this episode, I'm sharing five things I've seen school based SLPs do to leave on time more consistently. It is not about caring less. It is about building systems that make the job more manageable. I talk about planning ahead, giving every part of the job a home, documenting as you go, and protecting your energy.If you've been telling yourself that staying late is just part of being a good SLP, this episode is your reminder that burnout is not a badge of honor. There is a better way, and it starts with one repeatable system. Working smarter, not harder.Resources:- Follow along on Instagram: instagram.com/slpnow- Email: hello@slpnow.com- Sign up for a free trial: slpnow.com/pod

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THE TIM JONES AND CHRIS ARPS SHOW 0:00 SEG 1: Birthright Citizenship Ruling || Campaign finance || Transgender athletes || Rep. Tom Kean returns to Congress, says depression is why he went missing for months 18:25 SEGMENT 2: DAVID STOKES, Director of Municipal Policy at the Show-Me Institute || TOPIC: Route for bus rapid transit line gets key approval. Whether the line will ever be built will depend on winning federal grants needed to pay for the bulk of the cost, estimated at over $360 million || What if you eliminated personal property taxes and nobody noticed? || SLPS may close 20 schoolsshowmeinstitute.orgx.com/DavidCStokes 34:23 SEGMENT 3: CHRIS CORNER: The problem with rent control is history https://newstalkstl.com/ FOLLOW TIM - https://twitter.com/SpeakerTimJones FOLLOW CHRIS - https://twitter.com/chris_arps 24/7 LIVESTREAM - http://bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMS RUMBLE - https://rumble.com/NewsTalkSTL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you think executive function challenges only affect your ADHD and autism clients, this episode will change how you see your entire caseload. In this episode, we break down the latest 2025 research, revealing that executive function difficulties are far more widespread than previously recognized, including in populations SLPs have historically underestimated. You'll learn: Adele Diamond's 3-part framework for understanding executive function (attention and inhibitory control, verbal working memory, and cognitive flexibility) Why do children with developmental language disorder almost universally show verbal working memory deficits across all ages and native languages The surprising finding that even children with mild articulation errors, like distorted R's and S's, show statistically significant executive function risk New 2025 data linking stuttering to verbal and visual working memory difficulties How Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles can help you build one powerful, inclusive activity that targets executive function across your whole caseload The bottom line: We need to stop treating a mouth and start treating the whole child. Next week: Part 2 covers what the research says actually works to improve executive function and how to bring it into your sessions starting Monday. References: Afshar, M., Zarifian, T., Khorrami Banaraki, A., & Noroozi, M. (2022). Executive functions in Persian-speaking preschool children with speech sound disorders and comparison with their typically developing peers. Applied Neuropsychology: Child, 11(4), 702–712. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622965.2021.1937169 Kakuta, K., et al. (2025). Executive function in preschool children who stutter: A behavioral assessment study. Scientific Reports, 15(1), Article 16159. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00981-9 Lee, D., Boulton, K. A., Sun, C., Phillips, N. L., Munro, M., Kumfor, F., Demetriou, E. A., & Guastella, A. J. (2024). Attention and executive delays in early childhood: A meta-analysis of neurodevelopmental conditions. Molecular Psychiatry. Advance online publication. Niu, T., Wang, S., Ma, J., Zeng, X., & Xue, R. (2024). Executive functions in children with developmental language disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 18, Article 1390987. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2024.1390987 Keywords: executive function, speech language pathology, developmental language disorder, speech sound disorders, apraxia of speech, stuttering, verbal working memory, UDL, SLP caseload, 2025 research

Have you ever heard of the term “shared-creation” or wondered how it applies to effective collaboration for school-based SLPs?Guest: Mary Mitchell, PhD, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Mary Mitchell, PhD, CCC-SLP to explore the many ways collaboration can look in practice and define what true shared-creation collaboration involves for the school-based SLP. Michelle and Mary discuss how the SLP's role shifts across settings, why meaningful collaboration goes far beyond quick conversations or shared paperwork, and how intentional teamwork can help create stronger support systems for students. They share ideas for building authentic partnerships with classroom teachers, navigating common collaboration challenges, and using evidence-based resources to strengthen collaborative practice in schools.About the Guest: Mary Mitchell, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Pacific University. Her clinical background is rooted in school-based services. Dr. Mitchell's clinical and research interests include language and literacy assessment and intervention, dynamic assessment, professional learning, supervision, and interprofessional collaboration.Show Notes:Contact Mary: mary.mitchell@pacificu.eduCollaboration in Schools: Let's Define It (Mitchell et al., 2020)Vocabulary Outcomes With Third Graders in a Teacher and Speech-Language Pathologist Collaboration (Mitchell et al., 2022)Facilitating Language Development for Inner-City Children: Experimental Evaluation of a Collaborative, Classroom-Based Intervention (Hadley et al., 2000)Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry PattersonShared Minds: The New Technologies of Collaboration by Michael SchrageBooks Are for Talking, Too! By Jane L. GebersSupport the Community Transitional SchoolSupport Holla School

He was banging his head on the floor, and Tara remembers the tears sliding down her cheeks and the only words she could find: "How can I help you?" That moment, and dozens of others over 25 years in the classrooms,  the real origin story of the Preschool Autism Summit. In this episode, we flip the script. Instead of Tara behind the mic, her teammate Shawna takes over as host and interviews Tara about how the summit actually began, long before it was an annual event with 30 presentations and thousands of attendees. What started as one teacher making her own resources because nothing existed for three- and four-year-olds has grown into something much bigger than a conference. Tara and Shawna talk about the isolating early years of teaching "back in the 1900s," the students who taught Tara how to teach, and the gut-level "if it feels yucky, don't do it" moments that pushed her away from compliance-based practices and toward regulation, connection, and respect for autistic children. If you've ever wondered how the Preschool Autism Summit came to be — or why this work matters so deeply — this conversation is for you. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why Tara started Autism Little Learners — and how it began with simply making her own classroom materials What teaching autistic students looked like "back in the 1900s," before online resources, memberships, or virtual courses existed The students who shaped how Tara supports autistic children today How the idea for the Preschool Autism Summit was born in late 2023 — and why preschool-specific training was the gap she set out to fill What makes the summit different from a traditional conference (no travel, no cold ballrooms, no weird sandwiches) How autistic adults review every single presentation to keep the summit genuinely neuroaffirming Why Tara moved away from behavioral approaches like hand-over-hand prompting and toward regulation and connection What attendees can expect from the 2026 summit, July 12–15 Key Takeaways Change often starts with one small idea. Tara never set out to leave the classroom or build a business — she just wanted to share the resources she was already making. Teaching autistic children can feel isolating. Many educators and SLPs are the only one or two doing this work in their entire school. Community is what breaks the "you're on an island" feeling. Regulation comes first, connection right beside it. A dysregulated child isn't able to learn — and learning is hard without genuine connection. Connection means weaving in what a child loves, not dangling their interests as a reward to get compliance. If it feels yucky, don't do it. That gut feeling is worth trusting — and now there are neuroaffirming alternatives that didn't exist decades ago. Autistic voices belong at the center. Autistic adults review every presentation, so "neuroaffirming" is a practice, not just a label. Small shifts in adult behavior have lifelong impact. A child is autistic — it's part of who they are, not something they carry and set aside. This is a movement, not just an event. One free ticket can reach roughly 10 students. Tara's goal: reach a million. None of us have to do this work alone. Try This Reflect on how your own practice has changed over the years. Name one area where you're moving from compliance toward connection. Think of a child who reshaped how you see your work. Reach out to one educator who shares your values. Grab your free ticket and learn alongside thousands of educators, therapists, and families at the 2026 Preschool Autism Summit. Resources & Links Preschool Autism Summit Registration — Grab your free ticket to the 3rd Annual Preschool Autism Summit, July 12–15, 2026: preschoolautism.com This year's summit features 30+ presentations, make-and-take sessions with Tara, and an All Access Pass option for year-round access plus certificates of completion.

Connect the dots between AAC caregiver coaching and adult learning.Guest: Daj Mitchell, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeMichelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Daj Mitchell for a joyful discussion on powerful AAC caregiver coaching. Together, they explore Malcolm Knowles' Principles of Adult Learning and how these concepts can help SLPs better support caregivers throughout the AAC journey. Daj breaks down the four levels of caregiver readiness for AAC implementation and shares practical strategies for meeting families where they are. Gain ideas for tailoring AAC coaching conversations, strengthening caregiver engagement, and creating more meaningful opportunities for communication success across everyday routines.About the Guest: Daj Mitchell, MS CCC-SLP, graduated from Governors State University with her Bachelor's in Speech-Language Pathology and a minor in Psychology. She received her Master's in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Illinois State University and holds a variety of certifications and awards, including, but not limited to, certification as a Lingraphica Technology Specialist, Level I and Level II Sensory certified, and a recipient of two successive ASHA ACE awards.Show Notes:Contact Daj on Instagram: @yourslpdajListen to Daj's Podcast: Co-Treat Corner: Collaboration Tips for Therapists Love Money: Support Spero Stuttering

Send us Fan MailNot all rotator cuff tears are the same, and understanding why can completely change how you set expectations and build a plan with your patients. In this episode, we break down tendon anatomy and physiology, the different ways rotator cuff tears develop (degenerative vs. traumatic), the difference between partial- and full-thickness tears, and the factors that influence healing and prognosis for both conservative and surgical patients.In this episode you'll learn:What a tendon actually is and why its structure (and blood supply) matters for healingThe difference between degenerative and traumatic rotator cuff tearsRisk factors that make someone more likely to develop a tearArticular-side vs. bursal-side partial thickness tears — and why bursal tears tend to hurt moreWhat "massive" and "irreparable" tears mean, and how outcomes differPredictors of good outcomes with conservative care (hint: baseline ROM and strength matter)A quick look at steroid injections vs. PRP for rotator cuff tearsTest yourself:What is a tendon's main job, and what structures help it do that job?What are the main categories of rotator cuff tears?What are the two types of partial thickness tears, and how do they differ?What factors affect healing after a rotator cuff tear — for both conservative and surgical patients?

Ever notice how you can see an easier way, yet still choose the hard way? In this episode, I'm digging into the uncomfortable question: what part of you doesn't want things to be easy? When it comes to work, motherhood, and productivity, why are subconsciously making it harder than it needs to be? I'm sharing five hidden patterns that keep high-achieving women (especially SLPs and private practice owners) stuck in hard mode. If you've been trying to solve a mindset problem with a new planner, a tighter system, or a 5 am wake-up call, this one is for you. You'll Learn: Why “hard” can feel like proof you're doing it right (and why that's a trap) The identity patterns that make "easy" feel unsafe or unfamiliarHow complexity can masquerade as control (and quietly drain your energy)The difference between sustainable success vs. survival modeA simple question to ask yourself when you're overcomplicating somethingRelated Episodes:Episode 73: Why You Don't Want Work-Life BalanceEpisode 97: This Is What They Didn't Teach Us About Being an SLP Episode 102: Your Job Is Not Your Identity (Even If You're Damn Good At It) Want Support? If this hit a little too close to home, book a free consult so we can uncover what's driving your hard mode and what it would look like to create sustainable success you actually enjoy. To find out how I can help you improve your work-life balance, click here. Come join Work-Life Balance for Speech Pathologists on Facebook for more tips and tricks!Learn more about Theresa Harp Coaching here.

This episode is a message on humanism, mission, and showing up fully for every child. It's not a question of whether the child can do it. Of course they can. It's only a question of how. This week's episode is deeply personal. After losing a close friend and being present with him in his final moments, a powerful message surfaced: when someone is suffering, don't look away. Go toward them. For SLPs working with challenging children (kids who bite, scratch, have hours-long tantrums, or hurt themselves) this message is everything. The children on your caseload who are hardest to reach are the ones who need you most. And you have what it takes to show up for them. In this episode, let's discuss... Why a humanistic lens, not just a clinical one, is the foundation of meaningful work with children Why a narrow approach with kids with autism will leave you stuck, and what a truly holistic approach looks like How to take what's working in one area of your practice and bridge it to the gaps without reinventing the wheel Why this work is a mission and why giving all of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically is worth it This episode is for you if.... You work with children who are challenging to reach and sometimes wonder if you're making a difference You feel the physical, emotional, and mental weight of this work You want to be reminded that you are capable and that there's always a "how" You're looking for the motivation to roll up your sleeves and keep going READY TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE ONE CHILD AT A TIME? You bring the mission. We bring the materials. The SIS Membership gives preschool SLPs instant access to ready-to-use, effective, and engaging resources, so you can spend less time prepping and more time doing what you do best: showing up for your kids. ✔ Therapist-designed materials built for real preschool caseloads ✔ Strategies that support a holistic, whole-child approach ✔ Tools that work even with your most challenging kids You don't have to do this alone. Join the SIS Membership today and change lives faster. https://www.kellyvess.com/sis See you there,

This episode of PT Breakfast Club is a practical conversation about value, access, content, and revenue in physical therapy. Jimmy McKay, Tony Maritato, and Dave Kittle start with a wild sports pricing example, then bring the conversation back to the clinic: why do PTs struggle to charge for expertise when other industries clearly understand premium access?The group digs into insurance reimbursement, cash-pay models, YouTube memberships, creator burnout, and why patient education content may become a serious business asset for PTs and clinic owners.Key Insights• People pay for access, status, trust, and simplicity. PTs need to understand which of those they are actually offering.• Billing codes can train clinicians to think in units instead of outcomes, expertise, and value.• Premium PT care and broad access are not opposites. A clinician can charge more for high-touch care while also creating lower-cost education through content, memberships, and video libraries.• YouTube memberships may be a practical way for PTs to build education-based revenue without building a custom app.• The biggest content barrier for many PTs is not editing, gear, or planning. It is confidence, consistency, and fear of being judged.• A shared rehab creator network or launchpad could help PTs, OTs, and SLPs build audiences faster than working alone.• Corporate content often fails when it feels like an ad too early. Trust has to come before the close.Why This Matters For PTs And Clinic OwnersClinic owners are under pressure from reimbursement, staffing, burnout, and rising patient expectations. This episode pushes the profession to think beyond the visit-based model and ask: what else can expert clinicians build with their knowledge?For individual PTs, the message is simple: your expertise can create value outside the treatment room, but only if you are willing to publish, test, learn, and keep going.Hosts / GuestsJimmy McKayPT PintcastTony MaritatoTotal Therapy Solution - Physical Therapyhttps://www.youtube.com/c/TotalTherapySolutionDave KittleThe Dave Kittle Showhttps://www.youtube.com/@thedavekittleshowSponsorsSaRA Healthhttps://sarahealth.comEMPOWER EMRhttps://empoweremr.comU.S. Physical Therapyhttps://usph.comSubscribe & FollowApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pt-pintcast-physical-therapy/id1000443325Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3LmMUT64yrUc2iGo9EmafcYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@PTPintcastLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-mckay-pt-dpt-a4207659/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ptpintcastX / Twitterhttps://x.com/PTPintcastWebsitehttps://www.ptpintcast.com/

AAC can feel overwhelming for clinicians, but it does not have to stay that way.I'm joined by Valerie Zimmerman from Mindcolor Autism to talk about what happens when BCBAs and SLPs come together to better support autistic learners who use AAC. Valerie shares how her team has prioritized AAC training across their organization, even though many clinicians receive little to no formal instruction in this area. We dig into the real questions providers are asking, from ethical considerations around programming devices to understanding the role of collaboration in helping students communicate more effectively.One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing how Mindcolor Autism created a clinical consultation model that gives staff ongoing support when they encounter challenging cases or communication questions. I love seeing organizations build systems that help clinicians feel less alone and more confident in their work.We also talk about the importance of practical, immediately applicable training. Whether you are a BCBA, SLP, RBT, or parent, this conversation highlights how much growth can happen when teams learn together and stay curious about communication. AAC is not just about devices, it is about giving students meaningful ways to connect with the world around them.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why AAC training is essential for both BCBAs and SLPsCommon misconceptions about supporting students who use AACHow Mindcolor Autism built a clinical consultation support modelPractical ways teams can collaborate around communication goalsMentioned In This Episode:Mindcolor Autism AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs All About AAC Bundle Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

If you've ever taken a basic task and somehow turned it into a life-or-death project, this episode is for you. That “why is everything so intense?” feeling isn't proof you're responsible — it's usually a sign your default mode is hard. In today's episode, I'm naming what's actually driving that pattern and why it shows up so much for high-achieving SLPs, especially when you add ADHD to the mix. And I'm giving you one simple question to start loosening your grip today. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why “hard” often feels like “better” (even when it's just burning you out) How over-preparing can be a sneaky attempt to avoid judgment or criticism How ADHD/EF challenges (novelty, complexity, rabbit holes, time blindness) fuel hard modeA grounding question to interrupt the spiral: “How would I do this if it had to be easy?” How this pattern impacts energy, relationships, and decision fatigue — and why it mattersWant support untangling this in real life? I can help. Book a free consult today. To find out how I can help you improve your work-life balance, click here. Come join Work-Life Balance for Speech Pathologists on Facebook for more tips and tricks!Learn more about Theresa Harp Coaching here.

Episode 138 When One Plus One Equals Three: A Conversation with National Aphasia Synergy               In this episode you will discover: 1.  People with aphasia hold the map. At NAS, people with aphasia don't just have a seat at the table — they built the table. Real peer leadership changes everything about how an organization thinks and acts. 2.  Recovery is about more than speech. The isolation and psychological distress that follow aphasia are just as real as the communication challenges — and just as deserving of attention and support. 3.  Peer-befriending is life participation in action. When people with aphasia support one another through shared experience, that's not a supplement to good care — it is good care. 4.  Sinergia: one plus one equals three. When survivors and professionals work as true equals, something greater emerges than either could create alone. June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, and around here, that means it's time for one of my favorite podcast traditions. For the past few years running, we've spent this month in conversation with people who know aphasia from the inside — those living it every day. Today is no exception, and this one is a conversation I've genuinely been looking forward to.   Welcome to the Aphasia Access Conversations Podcast. I'm Katie Strong from Central Michigan University, where I lead the Strong Story Lab, and I'm a member of the Aphasia Access Podcast Working Group. Aphasia Access is dedicated to transforming services and environments so people with aphasia can participate more fully in life — and today's guests are living proof of exactly what that looks like.         Today I'm speaking with two leaders from National Aphasia Synergy — known as NAS — a peer-led nonprofit founded in 2021 by people with aphasia, for people with aphasia. NAS was built on the belief that those living with aphasia are best positioned to support others on the same journey. Through peer-befriending, technology empowerment, and community building, NAS works to end the isolation that so often follows a stroke — connecting people across the country through a shared sense of what they call Sinergia: the idea that when survivors and professionals work as true equals, one plus one equals three.   Today's conversation feels especially meaningful to me. I've had the privilege of seeing Trish and Amy in action at conferences like Aphasia Access and ASHA — learning from their presentations and watching their advocacy make ripples far beyond those conference walls. As someone who researches friendship and aphasia, I've followed the peer befriending movement closely — it began in the UK, and when I heard that NAS was bringing it to the United States, led by a peer organization, I thought: this is what life participation actually looks like.   Before we get into the conversation, let me tell you a bit more about our guests.   Trish Hambridge is the President and Founder of National Aphasia Synergy. Trish has lived with aphasia since her stroke in 2008, and that experience is the foundation of everything she has built. A former project manager for AppleCare, Trish has become not only a powerful advocate but a published researcher — partnering with research teams to influence the questions being asked and the evidence being built in our field. Her co-authored work spans game-based rehabilitation design, posttraumatic growth in aphasia, and the measurement of motivation and psychological needs in aphasia rehabilitation — all published in leading journals including the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. She has spoken at conferences including the Aphasia Access Leadership Summit, Aphasia Access Chautauqua and ASHA, serves on the Disability Advisory Committee in Dunedin, Florida, and is a member of Voices of Hope for Aphasia. Her vision brought NAS to life, and her leadership — in the clinic, in the research literature, and in the community — continues to shape it.   Amy Walters is the Vice President of National Aphasia Synergy. Amy has lived with aphasia since her stroke in 2018 — a stroke that, in a striking twist of fate, occurred while she was attending a neurosurgical conference. A Harvard graduate with a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins, Amy spent 30 years as a senior leader in the medical device industry before her stroke, and she has channeled that same expertise and drive into aphasia advocacy. She has presented at neurosurgical conferences to raise awareness, participates in aphasia groups across the country, and brings a remarkable combination of professional knowledge and lived experience to everything NAS does.   So — let's get into the conversation.   Katie Strong: Trish and Amy, welcome. I'm so excited to have you both here today and learn about what's going on in National Aphasia Synergy.   Trish Hambridge: Thank you for the chance to meet.   Amy Walters: We are so pleased to be here with the Aphasia Access Community. Katie Strong: Well, we're delighted that you are sharing your time and expertise with us. I wanted to get started by asking about National Aphasia Synergy. How was it created? Just wondering if you could share the origin story of the organization and how that concept of synergy or working together defines your mission. Trish Hambridge: Long time ago, I had a stroke, major stroke. But I was the same person then as I am now. I remember sitting on the hospital patio in San Jose and Karen, my good friend from college and speech therapist was there, and she was teaching everyone about aphasia. My friends and family were so patient. I remember my Dad talking to me and say, "You are stubborn." and I said, "Thank you!" Because that choice – being subborn - changed everything and gave me the chance to get my identity back. Katie Strong: So, Trish, just to verify, you're saying your stubbornness got you where you are right now. Trish Hambridge: Yes, but yes! Katie Strong: Love it. Trish Hambridge: Sorry to say, I have issues! But going back to the beginning, I had only had five words. Even my 'yes' and 'no' were flipped. Traditional homework is not my cup of tea. Shhh! Quiet, I'm lazy! I needed a better strategy, and I found it with P2Go. It's so much more than an app. It is the tool that gave me my voice back. Katie Strong: I love that, so if I'm understanding correctly, traditional homework is not for you, and that you really needed something that was technology based, which goes back to your expertise in your life, career to be able to really help you communicate, and it was the P2Go. Trish Hambridge: Yeah, yeah, is small, is so, is easy, my opinion. Katie Strong: Well, that's what we're here for today, is your opinion. Trish Hambridge: In 2016, a move to Dunedin, Florida changed everything. I joined Voices of Hope and finally found my community. Then the pandemic hit. But it couldn't stop our connection. We moved to Zoom. I want to be honest, though: some of my friends didn't make it through that storm. Their pain is part of this journey. We build this community in their honor. Katie Strong: Oh, that's really touching, you know. It is. It's hard, so many friends don't stay in our lives for many reasons, but aphasia can really be a challenge for friends sticking around. Trish Hambridge: Yeah, and the technology is not my cup of tea. Katie Strong: Wonderful, wonderful. Thank you for sharing that. Trish Hambridge: In 2021, I stepped up. I moved from a 'Lead Pathfinder' to the Founder of National Aphasia Synergy. I reached out to Debbie Yones, the big cheese of Voices of Hope. She and the Board Director gave me wise advice to help me grow. I didn't do it alone. My sister and my sister-in-law helped me think through the logistics. They helped me build the support for the nonprofit. Because of them, my vision became a reality. Katie Strong: So, your consultation with those important people to your life really helped National Aphasia Synergy become a reality. Trish Hambridge: Yeah. Finally, I asked Amy to join the mission. She became part of the organization. Now, we are moving forward together. Katie Strong: Thanks, Trish. I love that. Amy Walters: Thanks, Trish. Nine years ago, I had my stroke at the neurosurgical conference. Ironic, right? Yeah, the conference was in Colorado Springs. I was in a medically induced coma for 10 days and diagnosed with Global Aphasia. Then I was airlifted to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia, where I had a craniotomy and cranioplasty. On the flight I remembered thinking, "Am I in a simulator? What's happening to me?"   Katie Strong: Wow! That sounds surreal! Amy Walters: My career was in clinical affairs for a medical neurosurgical device company, so I am professionally and personally familiar with neuroplasticity. I know how crucial neuroplasticity is to our physical, mental, and emotional recovery. National Aphasia Synergy was born from a deep need for collaborative survivor-led company. Katie Strong: The advocacy you're doing is really amazing, and I'm so excited for our listeners to be able to hear more about it. Amy Walters: Thank you. When we look at the aphasia community today, we see massive gaps. Most organizations are built for us, but they aren't led by us. The 'medical way' focuses only on the speech deficit, but it leaves a gaping hole in mental health, identity, and social connection. The research is heartbreaking: 40% to 60% of stroke survivors with aphasia experience chronic depression, and in early recovery, a staggering 93% experience high levels of psychological distress. This isn't just about the survivor—46% of our family members also face depression. Our mission is to bridge those gaps. We aren't just here to 'fix' speech; we are here to empower the whole person. We call it Sinergia—the Greek word for Synergy. It means we don't work in silos. We don't have 'experts' on one side and 'patients' on the other. We have a partnership where 1 plus 1 equals 3.   Katie Strong: I love it!   Amy Walters: We are moving away from the isolated patient model and toward a Sinergia where survivors and professionals work as equals to reclaim our lives. We are here to educate and empower our peers to use technology to reclaim their voices. But more importantly, we are here to promote peer-befriending. We reach out to those who are new to this path or struggling to find their way, because no one should walk this road alone. Katie Strong: I know, Amy, I just am so excited. I've been watching this peer befriending happen over in the UK, or reading about it, and hearing about it, and I was just so delighted when I heard that National Aphasia Synergy was taking this up and helping us to, to have a really solid connection. I think one of the things that breaks my heart the most is when I meet someone who has aphasia, who's been living with aphasia for a really long time, and they've never met anyone else who had aphasia. Amy Walters: Heartbreaking. Katie Strong: It really is. It really is. Amy Walters: Our goal is to develop a national community that encourages optimism. We believe a positive outlook isn't just a 'nice feeling'—it is a strategy for recovery. Katie Strong: Heck, yes! Amy Walters: At NAS, we don't just look for what's lost; we build on the strengths that remain. There were gaps in the Aphasia Community. Trish Hambridge: Speech Therapists and care partners are vital to recovery. They have good intentions, but the 'medical way' is often the wrong way. Katie Strong: Yeah, yeah, it's not quite the right way. Trish Hambridge: Many researchers only survey the Speech Therapists and the partners. But what about me? What about us? What am I, chopped liver? Think about the last time someone completely iced us out. It hurts, right? It honestly chips away at our sense of self, leaving us clueless as to where we actually fit in. Katie Strong: Yeah, so Trish, just to recap this for the listeners, you're saying when somebody ices you out, you're asking the listeners to reflect on how that really feels, Trish Hambridge: Yeah, I email [a researcher], and have offered [to be a part of their team] but they are like "Oh no, but sorry." Katie Strong: I hear, I hear you. Yeah and I think what you're bringing up - and you and Amy are bringing up such a great point that as the aphasia research community has not always included people with aphasia. Or they're only including people with mild aphasia versus more severe types of aphasia, so I love that you're calling this out and shining light on it. It's, it's time. Trish Hambridge Here's what the research tells us. Therapists and partners see the journey from the outside. But those of us living it? We know the honest truth. Katie Strong: Yeah, yeah, so as the clinicians, the therapists, and the care partners see that journey from the outside, and you all are living it for sure. Trish Hambridge: It is the 'Chicken and the Egg' problem: Does the partner change first? Or does the people with aphasia change? The answer is: The Environment. We must change the environment to find true recovery. We need to move from being 'patients' to being Lead Pathfinders. Katie Strong: Yes, so I love it. You're, you're flipping the script there and reclaiming your identity, or renegotiating it from that patient role to being a lead pathfinder. I love that terminology. Thank you. Thank you. One of you said this earlier that organizations are for people with aphasia, but National Aphasia Synergy is led by people with aphasia. Why is this distinction critical for the community to understand, and how does it change the way an organization is run? Amy Walters: Right, Katie. In the past, organizations were built for us, like a charity. But National Aphasia Synergy is different. We are led by people with aphasia. We are moving from 'being helped' to leading. This is more than an organization. It is a revolution of identity. At National Aphasia Synergy, we are flipping the script on leadership. Our Board makes decisions with one clear priority: putting voices with aphasia at the forefront. That means leaders like Trish, Bruce, and me are the ones making the big calls. We collaborate with wonderful professionals, like Kait, our SLP, Helen, our Financial and Secretarial support and Will Evans, our Volunteer Consultant. They are essential to our success. They ensure our communication is accessible and our business stays strong. I always think of our board meetings being like a United Nations meeting with "international representatives" (i.e., China, France, Japan, etc.) each of us is coming to the table with a different lived experience, different aphasia types, etc. We work together to "translate" and work through our differing communication styles. But make no mistake: The people with aphasia are the primary drivers of the vision. The professionals provide the tools, but we hold the maps.   Katie Strong: Such a great analogy. I love it and it also sounds like your work is fun too.   Amy Walters: Driving you crazy, but you mean you mean you mean, yeah. Hold the phone!   Katie Strong: Oh, that's great. I love it. Well, what does National Aphasia Synergy offer that others should know about? Trish Hambridge: Look at what we have built together: First, our Peer Befriending Program. A team of four SLPs and four people with aphasia worked as equals to create our training. Today, we have 15 volunteer Allies trained and ready to support the community. Katie Strong: I love it. So, 15 people with aphasia, volunteer Allies, have been trained as peer befrienders to go out and connect with other people who newly have aphasia. Trish Hambridge: Right, but anything like… Katie Strong: Or rather, anybody who has aphasia that they're wanting to connect with. Trish Hambridge: Come! Come! But we meet on Zoom.    Katie Strong: On Zoom, right? Yeah, absolutely. This is all virtual, which is amazing, you know, because you get a good reach, a really, a really great reach. What else is going on? Amy Walters: Second, our Aphasia & Mental Health Video. We have four excellent SLPs sharing the research, stats, resources and the power of neuroplasticity. And we also surveyed 10 people with aphasia to capture the honest truth of our emotional journeys and provide 10 essential tips for recovery. Trish Hambridge: I always start with a roadmap. But originally, we were filming something completely different. But three weeks before the shoot, I went to Debbie and asked: 'What do you think?' She said, 'There are enough basic videos out there... why doesn't NAS focus on Mental Health?' Katie Strong: Yeah, okay. So, you were doing all this planning, and then three weeks before the shoot, you went and talked to Debbie and said, "What do you think?" And she said, "There's already enough videos out there on basic aphasia, but not on mental health. I love it! Trish Hambridge: Yeah and so I agree!!! We agreed right away. We made a right turn...  And changed the plan on the fly! I ran a preview for my friends at Voices of Hope. They loved it, but they asked the killer question: 'Where is the actual resource? Where do we go for help?' Katie Strong: Trish, you are speaking to my heart here, and I know I'm one of those "outsider perspectives" as a clinician. But we just don't have great resources for mental health. It's really challenging. So, I love that your friends at Voices of Hope called you out on that. What happened after that? Amy Walters: That was the lightbulb moment, right? Trish Hambridge: Yeah, a video wasn't enough—we needed a map. So, we built the Aphasia and Mental Health Resources paper. The researchers and I had some serious back-and-forth debate, but that's how you get a solid plan. We ended up with something really cool: real tools for real people. Katie Strong: Love, love it! Trish Hambridge: Third, our Adaptive Growth Culture paper. This provides a brand-new map for recovery that the whole world can use to look past the 'broken parts.' Katie Strong: Yeah, Trish, I've heard you speak on this. That talk you gave it, ASHA. I'm going to say listeners, particularly clinicians, you should check this out, because we need to get our clients with aphasia, our lead pathfinders with aphasia to be able to  think in this sort of way, so yeah, Trish Hambridge: But like I have like the speech therapist and the caregiver, and people with aphasia -  it like, look right -- is the good plan. Katie Strong: Love it, fantastic, Amy Walters: Kait and I shared five powerful aphasia stories on video to show our diversity, our strength, our inhumanity, frankly. All of this lives on our National Synergy website. These aren't just projects, they are the proof that when people with aphasia lead, we create world that actually works for us. Katie Strong: Oh, this is fantastic. And we'll have links to your website in the show notes, but you can certainly Google National Aphasia Synergy, and the website pops right up. I've been exploring it for a little bit, but I was looking at it again this morning, and there's just such great, great stuff on there. So please go and check it out. Well, I'm curious, Amy and Trish, what's on the horizon for National Aphasia Synergy, and how can our listeners, whether they're Aphasia Access members or people living with aphasia get involved or support your work. Amy Walters: We are so proud of what we have built, but we are just getting started. This is our Call to Action. Trish Hambridge: We want the world to get excited about Mental Health!  Katie Strong: And I think get excited about your Adaptive Growth Culture too. Trish Hambridge: Yeah! We recently presented a poster at the Chautauqua virtual conference, and the feedback from Aphasia Access members was powerful. The keynote speaker, Dr. Nina Simmons-Mackie, spoke about moving from 'managing a condition' to 'owning a life.' That is exactly what we do! We focus on the strengths, the emotions, and the identity that the old medical model ignores. Katie Strong: Yeah, so okay. So, Trish, you, you were, I think you presented you National Aphasia Synergy presented a poster at the Chautauqua, the Aphasia Access Chautauqua recently. Trish Hambridge: First time presenting a poster! Katie Strong: I love it, I love it. Yep, and the feedback that you got from the Chautauqua attendees was spectacular, right? And that's when, and, and, and Dr. Simmons-Mackie or Nina Simmons Mackey took that idea and we wove it into her keynote at the end, right, and talked about how it's important for us to support people and people with aphasia and care partners move from managing a condition to owning a life. I mean, that that's powerful stuff. I love it! Trish Hambridge: I'm so honored. Katie Strong: Well, you are out there making an impact. Amy Walters: Thank you. We are building something historic, and we want you to be part of it. Here is how you can join the revolution: Trish Hambridge: To the speech therapists and researchers, Help us build our evidence base. We want the test that adapted growth culture map to prove how it improves mental health and builds confidence. Don't just watch from the sidelines—come test this with us! Soon, I'm taking the Adaptive Growth Culture to the global stage. I'll be at the International Aphasia  Rehabilitation Conference in Athens. Katie Strong: You'll be at the International Aphasia Rehabilitation Conference, or IARC, in… Trish Hambridge: Athens!! I am presenting our Adaptive Growth Culture Poster to the top minds in the field. Katie Strong: Fantastic. Trish Hambridge: We have built the roadmap. Now, the researchers will provide the data-driven proof. It is time to see the Adaptive Growth Culture in action. We are moving from lived experience to clinical evidence. Katie Strong: I love it, moving from lived experience to clinical evidence. Amy Walters: That's right, that's right, Trish. If you run a community group, a local program, or a support network, we want to connect with you. Help us build this referral network so that no one is left behind in isolation. We aren't just looking for 'places to go' to pass the time. We are looking for places where we can belong and grow. We are looking for communities that see our potential, not just our deficits. To my peers with Aphasia: Your voice is our power. Share your story or send us a shout-out with your favorite tips and tricks. We also need Buddies for our Peer Befriending program. Help us show the world that we are truly 'owning our lives.' To the Volunteers: We are looking for passionate people to join our Board of Directors. We specifically need one more person with aphasia, as well as SLPs, care partners, and friends. The only requirement? You must believe in the Adaptive Growth Culture. Whether you have the tools or you hold the map, there is a seat at the table for you. Visit us and let's grow together! Katie Strong: Amazing. I hope that our listeners will take you up on the offers that you just laid out there, and that they'll also go out there and share with others that they need to hook everybody up with National Aphasia Synergy. It's a great organization. I enjoyed learning about it more today. And Amy and Trish, I so appreciate you both being here with us and sharing your stories and the amazing work that's going on in National Aphasia Synergy. Trish Hambridge: Thank you. Aphasia Access is fantastic! Katie Strong: I'm glad that you're enjoying Aphasia Access, too. It's a great network, and it's great that we're having lots of communities continue to grow and blossom to support people living successfully with aphasia.   Amy Walters: Hear, Hear! Katie Strong: Thanks. You too. Amy Walters: Thank you. Katie Strong: Have fun in Greece. Trish Hambridge: Yay! Amy Walters: Jealous! Katie Strong: Me too, me too. Amy Walters: Bye, bye. Trish Hambridge: See you. Bye.   On behalf of Aphasia Access, thank you for listening. For references and resources mentioned in today's show, please see our show notes, available on our website at www.aphasiaaccess.org. There you can also become a member of our organization, browse our growing library of materials, and find out about the Aphasia Access Academy. If you have an idea for a future podcast episode, email us at info@aphasiaaccess.org. For Aphasia Access Conversations, here at Central Michigan University in the Strong Story Lab, I'm Katie Strong.     Resources   Below is a list of links to the National Aphasia Synergy (NAS) resources and other organizations as discussed:  NAS Website:  https://nationalaphasiasynergy.org NAS email:  info@nationalaphasiasynergy.org   NAS Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/WeRSynergy (to keep up with what's going on at NAS and for inspirational, adaptive growth mindset content) NAS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalaphasiasynergy1410 (to watch our Aphasia Stories series, learn about resources, and tune into our quarterly video newsletter, "The Synergy Turf" to hear real people with aphasia) NAS Adaptive Growth Culture paper: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VIq0juI4FTPKqF0Cev8qZAI5I5po5ouO/view?usp=share_link NAS "You Have Options!" Paper:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PBgvb1mDrjnFASaK_dpGL2gnZND_CjaU/view?usp=share_link NAS Aphasia & Mental Health video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GThkxrKbQTI NAS Aphasia & Mental Health Resource paper:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pXbFLtZJ8KZ9Pxpg3HVZHBEd_D7BnsED/view?usp=share_link NAS Aphasia Stories video series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk1GJP6QGrPDOapMhQlmAUBHfVb5-Mnfi&si=BIuoNmeu-TM-ab65NAS  Peer Befriending: To get involved with NAS Peer Befriending, contact  info@nationalaphasiasynergy.org o Flyer:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dCETc1pZck59mw6OgaEjZGnXWOcdSlCh/view?usp=sharing o Video:  https://youtu.be/0RNvCeh0BKM   Referenced resources and organizations: Proloquo2Go AAC App mentioned (what Trish uses):  https://www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go Voices of Hope for Aphasia: https://www.vohaphasia.org/    

The medical complexity driving significant change in skilled nursing care approaches doesn't stop at the door to therapy. With demand for speech-language pathology greater than ever, one North Carolina-based provider organization is looking to expand its therapists' knowledge and encourage the use of advanced staff training to help patients regain function. Michele Hass, regional therapy consultant for Principle LTC, recently became one of the first SLPs in the nation to earn a dysphagia certification from Accelerated Care Plus. The highly specialized credential focuses on swallowing disorders, aspiration prevention and patient safety — and Haas plans to use what she's learned to encourage others to use the techniques she picked up and pursue their own advanced credentials. ”These certifications, they're more than just a piece of paper,” Haas tells McKnight's Long-Term Care News in this episode. “I think they represent a commitment to patient care and staying engaged in the profession.” Principle wants to leverage Haas' interest in the ACP training — focused on advanced biofeedback technology— to enhance care capabilities across its regional footprint. It's just one way the operator of 38 facilities is responding to the clinical shift from compensatory care to modern rehabilitation, according to DeLaine Rice-White, Principle's senior vice president of therapy services. She emphasized that supporting advanced credentials can dramatically boost employee satisfaction and stabilize staffing levels, protecting facilities from the steep costs of turnover. Professional development, she added, is essential measure to protect against clinical stagnation. "If we don't do this, and we always do what we've always done, we'll always get what we always got,” she tells McKnight's Senior Editor Kimberly Marselas. “Our outcomes will not keep pace with the evolution of science and innovation if we go down that road." Listen to the full episode to learn more about ACP's approach to dysphagia care and why Principle views certifications and other training opportunities as critical investments for skilled nursing providers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Sarah Bishop—14-year school-based SLP, California Speech-Hearing Association president, and union rep—about why being a generalist is actually your biggest flex. Sarah shares her winding path to the field (spoiler: it starts with an art history degree and museum tours), why school-based SLPs need to stop apologizing for knowing a little of everything, and how to keep growing without losing your mind. This one's for every SLP who's ever felt like everyone else has a specialty except them.Bullet Points to Discuss: Why the generalist label gets a bad rap—and why it shouldn'tHow to figure out what continuing education you actually needWhat a PLC is and how to start one even if your district doesn't have oneThe mindset shift that makes it easier to grow without burning outHow school-based SLPs define their expertise differently than private practiceHere's what we learned: Own the generalist title. Any kid walks through your door, you know where to start. That's not nothing—that's everything.You will get things wrong. So will every SLP who's been in the field for 14 years. Let it go and keep moving.Connection is the intervention. Showing up, caring, and actually paying attention to a kid? That's already therapeutic.Find your people. You don't need a huge community. Start with one SLP buddy or one district PLC meeting.Know your role. Private practice treats the disability. You remove barriers to education. That's a different—and equally valid—job.Learn more about Sarah Bishop: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawahfwend Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

End-of-Year Reflect & Recap: The 3 Questions Every SLP Needs to Ask Right Now Whether you're a seasoned SLP or fresh out of grad school, the most powerful professional development you'll do this summer won't come from a CEU course. It's this. In this episode, Kelly walks you through her end-of-year Google Doc ritual: three simple but mighty questions that help you close out the school year with intention and walk into fall with clarity and confidence. In this episode, you'll learn:

Musical speech therapy techniques for the non-musical SLP.Guest: Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeTake the FREE Pediatric Feeding Courses for ASHA CEUs (through June 30, 2026)Want to incorporate music into your speech therapy sessions but don't know where to start? Michelle and Corinne share easy-to-use resources to help non-musical SLPs confidently incorporate music into sessions, along with evidence-based tools for clinicians looking to deepen their knowledge of music-based language intervention.About the Guest: Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, is a musical speech-language pathologist based in Baltimore, Maryland, and the founder of *Messy Happy Music Lab*, a private practice specializing in neurodivergent language acquisition, musical language therapy, Gestalt Processing, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).Show Notes:Contact Corinne:IG: @crescendo.communicationcrescendocommunication.comGestalt Get-Together podcastLove Money: Support Marian House in BaltimoreJoin the National Foundation of Swallowing DisordersRun the Virtual Dash For Dysphagia June 6-13, 2026Dysphagia Research Society

Have you ever looked at an AAC device and thought, “Where do I even start?” I've been there too, and I know how overwhelming it can feel.For years, I supported students using AAC while secretly feeling unsure of myself behind the scenes. I could teach communication strategies all day long, but when it came to navigating new systems and vocabulary sets, I remember leaving work feeling defeated and questioning whether I was truly helping my students. That experience completely changed the way I approach AAC today.I'm sharing the story behind our brand-new course, AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs, and why I created it for professionals who want practical, real-world support with AAC instead of more theory that never translates into therapy sessions. This course brings together incredible AAC experts to talk about assessment, motor planning, collaboration, bilingual learners, switch access, parent support, and so much more.My goal is simple. I want you to feel confident supporting every AAC user on your caseload. Whether you're brand new to AAC or you've been in the field for years, I want you to walk away with strategies you can actually use right away.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why motor planning matters more than you thinkAAC assessment tips and funding guidanceCollaboration strategies for SLPs and BCBAsReal case studies and practical AAC problem-solvingMentioned In This Episode:AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie gets honest with new grads and CFs who are quietly wondering if they're already behind. She talks through what imposter syndrome actually looks and feels like in those early weeks — the brain-blank first session, the late-night Google spiral — and why all of it is completely normal. If you're a new SLP asking “what if I can't do this?”, this one was made for you.Bullet Points to Discuss: Why imposter syndrome hits hardest when no one's watchingFour things that will actually get you through those early sessionsShrink the moment — just pick one thing to targetOne activity, stretched across every group and goal you've gotNarrate your thinking out loud — that's the therapyExpect the clunky sessions — even the veterans have themHallie's recipe for a speech lesson that works no matter whatHere's what we learned: Feeling clueless doesn't mean you're underprepared. It means you're new.Language is hard because it overlaps with everything — slow progress is still progress.Adaptability is the skill that will carry you further than any material or lesson plan ever will.The confident SLP you're trying to be right now is built through exactly these messy, uncertain moments.You don't have to do this alone — and there's no rule that says you have to.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

Are you winging it when it comes to picking consonant clusters? If you're spending more time hunting for the right targets than actually running therapy, this episode is your reset button. In today's episode, we're diving deep into selecting consonant clusters. We're breaking down how to select targets strategically, sequence them with intention, and finally see the carryover you've been waiting for. Whether you're a seasoned SLP or new to building your clinical confidence, you'll walk away with a clearer framework and a fresh perspective on why some clients plateau and exactly how to get them moving again. In this episode, we cover: 1) Why random target selection is quietly sabotaging your data 2) The developmental and phonological principles that should be driving your cluster choices 3) How to align targets with your client's unique error patterns for faster progress 4) What the research actually says about cluster intervention sequences Ready to stop searching and start treating? Join the SIS Membership and get done-for-you consonant cluster targets you can put to use today. No more building from scratch, no more second-guessing, just clinically sound, ready-to-use materials designed specifically for SLPs and SLPAs. Join now at kellyvess.com/sis Don't delay and have a summer of reorganizing the brain today.

Imagine being a speech therapist and waking up in an ICU, unable to speak, swallow, or move your head and neck. That's what happened to Vanessa Abraham, MS, CCC-SLP, seven years ago when she was paralyzed by the pharyngeal-cervical-brachial (PCB) variant of Guillain-Barre. In this episode, she shares the full story from ventilator, tracheostomy, G-tube, and eye gaze boards through her path to eventually rebuilding her voice, her ability to swallow, and her clinical practice.  We cover: The PCB variant of Guillain-Barre and what recovery actually looks like How Vanessa found the Neubie, which turned out to be the missing link in her recovery The ways she uses electrical stimulation on the head and neck in her speech-language pathology practice, and how she dials in for swallowing and vocal cord function Polyvagal theory, why the body can't heal in a state of fight-or-flight, and how Vanessa uses the Master Reset Her frameworks for working with children with autism, adults with neurodegenerative conditions, and people experiencing PICS (post-intensive care syndrome) Vanessa is now one of the first SLPs in the world using the Neubie and has become a passionate educator through her book Speechless, her various talks and appearances, and her clinical practice. Her story is a very powerful pain-to-purpose conversation.  

What really helps speech sound practice stick once kids leave the therapy room?I'm joined by Shail Silver, founder of SpeechLP and parent to a child receiving speech therapy services, for a thoughtful conversation about carryover, motivation, and how technology can support meaningful speech sound practice at home. As a school-based SLP, this topic is especially important to me because we know progress doesn't just happen during therapy sessions. The real growth comes from consistent practice in everyday environments.Shail shares how his family's experience inspired the creation of SpeechLP, an AI-powered app designed to make articulation practice more engaging and less stressful for both parents and clinicians. We talk about the challenge of getting enough repetitions for true generalization, why carryover can be so difficult for students, and how gamified practice can help keep learners motivated. I also loved hearing how practicing SLPs are actively helping shape the platform so it stays practical and clinically relevant.There's so much potential in tools that support families, reduce clinician workload, and help students build confidence with communication in a fun and functional way.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why carryover matters so much for speech sound progressHow SpeechLP uses AI to support articulation practiceWays clinicians can use technology to support home practiceThe importance of making speech practice motivating for kidsMentioned In This Episode:SpeechLPParagraphAIEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Daj Mitchell—school-based SLP, online educator, and Illinois State University graduate—about getting everyone on board with AAC. With over six years of experience serving pediatric and adult clients across settings, Daj breaks down her buy-in stair step framework and explains why many SLPs accidentally skip to the last step. She shares practical strategies for coaching parents and staff, building real collaboration, and improving carryover beyond the therapy room. They also explore Daj's work in AI, AAC, and neurodiversity-affirming care, along with how she supports fellow clinicians through education and social media. This one's for any SLP who's ever handed a family a home program and never heard about it again.Bullet Points to Discuss: What the AAC buy-in stair step framework actually looks likeHow adult learning theory applies to parent and stakeholder coachingWhy video modeling works better than handouts for skeptical caregiversHow to use Google Forms, scheduled emails, and templates to manage AAC collaboration without eating your lunchWhat an AAC profile spreadsheet is and why Daj swears by itHow to extend the same coaching framework to teachers, paras, and adminHere's what we learned: Buy-in has three parts. Acceptance, willingness to support, and active participation are not the same thing—and most caregivers are only at step one.Don't skip ahead. Handing over a home program before a caregiver is ready guarantees the device stays on the refrigerator.Adults need a reason. Connect AAC to something that already matters in their life and they'll move faster.Start with one win. Find the routine they actually care about and build from there.Set it and forget it. Once your emails and forms are built, your collaboration system basically runs itself.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Learn more about Daj Mitchell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourslpdaj/ Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

In the United States, approximately 49,000 people die by suicide each year. And, unfortunately, the rate of suicide has increased substantially since 2000, up about 30%. Suicide remains among the 10 leading causes of death among persons aged 10-64 years and is the second leading cause of death among those aged 10-14 and 25-34.While these trends are multifactorial, they are particularly distressing because evidence-based approaches to screening and intervention are better established than ever. Yet confidence and training in these approaches remain too low — even among behavioral health workers. OTs, PTs, and SLPs are uniquely positioned to recognize warning signs through repeated, relationship-based care, but most receive little formal training in suicide prevention.This course seeks to address that gap. We'll cover the basics of: What to watch forEvidence based ScreeningEvidence based intervention And, the role of the team. We'll anchor our discussion in one of the most comprehensive evidence-based frameworks available: the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide (2024). And we'll be joined by Christine Weible-Cruz, LCSW, to get practical on what these guidelines look like in frontline care.See full course details here:https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/suicide-prevention-for-ot-pt-and-slp See all OT CEU courses here:https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-coursesCheck our our live webinar schedule here:https://otpotential.com/live-ot-ceu-webinarsSupport the show by using the OTPOTENTIAL Medbridge Code:https://otpotential.com/blog/promo-code-for-medbridgeTry 2 free OT Potential courses here:https://otpotential.com/free-ot-ceusSupport the show

Lindy Myers, MS, CCC-SLP, pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP) and Clinical Lead at Coral Care, discusses the first few weeks of newborn life and how SLPs, occupational, and physical therapists can help families as they adjust to their new normal, including … Continue reading →

Hey Friends~  Many parents think reading begins with letters, flashcards, and sounding out words. But the foundation for reading actually begins much earlier—through listening, sound play, hearing sound patterns, understanding language, building vocabulary, and everyday conversation. So whether you have a toddler and want to give them the strongest start possible… or you have an older child who struggles with reading and you've wondered, “What are we missing?” …this episode is going to shed light on important skills that might need to be fortified. Today, I'm joined by speech language pathologist, Sarah James as she unpacks the building blocks that support reading success and explains what the research actually shows makes the biggest impacts on a child's ability to learn to read. You'll begin to understand how speech and language skills are deeply connected to literacy, and why some struggles may actually begin long before a child ever sits down with a book.   This conversation will likely cause you to see reading through a whole new lens. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a question or comment? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play   ABOUT THE GUEST:   Sarah James is an accomplished Speech Language Pathologist, SLP, seminar leader, keynote speaker and consultant. She is experienced working in urban, suburban and rural public schools as both the SLP and as a consultant for school districts around the country where she has offered speech-language pathologists practical and effective strategies for therapy. She served as president of MNSHA, her state's speech-language hearing association and was awarded the Honors of the Association.  Sarah's area of specialty is the relationship between speech language skills, literacy and academic development. She has wide-ranging experience helping SLPs to make connections between speech language-literacy skills and classroom expectations, curriculum targets and state standards.  CONTACT THE GUEST:   sarahjamesconsulting@gmail.com   IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 256 Melanie Jeffrey: What If Phonics Made Speech Easier? 248 Dr. Emily Levy: Effectively Teach Reading with Orton Gillingham & Multi-Sensory Techniques 238 Dr. Bibi Pirayesh: How an Educational Therapist Helps Kids with Learning Differences Succeed  230 Daniela Feldhausen: Speech Sounds and Reading Are Linked. Fun Ways Parents and Educators Can Help     WE'VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

ASHA launched a new consumer-facing website, and SLPs immediately started digging. In this episode, Jeanette Benigas, PhD/SLP, and Stephanie Feero, MS/SLP, unpack the newly rebranded Communication Health Support Association (CHSA), its connection to ASHA, and the financial and organizational questions surrounding the rollout.The conversation explores CHSA's 70-year history, ASHA's evolving mission statements and strategic objectives, tax filings, membership positioning, ProFind listings, and the ongoing debate surrounding the CCC. Jeanette and Stephanie also examine public IRS Form 990 data, nonprofit structures, affiliate language, and the broader implications for clinicians and the future of the profession.This episode discusses publicly available documents, organizational timelines, and the growing questions many SLPs are now asking after discovering a consumer-facing association that has existed for decades with little public awareness, all mixed with a little sass and a few tin foil hat theories from Jeanette.✨ Grateful to Chomper Champs for bringing so much positivity and fun to the pediatric SLP space. Follow the link to order the

As the professional world grows increasingly mobile, hear how the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact is making it easier for CSD professionals to deliver services across state lines. Guests discuss how the compact works, who may benefit from it, how it creates greater access to services, and the story behind what they did to make it happen.Learn More:The Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact WebsiteUpdate on Interstate Compact Launch (2025)ASHA Voices: Student Advocacy and a Win for People Who StutterTranscript

Sometimes collaboration feels seamless, and other times it leaves you questioning everything.That contrast came up in such a real way as I talked with Jenny Argueta, and it's something so many of us have experienced but don't always say out loud. She shared how working with one collaborative SLP felt energizing, while another interaction left her feeling small and shut out. That moment stuck with her and ultimately shaped her decision to become dually certified so she could be part of the solution.We unpack the tension that can exist between SLPs and BCBAs and how those challenges often stem from past experiences, misunderstandings, or lack of exposure to each other's work. I always come back to the importance of listening. When we take the time to understand someone's perspective instead of reacting, we open the door to better collaboration.We also talk about AAC and the gaps in training that so many providers face. Jenny shares honestly about how overwhelming AAC can feel, even as an SLP, and why ongoing learning is so important. At the end of the day, our goal is the same. We want to support meaningful communication and real progress for our students.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Real examples of collaboration going well and breaking downWhere SLP and BCBA tensions come fromPractical ways to build trust and shared understandingWhy AAC training is essential for all providersMentioned In This Episode:Mirific LLCEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

In this encore episode, we're revisiting one of the most meaningful conversations from the early days of the podcast — a wide-ranging chat with speech-language pathologist Nicole Casey about gestalt language processing, echolalia, and what it really takes to support autistic communicators. What if the words a child is repeating aren't random? Gestalt language processing (GLP) is a natural way of acquiring language where children begin with whole strings of intonationally-defined language — often lifted from songs, shows, or meaningful moments — instead of starting with single words. These "gestalts" are not literal, but they carry deep meaning. And when we miss that meaning, we miss the child. Nicole walks us through what GLP is, how it differs from analytic language development, and how to recognize it even in non-speaking or minimally speaking children. We also get into something just as important: why connection, relationship, and presuming competence are the foundation that every strategy is built on. Without those, the techniques don't land. With them, even small shifts can transform a child's communication journey. This is a longer, story-rich episode — the kind of conversation where two SLPs who love this work just couldn't stop sharing examples. You'll hear about Toyota Tacomas, Downy Unstoppables, Peter the doll, "we all fall down," and a spin class playlist that included the Delta Airlines theme song. Every story carries a lesson worth holding onto. In This Episode, You'll Learn What gestalt language processing is and how it differs from analytic language development Why GLP is not a diagnosis, just another natural way of acquiring language How to identify gestalt language processors, including those who are non-speaking What echolalia, echopraxia, and "jargon" might really be telling us Why gestalts are non-literal and how to uncover what a child actually means How to use Nicole's free Gestalt Tracker to share insights across a team Why WH-question goals are often a poor fit for early-stage GLPs How presuming competence changes what we see, hear, and teach Why AAC systems weren't designed for GLPs and what that means for us How following a child's deep interests opens the door to language and connection Key Takeaways Echolalia is meaningful communication, not background noise Gestalts carry emotional and experiential context — they are not literal Identifying a GLP starts with tuning in, not testing Children feel safer and communicate more when they feel understood The way the lead adult treats an autistic child sets the tone for the entire classroom Relationship comes first; strategies work because of connection, not in spite of it Asking questions a child already knows the answer to is a real and valid form of connection Following the child's special interest is not a distraction — it's the path Progress isn't always measurable on a SMART goal; look for magic moments Presuming competence is the most important thing we can bring to every interaction Try This Listen for repeated phrases with the same intonation and write them down Ask the parent where a gestalt might have come from — they often know Present language from the child's perspective ("let's play" instead of "do you want to play") Replace "are you okay?" with the language the child actually needs ("that was scary") Use the child's favorite songs, shows, and interests inside your activities Share gestalts and their meanings across the whole team, including paras Record sessions (with permission) so you can catch what you missed Look for "magic moments" of connection as real data, not extra data When we slow down enough to believe that echolalia is meaningful, everything changes — for the child, for the team, and for us. Links: Nicole's Instagram (The Child Led SLP): https://www.instagram.com/thechildledslp/ Website: https://childled.org/ Other Links You May Be Interested In: Autism Little Learners on Instagram Autism Little Learners on Facebook You can also join my free Visual Supports Facebook Group to "hang out" with like-minded educators and parents who want to take action and implement visuals at home or at school. Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don't miss future episodes.  Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes….this will help other educators and parents find this podcast! 

On today's episode, Dr. Yassmeen Abdel-Aty shares how collaboration with SLPs transformed her practice, turning her multidisciplinary clinic at USF into a powerhouse of comprehensive voice, swallowing, and airway care. Discover the benefits of integrating SLPs into every phase of diagnosis and treatment, from initial assessments to post-op therapy. Dr. Abdel-Aty reveals practical tips for building trust and flow in your clinic, emphasizing the power of real-time multidisciplinary discussions.Whether you're an SLP, a seasoned laryngologist, or just starting out, this episode offers strategies for transforming your clinic into a collaborative environment that enhances patient care and satisfaction.

What if you could build a private practice that evolves with you through rebranding, new niches, and even public speaking? Today's guest is back for her third appearance on the show, and every time she comes on, her practice looks completely different in the best way possible.I'm so excited to reintroduce you to Vanessa Alcala, a first-generation college graduate, bilingual speech-language pathologist, and founder of TheraVolve Wellness Co., a private practice serving children and adults across Tampa Bay through clinic, in-home, school, and telehealth services.Once told by a guidance counselor she wasn't "college material," Vanessa went on to launch her private practice the day she graduated in 2019 — LLC and all. But between a global pandemic, two high-risk pregnancies, and losing her grandmother, she realized the traditional track wasn't the vibe for her.So she built her own path.Switching from adult-focused care to bilingual pediatrics. Rebranding from Vital Therapies to the deeply meaningful TheraVolve Wellness Co. Growing from a solo clinician to a team with a beautiful clinic in Carrollwood. And most recently? Turning public speaking into a high-impact, high-income marketing tool earning her "Best of the Best SLP" recognition from the Tampa Bay Times in 2025.Vanessa Alcala is a bilingual SLP, healthcare entrepreneur, public speaker, and mentor. A former dementia caregiver, she's co-host of Sip & Social, the first multi-state networking event of its kind for SLPs and women in healthcare and creator of "Impact to Income," a course helping healthcare professionals transition from clinical work to speaking opportunities and diversified income streams. She's also co-founder of The Concierge Marketing Shop, offering customizable marketing templates designed specifically for adult and pediatric private practice owners.Outside of patient care, Vanessa is a mother of two who has navigated private practice through different seasons of life. She's passionate about helping other practice owners recognize their value and build businesses that support the life they want — not the one they're told to settle for.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How her practice has evolved in ways she never expectedThe pivots that changed everythingHow she's using public speaking to grow her practice in a way most SLPs never even considerVanessa is proof that your private practice doesn't have to look the way you first imagined it. In fact, it shouldn't. She was told she wasn't "college material." She messed up. She rebranded. She expanded into populations she never planned to serve. She built a culturally responsive bilingual practice that earned public recognition. And now? She's speaking on stages and TV, running a team, and building a business that actually lets her breathe.Her story does not have to be the exception. You, too, can evolve your practice—if you're willing to start before you feel ready. Want to build a private practice that gives you the freedom to pivot, grow, and even speak on stage? check out the Start Your Private Practice Program over at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.Or, if you already have an existing private practice and you're ready to take it to the next level we'd love to support you inside the Next Level Private Practitioner. You can learn more at www.nextlevelprivatepractitioner.com.Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.Resources Mentioned:Follow Vanessa on Instagram: instagram.com/vanessaonthemic/ & instagram.com/theravolvewellness/Check out her website: www.theravolvewellness.comWhere We Can Connect:Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

This innovative tool is sure to support both your clinical heart and your practice as it grows.Guest: Meg Simione, PhD, CCC-SLP and Helen Cohen, BA, CLCEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeRegister for the FREE Empowering Providers PFD seriesThis episode of First Bite features Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, kicking off PFD and ARFID Awareness Month with Meg Simione, PhD, CCC-SLP, and her graduate student, Helen Cohen, BA, CLC, for an in-depth look at the PFD DAISI. Meg and Helen explain how the six DAISI factors, represented by the flower's petals, guide feeding assessment and treatment. They then dive into the four Social Spheres at the flower's core, highlighting their influence on a child's mealtime journey. They share practical tips for using the PFD DAISI in clinical practice, helping SLPs take a holistic, dynamic approach to pediatric feeding care.About the Guests: Meg Simione, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a clinician-scientist specializing in infant and child feeding, growth, and care delivery innovation. She serves as a research scientist in the Division of General Academic Pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a speech-language pathologist, and Instructor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.Helen Cohen, BA, CLC, is a graduate student at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, where she is pursuing a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology with a concentration in Medical Speech Pathology. Alongside her academic work, she serves as a research assistant at the University of Rhode Island, conducting research on Pediatric Feeding Disorder, Family Centered Care, and Implementation Science.Show Notes:Contact Meg and Helen on LinkedInDownload the PFD DAISIFeeding Innovation Lab: @feedinginnovationlab on InstagramDr Brown's BottlesDysphagia Outreach ProjectFindHelp.orgThe Feeding FlockFeeding MattersLove Money: Support URISSHLA

You can't make more time, but you can stop spending it like it's unlimited. In this episode, I'm reframing work-life balance as a “time budget” problem (not a motivation problem), and sharing a simple way to audit where your time is actually going. You'll learn how to spot your biggest time/energy leaks and how to build basic weekly guardrails so your calendar supports your values instead of sabotaging them. If you're tired of living in “I'll feel better when I'm caught up” mode, this is your reset.What You'll Learn:✅ Why work-life balance isn't about trying harder, it's about having a plan for limited time & energy✅ How to do a simple time audit✅ 3 “time budget” buckets: non-negotiables, nice-to-haves, and leaks ✅ Common time leaks for SLPs (documentation perfectionism, context switching, email loops, people pleasing)✅ How to set 1–3 realistic “balance rules” that reduce decision fatigueKey Takeaways:

Approach supervision with greater clarity, intention, and sustainability.Guest: Alice L. Williams, BA, SLPAEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeRegister for the FREE 5 part PFD Series, April 30-May 28This course meets ASHA's Supervision PD requirement.In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Alice L. Williams, BA, SLPA, creator of The SLPA Network, to explore the real challenges SLPs face when stepping into supervisory roles, including limited training and the constant pull between clinical responsibilities and mentorship. Alice breaks down how supervision requirements vary widely across states and settings, while highlighting the core principles that make supervision effective no matter where you practice. The discussion centers on "empowered supervision" as a way to build clinician confidence, strengthen professional identity, and support better outcomes for those we serve.About the Guests: Alice L. Williams, B.A., SLPA, is the creator of The SLPA Network and an experienced speech-language pathology assistant with over seven years in pediatric settings. Her work centers on professional identity, empowered supervision, and sustainable collaboration between SLPs and support personnel. Alice develops educational and leadership resources that support ethical practice, reduce burnout, and strengthen interdisciplinary teams across school-based, medical, and private-practice environments.Show Notes:Contact Alice: @speechwith_msalice and @the.slpa.network on InstagramSLPA NetworkAlice's Course: Foundations of Effective SupervisionGet 10% with the code: LEAD10 (Valid through 12/31/26)If Disney Ran Your Hospital: 9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently by Fred LeeLove Money: Faith Christian Center Cross The Street Fund

Show Notes: slpnow.com/257Mixed groups are a reality for most school-based SLPs, and managing them well takes the right tools. In this episode, Marisha walks through how the SLP Now Visuals Binder makes it work, covering how to use it digitally in a pinch, how to test what works for your students, and why eventually printing and laminating your go-to visuals changes everything about session flow.The binder covers preschool through 12th grade with 95 pages of evidence-based visuals across early language, grammar, vocabulary, and later language skills. No prep required. Just open it and use it.Already a member? Contact us at hello@slpnow.com to access your binder bundle!Not a member yet? When you upgrade to a monthly or yearly membership, we'll send you the full bundle.Start your free trial: slpnow.com/pod