Podcasts about speech pathology

Many clinicians, educators, and school leaders know they should be working collaboratively, but don't know how to find time to do it. If you have a friend or colleague who seems to have magical productivity powers, I promise there's a method to the madness. Most likely, they've just gotten really good at a concept I call “asset stacking”. It starts with asking yourself the question, “What can I create now that can save me time or effort later?”  In this third episode in the 3-part clinical leadership, I share how the concept of “asset stacking” can be used by both current and aspiring clinical and educational leaders to make an impact on the systems they're working in. Key Points:✅ Creating a long-term strategic vision for your professional growth✅ The concept of asset stacking and how to use it to impact systems✅ Multiple service delivery models that position you as a leader✅ Developing a master plan that aligns your expertise with system needsTakeaways:✅ Asset stacking compounds your influence over time✅ Your unique combination of skills creates distinctive value✅ Service delivery innovation positions you as a thought leaderAction Step: Begin your leadership master plan by identifying your unique "stack" of professional assets and one system-level challenge they could address.In this episode, I mentioned “The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support”, a 7-day course to help school leaders launch their executive functioning implementation plan. You can learn more about the course here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/  We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this second episode in the 3-part clinical leadership series, I explore the 'lesson planning trap'—a common situation where clinicians focus so much on perfecting individual sessions and miss broader opportunities for impact.I experienced this myself, spending years creating detailed therapy plans while seeing little change at the systems level. Then I realized the importance of distinguishing between planning for individual therapy and planning for effective service delivery. This insight transformed my practice and leadership approach.Today, I'll share how you can take your intervention skills and scale them for lasting change in your school or organization. Key Points:✅ Applying effective intervention principles to enhance service delivery.✅ Understanding the difference between therapy planning and service delivery planning.✅ Introducing scalable protocols that maximize your impact.✅ Evaluating your current strategies for scalability.✅ Utilizing intervention principles in team leadership situations.In this episode, I mentioned “The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support”, a 7-day course to help school leaders launch their executive functioning implementation plan. You can learn more about the course here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode, we address the common experience of being overlooked in crucial conversations about the students we serve. Whether you're a clinician or educator who feels unheard while trying to contribute, aspiring to be in a leadership role, or currently in leadership and experiencing impostor syndrome, this discussion challenges you to embrace your role as a leader—regardless of your job title.We'll start this 3-part clinical leadership series by clarifying some misconceptions about leadership and explore how to change your approach.Key Points:✅ Why are important team members excluded from key team decisions about services and programs in schools and other organizations?✅ How to stay relevant and visible to colleagues so they see you as an asset.✅ Overcoming three core limiting beliefs:        

During the April 2025 Lunch and Learn Series, Dr. Janet L. Gooch, Chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield, delivered a presentation on speech-language pathology. Her talk covered the components of language, cleft lip and palate, and phonological language disorders.

In this episode, we dive deep with educational consultant and innovator Dr. Kate Anderson Foley, who challenges conventional wisdom about student support systems and offers a fresh perspective on educational leadership. Dr. Anderson Foley's  shares revolutionary ideas about restructuring intervention frameworks and explains why some traditional approaches may be limiting student potential.Episode Highlights:✅ The Double Helix Model - Dr. Anderson Foley introduces her groundbreaking concept comparing educational support systems to DNA's double helix structure, demonstrating how interwoven approaches create stronger outcomes than linear interventions, and why we shouldn't label students according to tiers. ✅ Restructuring RtI Tiers - We explore Dr. Anderson Foley's compelling case for removing the traditional tiered structure of Response to Intervention, discussing how these artificial divisions can create barriers to providing students with appropriate support at critical moments.✅ Cross-Pollination of Services - Dr. Anderson Foley flips conventional thinking by arguing that what's often labeled as "duplication of services" actually represents valuable cross-pollination of educational approaches, creating richer learning environments and multiple pathways for student growth.✅ High-Quality vs. Traditional Tutoring - We distinguish between standard tutoring and "high-quality tutoring," examining the specific elements that transform supplemental instruction into transformative educational experiences.✅ Agile vs. Waterfall Leadership - Dr. Anderson Foley contrasts traditional "waterfall" leadership models with agile approaches, explaining how educational leaders can create more responsive, adaptive systems by implementing initiatives in shorter releases and using data to make adjustments sooner, rather than later. Our conversation challenges listeners to reconsider fundamental assumptions about educational interventions and offers practical strategies for transforming support systems to better serve all students. Dr. Anderson Foley's innovative perspectives provide valuable insights for educators, administrators, and policy makers seeking to create more effective and equitable educational environments.Dr. Anderson Foley is Founder & CEO of the Education Policy & Practice Group, an international keynote speaker, and Harvard Medical School Institute of Coaching Fellow. A transformational leader, she has guided school districts and states toward equitable services for all learners, with a focus on breaking barriers for marginalized children.Beginning as a special education teacher pioneering inclusive practices, Dr. Kate advanced to administration where she advocated for reform at local, state, and federal levels. As a senior educational leader for Illinois, she helped create preventative systems addressing opportunity gaps for all learners regardless of background or circumstance, and contributed to equity-based school funding reform.Dr. Kate partners with organizations worldwide, providing expertise in improvement processes, professional learning communities, and asset-based education policies. She teaches Special Education Law to aspiring educational leaders and authors books including "Ida Finds Her Voice," "Fearless Coaching," and "Radically Excellent School Improvement," which offers a blueprint for comprehensive school improvement that ensures every student thrives.

In this week's episode, we speak with Associate Professor Jade Cartwright. Jade is delivering the Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture at the 2025 SPA conference in Tarntanya | Adelaide on Sunday June 15th, 2025. Jade discusses the inspiration behind her plenary address, and reflects on the learnings we can achieve when we work to co-design with the people we support. Resources: Register for the SPA 2025 Conference in person in Tarntanya | Adelaide or online: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/CPD-events/SPA-conference/2025/Home.aspx?hkey=7dc6c396-6a70-45c3-8dbf-35b3d1db93e2 Visit the author Christine Bryden's website: https://christinebryden.com/ Visit the author Kate Swaffer's website: https://kateswaffer.com/ Visit the author Wendy Mitchell's website: https://whichmeamitoday.wordpress.com/ View Dr Gaynor Macdonald publication history: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gaynor-Macdonald Maggie Beer's Big Mission on iView: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/maggie-beer-s-big-mission Speak Up podcast S6 E25 A behind the scenes look at Maggie Beer's Big Mission https://soundcloud.com/speechpathologyaustralia/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-maggie-beers-big-mission-s6e26?si=9897459275334a52aa0e935634f651eb&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Consensus-based recommendations for people with PPA: https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.14362 Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub, you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association's prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

05/25/25The Healthy Matters PodcastS04_E16 - We're Talkin' Speech-Language PathologyWith Special Guest:  Adam Terrell, MSWhen it comes to the field of Speech Pathology, we might tend to think it's all about helping people with the challenges of a stutter or helping kids get out a proper "R" sound - but it turns out there's a lot more to it!  Communication is a 2-way street, and there can be a lot to manage when it comes to speaking, listening and retaining information.  From a child struggling to say their first words, to stroke survivors, a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can be essential to opening up the doors of language and communication.But it turns out there's even more to it - and joining us on Episode 16 of our show is Adam Terrel (MS).  He's a SLP at Hennepin Healthcare and he'll walk us though what the job is really like in a hospital setting and the variety of patients helped by the work of SLPs.  We'll cover everything, from diagnosing swallowing issues to therapies and outcomes for those looking to regain their voice.  Communication is an essential part of our lives and whether you're a parent, a patient or just curious about the world of Speech-Language Pathology, you've come to the right place.  Let's get talking!American Speech-Language-Hearing Association  I  ASHA.orgWe're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

In this episode, I'm excited to announce the release of my new compression course, “The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support.” You can learn more about the course here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/In this session, I'll be sharing why I created this program, what parents and professionals have shared with me when I talk about executive functioning, and how I approach educating professionals about this important and relevant topic.*Plus I share things school communities and staff WISH their administration knew

In this episode, I sit down with Eric Smith from GrowNOW ADHD, to explore innovative approaches to social skills and executive functioning through the lens of a community-based program: Executive Functioning Summer Camp. Eric shares his insights on challenging existing service delivery models and discusses the importance of practical, real-world applications for clients.Eric is a Speech-Language Pathologist, ADHD/Executive Functioning Specialist, and Director GrowNOW ADHD's EF Camp with over 7 years of experience in the field. He has worked in a variety of settings including Private Practice, Early Intervention, and Schools.Key Discussion Points:What are the benefits and limitations of a traditional therapy model and how can we expand the way we do intervention to improve generalization? • How the summer camp model facilitates real-world connections.• How much structure and support should adults be providing, and when does it make sense to use a “lesson plan”? • The concepts of “healthy risk” and “healthy discomfort”.• Why it's crucial to incorporate diverse experiences to better prepare our clients for adult life AND to help clinicians stay engaged in their work.• Using the explicit instruction framework (“I do, We do, You do”) to mentor clinicians and coach parents. You can learn more about GrowNOW Executive Functioning Summer Camp here: https://www.grownowadhd.com/adhd-kids-summer-camp/Connect with Eric at: eric@grownowadhd.comPast episode mentioned in this episode:Failure to launch, screen addiction, and preparing kids for life after high school (with Michael McLeod): https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-207-failure-to-launch-screen-addiction-and-preparing-kids-for-life-after-high-school-with-michael-mcleod/Building accountability, and motivation in kids with ADHD (with Mike McLeod): https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-008-building-accountability-and-motivation-in-kids-with-adhd-with-mike-mcleod/Time management and device use boundaries for kids with ADHD (with Mike McLeod): https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-009-time-management-and-device-use-boundaries-for-kids-with-adhd-with-mike-mcleod/In this episode, I mentioned “The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support”, a 7-day course to help school leaders launch their executive functioning implementation plan. You can learn more about the course here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Ana Hernandez, a speech pathologist who found herself on the other side of the therapy room after undergoing brain surgery. Ana shares her deeply personal journey through the road of recovery.As someone who has spent her career helping others communicate, Ana opens up about what it was like to struggle with communication herself. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges she faced, the strategies that aided her recovery, and how her experience has changed her approach to her work.Ana Hernandez is a speech-language pathologist, founder of Adult Stuttering Services, P.C., and the creator of Green Social and the Safe Spaces of Stuttering approach. She collaborates with leading stuttering organizations, speaks at international conferences, and provides professional training for schools and businesses. Ana's focus in stuttering support is to foster comfort with speaking and empower people who stutter with care that prioritizes quality and dignity.In This Episode, We Cover:• The unexpected diagnosis that led to brain surgery• The impact of surgery on her speech, cognition, and emotions• Key milestones and setbacks throughout her recovery journey• Practical tips for self-advocacy• How this experience has reshaped her perspective as a therapistWhy Listen?This episode is a testament to resilience, empathy, and the power of communication. Whether you or a loved one are navigating recovery from brain injury, or you simply want to hear an inspiring story of perseverance, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged and empowered.You can connect with Ana on her Adult Stuttering website here: https://www.adultstuttering.com/therapistOn Instagram here @adultstuttering (https://www.instagram.com/adultstuttering/)On LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-hernandez-015b69293/Finally, I also mentioned my free Executive Functioning Implementation Guide for School Teams. You can sign up for the guide here: http://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efguide We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this week's episode, Leigh Andrews from Change Communication in the UK and Lauren Gibbs from Launch Housing in Victoria, speak with Mary Woodward, SPA's Senior Advisor, Justice. Leigh and Lauren tell Mary about the benefit speech pathologists can bring when supporting people who are experiencing homelessness, and some of the resources that support their work. Lauren and Leigh speak about different types of homelessness, and how to support someone who may be experiencing homelessness. Resources:  Are you a speech pathologist working with unhoused people? We would love to hear from you: speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Launch housing: https://www.launchhousing.org.au Change Communication: https://www.chgcomm.org/ ASK IZZY – https://askizzy.org.au/ Leigh's research on communication needs amongst rough sleepers in London (open access) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1460-6984.12572?msockid=0561f54d760a6f7c277ae19677c86e7f Leigh's book: https://www.jr-press.co.uk/ The Plain English Campaign: https://www.plainenglish.co.uk/ Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists policy statement on homelessness: https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-homelessness-and-speech-language-and-communication-policy-statement-launched/ Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association's prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

This episode focuses on top sleep tips for SLPs. The topic of sleep has a strong connection to the work that SLPs do, because being well-rested can support us in navigating complex clinical issues and managing stressful situations. The episode includes research-based tips from sleep scientists and experts, but it is not medical advice. The first part of the episode explores the importance of having a consistent sleep schedule and going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Next, the episode covers sleep tips that are applicable for both children and adults, with a focus on developing a nightly wind-down routine. The episode then moves into a discussion about maximizing light exposure in the morning, and minimizing light exposure in the evening. Next, the episode talks about the importance of getting out of bed if you're struggling to sleep. This tip comes from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, which is an effective insomnia treatment. The final section of the episode addresses the connection between anxiety and insomnia. One strategy in this area is to spend some time before bed writing down sources of stress and anxiety. 

In this inspiring episode of Move Talk Thrive, Emily and Lizzy are joined by the incredible Rebecca Reinking—founder of Adventures in Speech Pathology. If you're a speechie, you've probably used one of Rebecca's resources—or at the very least, been inspired by her practical, research-driven approach to therapy.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Rebecca's professional journey and how Adventures in Speech Pathology beganKey tips for treating speech sound disorders with confidenceThe importance of evidence-based resources—and how to create your ownBalancing clinical work, business, and creativity as an SLPInsights from Rebecca's speaking engagements and online coursesKey Takeaways:You don't need to wait for the “perfect resource”—you can create what your clients truly needSpeech sound disorders require intentional, evidence-aligned interventionYour clinical insights can drive meaningful change in the wider SLP communityWhether you're a seasoned therapist or just starting out, there's always room to grow and learnMeet Rebecca ReinkingRebecca is an Australian speech-language pathologist who helps SLPs feel more confident treating speech sound disorders. She lives by the motto “know better, do better,” sharing her clinical insights and creating evidence-based therapy materials that help kids make real progress. From building out phonological resources to launching a YouTube channel and national speaking tour, Rebecca is passionate about making practical, research-backed tools accessible to all.Links & ResourcesFreebie:

This week, I'm sharing an interview I did with another host on the BE podcast network because I think it's something you'll really enjoy. The episode is going live in the De Facto Leaders podcast feed. Dr. Chris Jones has been an educator in Massachusetts for 22 years. His experience in the classroom ranged from 8th – 11th grade working in an urban setting. A portion of this was spent opening a high school division for an expanding charter school. He has just finished his 14th year as a building administrator. Chris is also the Vice President of the Massachusetts State Administrators Association (MSAA). True to his “why” of improving the educational experience for as many people as possible, he is currently the Principal of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School in Whitman, Massachusetts.He is the author of SEEing to Lead, a book that provides strategies for how modern leaders can and must support, engage, and empower their teachers to elevate student success. Chris vlogs weekly about continuous improvement and is also the host of the podcast SEEing to Lead as a way to amplify teachers' voices in an effort to improve education as a whole.In this interview, Dr. Chris Jones and I discuss how to promote effective literacy practices in schools, while still allowing educators and clinicians to have autonomy in their practices. We discuss:The “non-negotiables” when it comes to evidence-based practices vs. where there can be flexibility for the “art” of teaching.Why training and information needs to be paired with change-management strategies.Finding the “joy” of reading can't happen without building foundational skills.You can connect with Dr. Jones on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcsjones/, and on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/DrCSJones/, and on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/drcsjones/.  You can learn more about his book and podcast at: https://drcsjones.blog/seeing-to-lead-podcast/In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

It was a deep honour to engage in a conversation with Eamon about his Chapter, The Role of Speech Pathology in Education: My Journey. Eamon generously shared the following points and more:- His career path (work in early intervention, education, and his current position at La Trobe University - an Academic Intern for Science of Language and Reading Lab)- The moment he was introduced to the world of literacy and the navigation of a speech pathologist's role within that- The subjects he is teaching at La Trobe and research he is supervising. An additional note from Eamon included: A quote from Tiffany Hogan's 2025 AIM Institute Research to Practice Symposium presentation – “it's the role of the system to create the conditions for evidence based practice to occur”. I think this is obviously true of how the system can support professionals within schools to experience success, but also the professionals providing services to schools (e.g. speech pathologists). We need to think about how speech pathology services can be effective within an MTSS framework of service delivery. We want to set speech pathologists up to be collaborative, effective and efficient in their work within Education.Eamon can be contacted on:Twitter (x) - @EamonGCharlesLinkedIn - Eamon Charlese.charles@latrobe.edu.auPlease share this conversation with educators, speech pathologists, and others that may resonate. It will be available on  ⁨@humanchapters⁩  YouTube channel, podcast platforms, and Facebook page.

In light of the mass amount of misinformation about ADHD, particularly regarding medication, I thought it was time to do a re-release of this past episode.*Disclaimer, although I have “Dr.” in front of my name, I'm not an MD and do not have the credentials to prescribe medication. This episode is meant for general information only and is not intended to be medical advice. As a licensed speech pathologist, I bring the perspective of someone who has supported clients through behavioral change and building skills; which has included making referrals/recommendations for families to seek medical advice from people who can prescribe medication. Additionally, I've also been in a position to report back to licensed physicians when they want to know a status update after prescribing medication.In this episode, I discuss:✅The “appeal to nature” fallacy, what it is and why it's potentially harmful.✅Common “natural” treatments for conditions like ADHD (such as diet, sleep hygiene, supplementation)✅How to avoid distorted thinking when making decisions about medication and other treatment options.In this episode, I mentioned this episode about homeopathy from the Unbiased Science podcast here: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/homeopathy-much-ado-about-nothing-literally-nothingI also mentioned the book “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer here: https://www.jonkrakauer.com/books/into-the-wild-trFinally, I also mentioned my free Executive Functioning Implementation Guide for School Teams. You can sign up for the guide here: http://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efguide We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

I remember the first time I “Marie Kondoed” my therapy room and got rid of materials that were published before I was born. There were shelves of things I never used, and having so many options created unnecessary decision fatigue every time I sat down to plan my week ahead. Over time, I started investing in knowledge instead of flashcards and games. I found my students did better when I kept it simple. I thought my students would be bored, but they actually became more engaged and independent. That's why I was so excited to talk with Marisha Mets from SLP Now, who shares my passion for systems and frameworks that don't require complicated materials. Marisha Mets earned her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Washington. She has worked as a school-based SLP and shares therapy ideas and resources on her blog (SLP Now). Marisha also developed a membership for SLPs that includes digital tools and resources to streamline evidence-based therapy, including a one-stop caseload management solution that currently supports thousands of SLPs. In this conversation, we discuss:✅How to manage both physical clutter and mental clutter.✅Identifying the point of diminishing returns when it comes to organizing.✅Deciding when to use a batching process vs. habit stacking. ✅Defining the “containers” you use to manage your workflow and your workspace.✅How to identify your “staples”.✅Investing in materials vs. knowledge/skills. You can connect with Marisha on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisha-mets-9aa396133/Follow her on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/slpnowFollow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/slpnow/ Listen to my episode on the SLP Now Podcast here: https://slpnow.com/blog/how-to-write-iep-goals-an-expert-guide-for-slps/Learn more about SLP Now and read Marisha's free blog posts here: https://slpnow.com/The following resources were mentioned in this episode:“Outer Order, Inner Calm” by Gretchen Rubin: https://gretchenrubin.com/books/outer-order-inner-calm/“Atomic Habits” by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habitsIn this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/

In this week's episode, we speak with Dr Abby Foster and Suzanne Mungall, speech pathologists, about Earth Day, coming up on 22 April. Suzanne and Abby share their experiences about speech pathology and climate change, and why they feel the urgent need for health professionals to address the impacts of climate change on health and service delivery. Claire Esterman, from the Speak Up Podcast Reference Group, opens the episode with a brief reflection highlighting the opportunities, personally and professionally, that Abby and Suzanne discuss. Resources:  Contact Suzanne: suzannemungall@outlook.com Contact Abby: drabbyfoster@gmail.com Earth Day: https://www.earthday.org/ United Nations climate change information: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange National Safety and Quality Health Standards voluntary environmental sustainability and climate resilience module: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/environmental-sustainability-and-climate-resilience-healthcare-module Helping people with Aphasia prepare for an emergency: https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2020-1118-aphasia-friendly-emergency/full/ UN Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals Climate for change: https://www.climateforchange.org.au/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw782_BhDjARIsABTv_JDCadnChAqwfxbWIGwXnflty21bBF9DSDaLpYc1-XVHIzHRFpPusXgaAjotEALw_wcB Free access to transcripts and for a full list of resources / references for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email: speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.  Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association's prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked art of writing clear, measurable goals for executive functioning. Unlike other academic or functional goals, executive functioning focuses on internal processes—making it harder to quantify and observe. Whether you're a teacher, therapist, or part of a school team, this episode will give you actionable tools to create meaningful IEP and therapy plan goals that truly support student growth.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why executive functioning is all about the process—and why that's tricky for traditional SMART goals.✔️ Examples of goal formats that keep things simple, specific, and actionable.✔️ How to differentiate between goals that focus on behavior versus those emphasizing strategies.✔️ A sample list of accommodations to support executive functioning without over-accommodating.✔️ Tips to ensure students build independence with their accommodations over time.

In this week's episode, we speak with SPA's CEO, Lyn Brodie, and General Manager for Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations, Dr Jennifer O'Connor, about the upcoming federal election and speech pathology. They discuss “wins” from the federal budget, critical “asks” during the election and how these are determined, and ways that stakeholders can advocate during the campaign period. Resources: How to write to your federal candidate: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/About-Us/Advocacy/Federal-Election/write-to-your-federal-representatives-or-candidates.aspx SPA 2025 federal election priorities: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/About-Us/Advocacy/Federal-Election/SPA-federal-election-priorities.aspx Download SPA's federal election digital toolkit: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/common/Uploaded%20files/Campaigns%20and%20events/Campaigns/2025_SPA_Federal_Election_Campaign_social_media_tiles.zip SPA advocacy win – MBS M10 item numbers: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/public/Members/News-and-publications/Articles/2025/03-March-2025/SPA-Secures-Medicare-M10-Access-for-Speech-Disorders.aspx?name=SPA-Secures-Medicare-M10-Access-for-Speech-Disorders Australian Electoral Commission – Find my electorate: https://electorate.aec.gov.au/ Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association's prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

This session is a Q & A I did in the Language Therapy Advance Foundations member's group relating to how to support students through semantic study and working on complex syntax. I addressed the following FAQs:“How do I help students who struggle to define and describe words without making them prompt-dependent?”“How do I make semantic study more contextualized?”“What's the difference between a “task-based” goal and a “strategy-based” goal, and which type of goal should I be using for language and executive functioning?”I also provide examples of goals for observable behaviors vs. goals that focus on the process of getting to that behavior or end output. Highlights of this session include:✅Using the explicit instruction framework: “I do, we do, you do.”✅Using pauses, reflective questions, sentence starters, direct repetition, and declarative statements (hint: we should be using a blend of all these things.)✅Where we SHOULD use explicit, repetitive, “decontextualized” tasks in therapy for purposes of cognitive priming. ✅Why students need a blend of structured and unstructured tasks (from decontextualized to contextualized). This session came from a Q & A I did in Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/ The following resources were mentioned in this session:The Explicit Instruction Framework by Anita Archer and Charles Hughes: https://explicitinstruction.org/This video on scaffolding sentence combining for younger students: https://youtu.be/LDLYlZgqpQUThe strategy-based goals for executive functioning came from information from the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers put executive functioning intervention in place. You can learn more about the School of Clinical Leadership here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership

This episode is about what SLPs need to know about reading comprehension. It begins by acknowledging that SLPs have a large scope of practice, and that they are not typically seen as the primary professionals who work on reading comprehension, especially in the school setting. It invites SLPs to make slight adjustments to their practice to ensure that students get the best support possible. The episode then emphasizes the idea that reading is an umbrella term composed of many sub-skills. It then moves into an overview of widely accepted reading models, including the Simple View of Reading, Scarborough's Reading Rope, and the Active View of Reading. Strategies and suggestions are woven through the discussion of each model. The final segment of the episode highlights important considerations related to reading comprehension for student populations that may be particularly relevant to SLPs. The episode closes with a reminder of the role that reading comprehension plays in many aspects of our lives.  

Having someone observe your therapy room or classroom can feel awkward; whether it's your boss doing your evaluation, or whether it's a special service provider who's supporting students in your class.When I've talked with administrators and service providers about classroom observations, they say it can be a learning curve for the person coming into the classroom as well. Yet having another set of eyes on your students can often be a valuable learning experience for both the person observing and the person being observed. That's why I invited John Mihalyo to the De Facto Leaders Podcast to talk about how school leaders can turn observations into meaningful learning experiences instead of an obligation. We also talk about what it takes to start new programs and initiatives, and how to take a proactive approach when it comes to marketing and communication. John Mihalyo is a highly accomplished education professional and the visionary founder of Elementary Advancement Solutions, a leading educational consulting company dedicated to empowering Catholic and faith-based school leaders. With a robust background encompassing over two decades of experience as an administrator and 15 years as a Catholic school principal, John Mihalyo has honed his expertise in addressing the multifaceted challenges encountered by educational leaders. John is also the host of the Catholic School Leaders podcast on the BE podcast network. In this conversation, we discuss:✅Why good school leaders visit classrooms before the official employee evaluation.✅Why starting a new program in a school can be a 3-year process (or more).✅The importance of marketing and communication (for both staff and community). ✅The difference between running public, private, and faith-based schools. You can listen to my interview on the Catholic School Leaders Podcast here: Navigating Executive Functioning to Support Student Growth with Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan (Link here: https://cslp.bepodcast.network/episodes/navigating-executive-functioning-to-support-student-growth-with-dr-karen-dudek-brannan)Connect with John on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmihalyo/Listen to the Catholic School Leaders Podcast here: https://cslp.bepodcast.network/Learn more about Elementary Advancement Solutions here: https://elementaryadvancement.com/In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership  We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this week's episode, we recognise the inaugural International Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) Awareness Day 2025 coming up this Friday on 4 April 2025. Kym, Speech Pathology Australia's Senior Advisor- Aged Care, speaks with Scott Cooper a dementia advocate living with PPA, and his speech pathologist Dr Penelope Monroe from FRONTIER's PPA Communication Project, at University of Sydney. Scott talks about his experiences, his work as a dementia advocate, and the impact speech pathology has made to his and his family's life, as he says, “It just makes life easier." Resources: International Primary Progressive Aphasia Awareness Day: https://speechtherapyppa.com/ppa-awareness-day.html Primary Progressive Aphasia Guide: https://aphasia.org.au/aphasia/primary-progressive-aphasia/ PPA - A Call to Action video – Ffion Walker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fPT34jGWNk Find a speech pathologist search: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Shared_Content/Smart-Suite/Smart-Maps/Public/Find-a-Speech-Pathologist.aspx SPA resources: Working with people with lived experience of dementia practice guideline: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=920 Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association's prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Many young adults enter their post-high school years without the executive functioning skills needed to thrive. This is often because the people supporting them underestimate the amount of support they're getting, and there's no plan in place to fade that prompting. When young adults enter college, they have to manage sleep hygiene, long-term projects, and manage screen time. This is why I talk so much about using multiple service delivery models when supporting executive functioning; whether it be in the schools or in private practice; because many essential life skills cannot be taught without the right environmental scaffolding in place.  That's why I invited Michael McLeod from GrowNOW therapy to talk about why he uses a combination of direct sessions, summer camps with community-based activities, parent coaching, and educator training. Michael partnered and worked with The Focus Foundation in 2015, learning from incredible doctors, neuropsychologists, and various specialists – gaining in-depth training and experience with ADHD and Executive Function research and development. He currently specializes in ADHD, Executive Functioning, Social Executive Functioning, and Parent Coaching. From his experiences as an Executive Function Specialist, Michael developed a distinct model of Internal Skills Coaching to enhance these skills. Michael is a Keynote Speaker and has presented nationwide and internationally, training families and professionals on his unique GrowNOW Treatment Model for fostering Executive Functions & Resiliency.In this conversation, we discuss:✅Do graduate programs prepare clinicians to work on executive functioning out in the field?✅Frontloading vs. traditional social skills sessions.✅Why helping families set boundaries around screen time is an essential part of the services clinicians offer.✅Defining failure to launch and what it looks like in young adults.✅Situational awareness and its impact on safety for college students. You can connect with Michael at:GrowNOWADHD.com, here: http://grownowadhd.com/GrowNOW Instagram, here: http://instagram.com/GrowNOWADHDGrowNOW School Trainings, here: https://www.grownowadhd.com/training/ADHD Parenting Podcast, here: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xATyVhNZU3abIejNIggvDListen to my previous conversations with Michael here:EP 008: Building accountability and motivation in kids with ADHD (with Mike McLeod), here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-008-building-accountability-and-motivation-in-kids-with-adhd-with-mike-mcleod/EP 009: Time management and device use boundaries in kids with ADHD (with Mike McLeod), here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-009-time-management-and-device-use-boundaries-for-kids-with-adhd-with-mike-mcleod/The following previous episodes were mentioned in this episode:EP 122: Executive functioning for college students: Beyond checklists and planners (with Jill Fahy), here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-122-executive-functioning-for-college-students-beyond-checklists-and-planners-with-jill-fahy/EP 193: Using Distance Learning to Increase Access and Opportunity (with Seth Fleischauer), here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-193-using-distance-learning-to-increase-access-and-opportunity-with-seth-fleischauer/In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

For episode 206 of De Facto Leaders, I share a Q & A session where I discuss Reading Recovery and cueing strategies for decoding, and I make some recommendations for additional information that will give you more information on this topic.I also share what you can do if you're in a district that uses Fountas and Pinnell reading levels, which often don't give detailed or consistent information about a kid's language skills. You'll also hear commentary on the Matthew Effect and vocabulary development. Finally, I discuss the role of executive dysfunction and mental health, a guide I created that dives into this topic further, and what clinicians can do to support executive functioning in schools.This Q & A session was done in the member's group for Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs build a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapyAdditional resources mentioned in this episode:You can find Angie Neal's Presentation on Speechpathology.com about using a collaborative approach to language and literacy here (you need a paid subscription to access): https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/language-and-literacy-collaborative-approach-9342You can listen to Sold a Story here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sold-a-story/id1649580473You can download the Executive Functioning Implementation Guide here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efguide We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Today I'm sharing an interview I did with Amy Baugh, a member of Language Therapy Advance Foundations. Amy Baugh is an experienced SLP, a life-long learner and truly enjoys listening to podcasts, joining SLP groups on social media and collaborating with her besties about all things' speech, language and being a business owner. She is the proud mother of two college aged daughters and enjoys learning and practicing functional health, working out, reading, and cooking. She is the owner of Elation Speech and Language Services. Link here: https://www.elationspeech.com/When Amy took a position at a high school with a large caseload, she knew she needed a solid strategy for keeping intervention intensive, but also ensuring teachers and paraprofessionals had the information they needed to support students in class, which is what inspired her to join Language Therapy Advance Foundations. When many clinicians come to me for support, they're often focused on the “micro”, such as planning sessions. That's why one of the first things I give clinicians I support is a framework clinicians can use for language therapy in direct intervention. However, once clinicians have their heads above water and they have the mental bandwidth to focus on the “macro”, they realize what else is possible when it comes to the impact they can make, as well as career opportunities.In Amy's case, it meant being able to focus on training teachers and paraprofessionals to implement language intervention in the classroom, as well as having an intervention framework to use when she started a private practice. In this conversation, we discuss:✅The power of consultation and coaching when you have a large caseload.✅The “house” strategy for initiating collaborations with teachers and adjacent disciplines.✅Why focusing on your “systems”, like your schedule, habits, and frameworks can help you get buy-in from teachers and administration. ✅The importance of syntax, vocabulary, and word study at the secondary level. You can connect with Amy at the Elation Speech and Language website here: https://www.elationspeech.com/You can also connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-baugh-m-a-ccc-slp-20bb974b/Amy is a member of Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives SLPs and other service providers create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/We mentioned the follow previous De Facto Leaders episode in this conversation:EP 147: High school language therapy: Do we still have time to make an impact? (with Tiffany Shahoumian-Ruiz) Here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-147-high-school-language-therapy-do-we-still-have-time-to-make-an-impact-with-tiffany-shahoumian-ruiz/EP 180: The relationship of literacy and language skills and involvement with the justice system (with Dr. Shameka Stewart) Here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-180-the-relationship-of-literacy-and-language-skills-and-involvement-with-the-justice-system-with-dr-shameka-stewart/EP 181: Developmental language disorder: Impact of literacy and life beyond school (with Dr. Karla McGregor) Here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-181-developmental-language-disorder-impacts-on-literacy-and-life-beyond-school-with-dr-karla-mcgregor/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

This episode is about sensory strategies for speech therapy sessions. It opens with an acknowledgement that OTs are the primary sensory experts, and offers resources for reviewing sensory basics. The episode then discusses the difference between being “sensory-defensive” and “sensory-seeking,” reviews the sensory system, and then moves into a discussion of strategies to support students with sensory differences or a diagnosis of sensory processing disorder. These strategies come from SLP and researcher Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin. The first strategy is addressing students' physical comfort, the second strategy is including movement in speech therapy sessions, and the third strategy is supporting students during transition times. The episode then discusses the connections between interoception and emotions, and offers three strategies to help students begin to notice and understand these connections in their own bodies. These strategies come from occupational therapist Kelly Mahler, and they are objective labeling, “I wonder” statements, and descriptive language.

On this eye-opening interview with special guest Lisa Wilcox, taken from our archives, we explore the science of language learning through linguistics and speech pathology. Sound boring? Turns out, it is actually really funny. And you might just discover a new angle from which to tackle your language-learning goals. ***The Bittersweet Life podcast has been on the air for an impressive 10+ years! In order to help newer listeners discover some of our earlier episodes, every Friday we are now airing an episode from our vast archives! Enjoy!*** ------------------------------------- COME TO ROME WITH US: For the third year in a row, we are hosting an intimate group of listeners for a magical and unforgettable week in Rome, this October 2025! Discover the city with us as your guides, seeing a side to Rome tourists almost never see. Find out more here. ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started. BECOME A PATRON: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life and receive awesome prizes in return for your generosity! Visit our Patreon site to find out more. TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue. START PODCASTING: If you are planning to start your own podcast, consider Libsyn for your hosting service! Use this affliliate link to get two months free, or use our promo code SWEET when you sign up. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps. WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured! NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon. TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!  

Finding the right amount of therapy materials is a struggle for many clinicians. It's hard to find the balance between having enough options, without having so many choices it feels overwhelming.Now that we have access to digital resources, we also have to think about how to use technology responsibly and effectively. That's why I invited Dr. Karen Rose to episode 204 of the De Facto Leaders podcast to discuss how digital platforms can minimize cognitive fatigue and improve communication on multidisciplinary teams. Dr. Karen Rose has over two decades of experience as a pediatric speech and language pathologist, fueling her passion for improving healthcare. As the former Vice President of Research and Clinical Development at Cognishine, she provided clinical and academic guidance and contributed to numerous research projects. She is now engaged in postdoctoral research and continues to work with Cognishine as an external advisor. Her work has been published in numerous internationally renowned journals.In this conversation, we discuss:✅How different clinical disciplines can collaborate with each other, as well as IT professionals to create engaging therapy resources.✅Using technology to enhance (but not replace) interactive in-person experiences.✅Thinking of digital platforms and therapy materials as a communication tool for team collaboration and parent coaching. ✅Leveraging online materials to provide scaffolding for therapists so they don't have to start from scratch; while still allowing room for engagement and creativity. Learn more about Cognishine here: https://www.cognishine.com/Follow Cognishine on LinkedIn here. https://www.linkedin.com/company/cognishine-therapy-and-education-ltd/Explore some of Congishine's Educational Resources and Free Activities here: https://app.cognishine.com/en-us/free-activitiesConnect with Dr. Karen on LinkedIn directly here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-rose-228757327/ In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode, I'm answering FAQs from the School of Clinical Leadership members about supporting students' executive functioning.I answer the following questions:What is frontloading, and why is it useful for students experiencing executive dysfunction and anxiety?When is it best to use structured, explicit instruction, and when is it best to let students figure things out on their own?How do you help students who won't complete work unless they have an adult sitting next to them?How do we provide ENOUGH support for students who need explicit instruction, but not so much that we're making students prompt dependent?What can school staff do if parents aren't setting boundaries with kids at home?How can we support parents who are struggling with bed times and morning routines? This Q & A was done for members of the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that teaches related service providers how to support executive functioning in the K-12 setting. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/lta-foundations-enrollment-2-web-fbI also mentioned my Time Tracking Journal tool, which provides a strategy that helps children build the executive functioning skills they need to complete multistep tasks. You can learn more about the Time Tracking Journal here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/timejournalYou can sign up for the free executive functioning training called “How to be evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming with executive functioning support” here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadershipI mentioned an additional examples of frontloading for social situations in this previous podcast episode: EP 167: Executive Functioning Support: Three Paradigm Shifts for School Teams. Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-167-a-framework-for-executive-functioning-intervention-three-shifts-for-school-teams/Finally, I mention the explicit instruction framework by Anita Archer and Charles Hughes. Link here: https://explicitinstruction.org/  We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, I talked to Erin Forward, a speech pathologist specializing in trauma-informed feeding. Erin shares her journey and passion for working with neurodivergent children, emphasizing the importance of understanding trauma in feeding therapy. She discusses the principles of trauma-informed care, the nuances of each child's feeding experience, and the significance of building trust and engagement. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in feeding therapy practices to better support children and their caregivers. Erin discusses the complexities of pediatric feeding disorders, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and the role of caregivers in creating supportive mealtime environments. She highlights the need for understanding children's cues, the significance of allowing children to feel safe and in control during meals, and the necessity of slowing down to foster a positive feeding experience. The discussion also touches on the educational aspect of feeding and the importance of recognizing individual needs in children, particularly those with trauma or neurodiversity. Bio Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, CLC is a speech-language pathologist and certified lactation counselor. Erin works as an SLP at a private practice She has advanced training in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, early language, AAC, and trauma, specifically for medically complex children. Erin holds an Expert DIR®Floortime Provider Certification and is a TBRI® Trained Practitioner. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's degree in CSD and Psychology and graduated from the University of South Carolina with her Master's in Speech Pathology. She is the co-host of "First Bite: A Speech Therapy Podcast" with Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, where she shares her experiences and evidenced-based practices from her time working in early intervention/home health, NICU/PICU, GI clinic, and outpatient clinic settings. Erin truly values building relationships and helping a child be their authentic self. Links First Bite Podcast:  https://www.speechtherapypd.com/podcast?name=Firstbite Erin Forward's Website & Course: https://www.erinforwardslp.com Takeaways ·      Feeding therapy must be individualized for each child. ·      Trauma-informed care includes principles like safety and trust. ·      Children learn about food similarly to how they learn about toys. ·      Building trust with caregivers is essential for feeding success. ·      Children need to feel safe before they can explore new foods. ·      Engagement and communication can lead to feeding progress. ·      Understanding a child's unique cues is vital in therapy. ·      The relationship between therapist and child is key to success. ·      Feeding Matters is crucial for early identification of feeding disorders. ·      Understanding the psychosocial aspects of feeding is essential. ·      Children need to feel safe and in control during mealtime. ·      A dysregulated adult cannot help a dysregulated child. ·      Children should have access to their safe foods without earning them. ·      Caregivers must recognize their own feeding-related trauma. ·      Creating a safe mealtime environment is vital for progress. You may also be interested in these supports: Visual Support Starter Set  Visual Supports Facebook Group Autism Little Learners on Instagram Autism Little Learners on Facebook

In this week's episode Dr Darin Woolpert and Dr Michael Cannizzaro discuss what Generative AI is (and is not) effective at when analysing language samples, and the importance of practitioner knowledge and critical thinking when using AI. Resources: A full list of resources / references for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub. ChatGPT LSA Spanish poster: https://asha2024-asha.ipostersessions.com/default.aspx?s=06-F3-6C-72-52-5C-36-DD-7D-FB-F9-F3-3E-8F-4B-31 University of Vermont CSD department: https://www.uvm.edu/cnhs/csd SPA Resources: SPA Position Statement: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in speech pathology – Ethical considerations: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=935 SPA FAQ: Ethical considerations when using Artificial Intelligence in speech pathology (Members only): https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=940 S6E14: Ethical AI in Speech Pathology, part 1: https://soundcloud.com/speechpathologyaustralia/ethical-ai-in-speech-pathology-part-1 S6E15: Ethical AI in Speech Pathology, part 2: https://soundcloud.com/speechpathologyaustralia/ethical-ai-in-speech-pathology-part-2-community-voices-s06-e15 Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts and a full list of resources / references for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association's prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

A good school leader knows how to protect their staff from initiatives and fires they may need to put out on a regular basis. In many cases if you're unaware of everything your school administrator is dealing with, it means they're doing their job well. This lack of awareness of what happens behind-the-scenes may mean little appreciation for everything administrators are dealing with. While negative perceptions exist towards teachers and other school staff members as well, the public tends to be even more unforgiving towards those in leadership positions. Yet despite all the negativity, I'm optimistic. Part of that is because of the many conversations I've had with public sector leaders. When you remove the parts from the whole, and speak with the individuals who are part of the bigger system, it's easier to see past the politics and have an appreciation for the work being done. That's why I'm highlighting impactful clips from three past interviews focused on the struggles of school leaders, as well as what's possible when we put the right supports in place for students, teachers, and the people leading them. These interviews feature discussions on:✅The impact of social media on the perception of education, and shedding light on the “behind-the-scenes” challenges of principals. ✅The importance of positive adult role models in shaping kids' beliefs about what's ✅The power of K-12 education in creating life opportunities.  ✅Using meditation to decrease disciplinary write-ups and increase your own creative problem-solving.✅How to use the 85% rule to support your mental health and show up for your students. You can listen to the full interviews here along with guest bios:EP 114: Do school leaders need coaching? (with Dan Kelley) Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-114-do-school-leaders-need-coaching-with-dan-kelley/EP 128: Using K-12 education to create opportunities and find your calling (with Dr. Joseph Williams) Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-128-using-k-12-education-to-create-opportunities-and-find-your-calling-with-dr-joseph-williams-iii/EP 124: Meditation for educators and the art of giving 85% (with Danny Bauer) Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-124-meditation-for-educators-and-the-art-of-giving-85-with-danny-bauer/In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Many people classify swallowing and feeding intervention as a “medical” service that shouldn't be addressed in the schools.  This is a very black and white (and inaccurate) way of thinking. Children with complex medical needs have a right to FAPE. Measuring whether or not students are accessing their curriculum can't be solely based on grades; which is unfortunately what many teams default to when it comes to determining if services and accommodations are educationally relevant. That's why I invited pediatric swallowing and feeding specialist Carolyn Dolby to the De Facto Leaders podcast to talk about what school teams can, and SHOULD be doing for swallowing and feeding in the schools. Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, specializes in pediatric feeding and swallowing evaluations and interventions as the Dysphagia Support Speech Language Pathologist for a large public school in the Pacific NorthWest. In her prior experience as a clinician, she has served populations across the lifespan in medical, in-home, and private practice settings. Her graduate-level courses for the University of Houston prepare the next generation of school-based dysphagia providers. In her ‘Bite-Sized Advice' private practice, she provides consultation services and dysphagia support nationwide. She presents locally and nationally with a focus on delivering dynamic dysphagia services.In this conversation, we discuss:✅The phases of swallowing, including the “pre-oral phase” schools need to consider.✅How the environment and events leading up to meal times impact a kid's ability to eat safely and efficiently in the lunchroom. ✅Why the “curriculum” isn't just about academic areas, and removing a child from an opportunity to socialize can be a violation of their rights. ✅Children need to be able to access their LRE. They can't do this if they can't maintain adequate nutrition and hydration across the school day.✅Court cases, legal mandates, and which “medical” services schools should be providing. You can connect with Carolyn at c1dobly@gmail.com.Listen to the School of Speech Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAqLI0-BOrrL4ftJWyDf1HewdiHAjKGuJ Listen to my interview on the School of Speech Podcast called “Positioning Yourself as a Literacy and Executive Functioning Expert on Your School Team” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmY0MR6H7QM&list=PLAqLI0-BOrrL4ftJWyDf1HewdiHAjKGuJ&index=4Resources mentioned in this episode:Emily Homer's Students Eat Safely Website. Link here: https://www.emilymhomer.comThe International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) website: https://iddsi.orgIn this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

This episode is about essential counseling skills for SLPs. It begins by acknowledging that even though counseling is a daily component of our work as SLPs, it's not necessarily something that we focus on. Research also indicates that counseling is an area where many SLPs lack confidence. The episode goes on to assert that counseling is simultaneously a bigger and a smaller part of speech-language pathology than we might think. It's bigger because it's part of everything we do, and it's smaller because it's not an additional task—it's embedded in our interactions. The episode then cautions that not every type of counseling is within the SLP scope of practice, and sometimes referrals to mental health professionals are necessary. According to ASHA, the two types of counseling within the SLP scope of practice are informational counseling and personal adjustment counseling. Research done by Dr. David Luterman indicates that most SLPs are less confident with personal adjustment counseling. The remainder of the episode focuses on personal adjustment counseling tips from Dr. Luterman's work. They include recognizing the role of grief, listening actively, and tending to our own personal growth.

Helping families feel involved in their child's school experience is a challenge; and underrepresented populations may often feel like their voices aren't being heard.While it can help if school staff buy in to the idea of family engagement, it's difficult for schools to make it happen without the right systems in place. That's why I invited Ari Gerzon-Kessler to episode 200 of De Facto Leaders to talk about the “Families and Educators Together”, or FET team framework he's developed. Ari Gerzon-Kessler is a sought after speaker and professional learning provider. He is the author of “On The Same Team: Bringing Educators & Underrepresented Families Together,” which won the Gold Medal from the Independent Publishers Book Awards for outstanding education book of 2024. Ari is a speaker, trainer, and coach working with schools and districts committed to forging stronger school-family partnerships. He also leads the Family Partnerships department for the Boulder Valley School District (CO).Ari has been an educator since 2000, having served as a principal and bilingual teacher. In 2006, Ari was a recipient of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund. As principal, his school received the Governor's Distinguished Improvement Award in 2013. His leadership efforts to strengthen partnerships with underrepresented families and dismantle unjust practices was featured in Education Week in 2015.In this conversation, we discuss:✅How to get and keep families engaged in the “Families and Educators Together” (FET) Team✅What's the difference between the PTO and the FET team, and how can these two teams work together.✅“Event-based” planning versus “Engagement-based” planning?✅Using a combination of technology and in-person events to increase equity and help families feel more included in their children's school experience.✅How to set up systems that enable educators to have regular positive communication with families. In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadershipLearn more about Ari's workshops, articles, and resources here: https://tinyurl.com/4yaszyknYou can connect with Ari on LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/in/arigerzon-kesslerConnect with him on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/ari.gerzonkessler/Get his book  “On The Same Team: Bringing Educators & Underrepresented Families Together,” here: https://www.solutiontree.com/on-the-same-team.htmlEmail him at arigerzon@gmail.com. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Hey Friends~  Many of you have acknowledged how much of a struggle it is to get Speech Therapy services - either enough or at all.  Today, I will address what is going on in speech pathology,  how this impacts you, and what you can do to help your kids.  According to the National Institute of Health, 40% of our children ages 3-10 are  struggling to develop good communication skills.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job opening projected for SLPs is 19% over the next decade.  The shortage of Speech Language Pathologists has been around for years and has no end in sight.  What are your options when your child needs more help and You don't know how?  Listen in to find out!   Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com   YOUR NEXT STEPS: Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin Freebie:   21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup Freebie:  "5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better" : https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91 Send Dinalynn a thought or question!  hello@thelanguageofplay.com ** For Speaking Engagements or For 1:1 or Group Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com   FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:  The Other Side of Divorce: Breakups That Lead to Breakthroughs www.ActionTakersPublishing.com/divorce   IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 154 A Single Father of Triplets Shares His Success Story. Happy Father's Day! 184 Do Your Habits Reduce Your Child's Need To Speak? 4 Strategies To Build Opportunities For Communication Growth 189 Your Child Is A Gestalt Language Learner? Uses Echolalia? 4 Tips To Help Expand Interactive Skills Learning Series on Attention:  Episodes #28- #33 Learning Series on Speech Sounds:  Episodes #56 - #64   AFFILIATE RESOURCE:  BabyQuip is the #1 baby gear rental service, and a total game changer for families who don't want to haul bulky gear while traveling! Follow this link for a BabyQuip Provider where you travel:  https://www.babyquip.com?a=7486bd3

Finding the resources and funding for learning tools and enriching events is a consistent challenge for many districts. The PTO is often a largely underutilized resource, but most people cringe at the thought of having to attend one more committee meeting, especially in the evenings. Yet a well-run PTO can help take some of the load off of school staff and leverage resources in the community.That's why I was excited to talk to Christina Hidek from PTO Answers about how school staff and PTOs can work together. Christina Hidek is a recovering attorney turned Professional Organizer and certified PTO volunteer nerd. She founded PTO Answers 7 years ago to boost family engagement in schools and empower parents to improve their child's educational experience and school community through PTA/PTO involvement. She's been an active PTO leader for the past 14 years and hosts the vibrant 7900 plus member Super Star PTO Leaders Facebook Group. When she's not volunteering, you can find her in her garden, listening to the latest Katherine Center audiobook or walking the family dogs.In this conversation, we discuss:✅How to get people to show up to the first PTO meeting (hint: It's not by asking, “Hey, want to join the PTO?”)✅Ways people can get involved if they can't come to PTO meetings.✅Examples of low-maintenance, high-profit fundraisers.✅Deciding what events and initiatives are a priority for your district.✅Creative ways to get resources, funding, and donations. Here's where you can go to connect with Christina: On Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/ptoanswers On Pinterest here: https://www.pinterest.com/ptoanswers On YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ptoanswersTake a look at her website here: https://ptoanswers.com/Sign up for the PTO/Teachers Collaboration Guide here: https://ptoanswers.com/teachers/Join the PTO Super Star Leaders Facebook Group: https://ptoanswers.com/community  We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Teachers and school leaders often feel like they have to be “everything to everyone”. Not only are educators expected to deliver high-quality instruction in traditional academic areas, they're also expected to provide social-emotional support, vocational training, and everything in between.When it comes to supporting mental health, this can be a tricky ethical line to walk when you're trained as a teacher and not as a clinician. Additionally, school staff are constantly trying to manage their own mental health needs, which is a challenge when the public tends to be unforgiving. That's why I invited Dr. Hayley Watson to episode 198 of De Facto Leaders to talk about how to help teachers support mental health in a way that falls within their scope. Dr. Hayley Watson is the founder and CEO of Open Parachute, a Tier 1 K-12 curriculum program that supports the mental health of students, teachers, and parents. She is also an author and Clinical Psychologist and holds a PhD in school bullying interventions. She has been creating and delivering programs for youth and practitioners across the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia for the past 20 years.In this conversation, we discuss:✅Special education accommodations feel like “extra” work for teachers: Embedding mental health into Tier 1 curriculum solves this problem.✅Why talking about mental health in general education helps educate peers on diverse learning needs.✅Destigmatizing mental health and giving youth the language to talk about self-regulation and self-care. ✅Service delivery models: Why we need BOTH structured, explicit intervention and real-life practice in social-emotional curriculums.You can learn more about Open Parachute and Dr. Watson's mental health curriculum for schools on her website here: https://openparachuteschools.com/Listen to her TEDx talk “Youth Mental Health is not as complicated as we make it out to be” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVZdMXK4kvk&t=2shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVZdMXK4kvk&t=2sConnect with Dr. Watson on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hayley-watson-2b249a16/In this conversation, I mentioned this previous episode: EP 151: Does your system support your policy and your curriculum (with Jalita Johnson) here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-151-does-your-system-support-your-policy-and-your-curriculum-with-jalita-johnson/In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

“Scaffolding” has become a buzzword when it comes to helping kids become more independent with academic and functional tasks, but it's only useful if people know what it means. Watching students or your own children struggle to transition or complete daily tasks can be uncomfortable for both the adults and children. As a result, it can be easy to get pulled in to a situation where kids become prompt-dependent. That's why I invited Rebecca Robbins to De Facto Leaders to talk about how to use declarative statements and strategic pausing to increase independence. Rebecca Robbins is a speech language pathologist who has spent the bulk of her career helping children, young adults, and families impacted by autism. She has worked in various settings over the course of her career including a private school for children with autism, Early Intervention & Preschool agency work, as well as a public school. She is now the proud owner of Mind ShaperSLP, LLC where she provides 1:1 speech therapy, executive functioning and life skills coaching for individuals and social skills groups. In addition, Rebecca provides parent online training programs and consultation services. Rebecca currently lives in Pennsylvania, and provides services in The Hudson Valley, NY and in Montgomery County, PA.In this conversion, we discuss:✅Parent coaching: It's emphasized in early intervention, so why aren't we doing it for school-age kids and adolescents?✅What does it mean to “act as kids' executive functioning”?✅Directive statements, explicit teaching, reflective questions, and pauses: How to use these strategies to fade prompts.✅Getting started with coaching and consulting: What strategies can we teach adjacent disciplines and caregivers to improve carryover?You can connect with Rebecca and learn about her therapy services and online programs for Autistic clients here: https://mindshaperslp.com/Connect with her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mindshaperslp/Connect with her on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/MindShaperSLP/In this episode, we mention Linda Murphy's Declarative Handbook and website. You can learn more about Linday Murphy's work on her website here: https://www.lindakmurphy.com/declarative-languageIn this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

This episode is about how to thrive as a preschool SLP. The episode opens with an acknowledgement that working as an SLP will probably never be easy, but it asserts that thriving is possible. It then moves into a brief recognition of the uniquely challenging and exhausting work that preschool SLPs do each day. The episode then goes on to offer three strategies to thrive as a preschool SLP. The first strategy is embracing authenticity. There's a common idea that preschool SLPs are bubbly all the time, but students value authenticity more than a specific personality type. The episode also notes the importance of encouraging our students to be authentic as well, and this may mean adjusting some of our behavioral expectations. The second strategy involves being willing to seek out preschool experts, especially because preschool intervention can be a niche area. It's difficult to thrive when we believe that we have to figure everything out on our own! The third strategy is about simplifying our therapy and focusing on activities that are backed by research and can target multiple skills at once.

Recent college graduate VaLanDria Smith-Lash '23 is now the CEO and founder of Coarse Culture, a personal skin care brand that was launched during her junior year. We'll talk about what happens when college plans change, about what it takes to create a student-run startup, and about why it's vital for all students to explore interests beyond school. Success is often shaped by unexpected opportunities. So embrace change and trust the process.  For more info, visit: shopcoarseculture.com, or follow VaLanDria on Instagram @valandriaa Featured Majors: Speech Pathology & Audiology, Dance

For episode 196 of De Facto Leaders, I share a Q & A session where I talk through how to write language therapy goals that are both trackable and functional.This is just one of many Q & A sessions I'm planning on sharing where I talk through how to find the balance between focusing on external behaviors that allow us to document progress and internal cognitive processes.I also talk about when to focus on “observable” language skills vs. strategy-based goals; especially when addressing both language and executive functioning skills. Throughout the session, you'll hear examples related to working on skills like syntax, semantic feature study, vocabulary, and cognitive processes that support language comprehension. This Q & A session was done in the member's group for Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs build a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here : https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

For episode 195 of De Facto Leaders, I share a Q & A session where I talk through ways to navigate evaluations; including considering a test's psychometric properties, how detailed it gets, and how to supplement with non-standardized protocols. In the second half, I talked about SLP career transitions and things to think about if you want to explore other ways to use your clinical credentials or are considering getting a doctorate or additional certifications. *This discussion on career pathways is also relevant for other clinical disciplines outside of speech-language pathology. I also talk about how to do "micro-experiments" that help you build skills and explore other ways to use your skills and build up a portfolio of experience you can use to transition to the next stage of your career.his Q & A session was done in the member's group for Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs build a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapyAdditional episodes mentioned in this discussion:EP 80: Career test runs and calming your inner critic with Stephanie Hayes (Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-80-career-test-runs-and-calming-your-inner-critic-with-stephanie-hayes/)EP 108: How to do multilingual evaluations as a monolingual therapist (with Meg Morgan) (Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-108-how-to-do-multilingual-evaluations-as-a-monolingual-therapist-with-meg-morgan/)EP 186: Supporting multilingual students and taking part in state and national advocacy work (with Puja Goel and Prabhu Eswaran) (Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-186-supporting-multilingual-students-and-taking-part-in-state-and-national-advocacy-work-with-puja-goel-and-prabhu-eswaran/)EP 187: Dynamic assessment: Evaluations are a process, not a test (with Destiny Johnson)(Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-187-dynamic-assessment-evaluations-are-a-process-not-a-test-with-destiny-johnson/) We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Many therapists feel as though they have limited upward mobility in their careers. Graduate programs understandably focus on direct clinical practice and understanding evidence-based practices.Unfortunately, this leaves many clinicians unprepared to navigate policy work, salary negotiations, or running a business. This makes many therapists less confident in advocating for reasonable caseloads or better compensation because they feel they have limited options for earning a living. That's why I invited Rachel Archambault to episode 194 to talk about how state and local policy impacts clinical disciplines and how therapists can expand their career options. Rachel Archambault M.A. CCC-SLP is an award-winning speaker and consultant for trauma-informed care as well as a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). She collaborates with service providers (SLPs, doctors, PT/OT, etc.), parents, businesses (schools, hospitals, universities, rehab), and communities to incorporate trauma-informed care into their setting. In 2018, Rachel was an SLP at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL when an internationally publicized traumatic event happened at her workplace. After wondering how she could better work with her students (and self) who had undergone trauma, she found trauma-informed care. Her lived experience of trauma in combination with her profession allow her to bridge the gap for SLPs and other service providers who want to learn about and implement trauma-informed care in any setting. Rachel is a neurodivergent SLP, (PTSD & ADHD) and advocates for mental health trainings for SLPs. Rachel uses her unique journey to help put a face to trauma for healthcare providers, parents, and universities.In this conversion, we discuss:✅Negotiating salary for SLPs at the district level and giving public comment. ✅Making a case for districts to hire additional clinicians; including how to show the negative impact of high caseload numbers. ✅How to stay informed and understand how state and local policy impacts your ability to provide quality services. ✅Common knowledge gaps for clinicians; including people management, business operations, sales, marketing, and personal finance. Listen to Rachel's previous interview on De Facto Leaders here: EP 115: Trauma-informed care for therapists, teachers, and school leaders (with Rachel Archambault) Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-115-trauma-informed-care-for-therapists-teachers-and-school-leaders-with-rachel-archambault/You can learn more about Rachel's services or how to book her for a speaking engagement here: https://www.ptsdslp.com/Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd.slp/Follow her on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/PTSD.SLP/Connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-archambault/Listen to the Speech Science Podcast here: https://www.speechsciencepodcast.com/episodesIn this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Most people agree that the “online learning” that happened during COVID was a challenge for many students; especially those with disabilities.However, what happened during the pandemic wasn't a true version of what “distance learning” or “telehealth” should be. There's a difference between leveraging technology to enhance in-person experiences vs. using it as a temporary solution in an emergency situation.There's also a difference between using technology to provide opportunities that wouldn't be possible in-person vs. having an unhealthy relationship with social media.That's why I invited Seth Fleischauer to De Facto Leaders to discuss distance learning best practices, social media, and how to use technology responsibly in education.Seth Fleischauer is the President of Banyan Global Learning, which he founded in 2008 after teaching elementary school with NYC Teaching Fellows. Banyan pioneered daily international EFL distance learning and has since expanded to train teachers and educate K-12 students across three continents. His programs focus on teaching digital and cultural competencies through a global lens and have delivered over 40,000 live teaching sessions. Seth has also hosted nearly 100 podcast episodes, including Make It Mindful and Why Distance Learning?In this conversation, we discuss:✅Why “COVID online learning” wasn't an accurate representation of true distance learning. ✅Opportunities, access, and equity: Using distance learning experiences when IRL isn't possible.✅How do we know when kids are ready for social media?✅Defining the “digital footprint” and how to talk to kids about safe online practices.You can learn more about Seth's company, Banyan Global Learning at: https://banyangloballearning.com/Listen to the Make it Mindful Podcast at: https://feeds.transistor.fm/make-it-mindful-an-education-podcastListen to the Why Distance Learning Podcast at: https://whydistancelearning.transistor.fm/Learn more about the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration here: https://www.cilc.org/In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Keywords Dyslexia, Learning Disability, Speech Pathology, Education, Child Development, Diagnosis, Accommodations, Parenting, Brain Differences, Awareness Summary In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Shaye and Jayla engage with Jaimee Szymanski PhD, CCC-SLP, a speech and language pathologist specializing in dyslexia. They discuss the challenges and misconceptions surrounding dyslexia, including its signs, symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Jaimee shares insights on the brain differences in individuals with dyslexia, the impact of accommodations in education, and the broader implications of dyslexia on emotional well-being and academic success. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of dyslexia, encouraging parents to trust their instincts and seek help for their children.takeaways Dyslexia is a common learning disability affecting one in five individuals. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for children with dyslexia. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence; many individuals with dyslexia are highly intelligent. The brain processes information differently in individuals with dyslexia, leading to unique strengths and challenges. Accommodations in education can significantly help students with dyslexia succeed academically. Parents should trust their instincts if they suspect their child has dyslexia. Dyslexia can lead to emotional challenges, including increased risk of anxiety and depression. Reading can be achieved through various means, including audiobooks and verbal communication. Awareness and open discussions about dyslexia can reduce stigma and shame. Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but with the right support, individuals can thrive. Why Not Trust Your Gut? The Emotional Impact of Dyslexia "Dyslexia affects one in five." "Your brain is bigger than everybody else's brain." "Dyslexia is an emergency. Treat it as such." Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:28 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact 04:34 Signs and Symptoms of Dyslexia 10:25 Differentiating Dyslexia from Other Disorders 14:11 The Brain Differences in Dyslexia 16:52 The Misconception of Intelligence and Dyslexia 20:03 Steps for Parents: Seeking Help and Diagnosis 24:29 The Importance of Accommodations in Education 28:00 The Broader Implications of Dyslexia 30:20 Closing Thoughts and Mindset Shifts

The writing process comes with internal resistance, even for strong writers.Most people who say they enjoy writing don't enjoy the entire process; particularly the “getting started” part. This is why writing is a common challenge when executive functioning is impacted. Layer on issues with background knowledge, language, and decoding, and it becomes even more complex. Kids need support with the “puzzle pieces” that fit together to support writing. Things like vocabulary, syntax, the ability to decode words, and the ability to spell. But while we're working on these foundational skills, we also need to make sure kids get support with the “glue” that holds them together. This is where self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) can be really powerful. SRSD is a metacognitive strategy designed to help students with the planning and execution of challenging academic tasks like writing. That's why I invited Dr. Nelly Kaakaty to episode 192 of the De Facto Leaders podcast to talk about her research and work in the field with SRSD and supporting students with learning differences.Dr. Nelly Kaakaty is an educational therapist and psychology professor dedicated to creating a more accessible world, one classroom at a time. She has spent the last 12 years as a teacher, learning specialist, and researcher, designing academic programs to support all types of learners. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Child Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Dallas, a Master's degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and a doctorate in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Special Education from A&M-Commerce. Her current work is twofold: she is learning specialist at an independent school, where she provides academic support to high school students, and she is a professor at a community college, where she teaches courses in psychology.In this conversation, we discuss:✅Why so many writing challenges are tied to executive functioning.✅The power of micro-commitments and working through the struggle.✅Scaffolding, fading prompts, and giving “just enough” support.✅“We start writing before we start writing” and why starting with 5 minutes is okay.✅Self-talk is for strategy and self-image: We need to model and explicitly teach both.You can connect with Dr. K on Instagram @learningwithdrk, or on her website here: https://learningwithdrk.com/?ref=collabs.ioLearn about the resources she offers on her Amazon page here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/learningwithdr.k?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsflearningwithdr.k_BMWF4ZEERV80HH7SES3BConnect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nellykaakaty/?ref=collabs.ioIn this episode, I mentioned the following resources:Think SRSD : https://thinksrsd.com/IRIS Center: SRSD Resources : https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/srs/EP 130: Using private practice to offer accessible services and advocate for your profession (with Ebony Green) : https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-162-the-summer-slide-real-phenomenon-or-invented-by-tutoring-companies-with-david-schipper/EP 176: Building the language skills for reading, writing, and spelling (with Dr. Jan Wasowicz): https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-176-building-the-language-skills-for-reading-writing-and-spelling-with-dr-jan-wasowicz/“Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching” by Anita L. Archer and Charles A. Hughes : https://explicitinstruction.org/ “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield : https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/“Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12543.Bird_by_BirdTim Ferriss Show Episode Episode 263: Master Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky-Exploring Creativity, Ignoring Critics, and Marking Art: https://tim.blog/2017/09/09/darren-aronofsky/Tim Ferriss Show Episode 154: The Habits of a Master-Paulo Coehlo, Author of the Alchemist: https://tim.blog/2016/04/23/paulo-coelho-the-alchemist/In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

This episode is about SLPs and conflict management. It opens with a discussion of Nonviolent Communication, an approach that focuses on using empathy during challenging interactions. There are four main components in Nonviolent Communication: observation, feelings, needs and requests. A core understanding within Nonviolent Communication is that everything we do is in service of our needs. This idea can help us understand why others do what they do—and why we do what we do! Nonviolent Communication also uses animal metaphors to describe different communication styles. Jackal communication is aggressive and judgmental, and operates with a limited perspective. Giraffe communication comes from the heart, and it uses a more expansive perspective. After exploring Nonviolent Communication, I talk about strategies from Harvard's Program on Negotiation. These strategies focus on finding common ground during a conflict. I close the episode with a reminder that listening can be one of our most powerful actions in a conflict. In his book Never Split the Difference, well-known hostage negotiator Chris Voss emphasizes that the listener is the participant who controls a conversation.