Earn 0.1 ASHA CEUs for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/valuing-pediatric-vfss

In this episode, Michelle interviews Anais Villaluna, SLPD, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC, a trilingual speech-language pathologist, to discuss best practices and critical considerations for pediatric Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Studies (VFSS). Anais, who has just completed her SLPD and is already embarking on her PhD journey, shares insights from recent research, including the importance of radiographic settings, hidden technological considerations that can impact the outcome, the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, and how to support the little ones and their caregivers through the VFSS process. If you’re not familiar with conducting VFSS, or even if you’re a seasoned veteran, this episode will have nuggets of EBP for everyone!

Guest: Colleen Ashford MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/advocacy-and-ieps

In this episode, Erin and Colleen discuss the depth of advocacy surrounding IEPs, EI, and the impact of recent policy changes. This vulnerable discussion touches on what it means to advocate for our families in the school setting and beyond. Colleen discusses the effects of variety in policy and laws state by state, and the importance of seeking resources and support to help you support your families. They also discuss how SLPs can tailor their services in private practice and resources to support you in this process. If you are ready to explore and expand your value and advocacy as an SLP, this episode is for you.

Here is the link of an organization Colleen would recommend donating to:

https://www.ilrc.org/donate-now

They are the same one that created these Family Preparedness Plan Packets that can be given to families:

https://www.ilrc.org/resources/step-step-family-preparedness-plan

Colleen's Courses (Colleen is an affiliate)

The Collaborative IEP with Ashley Barlow (two complimentary courses):

https://thecollaborativeiep.spiffy.co/a/0KLCN2r0pE/4345

https://thecollaborativeiep.spiffy.co/a/lkgsG1az5P/4345

YourSLPDaj's SIDE BIZ SLP Course (Colleen is an affiliate) -

https://ashford--cotreatcorner.thrivecart.com/sidebizslp/

If people want to hear The Unfiltered IEPs Podcast they can subscribe here to find out when new episodes are released!

https://theadvocateslp.myflodesk.com/dqt0sp358u

Watch First Bite on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7MAivUFBhc4?si=F6rhc3118SrSsOwN

Expert Panel: Amy Hobek, PhD, CCC-SLP, Fé González Murray, EdD, CCC-SLP, Vishnu KK Nair, Archie Soelaeman, Betty Yu and Reem Khamis

Take ACTION HERE: Changes to 2020 certification standards feedback. Survey. (n.d.). https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020_Cert_Changes

This episode will be available for 0.1 ASHA CEU on July 4, enroll here: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/ashas-proposed-changes

Correction Note from Dr. Betty: “During the recording I referred to the executive order targeting associations with assets of $500 million or more. I thought ASHA met that criteria but actually ASHA’s net assets are around $174 million.”

In this episode, Michelle and Erin host an all start line up of colleagues from across the globe to discuss ASHA’s Proposed Changes to the “2020 Certification Standards” and the long-term ramifications that these changes could have for our profession. This conversation is timely in that there are only a matter of days, roughly 3 weeks or less, for audiologists and speech-language pathologists (including students) to write in and advocate to ASHA on whether the proposed changes to the 2020 Certification Standards should be accepted… changes that remove key words and language that were hard fought to obtain. Be informed that this conversation does address political rationale behind the changes and offer a plethora of resources for individuals to grow their knowledge regarding the long-term ramifications of these proposed changes… but it ends with resources on how to make your voice heard! So, come join the ladies of “First Bite” and ADVOCATE!

About the Panel:

Amy Hobek, PhD, CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Cincinnati. Her teaching and scholarship focus on equity and inclusion, with an emphasis on valuing and legitimizing cultural and linguistic variations in these areas within individuals, families, and communities. She is also a licensed speech language pathologist providing clinic supervision of graduate students in a culturally and linguistically diverse preschool setting on UC’s campus. She is a co-chair of the Cultural Humility Task Force of the National Black Association of Speech Language and Hearing. She is a topic co-chair of Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural-Linguistic Diversity for the ASHA 2025 Convention.

Professor Reem Khamis (also known as Reem Khamis-Dakwar) is Professor Emerita at Adelphi University and Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Long Island University (LIU) Brooklyn. Her expertise centers on language development, processing, and clinical services within the sociolinguistic context of diglossia and diverse populations. Dr. Khamis is co-founder of the Journal of the Critical Study of Communication and Disability (JCSCD) and a co-founding member of the Speech, Language, and Hearing Scientists Equity Action Collective. She currently serves as Language Section Editor for the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (JSLHR). She received the Excellence in Diversity Award in 2020 from the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD).

Fé González Murray, EdD, CCC-SLP is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northern Arizona University. Prior to joining the NAU faculty, she worked for 25 years as an English/Spanish bilingual speech-language pathologist in various settings, most notably in public schools serving Indigenous American, migrant, and immigrant populations. In addition to teaching and supervising clinical rotations, she facilitates workshops nationally and internationally on topics related to responsive practice...

Guest: Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/early-feeding

Hosted by: Michelle Dawson MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S

Welcome to an insightful conversation between Michelle Dawson and Dr. Kelsey Thompson, a renowned pediatric feeding therapist and researcher. In this episode, they delve into critical issues in pediatric feeding therapy, discuss essential strategies for supporting infants with Down syndrome and preterm infants, and explore the importance of early intervention and advocacy in speech-language pathology.

📌 Episode Highlights:

- The impact of recent CMS updates on provisional licensure for speech-language pathologists.

- Exploring the unique needs and milestones in pediatric feeding therapy for infants with Down syndrome.

- The vital role of early intervention and parent-infant relationships in feeding development.

- Current gaps in research and the need for continued advocacy and support within pediatric feeding disorders.

⏰ Timeline:

00:00 – Introduction and recent CMS updates impacting speech-language pathologists

03:00 – Importance of advocacy in speech pathology

04:00 – Introduction to Dr. Kelsey Thompson

08:00 – Dr. Thompson’s path into pediatric speech therapy

11:00 – UNC’s Feeding Flock program overview

15:00 – Special interest in working with Down syndrome populations

19:00 – Developmental milestones and transitions in early feeding therapy

25:00 – Defining "complementary foods" and its role in pediatric feeding

30:00 – Findings from recent scoping review on Down syndrome and feeding

35:00 – Key transitions and interventions in early childhood feeding

40:00 – Clinical considerations and family support strategies

45:00 – Addressing realistic goals and collaboration among caregivers

50:00 – Importance of flexibility and adjusting therapy goals

55:00 – Critical resources for supporting infants with Down syndrome

01:00:00 – Addressing gaps in pediatrician training on feeding disorders

01:05:00 – Essential organizations and resources for caregivers and clinicians

01:10:00 – Wrapping up: Resources, future research directions, and contact information

🔗 Useful Resources Mentioned:

Feeding Matters: www.feedingmatters.org

National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders: swallowingdisorderfoundation.com

National Down Syndrome Society: www.ndss.org

📧 Contact Dr. Kelsey Thompson:

Email: kelsey_thompson@med.unc.edu

About the Guest: Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, research scientist, and mom of two little ones. Her research and clinical work center around supporting families through the introduction to solid foods, with the goal of preventing long-term pediatric feeding disorders and helping caregivers feel confident about feeding. Her research focuses on infants with Down syndrome and preterm infants and their families.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDdUnq3dwos

***Trauma-Informed Moment: This episode could trigger NICU warriors and survivors emotionally. As always, we choose joy and healing; however, we wanted to inform you in advance.***

Full conversation with Casey Lewis, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CNT, CLC, NTMTC for "Sacred Space: Supporting Caregivers and SLPs in the NICU" an episode of the First Bite podcast.

Hosted by: Michelle Dawson MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/sacred-space

In this episode, Michelle is joined by Casey Lewis, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CNT, CLC, NTMTC, a fiercely compassionate advocate for both caregivers in the NICU and NICU SLPs, as her life journey has had her walk in both footsteps. During this hour, Casey shares raw memories of both life experiences to help grow our colleagues' understanding of barriers that caregivers and clinicians encounter in this setting, all to see our smallest patients thrive. If you have ever wanted to work in the NICU or learn how to support a colleague or family member better while they brave their personal NICU journey, this is the hour for you.

About the Guest(s): Casey Lewis, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CNT, CLC, NTMTC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist based in Dallas, Texas. She owns and operates TexScope, a mobile endoscopy company serving numerous Texas healthcare organizations. Casey's specialties include dysphagia across the lifespan as well as neonatal care. Casey is currently serving as an expert witness in a legal case, representing expertise in neonatal dysphagia. Most recently, Casey became a NICU Mom herself in 2023 after experiencing a placental abruption. Casey's experience of transitioning from clinician to caregiver in a space where she has built her career has strengthened her heart for advocacy, specifically in the fragile environment of the NICU.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqs46JCmFPg

Guests: Lindsay Meyer Turner, PhD, CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, RLC, NTMTC, Leena Sayed, MS, Inéz Esparza, MS, L-SLP, CCC-SLP, Megan Richmond, DHA, MS CCC-SLP, and Meredith McLain, MCD CCC-SLP

Hosted by: Michelle Dawson MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S

This episode is worth 0.1 ASHA CEU and meets ASHA DEI certification requirement, enroll here: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/pfd-and-deia

In this episode, Michelle is joined by an all-star line-up of PFD advocates from across the nation: Lindsay Meyer Turner, PhD, CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, RLC, NTMTC, Leena Sayed, MS, Inéz Esparza, MS, L-SLP, CCC-SLP, Megan Richmond, DHA, MS CCC-SLP, and Meredith McLain, MCD CCC-SLP to address DEIA within the framework of pediatric feeding disorder! United together, these women create a safe space to hold a crucial and intimate conversation about the unique challenges that our colleagues, patients, and caregivers are encountering on a daily basis. Yes, there are tears, yes there is laughter, and yes there are numerous evidence-based resources to support listeners in their walk as they stand up for improved access to care, fight racism, sexism, and ableism, and most importantly serve one another with humility, compassion, and an abundance of grace all in time to close out Pediatric Feeding Disorder and ARFID Awareness Month with unparalleled joy!

Michelle and Erin get together to talk about their free PFD in Schools seminar that took place on last Sunday (5/18). They also preview the new season starting next week on May 27, and the process of creating a new cover for the first time in 7 years!

Stay tuned next week for an all new episode titled "PFD and DEIA: Why It Matters to Us and Those We Serve" featuring a panel of 6 PFD experts from around the US.

Free PFD in Schools Seminar (.6 ASHA CEU): www.speechtherapypd.com/pfd

This conversation originally aired September 26, 2018 - an all new season of First Bite will return on May 27, 2025.

Earn .1 ASHA CEU for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Banishing-Basic-Feeding-Myths-in-the-World-of-Pediatrics-48

Hosts: Michelle Dawson MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S and Erin Forward MSP, CCC-SLP, CLC

In this episode, Michelle and Erin bust some of our pre-conceived myths regarding treatment of feeding disorders in the pediatric world. Defining the etiology of the dysphagia, the confusion of utilization of EBP strategies with adults and how EBP can often become misplaced when treating pediatrics is discussed, as well as some of our favorite resources to develop our EBP for pediatrics is discussed.