In this episode of 'Hear Me Out,' hosts Niki Lampi and Tamara Pogin discuss the 'Stage Play' program with guest Kate Horvath. They explore how this acting class for neurodivergent children uses theater to enhance communication, social skills, and emotional awareness. The episode covers the program's origins, growth, and the impactful collaboration between the Masonic Children's Clinic and local theater professionals.

In this episode of 'Hear Me Out,' hosts Niki Lampi and Tamara Pogin from the Masonic Children's Clinic for Communication Disorders discuss communication disorders with guest Alyssa Acker, a school speech language pathologist. Alyssa shares her personal journey into the field, inspired by her daughter's hearing issues. The discussion covers the Help Me Grow referral process in Minnesota, the importance of early childhood screenings, and how evaluations for communication issues are conducted in public schools. The team highlights the value of collaboration between professionals for the benefit of the child and their family. Tamara also shares tips for parents on managing activity transitions for children. The episode emphasizes the benefits of early intervention and support for children with communication disorders.

In this episode of 'Hear Me Out,' Niki Lampi and Tamara Pogin introduce Emily Wolf, office manager, and Andrea Thyen, therapy aide at the Masonic Children's Clinic. Emily discusses her career shift from hotel management and her dynamic role at the clinic. Andrea shares her journey from a communications degree to her current role, emphasizing her work with sibling childcare and creative projects. Both highlight their teamwork and commitment to providing a welcoming environment. The episode also explores special clinic events and personal anecdotes about engaging with the children, and is a LOT of fun!

This episode features Tristan Feld and Natalie Wark, speech language pathologists who work in both public schools and the Clinic. They discuss their journeys into the profession and the PACC program—Parents and Children Communicating—aimed at parent education. The program, originally developed in the 1990s, provides services to families with children facing communication challenges. It includes parent education sessions while providing childcare, focusing on strategies for better communication. The program accommodates various caregivers and has had a significant positive impact on numerous families over the years. Tristan and Natalie share the rewarding experiences and challenges of their roles in both settings and express the importance of flexibility and collaboration in their work.

In this episode of 'Hear Me Out,' hosts Niki Lampi and Tamara Pogin from the Masonic Children's Clinic for Communication Disorders welcome Mike Rosensweig, a long-time supporter whose father, Joe Rosensweig, was one of the clinic's founders. Mike shares touching stories about his father's dedication to the mission, the importance of community support, and the lasting impact of the clinic's services on children and their families. Listeners will also hear about Mike's involvement in fundraising events and the joy of giving back. The episode emphasizes the vital role donations play in providing free speech, language, and hearing services to children.

In this episode of 'Hear Me Out,' podcast hosts Niki Lampi and Tamara Pogin, both speech language pathologists at the Masonic Children's Clinic for Communication Disorders, interview Sarah Sheppard, an occupational therapist. Sarah, who has worked with the clinic for three years, shares her journey from a special education teacher to an occupational therapist. She discusses the unique approach of the Masonic Children's Clinic that allows therapists to spend more time consulting with families and creating individualized sensory tools for children. Sarah elaborates on the importance of understanding sensory systems and emotional regulation, dynamic sensory systems, and co-regulation. She also highlights the intersection of sensory issues with everyday tasks like sleep, feeding, and potty training and talks about her holistic approach to therapy.

In this episode, we welcome Annika Juenemann, a SLP at the clinic, to discuss her journey into speech-language pathology and her experiences with her therapy dog, Arlo. Annika shares how a shadowing experience shifted her focus from counseling to speech therapy. She details her educational background, her initial work with a diverse patient demographic, and her eventual specialization in pediatrics with a strong interest in autism. Annika also discusses her volunteer work with the Minnesota Neurodivergent Organization. The conversation shifts to animal-assisted therapy, where Annika describes the certification process for Arlo, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix, and how he contributes to therapy sessions. Arlo not only interacts with the children but also serves as a model for emotional regulation and alternative communication methods. Annika emphasizes the importance of blending play with therapy to achieve effective outcomes and highlights the mutual benefits of her work with Arlo for both the children and their families.