In today’s episode, Beth is joined by Erica, an LSVT BIG certified occupational therapist, and Jessica, the mother of Wesley, to discuss Wesley’s experience with LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD as a young child with Down syndrome.

Together, they share perspectives on introducing LSVT programs to young children, adapting therapy to make it meaningful and engaging, and the importance of collaboration between clinicians, children, and families. They also discuss Wesley’s experience over two summers of treatment and the progress he made in his movement and communication.

This episode is ideal for OTs, PTs, SLPs, and parents curious about intensive, amplitude‑focused therapy in pediatrics and how to make “BIG” and “LOUD” gains that carry over into everyday life.

Show Notes

Special Guests: Jessica Czajka-Glisch and Erica Vitek, MOT, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPC

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get LSVT LOUD or LSVT BIG Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT LOUD or LSVT BIG Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

In this episode we sit down with speech-language pathologist Amy Chrest to explore her unique perspective as both a clinician and a person living with young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD). Diagnosed nine years ago, Amy shares how her professional knowledge shaped, and sometimes complicated, her experience as a patient navigating changes in communication, swallowing, cognition, and identity. From sitting on the other side of the evaluation table to deciding when to share her diagnosis with patients, Amy offers candid reflections on the challenges and insights that come with living in both worlds.

Amy also discusses her advocacy work as a Research Advocate and Policy Advocate for the Parkinson’s Foundation, as well as her collaboration with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. She explains why sharing personal stories is essential to building community, influencing research and policy, and breaking stigma. This thoughtful conversation offers valuable lessons for clinicians, people living with Parkinson's, and anyone interested in the human side of healthcare.

Special Guest: Amy Chrest, MA, CCC-SLP

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Social Media Handles:

Instagram: @AmyStrongAF

Facebook: @amy.hutchins.chrest

Research Opportunities:

Parkinson’s Foundation, PD GENEration: https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration

Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

To learn more about LSVT LOUD speech therapy or LSVT BIG physical/occupational therapy or to locate therapists in your area, visit https://www.lsvtglobal.com.

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Join us for a conversation with Dr. Suzana Simoes, physical therapist and Director of Rehabilitation Services at Florida PACE Centers, as we explore the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and its role in helping older adults live safely and independently in their communities.

Dr. Simoes shares an overview of the PACE model, including who qualifies, the services it provides, and how interdisciplinary teams work together to support participants' health, function, and quality of life. She also discusses the role of rehabilitation within PACE, the opportunities and challenges of delivering therapy in this setting, and how evidence-based programs such as LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD are integrated within their care model to support mobility, communication, and overall function.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a person living with Parkinson's or another neurological condition, or a family member exploring care options for an older loved one, this episode offers valuable insights into a growing model of community-based care.

Show Notes:

Special Guest: Suzana Simoes, PT, DPT

PACE Websites Mentioned in This Episode:

National PACE Association

Florida PACE Centers

Broward Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios

https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

In celebration of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we sit down with Jen Walentas Lewon, clinical associate professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, to explore the intersection of science, artistry, and human connection in speech-language pathology.Jen shares her journey across diverse clinical settings, her passion for voice and neurogenic disorders, and her approach to student-centered mentorship. From gender-affirming voice work to the principles of LSVT LOUD, this conversation highlights how clinicians can balance structured, evidence-based practice with creativity and individualized care.We also discuss the evolving role of technology, telepractice, and access to care—while reinforcing a central theme of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s National Speech-Language-Hearing Month: the importance of communication and those who support it.Whether you’re a clinician, student, person living with a communication disorder, or a family member supporting a loved one, this episode offers insights into how we can all better understand, support, and empower the human voice.Show Notes:Special Guest: Jen Walentas Lewon, MS, MA, CCC-SLPHost: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLPTheme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpcPodcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

In this episode, we’re joined by registered dietitian Richelle Flanagan, founder of My Moves Matter and NutritionPD, who brings a uniquely powerful perspective to Parkinson’s care, not only as a clinician, but also as someone living with Parkinson’s disease following a young-onset diagnosis.

Richelle shares her personal journey, including how her diagnosis deepened her understanding of nutrition, movement, and self-management in Parkinson’s care. We explore the mission behind My Moves Matter, a global initiative encouraging people with Parkinson’s to understand and manage their own symptoms, and NutritionPD, a suite of education programs dedicated to providing evidence-based, Parkinson’s-specific nutrition guidance.

Throughout the conversation, Richelle bridges her dual perspective as both a dietitian and a person living with Parkinson’s, offering insight into the day-to-day realities of living with the condition and the many factors that influence how people feel and function. She also shares practical, realistic strategies that empower individuals and care partners to make meaningful changes without becoming overwhelmed.

This episode highlights the importance of interdisciplinary care and lived experience, offering valuable takeaways for clinicians, individuals with Parkinson’s, and care partners alike.

Show Notes:

Special Guest: Richelle Flanagan

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Resources mentioned in this episode:

My Moves Matter: https://www.mymovesmatter.com/

NutritionPD: https://nutritionpd.com/

My Moves Matter YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MyMovesMatter

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

Join us for a compelling conversation with Gary Boyle, who lives with young-onset Parkinson's, and his wife, Joan Duffy, a speech-language therapist and LSVT LOUD clinician.

This episode delves into their unique journey, from Gary's diagnosis and his proactive approach to living well with Parkinson's, to Joan's dual role as a care partner and professional expert.

They share candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating Parkinson's, offering a powerful testament to resilience and the impact of communication.

Discover their personal experience with LSVT LOUD therapy, as Gary recounts his voice and speech changes and breakthrough moments, while Joan highlights improvements in confidence and participation she observed.

The discussion also explores their advocacy efforts for Parkinson's care in Ireland and Europe. Gary and Joan provide invaluable advice for those newly diagnosed and for care partners, sharing what inspires hope in their ongoing journey.

Show Notes:

Special Guests: Gary Boyle and Joan DuffyHost: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Organizations Close to Gary and Joan:

Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease Ireland: ⁠https://eopd.ie/⁠Parkinsons’ Europe: ⁠https://parkinsonseurope.org/⁠Parkinson’s Ireland: ⁠https://www.parkinsons.ie/⁠The Irish Association of Speech + Language Therapists: ⁠https://www.iaslt.ie/⁠

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc⁠

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios ⁠https://www.csdesignstudios.com/⁠

Get Certified: ⁠⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠⁠LSVT Global Website: ⁠⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠⁠Find LSVT Clinicians: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

Join occupational therapist (OT) Erica Vitek as she shares her journey at the intersection of Parkinson’s (PD) rehabilitation and pelvic floor therapy. Erica recounts her path from general OT practice to specializing in PD and pelvic health, shaped by her roles at LSVT Global and the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, and discusses powerful patient stories where addressing bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction restored dignity and independence.

Listeners will explore how PD disrupts pelvic function, top myths related to receiving healthcare for pelvic function, communication tools for sensitive topics, collaboration strategies with specialists, and actionable self-management tips.

She also introduces her new self-paced course, Foundations of Pelvic Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease, as a resource touching on PD neuroanatomy, pelvic floor function, evidence-based strategies, and self-management for therapy professionals and PD families. Perfect for OTs, PTs, neuro rehab clinicians, patients with PD, and caregivers seeking practical hope and awareness.

SHOW NOTES:

Special Guest: Erica Vitek, MOT, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPCHost: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

RESOURCES:

Erica’s New Online Course (Open to everyone): Foundations of Pelvic Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/foundations-of-pelvic-rehabilitation-for-parkinson-s-disease-a-guide-for-therapy-professionals/

Advanced Course for Rehab Professionals: Parkinson Disease and Pelvic Rehabilitation: https://hermanwallace.com/continuing-education-courses/parkinson-disease-and-pelvic-rehabilitation

Directory of APTA Women’s Pelvic Health Specialists: https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/wcs-directory

Directory of Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioners (PRPC): https://pelvicrehab.com/?utm_source=hermanwallace.com&utm_medium=referrral&utm_content=findapractitioner

THEME SONG:

"Think LOUD for Parkinson’s" by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer. A song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment, developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide. Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s.

Watch the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

CONNECT WITH US:

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/

LSVT Global Website: https://www.lsvtglobal.com

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians