In this episode, Nicole sits down with Bayside Therapy Specialists’ clinical director, Courtney, for a candid conversation about growth — as clinicians, as leaders, and as a team committed to doing things differently.

Courtney shares her full-circle journey from SLPA to clinical director, what drew her back to Bayside after grad school, and why continuous learning has become such a core part of her identity as a therapist. Together, Nicole and Courtney unpack the evolution of Bayside’s clinical approach: from traditional speech-language therapy to integrating oral–facial myofunctional therapy, oral motor work, feeding therapy foundations, and a deeper understanding of the root causes behind communication challenges.

They discuss:

• How oral–facial myofunctional therapy bridges common gaps in articulation and feeding
• Why structure, airway, and oral habits matter more than most parents realize
• Red flags families should look for when progress has stalled
• The importance of ruling out underlying factors — not just treating symptoms
• The value of community collaboration with ENTs, dentists, nutritionists, ABA teams, and functional medicine
• Bayside’s unique eight-week AAC program and how early access to robust communication tools transforms outcomes
• The intentional shift toward staying small, specialized, and collaborative rather than becoming a high-volume clinic

Courtney also reflects on team culture, leadership mindset, and how Bayside protects therapist well-being by prioritizing purpose, progress, and emotionally intelligent practice. She shares her advice for new therapists, the importance of saying “yes” to learning opportunities, and why compassion + willingness to learn is the real formula for clinical excellence.

Finally, Nicole and Courtney talk about parent guidance — everything from celebrating small wins, creating consistent routines, eliminating pacifiers and thumb sucking when possible, and understanding the impact of screen time and overstimulation on attention and emotional regulation.

This episode is a thoughtful, honest look at what pediatric therapy can be when a clinic chooses depth over volume, collaboration over ego, and genuine care over quick fixes. If you’re a parent, SLP, or student seeking a grounded, holistic perspective on child development and clinical growth, this conversation is a must-listen.