-Originally Aired: October 3, 2024 -

Guest: Dawn Ducca

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In this episode, Renee is joined by Dawn Ducca, who serves as a volunteer Ambassador for The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is a group of brain disorders that primarily impact personality, behavior, and language skills. This combination presents unique challenges for caregivers. Discussion includes medical aspects of the disease, psychological symptoms, and the progression of the disease that wreaks havoc on daily life. Some of the complexities of caregiving include the physical and emotional toll, but combined with coping and self-care strategies, caregivers can learn ways to support their well-being. Join Renee and Dawn for an hour of caregiving techniques and understand the importance of a support network.

About the Guest:

Dawn Ducca began volunteering with AFTD in 2019. As the former primary caregiver for her husband before his untimely death in 2022, she’s passionate about raising awareness and supporting others affected by this disease. Before joining the Ambassador team in 2021, she raised awareness in her community through presentations. She actively participated in AFTD’s annual flagship campaign, Food for Thought, as both a host and then liaison, supporting volunteers around the country with planning their events. As an Ambassador covering the Southeast Michigan, Northern Indiana, and Northwest Ohio area, she continues to raise awareness, educate others, and be a voice for FTD, including ensuring FTD is represented in her local dementia-friendly community.

-Originally Aired: September 19, 2024-

Guest: Ashley Muñoz López, MBA, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

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In this episode, Renee is joined by Ashley Muñoz López, MBA, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S to discuss Disorders of Consciousness. Ashley co-authored the peer-reviewed journal article “A Conscious Approach to Decannulation: Clinical Application of a One-Way Speaking Valve With Disorders of Consciousness.” Join Renee and Ashley as they discuss Disorders of Consciousness (DoC), including coma, vegetative state, and minimally conscious state, as well as assessment and treatment options for these patients. These complex conditions need both expert insight and practical advice to promote recovery. Join us to embark on a topic unfamiliar to many CSD professionals.

About the Guest:

Ashley is a board-certified clinician with experience in direct patient care, project management, service line development, and leadership. She has worked as a speech-language pathologist for over a decade and has experience working with children and adults in various practice pathways. She has substantial experience working with patients with acquired brain injury, respiratory compromise, and dysphagia. Ashley has been published in the ASHA Leader and Aerodigestive Health as well as the Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. She received the Distinguished Early Career Professional (ECP) Certificate in 2018 and graduated from ASHA's Leadership Development Program (LDP) in 2019. She is a current member of the Hispanic Caucus for ASHA and a previous board member. She has been a guest speaker for several universities and has presented at the local, state, and national levels, including multidisciplinary presentations with nursing organizations.

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Brainstorms-Dementia-Care-The-Roles-of-SLPs-and-Caregivers-

Guest: Adria Thompson, MA, CCC-SLP

In this episode, Renee is joined by Adria Thompson to discuss how SLPs provide dementia care to patients/clients and support caregivers. We explore everything from communication strategies to mealtime interventions and many things in between. Both Renee and Adria have a close family member with dementia, so this discussion is near and dear to our hearts. Join us for an inspiring hour of discussion and learning.

About the Guest:

Adria Thompson, MA, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with 9 years of experience specializing in dementia care. She owns Be Light Care Consulting, where she creates content on social media platforms for 265,000 professional and personal caregivers, providing practical tips and educational content for overwhelmed caregivers. In addition to content creation, Adria offers one-on-one caregiver consultations, creates continuing education courses, and works with companies and brands in senior care to market their services. Adria is a sought-after speaker and has been featured on many podcasts and traveling around the country to speak at events and conferences. She is passionate about increasing public awareness of dementia and educating others on the importance of quality care.

-Originally Aired: 11/13/2023-

Guest: Adria Thompson, MA, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Brainstorms-Dementia-Care-The-Roles-of-SLPs-and-Caregivers-

In this episode, Renee is joined by Adria Thompson, MA, CCC-SLP, to discuss how we, as SLPs, provide dementia care to patients/clients and support to caregivers. We explore everything from communication strategies to mealtime interventions and many things in between. Both Renee and Adria have a close family member with dementia, so this discussion is near and dear to our hearts. Join us for an inspiring hour of discussion and learning.

About the Guest:

Adria Thompson, MA, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with 9 years of experience specializing in dementia care. She owns Be Light Care Consulting, where she creates content on social media platforms for 265,000 professional and personal caregivers, providing practical tips and educational content for overwhelmed caregivers. In addition to content creation, Adria offers one-on-one caregiver consultations, creates continuing education courses, and works with companies and brands in senior care to market their services. Adria is a sought-after speaker and has been featured on many podcasts, traveling around the country to speak at events and conferences.

Guest: Nancy Horowitz Bertsch, MA, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Seeing-the-Light-A-Journey-Through-Recovery-from-a-Mild-Conc

Join Renee Garrett and her guest, Nancy Horowitz Bertsch, an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with over 40 years of expertise, discussing the personal and professional dimensions of post-concussion syndrome. In this episode, Nancy shares her own journey of recovering from a fall and concussion, illuminating the complex interplay of symptoms, the need for tailored therapy, and the critical role SLPs can play in managing such injuries. From her experiences with healthcare professionals to the importance of advocacy and personalized care, this episode provides a comprehensive look at post-concussion syndrome, especially in older adults. Tune in to gain valuable insights that can augment your practice and understanding of neuro-rehab for concussions.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:07 Meet Nancy Horowitz Bertsch

02:27 Nancy's Personal Story

04:53 The Fall and Immediate Aftermath

10:30 Long-term Symptoms and Struggles

27:36 The Need for Proper Therapy

32:13 Understanding Cognitive Function Challenges

32:46 The Impact of Social Isolation

33:33 Self-Therapy and Accountability

34:24 Visualizing Recovery

36:06 Navigating Medical Testing

38:09 The Struggle with Labels

41:21 Nutrition and Recovery

45:06 The Importance of Physical Activity

50:11 Advocacy and Support Systems

01:00:16 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

About the Guest: Nancy Horowitz Bertsch, MA, CCC-SLP, is a practicing SLP with over 40 years of experience working with adults with neurogenic communication disorders, including TBI. Nancy worked across all practice settings, including hospitals, private practice, home health, telehealth, and as a department director for two hospitals. Nancy has presented nationally at ASHA and is a graduate of the Leadership Development Program. She was a peer reviewer for the TBI committee (ASHA convention). She is the founder/director of the Well Together Neuro Rehab (trademarked) group. Nancy was a contributing author for CSHA magazine and presenter for CSHA-California, ArSHA, and CSHA-Colorado. Additionally, Nancy has presented several oral seminars and posters. She was a CEU online course author at Northern Speech Services.

Guest: Rebecca Weber, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Insights-into-Mild-Cognitive-Impairment-MCI

Join Renee Garrett as she welcomes Rebecca Weber, founder of Navigating Neurospeech Therapy. This episode delves into the complexities of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), its distinction from normal aging, and early signs of dementia. Rebecca discusses her approach to assessing and treating MCI using a person-centered care model, emphasizing functional strategies and holistic health measures. Gain insights into speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) valuable role in diagnosing and managing MCI and supporting patients and caregivers.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:13 Meet Rebecca Weber

02:37 Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

03:14 Normal Aging vs. MCI

09:30 Subtypes of MCI

22:57 SLP's Role in MCI Assessment and Treatment

33:31 Introduction to Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire

34:40 Functional Activities Questionnaire and Dementia Rating Scales

35:51 Assessment Tools for Memory and Cognition

37:43 Challenges in Diagnosing MCI

39:25 Treatment Approaches and Functional Goals

41:53 Case Studies and Practical Applications

49:28 Research and Resources for MCI

51:54 Addressing Stigma and Early Diagnosis

56:21 Q&A Session

About the Guest:

Rebecca Weber, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is the founder/owner and primary Speech Language Pathologist at Navigating Neuro Speech Therapy (NNST), an adult-focused private practice. She specializes in providing speech, language, and cognitive therapy for those who have had a stroke, suffer from a concussion or brain injury, have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or neurodegenerative diagnoses such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), and Dementia. Rebecca is in South Jersey, right outside Philadelphia, and provides in-home visits and telehealth services in NJ. With over 12 years of experience in various settings, Rebecca founded her practice due to a passion for person-centered care and filling a gap for needed outpatient therapy within the community.

-Originally Aired: 10/2/2023-

Guest: Linda Meyer, PhD, CCC-SLP

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In this inaugural episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Linda Meyer, PhD, CCC-SLP. Dr. Meyer was an instrumental part of the team that advocated for insurance coverage for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services and devices and AAC training/therapy. We will discuss the historical development of AAC services and devices in our profession with adolescents and adults and the advocacy work done to achieve reimbursement for both devices and services through Medicaid and other insurers in Virginia. This model served as a template for different states. Further, we will discuss the continuing responsibility of SLPs to advocate for ongoing reimbursement as funding sources become more restrictive. Through collaboration, advocacy, and evidence-based practice, DMAS approved coverage for both items. In addition, Dr. Meyer has remained an advocate throughout her career, not only for patients but for issues at the state level.

About the Guest:

Linda Meyer, Ph.D. CCC-SLP received her B.S. and M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology/Special Education from Old Dominion University and her Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. She began her career in Chesapeake (VA) Public Schools and has taught in universities in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia, as well as has worked in Veteran’s hospitals, home health, and acute care hospitals and retired as director of Communication Services at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center after 30 years there. She served the SHAV Board as VP for Professional Affairs, VP for Speech-Language Pathology, President-Elect, and President, and is a SHAV Fellow. Linda is the treasurer for the Communication Disorders Foundation of Virginia.

**Viewer discretion is advised as the content may be distressing to some listeners.*

Guest: Tracie Bearden, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIST

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In this powerful and informative episode, Renee and guest Tracie Bearden engage in a compassionate conversation about the role of Communication Science Disorders (CSD) professionals in addressing intimate partner violence and how they can contribute to awareness, healing, and advocacy. Tracie Bearden, Executive Director of TBI Med SLP Inc., shares her harrowing experience as a domestic violence survivor, the subsequent traumatic brain injury, and the challenging journey of healing and advocacy. Tracie's insights provide a deeper understanding of survivors' complex issues and emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care, resource accessibility, and professional support. This episode serves as an essential watch for SLPs, healthcare providers, and anyone interested in the intersection of TBI and domestic violence. Viewer discretion is advised as the content may be distressing to some listeners.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:37 Meet Tracie Bearden

03:31 Understanding Domestic Violence and TBI

06:34 Personal Experiences and Challenges

11:18 The Role of Clinicians and Boundaries

16:20 Tracie's Story: A Survivor's Perspective

27:15 The Importance of EMDR Therapy

32:10 Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

32:49 The Impact of PTSD and Optic Nerve Injury

34:42 The Journey to Stanford Emergency Room

35:42 The Role of Neuro-Ophthalmology

35:52 Challenges in Patient Support

37:33 Realistic Expectations for Recovery

38:18 The Importance of Counseling in SLP

39:46 Addressing Mental Health in TBI and Stroke Patients

43:33 The Role of Environment in Healing

44:11 Advocacy and Resources for TBI Patients

55:41 Navigating the Legal System as a Victim

59:57 Final Thoughts and Appreciation

-Originally Aired: 4/28/2024-

Guest: Eric Blicker, SLPD, CCC-SLP/L

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=COPD-LPRD-and-Dysphagia

In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Eric Blicker for a productive discussion about the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and dysphagia. Eric provides evidence-based research to support the interplay between these disease processes and findings SLPs may see on FEES. Join Renee and Eric for a knowledge-filled, research-based discussion.

About the Guest: Eric Blicker SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing Disorders (2008-Present). Eric received his doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University and was trained in Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing with Sensory Testing (FEESST) by Dr. Jonathan Aviv, the Otolaryngologist who developed FEESST. Eric has started multiple Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) programs throughout the North American area while training speech-language pathologists and physicians.

-Originally Aired: 4/21/2024-

Guest: Treasyri Williams Wood, SLPD, CCC-SLP/L

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=An-Aphasia-Overview-Rehab-Strategies-and-the-benefits-of-Aph

For this weeks episode we're taking a return trip to one of our favorite conversations from the last year. Renee is joined by Dr. Treasyri Williams Wood, SLPD, CCC-SLP/L, to discuss the many facets of aphasia. Whether SLPs are involved in the rehabilitation of the acute phase of the chronic phase of aphasia, what does our EBP treatment look like? What techniques and strategies are we utilizing across the continuum of care? How can we implement or even create a community-based support group to address the needs of our patients with aphasia? Join Renee and Treasyri as they explore the expansive world of aphasia care.

About the Guest: Dr. Treasyri Williams Wood, a Michigan native, holds a Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) from Northwestern University. With expertise in neural bases of communication, advocacy, and leadership, she educates professionals, community members, and graduate students. Driven by a passion for person-centered interventions, she leads a speech and language clinic on the south side of Chicago and serves nationally as the Member at Large in Speech-Language Pathology on the ASHA Board of Directors