*****Originally Aired: May 2024*****

Guest: Rene Utianski, PhD., CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/functional-speech-disorders-what-slps-need-to-know

In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Rene Utianski to discuss functional speech disorders. Dr. Utianski’s research focuses on defining these disorders, developing effective treatments to address them, and investigating cough and related disorders. SLPs are an integral part of the treatment team for these disorders. Join Renee and Rene to learn more about what they are, how we treat them, and how you can get more information to support your practice.

About the Guest:

Rene Utianski, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS (she/her) is a Consultant in the Department of Neurology at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. She is an Associate Professor of Speech Pathology and Neurology. She earned her BA in Psychology and Speech and Hearing Science from the George Washington University. She earned her MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University. She completed a research postdoctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona and a clinical postdoctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. In her present role, her clinical responsibilities include differential diagnosis of acquired and degenerative speech and language disorders. Her research focuses on defining the distinguishing clinical, acoustic, and neuroimaging characteristics of these neurological disorders, refining their differential diagnoses, and informing subsequent treatment.

Guest: Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP

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

Join host Renee Garrett and guest Pamela Rowe, M.A., CCC-SLP, as they delve into the intricate relationship between communication disorders and the justice system. This episode highlights the role of speech-language pathologists in addressing communication barriers among individuals involved in the justice system. Pamela sheds light on the overlooked aspects of speech therapy in public health, particularly in the context of juvenile and adult incarceration, and emphasizes the importance of advocacy and inclusive care. The conversation touches on anti-recidivism efforts, the impact of language disorders on understanding legal rights, and the systemic issues contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline. An engaging discussion that underscores the broader responsibilities and opportunities for SLPs in community health.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:32 Welcoming the Guest Speaker: Pamela Rowe

03:20 Addressing the Role of Fathers in Therapy

04:15 Understanding Recidivism and Anti-Recidivism

07:40 Challenges Faced by Incarcerated Individuals

21:03 The School-to-Prison Pipeline

28:11 Personal Stories and Systemic Issues

33:48 Community Partnership and Care

34:54 Challenges in Service Delivery

38:04 Advocacy and Professional Growth

40:14 Involvement in Policy Change

43:15 Addressing Justice System Needs

44:50 Research and Advocacy in Action

46:11 Intersectionality and Social Determinants

47:46 Communication Disorders in the Justice System

58:46 Call to Action and Final Thoughts

About the Guest:

Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, is the Clinical Director of Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, LLC, an Adult and Pediatric Therapy Practice with seven Florida locations providing Speech, Occupational, Physical, and Respiratory Therapy services. Pamela is a student in the University of Indianapolis’ Doctor of Health Sciences and Master of Public Health programs. She is co-author of Putting Your Dreams To Work: Keys To Setting Up Your Therapy Practice and Start Your Engines: A Road Map to Your Clinical Fellowship Year. As a continuing partner with various state agencies, Pamela enjoys empowering individuals to communicate and use their voices within their community.

Reference Cited:

de França, I., Monteiro, L., Rodrigues, B., & Melo, A. (2023). Communication disorders in the correctional system: a systematic review. Revista espanola de sanidad penitenciaria, 25(2), 70–79. https://doi.org/10.18176/resp.00070

TRIGGER WARNING: As a trauma-informed care provider, it’s essential to let you know that this episode may contain subject matter that is a trigger for some listeners. Incidents of traumatic events, injuries, and mental health issues will be discussed. Please listen with caution if these situations are a source of trauma or concern for your mental health. While our guest continues to recover from these events, we want to inform you that the content may be challenging to listen to.

Guest: Megan Daubert

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

In this heartfelt episode, Renee Garrett welcomes guest Megan Daubert. Megan shares her powerful journey as a full-time caregiver to her husband, Mike, after he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest that led to an anoxic brain injury. The conversation delves into the medical and emotional challenges faced, the importance of community support, and the transformative role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the rehabilitation process. Megan offers valuable insights and words of encouragement for caregivers navigating similar struggles, emphasizing the significance of faith, resilience, and self-care.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:10 Meet Megan Daubert

01:55 The Traumatic Event

04:41 Medical Challenges and Realizations

06:55 Caregiving and Emotional Struggles

08:44 Rehabilitation Journey

13:56 Returning Home and New Realities

25:53 Balancing Caregiving and Self-Care

31:05 Coping Mechanisms and Metaphors

32:48 The Importance of Faith

36:51 Challenges in Communication

50:43 Community Support and Progress

53:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

About the Guest: Megan Daubert lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, Mike, and their three children. After nearly losing Mike in early 2024 to sudden cardiac arrest, Megan became a full-time caregiver to her husband as they work through living life with an anoxic brain injury. Megan began podcasting and sharing their journey of healing, caregiving, and dealing with life after a post-traumatic event. Megan openly aims to give a voice to the unseen struggles families face with brain injuries and encourages people to lean into their surrounding communities.

Guest: Megan Sutton, MS, RSLP, CCC-SLP

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

Join your host, Renee Garrett, for an enlightening discussion with Megan Sutton, co-founder of Tactus Therapy, as they explore aphasia therapy. In this episode, Megan and Renee discuss effective treatment methodologies, the importance of communication partner training, integrating technology into speech therapy, and the role of home practice in achieving optimal outcomes. Gain insights into Megan's journey, discover the significance of patient-centered care, and explore various assessment and treatment strategies. Whether you're a seasoned speech therapist or new to the field, this episode is packed with valuable information to enhance your practice.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:19 Meet Megan Sutton

02:13 Megan's Journey into Speech Therapy

05:22 Aphasia and Its Impact

07:27 Person-Centered Care in Speech Therapy

09:17 Assessment Techniques and Challenges

15:54 Cognition and Aphasia

25:03 The Importance of Home Practice

30:10 Energy Management in Aphasia

31:44 Mental Health and Communication Challenges

33:00 Holistic Approach to Stroke Recovery

36:42 Favorite Aphasia Treatments

38:01 Conversation Partner Training

41:00 Verb Network Strengthening Treatment

44:57 Oral Reading for Language in Aphasia

54:14 Importance of Group Therapy

56:16 Empowering Patients and Clinicians

56:48 Conclusion and Future Directions

About the Guest: Megan Sutton is a speech-language pathologist and the co-founder and CEO of Tactus Therapy, a leader in speech therapy apps and creator of the new Virtual Rehab Center online software. She is the co-author of the book "Healing the Broken Brain," which focuses on stroke recovery, and is an internationally invited speaker on topics including aphasia and the use of technology. Megan has worked clinically in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including an intensive aphasia program. She currently leads the Tactus team from her home outside Vancouver, Canada.

Here are the references and code:

Become a member of the Tactus Virtual Rehab Center and get 10% off your first month or year when you enter the coupon code "BRAINSTORMS" when you sign up. https://tactustherapy.com/rehab

References cited:

Simmons-Mackie, N., & Cherney, L. R. (2018). Aphasia in North America: highlights of a white paper. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 99(10), e117.

REhabilitation and Recovery of peopLE with Aphasia after StrokE (RELEASE) Collaborators. (2022). Dosage, intensity, and frequency of language therapy for aphasia: A systematic review–based, individual participant data network meta-analysis. Stroke, 53(3), 956-967. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8884127/

Olsson, C., Arvidsson, P., & Blom Johansson, M. (2019). Relations between executive function, language, and functional communication in severe aphasia. Aphasiology, 33(7), 821-845.

Nikravesh, M., Aghajanzadeh, M., Maroufizadeh, S., Saffarian, A., & Jafari, Z. (2021). Working memory training in post-stroke aphasia: Near and far transfer effects. Journal of communication disorders, 89, 106077.

How-To articles (VNeST, Communication Partner Training) https://tactustherapy.com/how-to/

*****Originally Aired April 2024****

Guest: John Ashford, PhD, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/a-closer-look-at-laryngeal-aspirationits-more-than-what-you-

In this week's rewind episode of the Brainstorms Functional Neurorehab for SLPs podcast, hosted by Renee Garrett, we take a deep dive into the topic of aspiration pneumonia with Dr. John Ashford. The discussion covers the medical definitions of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia, the misconceptions that surround these conditions, and the critical role of oral care in preventing pneumonia. Dr. Ashford also explains the complex interplay between the biomechanical processes of swallowing, the immune system, and bacterial infections. Tune in for expert insights and practical advice for speech-language pathologists and healthcare providers on managing dysphagia and reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

About the guest:

John R. Ashford, PhD, CCC-SLP, is Education Director and co-owner of SA Swallowing Services, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. He is a Navy Veteran, a retired Medical Speech-Language Pathologist for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and previously served as a tenured Associate Professor at Tennessee State University, adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and guest professor at Dar Al-Hekma University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He has been published and a member of ASHA for 58 years. Professional interests include understanding factors associated with pneumonia development in patients with dysphagia, and educating and training providers of FEES services.

Guest: Luis Riquelme, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

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

Join host Renee Garrett as she welcomes Dr. Luis Riquelme to discuss his extensive experience and research in the field of dysphagia, particularly in aging populations and dementia. This episode explores topics such as Presbyphagia, cognitive decline, the physiological changes in swallowing that occur with age, and the importance of individualized patient care. Dr. Riquelme shares valuable insights on the continuum of neuro-rehab for speech-language pathologists, touching on the ethical considerations and caregiver education. A must-watch for SLPs looking to deepen their understanding of neuro-rehab and swallowing disorders.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:10 Welcoming Dr. Luis Riquelme

02:35 Dr. Riquelme's Career Journey

08:17 Aging and Dysphagia

10:52 Understanding Presbyphagia

19:44 Challenges in Diagnosing Dementia

24:37 Research on Swallowing and Dementia

32:01 Exploring Oral Pharynx Research

32:40 Cued vs. Uncued Swallows in Dementia

33:51 Epiglottic Inversion and Dementia

34:55 Retrospective Study on Thin Liquid Swallows

36:24 Prospective Study and Cognitive Status

37:37 Caregiver Burden and Management Strategies

38:21 Polypharmacy and Medication Management

43:52 Behavioral and Sensory Considerations in Eating

54:28 The Role of Singing in Dementia Care

56:15 Counseling and Ethical Considerations

01:00:28 Concluding Thoughts and Personal Stories

About the Guest:

Dr. Riquelme is Consulting Director, Rehabilitation & Speech-Language Pathology, Maimonides Health; Associate Professor, Universidad Católica del Uruguay, and Adjunct Professor, Teachers College, Columbia University. His current research focuses on changes in swallow physiology in dementia and pill swallowing. Publications also include relationships between culture and dysphagia. Luis has presented locally and internationally. He serves as Co-Chair of the IDDSI and a member of ASHA’s Healthcare Economics Committee. Recipient Honors ASHA and Fellow of ASHA.

Guest: Brooke McGivern, MS, CC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/brainstorms-exploring-unchartered-waters-a-journey-in-head-a

Join host Renee Garrett in this episode where she revisits an engaging conversation with Brooke McGivern (formerly Brooke Beilman). Brooke shares her in-depth insights on head and neck cancer, emphasizing the importance of prophylactic care, the integral role of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), and the significance of lymphedema management. Renee and Brooke discuss various treatment techniques, evidence-based practices, and resources to equip clinicians in their journey supporting patients with head and neck cancer and dysphagia. The episode also covers Brooke's personal and professional experiences, patient advocacy, and strategies for developing effective programs for head and neck cancer. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge and actionable advice from seasoned experts in the field.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:42 Guest Introduction and Disclosures

04:29 Brooke's Journey and Early Career

05:38 Interest in Head and Neck Cancer

11:09 Challenges and Emotional Impact

17:22 Manual Therapy and Career Development

20:46 Importance of Imaging and Assessments

31:51 Financial and Logistical Barriers

33:55 Patient Case Study: Esophageal Dysfunction

35:53 Feeding Tubes and Reflux Management

38:40 Advocating for FEES Equipment

43:05 Developing a Head and Neck Cancer Program

53:34 Resources for Head and Neck Cancer

01:01:09 Conclusion

About the Guest:

Brooke McGivern (formerly Brooke Beilman), MS, CCC-SLP, is a full-time member of Tactile Medical’s Oncology team, a board member for Dysphagia Outreach Project, an affiliate for Medbridge, and has previously partnered with Speech Therapy PD and Tactus Therapy on affiliate projects. She is certified in NMES, myofascial release, and MDTP. She is the recipient of the ASHA ACE Award, co-founder of Servant Leadership, member of SIG 13, and member of the Medical SLP Collective. Brooke has presented at the state and national levels and has been a guest on the Understanding Dysphagia Podcast Episode 4. She has hosted continuing education webinars for both the Medical SLP Collective and Tactile Medical, serving as the content creator for online platforms for both organizations.

Guest: Sydney Bassard, MSP, CCC-SLP

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

Join host Renee Garrett as she discusses the intricacies of literacy with Sydney Bassard, MSP, CCC-SLP, and explores its impact on adults. This informative podcast episode offers insights into Sydney's journey from a pre-pharmacy major to a speech-language pathologist specializing in working with the deaf and hard of hearing, as well as literacy. The conversation explores the significance of digital literacy, social determinants of health, and the application of functional literacy in healthcare settings. Discover practical tips for accommodating varying literacy needs and gain a deeper understanding of how to support your patients effectively.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:09 Meet Our Guest: Sydney Bassard

02:29 Sydney's Journey to Literacy and SLP

05:01 Defining Literacy and Its Importance

06:02 Challenges in Health Literacy

11:10 Social Determinants of Health

20:17 Underlying Skills for Reading Comprehension

28:18 Digital Literacy and Modern Healthcare

32:41 Navigating Technology Resistance

34:51 Supporting Middle School Reading Skills

36:45 Impact of Virtual Learning on Literacy

37:56 AI in Technical Writing Education

38:55 Challenges in Literacy for Older Students

40:06 Socioeconomic Disparities in Education

44:21 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Literacy

51:54 Literacy Assessments for Neurogenic Disorders

57:05 Resources for Cochlear Implant Students

59:57 Concluding Remarks and Q&A

About the Guest: Sydney Bassard, MSP, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist specializing in working with individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing, as well as literacy. She owns The Listening SLP, which is her private practice and social media brand. Sydney was noted as a Distinguished Early Career Professional in 2020 and an Innovator in 2023 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for her work centered on the equity of health information. Through her social media page, she engages with professionals and parents on topics related to hearing loss and literacy.

Guests: Cara Donohue, PhD, CCC-SLP & Wes Ely, MD, MPH

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

Join Renee Garrett as she hosts an enlightening discussion on the Speech Therapy PD podcast with esteemed guests Dr. Cara Donahue and Dr. Wes Ely. In this episode, we delve into the prevalence of dysphagia in critically ill patients, the importance of early intervention, and the collaborative efforts required for optimal patient care. Dr. Donahue shares her extensive research on swallowing disorders, while Dr. Ely discusses the holistic A2F protocol for ICU care. Together, they shed light on the significant role of speech-language pathologists, dieticians, and interdisciplinary teams in improving patient outcomes and recovery. Tune in for an insightful conversation that bridges the gap between clinical practice and patient-centered care.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:46 Meet the Experts: Dr. Cara Donahue and Dr. Wes Ely

04:32 Prevalence and Challenges of Dysphagia in ICU Patients

09:00 The A2F Bundle: A Holistic Approach to ICU Care

11:13 Personal Stories and Pivotal Moments

19:00 The Role of Caregivers in ICU and Post-ICU Care

35:16 Advocating for Instrumental Exams in Dysphagia

39:15 Connecting CIBS and TBI: Overlapping Challenges

43:15 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

About the Guests:

Dr. Cara Donohue is a practicing speech-language pathologist, Assistant Professor, Medical Speech-Language Pathology Director, and Innovative Research in Aerodigestive Disorders (iRAD) Laboratory at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She completed her doctoral studies in the Computational Deglutition Lab at the University of Pittsburgh and her post-doctoral research fellowship in the Aerodigestive Research Core Laboratory at the University of Florida. Her research aims to improve clinical care, patient outcomes, and quality of life for individuals suffering from swallowing disorders. Her current research work is funded by the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the NHLBI.

E. Wesley Ely, MD, MPH, is an internist, pulmonologist, and critical care physician. Dr. Ely earned his MD at Tulane University School of Medicine and a Master’s in Public Health. He serves as the Grant W. Liddle Endowed Chair in Medicine and is a physician-scientist and tenured Professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is also the Associate Director of Aging Research for the Tennessee Valley Veterans’ Affairs Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) in Nashville, TN. He is the founder and co-director of the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship (CIBS) Center, and a pioneer in the investigation of delirium and long-term cognitive outcomes, including dementia, in survivors of critical illness, with continuous NIH and VA funding for over 25 years and more than 600 peer-reviewed publications. He designed and was a lead investigator for the study of JAK/STAT inhibitors in acute COVID-19, which successfully demonstrated a survival advantage for this class of medications, leading to FDA approval and a strong WHO recommendation for these medications in hospitalized patients receiving oxygen. He is the principal investigator for an NIA/NIH-funded phase III investigation of immunomodulation for patients suffering from Long COVID. His CIBS research center hosts free daily support groups to provide community and help in recovery for patients with Long COVID and their families. Dr. Ely is the author of a work of narrative nonfiction entitled Every Deep-Drawn Breath, from which he’s donating 100% of the net proceeds to help COVID-19 survivors and their family members rebuild their lives.

***** This episode may contain subject matter that is a trigger for some listeners. Incidents of traumatic events, injuries, and mental health issues will be discussed.********

Guest: Jessica Cortez, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Neurorehab-in-the-Justice-System-The-Untold-Role-of-SLPs

In this episode of the Brainstorms Functional Neuro Rehab for SLPs podcast, host Renee Garrett welcomes guest Jessica Cortez, a speech-language pathologist and certified brain injury specialist. The discussion focuses on the impactful work being done to provide speech therapy services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Jessica shares her journey and experiences, highlighting the importance of trauma-informed care, functional brain injury assessments, and the challenges of delivering these essential services. Practical insights into personalized treatment, building rapport, and innovative approaches for outreach to underserved populations are provided, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in neurorehabilitation and social justice.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:34 Guest Introduction: Jessica Cortez

02:30 Jessica's Journey into Neuro Rehab

03:41 Focusing on Traumatic Brain Injury

05:49 The Criminal Justice System and Brain Injuries

13:30 Patient-Focused Brain Injury Assessment

24:58 Challenges and Opportunities in Prison Reform

32:39 Understanding Brain Function and Holistic Care

33:55 Challenges in Nutrition and Healthcare Systems

35:04 Addressing Bias and Habitual Behavior

36:01 Outreach and Support for Underserved Populations

38:18 Screening and Support Systems for TBI

40:06 Collaborative Care and Rehabilitation

42:01 Functional Therapy and Real-Life Applications

54:37 Success Stories and Rehabilitation Impact

01:00:15 Final Thoughts and Resources

About the Guest:

Jessica Cortez is a Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist with over 15 years of experience working with adults and adolescents in various medical settings. She earned her Master's in Speech Language Pathology from The George Washington University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Mount Union. She now lives in Northern Colorado and owns The Loom Connection, focusing exclusively on treating acquired brain injuries in the general and criminal justice.