Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPs

*****Originally Aired: April 24, 2025*****

Guests: Petra Avramović, PhD, CPSP, MSPAA, and Sophie Brassel, PhD, MSPA-CPSP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Virtual-Reality-and-AI-in-Communication-Rehab-after-Brain-In

Join host Renee Garrett as she interviews Dr. Sophie Brassel and Dr. Petra Avramović, renowned lecturers and researchers in speech pathology from the University of Sydney. This episode examines the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in speech pathology. Dr. Brassel discusses her groundbreaking research on using VR to address cognitive communication disorders following traumatic brain injury. At the same time, Dr. Avramović explores the potential and current uses of AI in supporting communication rehabilitation. The episode also offers insights into the Australian clinical education structure for speech pathologists, comparing it with the U.S. system. A must-watch for anyone interested in the future of speech and language therapy!

About the Guests:

Dr. Sophie Brassel is a lecturer and early-career researcher in the Discipline of Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney. She is a certified practicing speech pathologist with extensive experience in assessing and managing adults with communication difficulties. Before joining the University of Sydney, Sophie worked as a speech pathologist in the public health system and as a research assistant on projects relating to communication recovery following traumatic brain injury. Sophie completed her PhD at the University of Sydney within the Acquired Brain Injury Communication Lab. Her thesis explored the use of immersive virtual reality in rehabilitation for cognitive-communication disorders following traumatic brain injury. Sophie’s research examines the use of digital health technologies to support communication after acquired brain injury, while her teaching focuses on practice education for speech pathology students.

Dr. Petra Avramović is a lecturer, clinical educator, early-career researcher, and certified practicing speech pathologist. Petra completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) with First Class Honours and completed her PhD within the Acquired Brain Injury Communication Lab at the University of Sydney. She has held several roles in clinical and research settings with a variety of populations, with a particular focus on working with people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Her thesis, entitled “The development and evaluation of convers-ABI-lity: an online communication partner training platform for people with traumatic brain injury”, aimed to collaboratively develop a novel multimodal communication partner training program with people with TBI and others involved in their care, and to evaluate its effectiveness and efficacy for improving conversation skills following TBI. Petra is involved in academic, clinical education, and research supervision for speech pathology students within the university.

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*****Originally Aired: July 10, 2025*****

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, please note 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 rehabilitation. Megan offers valuable insights and words of encouragement for caregivers navigating similar struggles, emphasizing the significance of faith, resilience, and self-care.

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.

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*****Originally Aired: May 1, 2025*****

Guest: Felicia Francois, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Empowering-Voices-GenderAffirming-Voice-Care

Join Renee Garrett as she hosts Felicia Francois, a queer, non-binary speech language pathologist specializing in voice and upper airway disorders, on the Speech Therapy PD podcast. In this insightful episode, Felicia discusses the intricacies of gender-affirming voice care, including their philosophy, the importance of patient-centered approaches, and various techniques and surgeries that can help align a patient’s voice with their gender identity. The conversation delves into Felicia's background, the role of SLPs before and after gender-affirming surgeries, and the critical aspect of mental health in this specialized field. Whether you’re an experienced clinician or new to this niche, this episode provides valuable knowledge and techniques for delivering inclusive and effective care.

About the Guest:

Felicia François (they/she) is a queer, nonbinary, white speech-language pathologist specializing in voice and upper airway. They have a passion for gender-affirming voice care and lead the gender-affirming voice care initiative at the USC Voice Center in Los Angeles, California, where they also work with performing vocalists and a variety of other patients with voice and upper airway disorders. She is passionate about advancing research on gender-affirming voice care and improving the quality of life for individuals with voice disorders.

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***Originally Aired: March 6, 2025***

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 experience, as they discuss 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.

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 a presenter for CSHA-California, ArSHA, and CSHA-Colorado. Additionally, Nancy has presented several oral seminars and posters. She was an author of CEU online courses at Northern Speech Services.

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***Originally Aired: January 16, 2025***

Guest: Irene H. Kim, MA, CCC-SLP, CSRP, CBIS

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Body-and-Mind-in-Harmony-Interdisciplinary-Paths-to-Neurolog

In this episode, Irene H. Kim joins Renee to explore the powerful connection between body and cognition in neurological rehabilitation. We will dive into interdisciplinary approaches in the long-term acute care (LTac) setting, including dual-tasking, neuroplasticity, co-treats, and program development. Join us to learn more about insights and the latest research driving this holistic approach to healing in an often unknown practice setting.

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*****Originally Aired: February 28, 2025

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.

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.

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Guest: Beth McHose, MS Ed, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/aac-more-than-just-expression

In this episode of Brainstorms, Renee Garrett, MSED, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is joined by Beth McHose, MS Ed, CCC-SLP, to explore the many roles AAC plays beyond expression. Together, they discuss how AAC can build stronger relationships, support understanding, foster emotional well-being, and empower individuals across different settings.

You’ll hear case examples, practical strategies, and insights from lived experiences to help you grow more confident in integrating AAC into your work. Whether you support patients, clients, students, or caregivers, this conversation offers meaningful takeaways for anyone looking to make AAC a more natural and powerful part of communication.

About the Guest: Beth McHose, MS Ed, CCC-SLP, is a speech pathologist currently working as Senior Manager of Clinical Marketing at Lingraphica. She’s an adjunct instructor at Old Dominion University and has clinical experience across the entire spectrum of neurological rehabilitation.

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*****Originally Aired: October 24, 2024*****

Guest: Anna Ware, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/bridging-communication-aac-through-a-culturally-humble-lens

In this episode, Renee is joined by Anna Ware, MS, CCC-SLP, to discuss the importance of cultural humility for CSD professionals who evaluate and treat users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Renee and Anna will explore how to understand better the influence of cultural values, beliefs, and communication norms on AAC users and their communication partners. Included are concrete strategies for creating inclusive communication environments that honor the identities and experiences of individuals from various cultural backgrounds, ensuring more effective and personalized AAC interventions. Join us as we explore how to empower all voices.

About the Guest: Anna Ware, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with 15 years of clinical experience and a deep passion for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She has worked across age groups in leading medical institutions including Shirley Ryan Ability Lab and Shriners Hospital in Chicago, where she honed her expertise in AAC assessment and intervention. Anna has taught both continuing education and graduate-level courses on AAC, driven by her mission to make AAC knowledge accessible to clinicians in all settings. She believes that no person should be left without a voice or the opportunity to communicate, and she advocates for both high-tech funding solutions and low-tech, paper-based resources to ensure equitable access to communication. Her advocacy is grounded in cultural humility and a strong sense of responsibility, particularly when helping individuals develop effective means of communication. Anna recently launched her own practice, *AAC Aware PLLC*, in the Chicago area, and shares insights and resources through her Instagram platform [@AAC_Aware](https://www.instagram.com/aac_aware). She earned her Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University. Now based in Chicago, Anna is raising her family—including her two young sons and spouse—in the city she proudly calls home.

Mentioned in this episode:

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Guest: Lauren Schwabish, MS, CCC-SLP

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

Parenting comes with its own set of challenges, and when aphasia enters the picture, those challenges can become even more complex. In this episode of Brainstorms, Lauren Schwabish, MS, CCC-SLP, joins host Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, to explore what it’s like for parents living with aphasia while raising children at home.

You’ll hear real stories about navigating everyday conversations, staying connected with family, and balancing recovery with parenthood. Lauren and Renee share practical strategies, emotional insights, and resources that can help families maintain meaningful communication and strong bonds.

This conversation highlights resilience, creativity, and the love that keeps families moving forward together.

About the Guest: Lauren Schwabish, MS, CCC-SLP, is the owner of Neuro Speech Services, a private practice based in Northern Virginia, specializing in person-centered assessment and treatment of cognitive-communicative disorders related to stroke, acquired brain injury, mild cognitive impairment, ADHD, and other neurologic and neurodegenerative conditions. She has over 25 years of experience working in hospitals and acute rehabilitation centers. She is passionate about providing meaningful and accessible health education about the brain to patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Lauren is committed to empowering communities with evidence-based information and best practices in brain health behaviors.

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*****Originally Aired: December 5, 2024*****

Guest: Maurice Goodwin, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD:https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/mastering-the-basics-voice-fundamentals-for-everyone

In this episode, Maurice Goodwin, MS, CCC-SLP, joins Renee to discuss voice fundamentals and a bonus discussion about singing voice evaluation and treatment. The essential building blocks of a strong, healthy voice are key for singers and speakers. Key features of this episode include the anatomy of the voice, understanding vocal qualities, and how to enhance vocal control to maintain a healthy voice. Maurice will review how SLPs can improve their competency in treating voice disorders. Join us on an engaging journey to begin mastering your voice therapy techniques!

About the Guest: Maurice Goodwin, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed and practicing speech-language pathologist, voice teacher, and active performer living in Houston, TX. Professionally, he specializes in the evaluation and treatment of the singing voice and voice disorders at The Texas Voice Center and serves as adjunct faculty at Lamar University in the graduate Vocology Certificate Program. Following his undergraduate studies in music performance at Shenandoah University, he completed his graduate work in speech-language pathology at the University of Pittsburgh. During his time at the University of Pittsburgh Voice Center, he completed his graduate thesis on the challenges and changes that occur in the voices of elderly adults. His background as a performer and speech-language pathologist led him to complete a fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Voice and Swallow Clinics, where he focused on treating singers, actors, teachers, and other occupational voice users with voice problems. He is a regular lecturer and presenter at national and international conferences focused on the health and education of professional voice users. Maurice is passionate about vocal health education and the intersections of identity and voice. He is licensed to practice in the state of Texas and holds national certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

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