Communication is Key

Welcome back!

On this episode, we get the perspective of the field of speech and language pathology from an SLP who specializes in the adult population. Brooke Lordan, a Northeastern University graduate with a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology, launched her healthcare career in 2010, working in diverse adult settings like acute rehab, long-term care, and home health. Quickly rising through the ranks, she became Director of Rehabilitation, Regional Manager, and eventually Regional Vice President of Operations. In 2018, Brooke joined her husband’s company, Concierge Physical Therapy, where she now thrives as Co-Owner and Chief Strategy Officer.

Tune in to hear all about working as an SLP with the adult population, different types of diagnoses and treatment styles, and how to advocate for a loved one receiving therapy services. Thank you so much, Brooke, for joining this episode!

Welcome back!

On this episode, we learn about the field of speech and language pathology from the perspective of an advocate, who had received SLP services herself growing up. Gabriella Tidwell is a junior at Henderson State University and works as a Pharmacy Technician at a Walmart Pharmacy in Arkansas. Driven by her passion for helping others, she is pursuing a degree in Health and Human Performance. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she plans to further her education by applying to an Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program in hopes of becoming an Occupational Therapist. Gabriella currently holds the title of Miss Greater Hot Springs 2025 and will be competing for Miss Arkansas this June. Her community service initiative is "Raising Awareness for Individuals with Speech Disorders"-- sharing her lived experience.

Tune in to hear all about her personal experiences with a speech disorder, advice on how to support individuals navigating a similar journey, and her community service initiative within the Miss America Opportunity. Thank you so much, Gabriella, for joining this episode!

Welcome back!

On this episode, we get the parent perspective of the field of speech and language pathology. Amber Grace is the mother of two children- Vincent who is 5, and Gio who is 2 and a half. They currently reside in Brooklyn, New York. Gio was recently diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech in January of 2024. Childhood apraxia of speech is defined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) as “a neurological speech disorder in which the precision and consistency of moments underlying speech are impaired.” They currently travel to New Jersey to receive speech therapy once a week. 

Tune in to hear all about a story of resilience, navigating birth-three evaluations, how to overcome challenges, and the importance of advocating for your child. Thank you so much, Amber Grace, for joining this episode!

Welcome back!

On this episode, we get the perspective of the field of speech and language pathology from a parent and non-profit founder's perspective. Ashley McClain is the proud mother of two beautiful children, Leigha and Colton. In 2020, Ashley's journey as a parent changed when her family learned that their son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. At that time, she stepped away from full time work to focused on supporting the needs of her family. Since then, Ashley has fully immersed herself in understanding, advocating and developing resources for the special needs community. In June of 2023, Ashley created LINKED- Autism Safety Project after realizing there was a lack of knowledge and understanding of the neurodiverse community within emergency management services. Additionally, in September of 2023, she launched Beyond the Horizon, Inc, a non profit organization that provides sensory friendly and adaptive programming throughout the state of Connecticut for families and individuals within the special needs community.

Tune in to hear about the process for establishing a non-profit organization, tips from a family member's perspective, and how to get involved in advocating for, and supporting, individuals in the neurodiverse community. Thank you so much, Ashley, for joining this episode!

Welcome back!

On this episode, we get the perspective of the field of speech and language pathology from a family member's perspective. Emily Anastasio is a 19-year-old rising sophomore at Springfield College who is dedicated to changing the world, one step at a time. Emily is the reigning Miss Connecticut’s Teen for 2023 and has completed various events to help raise awareness and money for several different causes, including the American Heart Association, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and a special organization that aligns with her Community Service Initiative, the Alzheimer’s Association. Emily is very close with her family, and recently, one of her uncles suffered a series of mini strokes, which affected his ability to speak and his way to communicate.

Tune in to hear about the medical aspects of speech and language pathology, stroke awareness, tips for family members navigating a stroke, and Emily's work with the Alzheimer's Association. Thank you so much, Emily, for joining this episode!

Welcome back!

On this episode, we get the perspective of the field of speech and language pathology from an AAC specialist. Nicole Gallagher is a Clinical Professor and speech-language pathologist in the department of speech-language and hearing sciences at UConn. She has taught the graduate level Augmentative-Alternative Communication (also referred to as AAC) course at UConn for the past 8 years. She has practiced for the past 21 years in the field and specializes in pediatrics, but serves individuals with complex communication needs across the lifespan- providing AAC tools along the technology continuum.

Tune in to hear about the AAC trial process, tips and trips for parents navigating AAC device usage, and how to advocate for AAC in the school system. Thank you so much, Nicole, for joining this episode!

Welcome back!

As we head closer to Miss Connecticut week (29 days until move in!!), I wanted to share an update on the work I have been doing with my community service initiative. I truly am amazed and so proud of how fast “Communication is Key” has grown. Stay tuned for an incredible announcement on May 28th that you won’t want to miss!

If you are interested in a playground AAC board for your school, or having me visit your classroom, please contact me at [email protected]. I can also be found on social media at @missnutmeg2024. Thank you so much for tuning in and I look forward to the next episode!

Welcome back!

On today's episode, we get to hear from the parent and walk coordinator perspective. Alyssa Ryan is a 32 year old mom to two boys. Before becoming a Mother she was a sailing instructor, first mate on yacht charters, and then eventually found her career in the hospitality industry as a wedding leads manager where she oversaw multiple properties throughout the state of Florida and St. Croix. She met the love of her life in Rhode Island and then eventually moved her life up to Connecticut to marry him. She is now living her dream life of being a mother and is very passionate advocating for her eldest son, Maverick and his speech disorder, Childhood Apraxia of Speech. 

Tune in to hear about having a child with CAS (Childhood Apraxia of Speech), Apraxia Kids, and the Apraxia Awareness Walk coming up in September! If you are interested in volunteering or donating to the walk, you can contact Alyssa directly at [email protected].

Welcome Back!

On today's episode, we get to hear from the parent perspective. Kristen Robles is a mom of two children, one of which is her son Howard who has Down Syndrome. She has really grown in her role as a mother of a child with special needs, advocating not only for his education, but his inclusive role in society. Kristen hopes that by showcasing his abilities, rather than his disability, it will encourage others, no matter what their diagnosis is, to do the same. 

Tune in to hear about her journey navigating a diagnosis, birth to three services, and school based services!

Welcome back!

On this episode, we get the perspective of what it's like creating a non-profit dedicated to Autism families in Connecticut with Christine Faressa. Christine became the founder of Sun, Moon & Stars in January 2016 when she established the Supper Club as a way for families with children on the autism spectrum to a enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Supper quickly grew into support groups and activities for families. Christine’s son, who was diagnosed with Autism as a toddler, continues to be her driving passion as she seeks to create a bright future for him and other children on the Autism Spectrum. Her collaborative nature and determination have resulted in enhancing hundreds of lives through in-person events and activities, such as support groups, adaptive soccer and basketball, pumpkin picking, holiday parties, hiking, art, martial arts, and the Starfish Swim Club.

Tune in to hear about her inspiration behind creating a non-profit, programs available for all members of the family, and advice for fellow parents navigating a diagnosis.