First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

By Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAPBusiness Education Courses Careers

First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights episodes

October 01Beyond “Won’t”: Trauma, Regulation, and Collaborative Care
Trauma-sensitive care and interprofessional collaboration to better support children and families.
Guest: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L
Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD
Watch on YouTube
In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L, to discuss how combining clinical perspectives can strengthen care for children with feeding challenges, sensory differences, nervous system dysregulation, and other complex needs. They consider what may be behind a child’s apparent refusal, shifting the focus from a child who “won’t” participate to one who may not yet feel safe, regulated, or supported enough to engage.
About the Guests: Lauren Thompson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, CLC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor, and the owner of Well Fed Feeding & Swallowing Therapy in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Since 2012, she has supported infants and children with Pediatric Feeding Disorder, dysphagia, lactation challenges, ARFID, and feeding-related trauma across inpatient rehabilitation, hospital-based outpatient care, Level II and III NICUs, and public schools.
Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist, TBRI practitioner, and owner of Holistic Abilities where she is passionate about helping children and families thrive through evidence-informed, relationship-based care. She specializes in sensory processing, feeding, and supporting children to make gains in their everyday life.
Contact the Guests:
Lauren Thompson on LinkedIn
Lauren’s Website: www.wellfedfeedingtherapy.com
Allissa Younan on LinkedIn

Show Notes:
Feeding Matters
Trauma-sensitive Definition
Trust‑Based Relational Intervention
Dr. Dan Siegel's Hand Model of the Brain
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
Pediatric Feeding Disorder Consensus Definition and Conceptual Framework
AB-SSD 2026 Summer Webinar Series - Pediatric
Empowering Providers Through Transforming Pediatric Feeding Journeys Courses:
Trust-based relational intervention (TBRI): A systemic approach to complex developmental trauma
Love Money Cause: www.feedingmatters.org

References:
Hockey, R., Philpott-Robinson, K., Haracz, K., & Ray, K. (2025). Trauma-informed or sensory-based practices in preschool settings: A scoping review. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 72(3), e70027. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70027
Purvis, K. B., Cross, D. R., Dansereau, D. F., & Parris, S. R. (2013). Trust-based relational intervention (TBRI): A systemic approach to complex developmental trauma. Child & Youth Services, 34(4), 360–386. https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935X.2013.859906
Smith, M. L. (2021). The connected therapist: Relating through the senses. Marti Smith Seminars.
Williams, M. S., & Shellenberger, S. (1994). How does your engine run? TherapyWorks.
1 hr 10 min
September 22The Confident EI SLP: Feeding, Coaching, and Real-Life Care with Margaryta Kuzmin
Learn from Margaryta’s "C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T." EI SLP framework to support functional, collaborative, and family-centered intervention.
Guest: Margaryta Kuzmin, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE
Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD
Watch on YouTube
In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Margaryta Kuzmin, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE, a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist and early intervention provider, for a joyful and empowering discussion about the many hats SLPs wear in early intervention. From feeding and dysphagia to communication, caregiver coaching, and collaboration, this episode celebrates the meaningful, real-life work happening in homes and everyday routines. Michelle and Margaryta redefine what it means to be a “confident” EI SLP, reminding us that confidence is not about knowing everything. It is about trusting your foundation, staying curious, and showing up with intention.
About the Guest: Margaryta Kuzmin is a bilingual speech-language pathologist based in New York City with over 15 years of experience working with infants, toddlers, and school-age children with complex communication, feeding, and developmental needs. She specializes in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, AAC, and working with medically complex populations.
Show Notes:
Contact Margaryta:
IG: @kuzminslp
LinkedIn
Website: kuzminslp.com
Courses
Free Online AAC Boards

Resources:
American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders 2026 Summer Webinar Series
Feeding Matters
Family Guided Routies Based Intervention
HealthyChildren.org
IDDSI
Go Team Go! Interprofessional Practice for Pediatric Feeding in the Schools
Guide to Supporting Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Schools
Pediatric Feeding Disorder and the School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist: An Evidence-BasedUpdate for Clinical Practice

Love Money: 1p36 Deletion Support & Awareness
1 hr 24 min
September 15Busting Concussion Myths: What SLPs Need to Know
Unpack the myths, realities, and clinical considerations surrounding pediatric concussions with an interprofessional team from The University of Tulsa's Concussion Center.
Guests: Laura Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIST; Rachel Hildebrand, PhD, LAT/ATC, CBIS; and Jennifer Steward, PhD
Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD
Watch on YouTube
In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by an interprofessional team from The University of Tulsa's Concussion Center. Together, they explore common misconceptions about concussions, including how symptoms present differently across toddlers, children, and adolescents, and why recognizing these differences is critical for timely identification and care. The conversation also highlights important topics such as second impact syndrome, current best practices in concussion management, and the role of interprofessional collaboration in supporting recovery.
About the Guest(s): Laura Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIST, is an Associate Professor in Communication Sciences & Disorders at The University of Tulsa. She is a Co-Director of the Concussion Center and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer. Her clinical and research interest is acquired brain injuries, with a specific focus on concussion.
Rachel Hildebrand, PhD, LAT/ATC, CBIS is a Clinical Associate Professor of Athletic Training at The University of Tulsa. She is the co-Director of the Concussion Center at The University of Tulsa. Her research has highly focused on interdisciplinary concussion management, specifically for those experiencing prolonged concussion recovery.
Jennifer Steward, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and an Applied Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Tulsa. She has been a member of the concussion team since the Concussion Center’s opening, and supervises advanced clinical psychology doctoral students in their work as part of the interdisciplinary team.
Show Notes:
University of Tulsa Concussion Center
Heads Up CDC
HEADS UP to Schools: Online Concussion Training
Pedsconcussion.com
Concussioninsportgroup.com
Love Money: Support The University of Tulsa
1 hr 25 min
September 08 Finding Your Voice: Advocacy and PFD in Schools with Mary Dooher
Explore the realities of addressing dysphagia and pediatric feeding disorder in schools.
Guest: Mary Dooher, MA, CCC-SLP,
Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD
Watch on YouTube
In this episode of the First Bite podcast, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Mary P. Dooher, MA, CCC-SLP, a passionate school-based clinician and advocate from Alaska, for a heartfelt and energizing conversation about supporting students with feeding and swallowing needs in the school setting. Drawing from her journey across medical and educational environments, Mary shares how her work in pediatric feeding and swallowing evolved into systems-level advocacy within her district, state, and national organizations.
About the Guest: Mary P. Dooher, M.A., CCC-SLP, has been a school-based SLP in Wasilla, Alaska, for 15 years. She has experience in public schools, hospitals, SNFs, and home health settings. Mary is a strong advocate within her school district and the State of Alaska to increase awareness of/needs of students with dysphagia. She is an active member of her local union, MSEA, and the state association, NEA-Alaska.
Show Notes:
Feeding Matters PFD in Schools
Go Team Go! Interprofessional Practice for Pediatric Feeding in the Schools
ASHA Voices: Engaging With Teacher Unions and Education Associations in Schools
1 hr 12 min
September 01Beyond the Echo: Honoring Autistic Communication with Farwa Husain
Practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators.
Guest: Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLP
Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD
Watch on YouTube
In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Farwa Husain, MA, CCC-SLP, bilingual speech-language pathologist, for a thoughtful conversation about supporting autistic individuals through relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care. Together, they discuss how echolalia can be understood as meaningful communication rather than a behavior to eliminate. Farwa shares practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators who use echolalia, emphasizing how caregiver coaching and everyday interactions can create rich opportunities for connection, language, and participation.
About the Guest: Farwa Husain, bilingual SLP, is the Founder of First Phrases and Owner of One-on-One Speech Therapy. She specializes in relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care, with a clinical and educational focus on supporting echolalia. Farwa is an international presenter who provides professional development training for schools and organizations worldwide.
Show Notes:
Contact Farwa:
IG: @firstphrasesofficial
LinkedIn
www.firstphrases.com

Related Course: Autism Conference: Embracing Joy Through Practical Intervention
Family Guided Routines Based Interventions
Morris County Speech and Hearing Association
1 hr 9 min
August 25Culturally Responsive Practices Transform Outcomes with Samantha Dudding
Gain actionable strategies to support more inclusive, culturally responsive, and family-centered practice.
Guest: Samantha Dudding, MS, CCC-SLP
Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD
Watch on YouTube
In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is joined by Samantha Dudding, MS, CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful conversation about how culturally responsive communication can promote more equitable outcomes in special education. Drawing on her clinical expertise and leadership experience, Samantha shares practical strategies for supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students and families while strengthening collaboration across educational teams.
About the Guest: Samantha Dudding, M.S., CCC‑SLP, is a speech‑language pathologist and special education leader whose work centers on culturally responsive communication within school‑based special education processes. She is currently a Student Support Coordinator in a school district just outside of Washington, DC where she facilitates special education processes, supports multidisciplinary teams, and leads professional development focused on inclusive practices.
Show Notes:
Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory
Sign up for the ASHFoundation's 7th Annual Virtual Walk/Run
Join the team "First Bite Fun Runners"
1 hr 7 min
August 20 The Brain Health Toolbox with Jennifer Ruckner - Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPs
How can we incorporate brain health into everyday clinical practice?
Guest: Jennifer Ruckner, MS, CCC-SLP
Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD
Watch on YouTube
Brainstorms podcast host Renee Garrett, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is joined by Jennifer Ruckner, MS, CCC-SLP, for a practical discussion on how speech-language pathologists can incorporate brain health into everyday clinical practice. Together, they break down the neuroscience behind neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve, and lifestyle factors that influence brain function, while exploring what brain health really means across the continuum of care.
About the Guest: Jennifer Ruckner, MS, CCC-SLP, is a seasoned speech-language pathologist with over three decades of experience across Early Intervention, school districts, and private practice. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in Communication Disorders from Auburn University and has practiced since 1990. Jennifer specializes in Social/Pragmatic Language, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Expressive Language Disorder, and Feeding Disorders.
[
1 hr 7 min
August 18Training Pediatric SLPs for Community Impact with Paula Pineda
What does it take to prepare pediatric SLPs in serving diverse communities?
Guest: Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL
Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD
Watch on YouTube
In this episode of the First Bite podcast, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is joined by Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, bilingual speech-language pathologist, Chief Clinical Supervisor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and President of the ASHA Hispanic Caucus, for a thoughtful conversation about preparing pediatric SLPs to serve culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
About the Guest: Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Speech-Language Pathologist with over 14 years of experience. Originally from Colombia, Paula has lived in New York City since 2001. She earned her Master’s degree from Adelphi University in 2011 and completed her clinical doctorate at Northwestern University in 2023.
Show Notes:
Contact Paula: www.tc.columbia.edu
Family Guided Routines Based Intervention: fgrbi.com
Sign up for ASHFoundation's 7th Annual Virtual Walk/Run
Join the team "First Bite Fun Runners"

Love Money:
Support the Hispanic Caucus: www.hispaniccaucusasha.org
Support your local immigration association: www.findhelp.org
1 hr 22 min
August 11Language, Literacy, and the Path to Reading Success with Heather Ramsdell
What role do SLPs play with literacy development?
Guest: Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD, CCC-SLP, CALT, QIT
Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD
Watch on Youtube
In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD, CCC-SLP, CALT, QIT, for a passionate, research-backed discussion that positions speech-language pathologists as central to literacy development. Heather reframes dyslexia and reading challenges as reflections of underlying language and developmental profiles, explains how early oral language skills lay the foundation for reading, and discusses key early indicators of risk and the diverse developmental pathways that contribute to reading difficulties.
About the Guest: Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD CCC-SLP, CALT, QI in Training, University of Memphis, 2009, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Idaho State University, owner/clinician at Once Upon a Time LLC, and mother of two children with dyslexia. Her teaching, research, and clinical areas of expertise/interest include infant vocal development, phonetics, phonology, multisensory structured language intervention, spelling, structured word inquiry, literacy, and dyslexia.
Show Notes:
Read with Ramsdell: www.readwithramsdell.com
Contact Heather: www.isu.edu/slp/about/faculty
Publications: https://pubs.asha.org/authored-by/Ramsdell/Heather+L
Sign up for the ASHFoundation 7th Annual Virtual Walk/Run
Join the First Bite Team: "First Bite Fun Runners"
Love Money: Support Children's Dyslexia Centers
1 hr 5 min
August 09Celebrating ASHFoundation: 80 Years of Advancing Clinical Practice
Learn how the ASHFoundation is stepping up amidst research funding cuts.
Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD
Watch on YouTube
In this special live episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Sharon E. Moss, PhD, CCC-SLP, CAE, Executive Director of the ASHFoundation, along with past funding recipients Katherine M. Trice, BA, and Ryan McCreery, PhD, to celebrate the ASHFoundation's 80th anniversary.
If you've been watching the news and wondering how research funding cuts might impact our field, take a breath. The ASHFoundation is stepping up. Together, they discuss how innovative funding initiatives, including the Need-Based Emergency Funding Program, are supporting students, early-career investigators, and the future of communication sciences and disorders. Katherine and Ryan also share their personal experiences, highlighting the impact of Foundation support on their research and professional journeys.
About the Guests:
Dr. Ryan McCreery, PhD, is the Vice President of Research at Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. He also serves as a Senior Scientist and Director of the Audibility, Perception, and Cognition (APC) Lab.
Sharon E. Moss, PhD, CCC-SLP, CAE, became the executive director of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation in October 2022. Moss is responsible for the ASHFoundation’s leadership and management, fundraising, and mission-related program activities which include scholarship, research grant and special project initiatives.
Katherine M. Trice earned her BA in Linguistics from the University of Rochester and completed her PhD in Psychology from Northeastern University this July. She currently works as a postdoctoral associate in the Gabrieli Lab at MIT.
Show Notes:
www.ashfoundation.org
ASHFoundation on Instagram: @ashfoundationcsd
ASHFoundation on LinkedIn
Sign up for the ASHFoundation 7th Annual Virtual Walk/Run
Join the First Bite Team: "First Bite Fun Runners"
1 hr 3 min

About First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

From the publisher's feed

First Bite is your go-to resource for all things pediatric speech therapy–covering pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, lactation, AAC, early language acquisition, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration. Designed to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, the podcast brings functional, evidence-based insights straight to clinicians serving little ones and their caregivers. Whether you’re a student, seasoned practitioner, researcher, or interprofessional partner, First Bite invites you to listen, learn, and grow alongside a supportive community. Gain the confidence to take whatever “first bite” comes next in your clinical practice–one heartfelt and tea-fueled conversation at a time.