First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

Guest: Natalie Douglas, Ph.D., CCC-SLP - Natalie discusses the critical deficits in the traditional research-to-practice model and the current trends that are working to address the shortages and breakdowns. She offers hope and functional advice on how clinicians can collaborate with researchers to create a holistic circular model in which researchers and clinicians inform and guide each other’s practice, all with the purpose of providing hope and positive outcomes for our patients.

Guest: Rylee Klocow, MS, CF-SLP - This episode is an incredibly intimate project that holds deep personal meaning for all of us. However, it is especially powerful for Rylee, as she is the younger sister of an augmentative and alternative communication user. If you have ever wondered about the role of a caregiver in acquiring and successfully utilizing an AAC device, then this is for you. We will discuss the role of the caregivers, common barriers to utilization, and current evidence-based strategies that will open the door for functional and meaningful communication for the little ones we are called to serve.

Guest: Alyson Ware, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Alyson discusses the process as a community-based clinician to improve continuity of care for medically complex patients discharged from the NICU. If you’ve ever wondered what occurs in early intervention, the SLP’s role on the team, the common barriers to NICU discharges, and want strategies to smooth the transition for your patients, this episode is for you.

Guest: Sam Walker, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD - This course will provide information geared toward empowering speech-language pathology graduate students and the new clinician. If you’ve just entered your clinical fellowship year and are overwhelmed about what challenges you could face professionally, clinically, or even with respect to supervision, then don’t fret. Sam and Michelle are here to empower you with functional recommendations and strategies to ensure a smooth transition from graduate school to a successful clinical-fellowship experience.

Guest: Kerrie Mansfield Rigberg, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Michelle is joined by Kerrie, a highly trained pediatric speech-language pathologist, with experience in the NICU, PICU, Inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation, Private Practice, and teletherapy. She is here today to talk about the empowering role of yoga for both our pediatric patients, as well as for the treating clinician. Kerrie, who presented, “United on the Mat: Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness for the SLP, Audiologist & Related Healthcare Provider” at the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) National Convention in Washington, D.C. in November 2021, delights the listener with her favorite research to support the use of yoga for our pediatric patients, the benefits to engaging in interprofessional practice with OTR/Ls via yoga for our patients, as well as the benefits of yoga for improving the therapeutic presence for the treating clinician. Bonus points… near the end she walks the clinician through a series of stretches and quick postures that we can do while sitting at our desks between SOAP note writing! So, get comfy cozy, pull up your notepad and your yoga mat, and let Kerrie inspire you to breathe deep and keep moving forward.

In this episode, Michelle and Erin discuss functional strategies for getting a pediatric patient started. If you are in the world of pediatric private practice (home health and/or a clinic), this is the hour for you. Michelle and Erin share easy-to-implement strategies for how to ethically triage a waitlist, the process of completing comprehensive dynamic assessments, as well as share some of their favorite goals they include in their initial evaluations and plan of care. The best part is that Michelle and Erin share the resources and sources of guidance they have received over the years so that you have those forever on your side too.

Guest: Memorie M. Gosa, PhD., CCC-SLP, BCS-S - If you love pediatric feeding disorders and deep diving into research to practice on this topic, then this is the hour for you. Michelle and Dr. Gosa tackle pediatric feeding disorders and the public schools, baby-led weaning, favorite dysphagia resources, as well as a sneak peek for the pediatric feeding disorder track at this year’s ASHA 2022.

Guest: Stephen Kneece, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Stephen Kneece, who is a highly skilled augmentative and alternative communication specialist, inspires us all with his practical insight into how to select the ideal access approach for the little ones that we serve. If you work with medically complex pediatric patients and need insight into direct versus indirect access, troubleshooting common barriers to utilization and implementation of speech-generating devices, or if you just need inspiration from a skilled “been there and done that” school-based SLP, then tune in and let Stephen inspire you.

In this episode, Michelle and Erin discuss a topic dear to their hearts: busting common myths surrounding the utilization of speech-generating AAC devices in early intervention. The ladies of First Bite spend this hour empowering listeners on the steps to initiate a speech-generating device (SGD) trial within the world of EI, how to overcome common barriers such as the myth “but the device will prevent them from talking,” how to engage and encourage caregivers to use an SGD AAC device during their daily routines, as well as troubleshooting the simple steps to submit for insurance approval.

Guest: Cuyler Romeo, M.O.T., OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC - In this course, our guest Cuyler, who is a PFD advocate extraordinaire, discusses the recent changes to best practices for NICU discharge for infants with a pediatric feeding disorder. She highlights updates from the National Perinatal Association, discusses common barriers to successful discharge, and best yet how we can engage in improved continuity of care for these little ones to set them up for long-term success.