First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

In this episode Michelle is joined by her dear friend Krystal Vermillion, MOT,OTR/L, from The Shriner’s Hospital Greenville, SC. This episode is near and dear to Michelle’s heart as Krystal’s guidance on utilization of therapeutic cues not only shaped the frequency and types of cues that Michelle has used with her patients, but also with her own personal tiny humans. In short, sometimes the auditory bombardment and latency period that SLP’s, (and tired Mommas), use in general are too much and too short…but never fear, Krystal is here to offer functional evidenced based tips on how to “read” our pediatric patients and offer just the right amount! Enjoy this power hour on therapeutic cues between dear friends who are equal parts nerd girl and avid outdoorsy folks!

In this episode Michelle is joined by the hostess with Venita Litvack, MA, CCC-SLP, of “The Speechie Side Up” Podcast and SLP Blog. Today they cover all “thangs” AAC. Ever struggled to find credible resources for learning more about theory and history of best practices behind pediatric AAC, or how to implement AA with a complex pediatric patient, or… and here is the kicker…getting the daycare teachers or the ECSE on board with using the device within their classrooms? Venita is here to take those frustrations and worries away! Enjoy the nerdy-gal conversation between two podcasters who love their field and particularly AAC!

In this episode Michelle is joined by the one and only Elizabeth “Beth” Halpin, MHS, OTR/L, SCFES, aka Feeding Therapy, OT guru extraordinaire! Yep, we own it, Beth rocks!! This is the hour that your questions pertaining to the Scope of Practice for Occupational Therapists engaged in Feeding Therapy are FINALLY answered! Beth offers functional hands-on, (no pun intended), resources for the EBP of “messy” and “sensory play”, as well as general EBP guidelines for how to incorporate OT skills into your feeding sessions. Enjoy this fascinating feeding hour that will leave you wanting more!!

In this episode Michelle is joined once again by Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, and they take on the beast of the change between the National Dysphagia Diet and the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative. It is time! Erin and Michelle spend this fast paced hour updating and taste testing foods and drinks according to the new IDDSI guidelines! They will share their favorite IDDSI transition resources, as well as help to explain the differences in food and drink between NDD and IDDSI for all consistencies. Bring your private practice and personal practices in line with current best practice with this lively lecture! Also, be sure to check out the First Bite Insta and FB accounts for the videos of all the taste testing!

In this episode Michelle is joined by Mr. Stephen Kneece, MA CCC-SLP, the charming southern gentlemen who is the mastermind, voice, and musician behind the YouTube Channel “Speech & Language Songs”. Stephen, who serves as the Assistive Technology Consultant for Aiken County School District during the day, joins Michelle to share his passion for all “thangs” AAC. Core Vocab, Fringe, the struggles of choosing an AAC device, and evidenced based options if Speech Generating isn’t the way to go at this moment, are all covered in this dynamic power-hour!

In this episode Michelle is joined by her mentor, colleague, and “Brother by a Different Mother”, Paul Tardy, OTR/L, of “PT the OT Therapy and Wellness”. Have you ever seen an OT palm a child like a basketball, or bounce them in varying directions on a ball like a wobble head, or seen the kiddo crawling across the floor and observe and OT roll a therapy ball…crash boom bang…right into them and subtlety, or maybe not so subtlety wonder “What in the world are they doing to that kid?!?”. Well, wonder no more! This episode is all about Therapeutic Handling! Paul takes time to explain in detail why handling a pediatric patient in a certain way can reignite, or maybe ignite for the first time, neural connections that encourage the development of a strong core, proper physical alignment, encourage sensory regulation, all of which set a child up for success with life…and for PO intake! Come prepared for the passionate powerhouse that is Paul Tardy OTR/L!

In this episode Michelle is joined by the delightful Jason Wigand, AuD., CCC-A, and they pick up where they left off in Episode 38, “The Spectacular Power of Listening”! As they put the cart before the horse and covered interventions last go-around, this episode is dedicated to best practices for audiology evaluations: the different types of hearing tests/assessments available, when various ones are clinically indicated, as well as when it is appropriate to seek out for an evaluation. Fast paced nerdy laughter is guaranteed in this hour of all thangs hearing assessments!

In this episode Michelle is joined once again by the energetic Erin Forward, MS CF-SLP. Today is the day they take on that problematic word…”Productivity”! Fear not Friends! Not only will they define productivity, as well as it’s sister words caseload and workload, but they will discuss how productivity guidelines vary across settings, states, and offer some functional solutions to tackle productivity pressures that you may encounter in your Monday-Friday routine. Hopefully after this power-hour you will feel refreshed and energized to address any concerns head-on!

In this Special Sunday Night episode, Michelle is joined by a fellow Palmetto State Lady, the one and only Dr. Elise Davis-McFarland, ASHA’s Immediate Past President. Dr. Elise is here to share her wisdom on the importance of Ethics within the Early Intervention. Crucial conversations takes place regarding the differences between Poverty and Neglect, when a DSS referral is warranted, Clinician Safety and the ethics of transferring a patient or when discharging is warranted, as well as ethical considerations for implementing the “Coaching Model” when working with a medically fragile/complex infant/toddler/child. This is mighty powerful hour with a mighty amazing woman, Dr. Elise! Enjoy and Happy Early Fourth of July!!

In this episode Michelle is joined by the dynamic powerhouse that is Paul Tardy, OTR/L, her dear friend, mentor, and “Big Brother by a different Mother”! Paul, owner of “PT the OT Therapy and Wellness”, spends this fast paced hour illuminating colleagues from both the EI, OT, and SLP worlds to the varied roles and responsibilities within the scope of practice of Occupational Therapy, dispels the myth of “Oh you’re the one who teach them to write and stack blocks”, and also sheds light on how to view the “whole child” and treat from a functional holistic perspective. Sit tight folks, this is a dynamic hour filled with joy, belly laughter, and definitely a few squirrels.