In this episode, special guest Ruchi Kapila, MS/SLP, joins Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, to share their powerful mental health journey, openly discussing life with ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. They emphasize the transformative importance of self-care, finding joy in one's work, and leaning on community support.

Beyond personal reflections, this episode explores the need for sustainable practices in the SLP field, the value of mentorship, and the community's power in fostering professional development. Whether you're a seasoned clinician, a new graduate, or someone invested in the future of speech-language pathology, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and a call to action for a better, more supportive future.

Listen to AC Goldberg's episode, I'm Not Dropping the CCC, and Here's Why

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In this episode of the Fix SLP podcast, Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, are joined by Jessica, a parent and advocate, to discuss Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and its impact on autistic individuals. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of GLP, the challenges families face in accessing meaningful support, and the systemic barriers posed by outdated practices in speech-language pathology. Jessica shares her concerns about a controversial ASHA convention presentation that disparaged GLP. Jessica reached out to ASHA to share her perspective as a parent, emphasizing the life-changing outcomes of GLP for her child and raising concerns about ASHA’s dismissive response to advocacy efforts from families and clinicians alike. The conversation emphasizes the need for ASHA to address these issues and better support SLPs and their clients.

The three examine ASHA’s role in perpetuating these challenges by failing to prioritize evidence-based practices and the lived experiences of clinicians, families, and autistic individuals. They critique the exclusion of GLP from ASHA’s Practice Portal and explore the broader implications for professional transparency, autonomy, and accountability.

This episode underscores the need for modernization in the field and calls for grassroots advocacy to ensure clinicians and families have access to diverse, evidence-informed approaches. It’s a candid discussion that reflects Fix SLP’s mission to challenge the status quo and push for meaningful change in speech-language pathology.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the movement by sharing the episode, submitting feedback to ASHA’s board, and supporting sustained advocacy for a more inclusive and equitable future in the field.

Want to lead or join your state team? Email your name and state to [email protected].

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Dr. Jeanette Benigas and cohost Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, are joined by Mikayla Treynor, MA/SLP, to discuss the vital work being done by Fix SLP’s state teams, from addressing Medicaid CCC requirements to educating legislators on the impact of outdated policies. The team emphasizes the importance of persistence, collaboration, and education in driving meaningful change at both state and national levels.

Looking ahead to 2025, Fix SLP has set ambitious goals to expand its efforts, target key states, and continue advocating for systemic reforms that empower clinicians. With updates on current projects and a call for volunteers to join the movement, this episode provides valuable insights and practical steps for those looking to make a difference in the field.

Whether you’re an experienced advocate or just starting to explore these issues, this episode offers a compelling look at how Fix SLP is reshaping the future of SLP, one state at a time.

Want to lead or join your state team? Email your name and state to [email protected].

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As 2024 comes to a close, join Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MA/SLP, as they celebrate Fix SLP’s remarkable achievements and share their vision for an empowering 2025. From significant Medicaid credentialing changes to progress in eliminating barriers like the CCC requirement, they reflect on the year’s milestones and discuss their excitement for the road ahead.

This episode features heartfelt wishes from listeners for the future of the field, actionable advice for clinicians at all career stages, and an inspiring call to elevate SLP voices, advocate for autonomy, and foster community. Jeanette and Preston discuss plans for a revamped website, a growing team, and expanded volunteer engagement, emphasizing the importance of resilience, collaboration, and meaningful change.

Whether you’re a seasoned SLP or just starting your journey, this episode will leave you energized and ready to help shape the future of the profession. Let’s fix SLP—together.

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Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, examine the financial landscape of speech-language pathology, highlighting ASHA's $65 million in cash reserves and $71 million in investments. They critique ASHA's spending priorities, including minimal investment in lobbying, and question how these funds could better support clinicians and the profession. Jeanette provides updates on the Fix SLP team's CCC and ASHA membership status, illustrating the team's commitment to autonomy and professional choice. This episode emphasizes the importance of systemic change, transparency, and grassroots advocacy to build a stronger future for SLPs.

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Share your New Year's wish for the profession or Fix SLP for our next episode!

In this episode, Colleen Ashford, MS/SLP, joins Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, to share her first-time experience at the ASHA convention. She takes us inside the ASHA leadership Q&A at this year’s convention—where only a small handful of attendees showed up out of 13,000.

From overhearing conversations about extravagant dinners to realizing how disconnected leadership is from the membership, Colleen takes us inside a space most clinicians never see. Her journey led her to a powerful decision: dropping the CCC.

If you’re rethinking your ASHA membership, the CCC, or your role in shaping this field, this episode offers hard truths and a fresh perspective. Tune in as we challenge the systems holding clinicians back and prove that change doesn’t happen by waiting. It happens by fixing it.

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Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, dig into ASHA’s revenue streams, breaking down key categories such as member dues, convention profits, and special interest groups while highlighting the ongoing lack of financial transparency. A powerful minivan meltdown story illustrates the importance of knowing your worth and standing firm against unfair opportunities. The team also celebrates a significant win for the Fix SLP community: ASHA restoring membership benefits for those opting out for 2025, thanks to collective advocacy. They round out the discussion with actionable strategies for redirecting CEU spending toward state conventions and small businesses, empowering clinicians to make meaningful changes in the field.

If you love our work, please rate, review, and share this essential podcast with your colleagues!

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In this episode of Fix SLP, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, discusses the hot topic of ASHA's finances, joined by Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP. The trio unpacks key insights from ASHA's 2023 Form 990, discussing eyebrow-raising numbers like the $1.3 million catering bill and the hefty salaries of executives. They also explore the transparency (or lack thereof) surrounding member dues, the CCC, and how ASHA allocates its revenue.

Listen in as they address frustrations from SLPs nationwide, share actionable steps to advocate for change, and reveal how grassroots efforts are reshaping the field. Don't miss the Minivan Meltdown segment, where real stories from SLPs highlight the need for systemic reform.

Rate, review, and share this essential podcast with your colleagues—let's fix SLP together!

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Leave us a message on our Meltdown in the Minivan line.

Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, tackle common myths in speech-language pathology, focusing on the necessity of the CCC. They debunk the misconception that the CCC is required to bill Medicare, emphasizing that Medicare policy is federal and does not vary by state. They clarify that reinstating the CCC involves only a fee, a passing Praxis score (if needed), and professional development—no college courses or back pay. Additionally, they confirm that only two and a half states (Nevada, Delaware, and Virginia) require the CCC for initial licensure. They discuss the role of the CCC in completing AAC assessments and dispel fears that removing the CCC requirement will hinder Medicaid reimbursement efforts, sharing real-world case studies to prove otherwise. Through their discussion, they empower SLPs to challenge misinformation, advocate for transparency, and make informed decisions about their professional credentials.

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Leave us a message on our Meltdown in the Minivan line.

Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, share their reactions the morning after receiving the ASHA Board's decision not to amend Section 3.2 of their bylaws, despite significant support for the 2% bylaws petition, including 50,000 followers and nearly 2 million Instagram views in the last 90 days. The board cited the need to establish standard operating procedures for such petitions, prompting transparency and financial accountability concerns. They emphasize the importance of fair pricing for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) and share that legal counsel has been engaged to continue advocating for change, urging SLPs to stay informed and united in this fight for autonomy and equity.

Set up a FREE account to begin using the CU tracker.
Want to earn some PDHs or CEUs? Use code FIXSLP58 to get a $20 discount coupon off any subscription!

Become a sustaining partner.
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Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content.
Email us at [email protected].
Leave us a message on our Meltdown in the Minivan line.