In this episode of 'Hear Me Out,' Niki Lampi and Tamara Pogin introduce Emily Wolf, office manager, and Andrea Thyen, therapy aide at the Masonic Children's Clinic. Emily discusses her career shift from hotel management and her dynamic role at the clinic. Andrea shares her journey from a communications degree to her current role, emphasizing her work with sibling childcare and creative projects. Both highlight their teamwork and commitment to providing a welcoming environment. The episode also explores special clinic events and personal anecdotes about engaging with the children, and is a LOT of fun! 

This episode features Tristan Feld and Natalie Wark, speech language pathologists who work in both public schools and the Clinic. They discuss their journeys into the profession and the PACC program—Parents and Children Communicating—aimed at parent education. The program, originally developed in the 1990s, provides services to families with children facing communication challenges. It includes parent education sessions while providing childcare, focusing on strategies for better communication. The program accommodates various caregivers and has had a significant positive impact on numerous families over the years. Tristan and Natalie share the rewarding experiences and challenges of their roles in both settings and express the importance of flexibility and collaboration in their work.

In this episode of 'Hear Me Out,' hosts Niki Lampi and Tamara Pogin from the Masonic Children's Clinic for Communication Disorders welcome Mike Rosensweig, a long-time supporter whose father, Joe Rosensweig, was one of the clinic's founders. Mike shares touching stories about his father's dedication to the mission, the importance of community support, and the lasting impact of the clinic's services on children and their families. Listeners will also hear about Mike's involvement in fundraising events and the joy of giving back. The episode emphasizes the vital role donations play in providing free speech, language, and hearing services to children.

In this episode of 'Hear Me Out,' podcast hosts Niki Lampi and Tamara Pogin, both speech language pathologists at the Masonic Children's Clinic for Communication Disorders, interview Sarah Sheppard, an occupational therapist. Sarah, who has worked with the clinic for three years, shares her journey from a special education teacher to an occupational therapist. She discusses the unique approach of the Masonic Children's Clinic that allows therapists to spend more time consulting with families and creating individualized sensory tools for children. Sarah elaborates on the importance of understanding sensory systems and emotional regulation, dynamic sensory systems, and co-regulation. She also highlights the intersection of sensory issues with everyday tasks like sleep, feeding, and potty training and talks about her holistic approach to therapy.   

In this episode, we welcome Annika Juenemann, a SLP at the clinic, to discuss her journey into speech-language pathology and her experiences with her therapy dog, Arlo. Annika shares how a shadowing experience shifted her focus from counseling to speech therapy. She details her educational background, her initial work with a diverse patient demographic, and her eventual specialization in pediatrics with a strong interest in autism. Annika also discusses her volunteer work with the Minnesota Neurodivergent Organization. The conversation shifts to animal-assisted therapy, where Annika describes the certification process for Arlo, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix, and how he contributes to therapy sessions. Arlo not only interacts with the children but also serves as a model for emotional regulation and alternative communication methods. Annika emphasizes the importance of blending play with therapy to achieve effective outcomes and highlights the mutual benefits of her work with Arlo for both the children and their families.

In this episode of 'Hear Me Out,' the official podcast of the Masonic Children's Clinic for Communication Disorders, hosts Niki Lampi and Tamara Pogin explore various aspects of communication disorders. They speak with John and Katie, parents of Lily, who share their journey of discovering and handling Lily's profound hearing loss. The family discusses the initial screenings, unsuccessful attempts with hearing aids, and the eventual decision to opt for cochlear implants. The conversation touches on Lily’s surgery and activation process, and the supportive role of various therapy programs and community initiatives. The episode also features Lily and her sister Stella, who share their experiences and how they've adapted to the use of sign language and cochlear implants. Insights into the importance of early intervention, regular audiological check-ups, and the impact of community support highlight the comprehensive approach required in managing hearing loss.

In this episode of 'Hear Me Out,' the official podcast of the Masonic Children's Clinic for Communication Disorders, hosts Niki Lampi and Tamara Pogin welcome Carolyn Garay, who shares her son River’s journey. Carolyn recounts her initial concerns about River's speech development, the support she received from the clinic, and the determination to pursue early intervention despite initial advice to wait. She describes the evaluations and therapies River underwent, including working with various specialists in audiology and speech pathology at the clinic. The podcast highlights the impact of the clinic’s supportive environment, personalized care, and the success of their non-profit mission to provide free services to children. Carolyn’s story concludes with River's progress and their plan to continue with private speech therapy as he transitions into pre-K.

In this episode of Hear Me Out, hosts Niki Lampi and Tamara Pogin of the Masonic Children's Clinic for Communication Disorders welcome Amanda and Kevin Sutherland. They share the inspiring story of their son Reid, who was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss as an infant. Reid's journey included early interventions, the use of hearing aids, and eventually receiving cochlear implants in 2021. The family discusses Reid's experiences with therapy at the clinic, the PACC program, and his adjustments to cochlear implants. They highlight the crucial role of early intervention, collaboration among professionals, and the supportive environment at the clinic. Reid is now thriving and actively participating in various activities, showing significant progress in his communication skills. The Sutherlands express their gratitude for the clinic's services and their impact on Reid's development.

In this episode of Hear Me Out, hosts Niki Lampi and Tamara Pogin interview pediatric audiologists Dr. Linda Kalweit and Dr. Amy Packer. They discuss their careers, the critical role of audiology in diagnosing and treating hearing disorders in children, and the importance of early intervention. The conversation covers types of hearing tests, the impact of hearing loss on language development, hearing technologies like cochlear implants, and common myths about hearing loss. The episode emphasizes the need for community support and donations to offer these essential services for free.