This episode features Alissa G. Yeargin, MSR, CCC-SLP, a specialist in the evaluation and treatment of adult and adolescent voice, upper airway, and swallowing disorders, and rehabilitation of communication and swallowing for patients with head and neck cancer. HPV oropharyngeal cancers are most commonly seen in the tongue base and tonsils. Alissa discusses the rise of oropharyngeal cancers related to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). In addition, this episode discusses what HPV is, how it can be prevented, and the SLP’s role in evaluating and treating patients who have been diagnosed with oropharyngeal head and neck cancer.

This episode features Wilson Nice, MA, CCC-SLP. Wilson describes how building rapport with patients and caregivers is a key to successful therapy across all settings. Wilson summarizes specific steps to focus therapy on patient-centered goals. This course demonstrates how perceptive rating scales used in evidence-based practice lead to optimal outcomes for the patient.

This episode features Moshe Mark Ittleman, MS, CCC-SLP, as he discusses the evaluation and treatment of apraxia in children and adults. In addition, Mark explores the basic principles of the Teaching of Talking Method for Apraxia. Next, Mark highlights caregiver training by describing how parents, spouses, or care partners can easily understand and apply articulation principles. Next, he demonstrates how that knowledge is applied to sounds or phonemes of speech and teaching strategies. Finally, Mark describes various clinical methods and shortcuts to improve motor speech performance.

This episode features Lindsey Howard, MS, CCC-SLP. Lindsey’s vast experience working with adult and geriatric patients across settings and her journey with family members challenged with memory loss has led her to seek methods to make therapy more person-centered. First, she emphasizes the importance of an in-depth case history to develop a personalized care plan, family inclusion, and empowering the patient to help set goals. Next, she incorporates Allen Cognitive Level Staging tools to determine cognitive ability related to functional activities of daily living, with a goal to “age in place.” Finally, Lindsey explains how to develop therapeutic plans to enable clients to regain some control and empower caregivers to find new ways to reconnect with the person with memory loss.

This episode features Miriam Campbell, MA SLP-CCC, MSW. Miriam explains the benefits of using a team approach to teach Social Emotional Learning and Social Skills. Her approach, called The Skills for Connection, focuses on the generalization of skills and visualization for integrating concepts and empowering individuals. Miriam emphasizes the HOW and WHY the Skill Constructs are used. This approach focuses on an RTI-style model as well as language, cognitive, and emotional skill development.

This episode, Keys to Stuttering with Confidence, features Michael Wilson, DDS, dentist, business owner, father of four, and founder of the Stutter with Confidence mentoring/coaching program and podcast. Michael describes his journey with stuttering and the evolution of the Stutter with Confidence program. This three-phase program approaches communication skills as a team sport to inspire confidence and courage to develop a new speaking mentality. Michael’s inspiring journey offers invaluable insight to speech-language pathologists who work with people who stutter.

This episode features Sierra Corbin, MS. Ed, CCC-SLP, a private practice owner specializing in vocal therapy. Sierra reviews the basics of auditory-perceptual voice assessment and examines common voice disorders, including Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD), Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD), and presbyphonia. Sierra discusses how to navigate working with voice therapy for generalist SLPs, how she develops her treatment plan, and how to manage with little diagnostic information or poor HEP adherence. She also describes presbyphonia treatment and outcomes.

This episode features Katherine Leurk, who explores her journey as a parent of three unique children with their special gifts. Katherine describes her evolution of understanding, accepting, and celebrating the special needs of her son Drew. She explores lessons learned through the transition of childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Her insight into the challenges and triumphs of parenting provides insight helpful to therapists working with clients and caregivers of any age.

This course features Jennifer Vroom, MS, CCC-SLP and demonstrates how to use breathing techniques as a powerful tool for improving the mental and physical well-being of course participants as well as clients during therapy sessions. Jennifer explores the benefits of breathwork. She teaches three evidence-based breathing techniques and specific benefits, as she guides participants step by step through each technique.

This episode, Keys to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Speech-Language Pathology features Kamica Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP. Kamica demonstrates why increased diversity is needed in the field of speech-language pathology. She summarizes ways SLPs can individually and collectively foster cultural competence and awareness. Kamica discusses a variety of activities, practices, and strategies that promote cultural awareness among speech-language pathologists to better serve clients and their families.