Guest: Margaryta Kuzmin, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE
Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/books-brave-bites
Join Carolyn Dolby as she kicks off Season 3 of 'School of Speech,' presented by Speech Therapy PD. In this episode, Carolyn is joined by her friend and expert guest, Margaryta Kuzmin, a bilingual pediatric SLP specializing in feeding, swallowing, and augmentative and alternative communication. Together, they discuss the implementation of a unique program called 'Books and Brave Bites' designed to expose school-based students, particularly those with autism and pediatric feeding disorders, to various foods in a non-pressured, sensory-friendly way. Margaryta shares her experiences, strategies, and successes of integrating food into literacy and math lessons, emphasizing the importance of creating positive food interactions in a school setting. This insightful episode is filled with practical tips, research-based approaches, and inspirational stories, making it a must-watch for educators and SLPs alike.
Episode Timeline:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:25 Guest Introduction: Margaryta Kuzmin
01:23 Housekeeping and Disclosures
03:22 Discussion on Feeding and Swallowing Issues
04:48 Margaryta 's Journey into Feeding Therapy
08:10 Implementing Feeding Programs in Schools
17:01 Combining Literacy and Feeding Therapy
30:22 Challenges and Successes of the Program
32:58 Challenges in Data Collection and Study Validity
33:43 Unexpected Collaboration with Occupational Therapy
34:13 Implementing Sensory Breaks and Team Support
35:05 Exploring Food Resources and Paraprofessional Involvement
36:23 Addressing Chewing Skills and Sensory Integration
38:20 Systematic Sensory Oral Motor Approach
39:21 Engaging Students with Food in Academic Lessons
44:57 Parental Concerns and Safe Foods
47:09 Strategies for Introducing New Foods
55:31 Upcoming Workshops and Resources
59:45 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
About the Guest:
Margaryta, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE, is a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist and child educator specializing in feeding and swallowing disorders as well as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). With over 15 years of experience, she has served hundreds of linguistically diverse, mildly to severely delayed, and medically complex children in early intervention and school settings. Margaryta is also the author of the children’s book Baby Zoo and has contributed to numerous publications. Throughout her career, she has received multiple awards recognizing her dedication and expertise.