Episode Summary

In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, Michelle shares an exciting recap of the ASHA 2025 Convention in Washington, D.C. Celebrating ASHA's centennial anniversary, this year's convention was a massive gathering of nearly 15,000 speech-language pathologists, graduate students, and exhibitors from around the world.

Listen in as Michelle discusses the incredible energy at the AMN Healthcare booth, the surprising prevalence of AI in therapy discussions, and the valuable connections made with fellow professionals. She also shares personal highlights, including finally meeting her recruiter of five years and attending an inspiring session with Abby from "Love on the Spectrum." Whether you attended the convention or are curious about the latest in the SLP world, this episode covers the key takeaways, professional opportunities, and what to look forward to at ASHA 2026.

Chapters:

00:00 - ASHA 2025 Recap

01:41 - AMN Healthcare at ASHA

03:11 - AI in Therapy

03:56 – Debunking Myths About Your Clinical Fellowship Year

04:43 - Inspiring Sessions ft. Abby from "Love on the Spectrum"

05:20 – The Joy of Meeting Podcast Guests and Colleagues in Person

Quick Notes:

• ASHA 2026 Convention: Mark your calendars for next year's event in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• AMN Healthcare Giveaway: Don't miss your chance to win a $500 ASHA registration gift certificate and a $1,000 travel voucher for ASHA 2026. [https://www.amnhealthcare.com/social/asha-giveaway/]

Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. 

Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! 

 

Episode Sponsor:

We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! 

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In this episode, we're joined by Regina Ramone, a Speech Language Pathologist who brings a unique perspective from her work in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Regina shares her journey from Texas to directing a clinic in Mexico, focusing on the critical care for children with cleft lip and palate. 

She discusses the significant differences in speech pathology services, early intervention, and family support between the U.S. and Mexico. This conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of providing multidisciplinary care in an area where speech therapy is still an emerging profession and resources can be scarce.

Keywords: speech pathology, cleft lip, cleft palate, early intervention, international SLP, bilingual SLP, pediatric therapy, medical SLP, multidisciplinary team, global healthcare

Chapters

00:00 - A Look at Speech Pathology in Mexico

03:30 - Regina's Journey to Cleft Palate Specialization

04:54 - Structural vs. Functional Therapy

06:26 - The Process and Timing of Surgical Intervention

09:23 - Gaps in Family Support and Follow-Up Care

10:51 - Building a Multidisciplinary Care Team

12:39 - The Biggest Misconception About Cleft Palate Care

21:13 - Serving the Community in Southern Baja California

23:43 - A New Profession in Mexico

36:30 - Recommended Resources for SLPs

Guest Bio

Regina Ramone is a speech language pathologist who grew up in Del Rio, Texas. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Texas at Austin with a focus on serving bilingual populations. With a background in early childhood intervention and medical settings, Regina is now the director of Communicable in Los Cabos, Mexico. She collaborates with local foundations to provide essential care for children with cleft lip and palate.

Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. 

Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! 

 

Episode Sponsor:

We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! 

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In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, Michelle is joined by AMN Healthcare teletherapist and bilingual SLP, Natalie Jaramillo. Natalie shares her expertise on supporting Spanish-speaking students in a school setting, from the importance of a thorough family interview to understand a child's language exposure and cultural background to how dynamic assessments can reveal a child's learning potential beyond standardized testing. 

They also discuss common articulation differences between Spanish and English, strategies for improving intelligibility without diminishing a child's cultural identity, and the nuances of assessing language skills in both languages. 

Chapters:

00:44 – Introduction to Natalie the episode's topic: working with bilingual children.

03:03 – The first thing to consider when you receive a referral for a bilingual student.

05:34 – Using dynamic assessments (test, teach, reteach) to gauge learning potential.

09:18 – Differences in Spanish and English Pronunciation

11:38 – Accent Versus Speech Sound Error

15:14 – Word Order Differences Between English and Spanish.

18:44 – Differentiating Language Delay and Lack of Exposure to English

22:05 – Bilingual vs. Interpreter Evaluations

24:01 – Therapy Strategies for Engaging Bilingual Students

28:36 – Advice for New SLPs 

Guest Bio:

Natalie Jaramillo, M.S. CCC-SLP, is bilingual speech-language pathologist with AMN Healthcare. Her experience includes home health, therapeutic preschools, private clinics, and teletherapy, with a focus on providing high-quality care to diverse pediatric populations.

Natalie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and completed her graduate studies at Eastern New Mexico University. 

Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. 

Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! 

 

Episode Sponsor:

We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! 

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In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, Michelle interviews Melissa Perez, a passionate speech-language pathologist and business owner. Melissa shares her journey into the field, from discovering her love for working with children to starting her private practice, Honeybee Speech. 

She discusses the challenges she has faced, including navigating insurance, building client relationships, and growing her practice. Melissa also highlights the role of mentorship and how TikTok has helped her share knowledge and connect with clients. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the belief that anyone can achieve their dreams with the right support and mindset.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Melissa Perez and Her Journey
03:01 - Finding Passion in Speech Pathology
05:54 - Transitioning to Private Practice
09:04 - Starting Small: The Private Practice Journey
12:07 - Building Client Relationships and Referrals
15:08 - Navigating Insurance and Billing Challenges
17:58 - The Impact of TikTok on Professional Growth
20:46 - Lessons Learned as a Business Owner
24:04 - Advice for New SLPs and CFYs

About Melissa:
Melissa Perez, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and owner of Honeybee Speech, a private practice based in El Centro, California. She specializes in early intervention and speech sound disorders, and is passionate about helping little ones find their voice. Melissa also enjoys supporting other SLPs as they navigate the private practice journey.

She has built her career on resilience, mentorship, and love for helping children. Through social media platforms like TikTok, Melissa shares her expertise, connects with clients, and inspires others to pursue their dreams in speech pathology.

Follow Melissa on TikTok

Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. 

Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! 

 

Episode Sponsor:

We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! 

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YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Powered by AMN Healthcare

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In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, Michelle sits down with Stefanie LaManna, an experienced SLP and Associate Director of Healthcare Services in Speech-Language Pathology at ASHA, to discuss the critical topic of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). Together, they explore how SDOH impacts healthcare access, patient outcomes, and the role of SLPs in addressing these factors across various settings, including schools, hospitals, home health, and more.

Stefanie shares her journey as an SLP, her passion for neonatal airway disorders and family-centered care, and her transition to her current role at ASHA. The conversation dives deep into the five key areas of SDOH, practical interventions for SLPs, and the importance of building rapport with families to provide equitable and effective care.

Chapters

1. 00:00 – Welcome and Guest Introduction
2. 01:33 – Stefanie’s Career Journey
3. 03:15 – What Are Social Determinants of Health?
4. 06:00 – Protective Factors, Social Risks, and Social Needs
5. 09:48 – Why SDOH Matters for SLPs
6. 13:28 – Real-Life Examples of SDOH in Practice
7. 17:07 – Practical Interventions for SLPs
8. 22:53 – Cultural Considerations
9. 26:29 – Advice for SLPs
10. 28:27 – Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Events

Resources Mentioned

• What are SDOH? – ASHA’s SDOH webpage
• SDOH: What's My Role? – The SLP’s role in SDOH
• SDOH: Tools and Support

Highlighted Leader Articles:

• SDOH and Pediatric SLPs
• SDOH and Feeding SLPs
• SDOH and Dysphagia SLPs
• Interprofessional Practice in the NICU
• Podcast: Social Determinants and Pediatric Feeding

About the Guest: 

Stefanie LaManna is a speech-language pathologist and certified neonatal therapist with experience working in various pediatric medical settings over the past decade. She currently works as Associate Director, Health Care Services at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. 

In her role, Stefanie serves as the team lead on all priorities related to pediatric feeding disorder and pediatric health care settings. Her clinical interests and expertise include neonatal and infant airway disorders, and using FEES with the pediatric population.

Upcoming Events

• ASHA Centennial Celebration: November in Washington, DC.
• Visit AMN Healthcare at Booth #3312 to connect with the team and learn more about SLP opportunities.

Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. 

Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! 

 

Episode Sponsor:

We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! 

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YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Powered by AMN Healthcare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Michelle and Joseph Reinke from FitBux break down the complexities of student loans, offering clarity on recent legislative changes, repayment strategies, and the critical role of financial planning. They dive into the challenges of Parent PLUS loans, the nuances of loan forgiveness programs, and why professional guidance is essential in navigating the ever-changing student debt landscape. This conversation is a must-listen for young professionals looking to make informed, strategic decisions about their financial futures.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Student Loans and Financial Freedom
• 03:01 Understanding the Current Student Loan Landscape
• 06:00 Navigating Repayment Plans and Forgiveness Options
• 08:48 The Impact of Recent Legislative Changes
• 11:53 Exploring Parent PLUS Loans and Their Implications
• 14:57 Strategies for Managing Student Loan Debt
• 18:08 The Importance of Professional Guidance
• 20:58 Future Changes and What to Expect
• 24:05 Conclusion and Resources for Listeners

About Joeseph Reinke

Joseph Reinke is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and the founder of FitBUX, a revolutionary financial planning platform that has empowered young professionals to manage over $3 billion in assets and debts. With a passion for finance that began at the age of 12, Joseph has built an impressive career spanning student loans, mortgages, wealth management, investment banking, valuation, stock trading, and options trading.

As a sought-after speaker, Joseph has been featured on hundreds of podcasts and invited to speak at universities across the country, where he shares his expertise with soon-to-be graduates. His mission? To make financial planning accessible, actionable, and impactful for the next generation of professionals.

When he’s not helping others unlock their financial potential, Joseph is busy innovating ways to bridge the gap between technology and financial wellness.

https://www.youtube.com/@fitbux
https://www.instagram.com/fitbuxofficial
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FitBUXOfficialGroup

Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. 

Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! 

 

Episode Sponsor:

We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! 

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YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Powered by AMN Healthcare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if financial freedom was within reach for every young professional? In this episode, Michelle chats with Joseph Reinke, the visionary founder and CEO of FitBux, a groundbreaking financial planning service tailored for young professionals.

Joseph takes us on his journey through the world of finance, sharing how FitBux is transforming the industry by using cutting-edge technology and AI to deliver affordable, personalized financial guidance. From debunking common myths about financial products to breaking down the importance of understanding student loans, Joseph offers actionable insights that can change the trajectory of your financial future.

He also reveals the curriculum he teaches at universities, designed to empower students with the tools they need to make smarter financial decisions. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to level up your financial game, this episode is packed with wisdom you can’t afford to miss!

Disclaimer: AMN does not endorse this advice & individuals should contact their financial advisor or a tax expert and make decisions that are right for them.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Joseph Renke and the FitBUX Mission
02:31 – How Technology is Transforming Financial Planning
06:26 – Why Financial Education is a Game-Changer for Young Professionals
10:57 – Debunking Myths About Financial Products
16:30 – The Role of AI in Personalized Financial Advice
20:39 – Why Young Professionals Should Seek Financial Guidance Early
23:19 – Empowering Students Through Financial Education
28:55 – Key Financial Questions Every Young Professional Should Ask

About Joseph Reinke

Joseph Reinke is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and the founder of FitBux, a revolutionary financial planning platform that has empowered young professionals to manage over $3 billion in assets and debts. With a passion for finance that began at the age of 12, Joseph has built an impressive career spanning student loans, mortgages, wealth management, investment banking, valuation, stock trading, and options trading.

As a sought-after speaker, Joseph has been featured on hundreds of podcasts and invited to speak at universities across the country, where he shares his expertise with soon-to-be graduates. His mission? To make financial planning accessible, actionable, and impactful for the next generation of professionals.

When he’s not helping others unlock their financial potential, Joseph is busy innovating ways to bridge the gap between technology and financial wellness.

Connect with FitBux:
https://www.youtube.com/@fitbux
https://www.instagram.com/fitbuxofficial
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FitBUXOfficialGroup

Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. 

Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! 

 

Episode Sponsor:

We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! 

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Instagram

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Powered by AMN Healthcare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, host Michelle sits down with Moriah Gilman, a virtual Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) and graduate student. Moriah shares her inspiring journey from a background in musical theater to a career in speech pathology, highlighting the transformative role of music in therapy. She discusses her experiences as an SLPA, the challenges and rewards of pursuing an online master’s degree, and the importance of fostering connections in a virtual work environment. Moriah also unveils her vision for a theater arts program designed for children with speech disorders and provides practical advice for aspiring speech-language pathologists.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Moriah Gilman
02:16 - The Journey from Theater to Speech Pathology
06:58 - Incorporating Music in Therapy
10:08 - The Path to Becoming an SLPA
12:11 - Building Connections in a Virtual World
15:02 - The Benefits of SLPA Experience
19:08 - Misconceptions About Online Graduate Programs
20:35 - Advice for Future Graduate Students
23:46 - Vision for a Theater Arts Program for Children
26:45 - Final Thoughts and Advice

About Moriah: 
Moriah Gilman is a future Speech-Language Pathologist, current artist, and Chicago native. In 2023, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia College Chicago with a B.A. in Musical Theater.  She is a Jim Jacobs Scholarship recipient and TEDx speaker, and is currently represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent Agency.

She also holds a B.S. in Speech & Hearing Science from Arizona State University. At ASU, she oversaw quality control for Babble Boot Camp: an extensive program devoted to treating pediatric cases of Classic Galactosemia. Moriah is currently pursuing a M.S. Ed. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska Kearney. At UNK, she is a lead Graduate Research Assistant for the Language & Cognition Lab, participating in cognitive health research for aging populations. Recently, Moriah was selected to sit on the Models of Academic & Clinical Education (MACE) Topic Committee to review submissions for the 2025 ASHA Convention Program. In the future, Moriah hopes to pursue a professional career in theater/film and open a non-profit theater company for children with speech impairments. A quote she centers her career journey on is, “art changes people and people change the world.” 

Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. 

Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! 

 

Episode Sponsor:

We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! 

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Powered by AMN Healthcare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, host Michelle interviews Paige Harles, a senior recruiter at AMN Healthcare, to discuss the unique opportunities available for traveling speech-language pathologists (SLPs). They cover key topics such as navigating travel contracts, understanding employee benefits, and utilizing resources like the Passport app. The conversation also addresses support for clinical fellows, licensing and credentialing, and clears up common misconceptions about working as a traveling SLP. Paige emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication throughout the recruitment process.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to AMN and Recruitment Insights
• 01:45 Paige's Journey to Becoming a Recruiter
• 05:45 Connecting Candidates with Opportunities
• 09:46 Understanding AMN's Benefits and Resources
• 15:47 Navigating Licensing and Credentialing
• 20:14 Travel Stipends and Pay Structure
• 23:47 Support for Clinical Fellowship Year
• 27:49 Advice for SLPs Considering Contracts

About Paige Harles:

As a Senior Recruiting Consultant at AMN Healthcare, Paige Harles brings approximately 4.5 years of experience to the organization. She began her tenure with the international nursing team before transitioning to the allied team about 3.5 years ago. Specializing in the recruitment of SLPs and CFs, she places professionals in school-based settings across the United States. Paige is also in the process of completing her M.A. in Organizational Leadership, while managing wedding planning and caring for her two rescue dogs.

Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. 

Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! 

 

Episode Sponsor:

We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! 

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Powered by AMN Healthcare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this second part of the series with Dee Lance, Michelle and Dee explore the transformative power of language and literacy in shaping a child’s development. They dive into the magic of joint reading activities, especially for children with language impairments, and share practical strategies to create a language-rich environment that fosters growth and connection.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights, from effective vocabulary-building techniques to the benefits of nonfiction texts. Michelle and Dee also emphasize the importance of collaboration among educators and parents to maximize learning opportunities. They wrap up with a discussion on how to make homework a positive, enjoyable experience for children, ensuring that learning feels less like a chore and more like an adventure.

Episode Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Joint Reading Activities
02:49 Engaging Children with Language Impairment
06:03 Creating a Language-Rich Environment
08:50 Strategies for Vocabulary Development
11:46 Utilizing Nonfiction and Story Grammars
14:51 Collaboration Among Educators
18:03 The Role of Homework in Language Development

About Our Guest
Dee M. Lance has worked in the field of Speech-Language Pathology since 1988. She is a professor and serves as chair in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Mississippi. During her time in higher education, she has served as a clinical educator and developed a specialty clinic for children with reading difficulties. As a didactic course instructor, she has developed and taught a variety of courses, but her favorite topics are language acquisition and disorders. Her research interests center around reading difficulties in children with language disorders.

Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. 

Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! 

 

Episode Sponsor:

We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! 

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Powered by AMN Healthcare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.