SLP Full Disclosure

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SLP Full Disclosure episodes

September 29Solving the Speech Sound Mystery with Catherine Grizzard
Have you ever wondered why age norms alone cannot tell you if a child needs speech therapy? Are you ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about treatment sequencing?
In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, host Michelle sits down with her friend and school-based SLP Catherine Grizzard to explore the world of articulation and speech sound disorders. With almost 20 years of school-based experience, Catherine brings clarity and confidence to a topic that trips up even seasoned clinicians. Together, they navigate the gray areas of speech sound norms, challenge outdated therapy sequencing, and equip you with the tools to make eligibility and dismissal decisions with conviction.
Key Topics Discussed
Speech Sound Norms: Comparing Sanders (1972) and McLeod and Crowe (2020), and why no single chart should drive your eligibility decisions.
The Complexity Approach: Understanding the "waterfall" method of targeting later-developing sounds to unlock earlier sounds for free.
Auditory Discrimination: Using minimal pairs to build a child's awareness of their own sound errors.
Tongue Tie Controversies: What the latest research says about the connection (or lack thereof) between tongue ties and speech sound production.
The Post-Pandemic Rise in Severe Speech Sound Disorders: Exploring how reduced access to visible mouth movement may be shaping outcomes for our youngest learners.
Structural vs. Treatable Disorders: Recognizing when a physical difference, not a disorder, is driving a child's speech pattern.
Eligibility and Dismissal: Building the confidence to make evidence-based decisions, even when it means saying "we've done all we can."
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and catching up with Catherine
04:11 – Catherine's journey into school-based speech pathology
06:20 – Why articulation feels like solving a mystery
08:03 – Comparing speech sound norm charts
11:23 – The complexity approach and the "waterfall" analogy
16:19 – Building awareness through minimal pairs
18:27 – The truth about tongue ties
20:17 – The rise of severe speech sound disorders post-pandemic
24:26 – Structural limitations versus treatable disorders
27:23 – Differences versus disorders in eligibility decisions
30:27 – Managing plateaued progress and knowing when to dismiss
35:55 – Advice for new SLPs facing complex cases
Resources Mentioned
Sanders (1972), "When Are Speech Sounds Learned?"
McLeod and Crowe (2020), speech sound acquisition norms
Holly Storkel (2019), "Using Developmental Norms for Speech Sounds as a Means of Determining Treatment Eligibility in Schools"
Kelly Farquharson, complexity approach resources
Theresa Farnham, complexity approach professional development
Deborah Beckman's Oral Motor Therapy
Guest Spotlight
Meet Catherine Grizzard, M.S., CCC-SLP, NBCT, a school-based speech-language pathologist entering her 20th year in the field and owner of Bright Birmingham Speech Therapy. Catherine holds a bachelor's degree from Auburn University and a master's degree from the University of Montevallo, and she earned her National Board Certification in exceptional needs in 2017. Her passion for solving the "mystery" of severe speech sound disorders, paired with her dedication to mentoring the next generation of SLPs, makes her insight a true gift for anyone in the field.
Connect with Catherine at brightbirminghamspeechtherapy.com or by email at [email protected].
Ready to sharpen your approach to articulation therapy? Subscribe to SLP Full Disclosure and share this episode with a fellow clinician navigating their own speech sound mysteries!
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37 min
September 15From New Grad to 11 Contracts In—Claudia Jones on Building a Life Through Travel Therapy
What if the career path you were told to avoid turned out to be the best decision you ever made?
In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, host Michelle sits down with Claudia Jones, a travel occupational therapist with AMN Healthcare and 11 contracts under her belt. Claudia shares how she went from a new grad who was warned away from travel therapy to a passionate advocate helping the next generation of clinicians take that first leap. From building unexpected friendships to growing as a clinician in a small Oregon hospital—the only OT on staff across three settings—her story is equal parts inspiring and practical.
Key Topics Discussed:
Overcoming the stigma around new grad travel contracts and what has changed
AMN's new grad mentorship program and clinical support team
The recruiter relationship and why it can make or break your experience
Claudia's Oregon contract: handling three settings solo and thriving
Strategies for staying connected with family and friends while on assignment
Meeting lifelong friends on the road, including one via Instagram
Working with Jill Pantle on AMN's University and Alumni Outreach Program
Why travel therapy is a low-risk way to explore settings, locations, and your own strengths
Chapters:
00:00—Introduction and meet Claudia Jones
01:30—Why new grads hesitate and how mentorship has changed the conversation
03:40—The recruiter relationship: finding your person at AMN
06:00—Claudia's journey: from Pennsylvania to 11 contracts nationwide
10:45—The Oregon contract: three settings, one OT, one unforgettable experience
13:20—Staying connected: family visits, trips home, and a best friend from Instagram
20:20—Working with Jill Panto and the AMN University and Alumni Program
25:35—Dispelling the myths around travel therapy for new grads
31:30—Final advice: "What's the worst that can happen? Anybody can do anything for three months."
Meet Claudia Jones
Meet Claudia Jones, a travel occupational therapist, who has completed 11 contracts across South Carolina, Oregon, Indiana, and Florida. Claudia started her travel career straight out of school—despite being told not to—and has since become a mentor and advocate for new grads considering the same path. Passionate about building connection, embracing flexibility, and growing clinically through every assignment, Claudia works with AMN's University and Alumni Program to bring honest, firsthand guidance to students before they ever sign their first contract.
Ready to take that first step toward your travel therapy career? Subscribe to SLP Full Disclosure and share this episode with a new grad who needs to hear it.
Follow Claudia on TikTok
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The Top-5 Highest Paying States for School & Travel SLPs!

Browse School Therapy Jobs & Careers

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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36 min
September 01Erin Weiner on Autizan: How AI Extends Speech Therapy
After nearly two decades of working in pragmatics and social communication, Erin Weiner noticed something shifting. Her clients were no longer engaged by traditional curricula. They were online, motivated by media and games—and she was only seeing them for one hour a week. So she did something unconventional: she built a solution.
Autizan is an AI-powered platform that meets neurodivergent individuals where they are. Through an AI Chat Buddy avatar, interest-based conversations, and a guided Minecraft-based social world, users practice communication skills in a low-pressure, non-judgmental environment while SLPs and families track progress through a back-end dashboard. The platform is designed not to replace therapy, but to extend it.
This episode is packed with real success stories, practical guidance for SLPs and families, and a frank conversation about what it means to bring AI into ethical, effective clinical practice.
Follow SLP Full Disclosure on Instagram at @AMN_Ally for show updates and SLP opportunities.

Key Takeaways
Interest-Based Learning Works: When the platform meets users where they are, whether that's Sonic the Hedgehog, Minecraft, or ice cream, engagement follows naturally, and goals are woven into the conversation without the user even realizing it.

AI Bridges the Gap Between Sessions: Autizan gives clients a place to turn when situations arise between therapy appointments, helping prevent regression and reducing the need for crisis intervention.

The AI Chat Buddy Avatar Supports All Ages: Users eight and up who can read at approximately a third-grade level can interact with the avatar. Speaking is not required, making it accessible to a wide range of communicators.

Minecraft as a Social Skills Lab: The platform's guided Minecraft world lets users practice real-world skills like teamwork, negotiation, and handling unexpected change in a safe, structured environment where four of the five characters are neurodivergent.

Self-Regulation Benefits Were Unexpected: Multiple teachers and parents reported that Autizan helped with emotional regulation, not just communication goals—a discovery Erin hadn't originally anticipated.

The Dashboard Gives SLPs Actionable Data: The back-end portal lets professionals and parents review session transcripts, monitor goal progress, and track usage—all exportable for IEP meetings and documentation.

AI Complements SLPs—It Doesn't Replace Them: Erin is clear that Autizan is a tool, not a therapist. The human connection remains irreplaceable; AI simply extends the reach and frequency of meaningful practice.

Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Host Michelle Gage welcomes Erin Weiner and shares her full bio

01:55 – Erin's clinical journey: noticing the shift in client engagement and identifying key pain points

03:34 – The "why" behind Autizan: limited session time, real-time needs, and the role of AI

05:12 – How Autizan was built: starting with pain points, hiring developers, and leaning on mentors

06:19 – What Autizan is: an AI-powered, interest-based social communication platform

07:06 – How SLPs use Autizan: school groups, IEP goals, no prep required

08:20 – The AI Chat Buddy avatar: what a session looks like and how goals are embedded

09:18 – Home use and carryover: parents putting goals into the platform and seeing results

10:19 – The Minecraft component: rebuilding a village, learning teamwork, and the neurodivergent-majority world

11:33 – How Autizan works within Minecraft (without selling the game)

11:57 – Platform access: web-based, available on phones, iPads, and computers

12:41 – Age ranges and accessibility: who benefits most from the avatar vs. the Minecraft component

13:15 – School-based feedback: teacher responses, token limits, and session make-ups

14:08 – The back-end dashboard: transcripts, goal tracking, and documentation for IEPs

15:06 – Success story: the child in meltdown who connected with the "Autizan woman"

15:52 – Self-regulation outcomes: an unexpected but significant benefit reported by teachers

16:29 – Success story: the young adult with a job who used Autizan during an unexpected workplace closure

17:03 – How AI is changing speech pathology, and why it won't replace SLPs

18:46 – The value of extra practice: how repetition with the avatar built conversational flexibility

20:50 – Advice for SLPs hesitant about AI: get on board or get left behind

22:57 – Advice for families: supplement therapy, create custom social stories, personalize the experience

23:28 – Closing remarks and where to find Autizan and Erin online

Meet and Connect with Erin Weiner and Autizan
Erin Weiner, M.S., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist, innovator, and the founder of Autizan. Erin earned her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Florida International University and her Bachelor of Arts from The George Washington University. She's certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), trained in Michelle Garcia Winner's Social Thinking methodology and UCLA's PEERS Program, and she brings nearly two decades of experience in pragmatics and social communication to everything she does.
What makes Erin such a joy to talk with is how she blends deep clinical know-how with a genuine drive to try something new. After years of meeting clients where they are, she noticed the world shifting. Instead of fighting it, she built a solution. That solution is Autizan: a scalable AI platform designed to support social communication for neurodivergent individuals, along with the families, teachers, and clinicians who support them across school, home, and clinical settings.
Website: www.autizan.com

Erin's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erin-weiner-2904a34

Autizan on Instagram: instagram.com/autizanofficial

Autizan on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580818370224

Autizan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/autizan
WIN A TRIP TO ASHA 2026 ON US! Enter to win!
The Top-5 Highest Paying States for School & Travel SLPs!

Browse School Therapy Jobs & Careers

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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26 min
August 18How AI Is Eliminating Paperwork Burnout for SLPs with Izzy Montano
Izzy Montano's path to speech-language pathology started in the deaf community of San Diego, wound through the U.S. Navy's intelligence division, and eventually landed him in a school district managing a caseload of over 100 students. Somewhere in the middle of all that, he taught himself to code and built SLP AI Tools, a platform designed specifically to eliminate the administrative burnout that plagues so many clinicians.
In this conversation, Izzy and Michelle unpack what AI actually is (and isn't), why paperwork can never love you back, and how shifting the cognitive load from writing to editing can restore the human connection at the heart of the profession.
Izzy also gives a candid look at the propaganda on both sides of the AI debate, explains why a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is non-negotiable before using any AI platform, and reminds every listener—new grad and 30-year veteran alike—that AI is a tool to amplify clinical expertise, not replace it.
Whether you are drowning in IEP paperwork, just starting your career journey, or somewhere in between, this episode will change how you think about AI in your practice.
Key Takeaways
AI simulates output—it never simulates origin. Human clinical judgment, creativity, and decision-making cannot be replicated. AI produces a first draft; the SLP shapes the final product.

Editing is faster than starting from zero. Shifting the cognitive load from generation to editing dramatically reduces documentation time, leaving more bandwidth for direct client care.

A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is non-negotiable. Before using any AI platform with patient or student information, confirm that a BAA is in place to ensure HIPAA compliance.

Graduate students can access AI Praxis Prep for free. A 30-day free trial is available for students preparing for the Praxis exam, with the ability to focus on specific topic and subtopic areas.

Chapters and Timestamps
00:00:00—Introduction and Welcome: Michelle introduces Izzy Montano and his background as a Navy veteran, school-based SLP, and founder of SLP AI Tools

00:02:24—Izzy's Journey: From San Diego's deaf community and American Sign Language to speech-language pathology and the U.S. Navy

00:03:51—From Teletherapy to AI: How Izzy's private practice teletherapy experience sparked his interest in coding and building AI tools for SLPs

00:07:53—Building SLP AI Tools: How Izzy coded the platform himself using AI, starting with a Chrome extension concept and scaling to a full web application and iOS app

00:09:47—The AI Debate: A balanced look at the propaganda on both sides of the AI conversation, drawing on Izzy's background in Naval Intelligence

00:13:48—AI as an Output Simulator: Izzy's foundational principle—AI can simulate output but can never simulate origin—and what that means for SLP practice

00:15:26—Paperwork Can Never Love You Back: Why reducing documentation time is ultimately about returning focus to patients, families, and clinical outcomes

00:17:56—The Editing Advantage: Why the editing phase of the literary process matters more than the writing phase, and how AI accelerates the path to a polished clinical document

00:20:30—The SOAP Note Tool: How the tool generates fresh, session-specific SOAP notes from live dictation, including full support for group sessions

00:22:42—The Evaluation Sidekick: Apple Watch wireless mic integration, customizable templates, and hands-free first-draft evaluation reports

00:25:07—Language Sample Analysis Tool: Automated transcription and analysis that calculates MLU, TTR, C-units, percent grammatical utterances, and more—in collaboration with CMU Case

00:29:21—The Caseload Calendar: How the logic-based scheduling tool generates multiple caseload schedule options within a single day, with a patent pending

00:32:17—AI Praxis Prep: Praxis preparation aligned to ETS guidelines, with topic-specific customization and a free 30-day trial for graduate students

00:34:01—SLP Chat: A speech-language pathology-specific AI tool for creating therapy materials, custom games, and parent-friendly resources

00:35:19—Staying Current with AI: How Izzy keeps pace with a rapidly evolving technology landscape and what he wants to learn from the broader SLP community

00:37:34—ASHA Indianapolis: Izzy's booth at the ASHA Convention—directly across from AMN Healthcare

00:38:46—Advice for SLPs Using AI: Always confirm a BAA is in place, use AI to amplify your work, and remember that the profession started with the focus on people

Meet Izzy Montano
Izzy Montano—known as Mr. Speechy on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok—is a father of four, Navy veteran, and self-employed SLP contractor based in the Arlington School District, where he serves developmental preschool and high school students on a caseload of more than 100. He is also the founder of SLP AI Tools, an AI-powered platform and iOS app designed to eliminate administrative burnout for speech-language pathologists.
Izzy served as a U.S. Naval Intelligence Specialist from 2015 to 2022, stationed in San Diego, Hawaii, and Australia. His journey into communication began with American Sign Language in San Diego's deaf community before his passion led him to speech-language pathology. He completed his graduate training at San Diego State University and the University of South Dakota.
Outside of work, Izzy is working toward the 1,000-pound club in weightlifting and looks forward to his wife Kaylie's homemade sourdough pizza with pineapple.
Connect with Izzy:
YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok: @Mr. Speechy

Email: [email protected]
Resources and Calls to Action
Download the SLP AI Tools App on the iOS App Store—search SLP AI Tools

Graduate students: Sign up for a free 30-day trial of AI Praxis Prep before your Praxis exam at slptools.ai

Visit Izzy's booth at the ASHA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana—directly across from the AMN Healthcare booth

WIN A TRIP TO ASHA 2026 ON US! Enter to win!
The Top-5 Highest Paying States for School & Travel SLPs!

Browse School Therapy Jobs & Careers

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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43 min
August 04Voice Therapy with Maurice Goodwin
Welcome back to another episode of the SLP Full Disclosure podcast. In Episode 144, host Michelle sits down with Maurice Goodwin, a licensed speech-language pathologist and voice teacher based in Houston, Texas. Maurice is the founder of Goodwin Voice and Speech, adjunct faculty at Lamar University and Marymount University, and a specialist in voice and upper airway disorders. Together, they pull back the curtain on a subspecialty that many SLPs rarely encounter—and explain why that needs to change.
Maurice shares his unique path into speech pathology—from vocal performance and music in undergrad to becoming a voice specialist who works with professional singers, performers, and medical patients alike. The conversation covers the full spectrum of voice disorders, diagnostic tools (many of them free), therapy approaches for pediatric and adult clients, and the critical importance of medical collaboration. Michelle also opens up about her own post-surgical voice experience, making for a candid and relatable discussion. Whether you're a new grad, a school-based SLP who has never seen a voice referral, or a seasoned clinician curious about expanding your scope, this episode delivers practical insight and genuine encouragement.
Key Takeaways
Voice Is a Broader Scope Than Most SLPs Realize: Voice disorders range from nodules and muscle tension dysphonia to neurologic conditions like spasmodic dysphonia, head and neck cancer, and post-surgical dysphonia. Hospital-based clinics manage the most medically complex cases, but community-based and school SLPs have real opportunities for early impact.

Free Tools Exist for Voice Diagnostics: The CAPE-V, the GRBAS scale, pediatric patient-reported outcome measures, and Praat acoustic analysis software are all accessible and implementable without expensive equipment.

Move Away from "Stop It" Therapy: Rather than telling clients what not to do, effective voice therapy focuses on active skill-building—using play-based activities, shaping voice behavior in real contexts, and teaching healthy voice use.

Voice Therapy Is Not Harmful, but It Can Be Unhelpful: Without complete diagnostics or a clear understanding of the etiology, therapy may not produce results. Good diagnostics and medical collaboration are key to ensuring intervention is targeted and effective.

SLPs Are Professional Voice Users Too: Using your voice for eight to 10 hours a day in clinical and social settings adds up. Awareness, balance, and rest are foundational to vocal health for clinicians themselves.

The Research Is Positive: Evidence supports that when SLPs are involved—whether through indirect hygiene-based approaches or direct voice exercises—clients improve. The data is encouraging.
Timestamps
00:00:00 – Introduction: Michelle welcomes Maurice Goodwin and shares his background

00:02:11 – Maurice's origin story: from vocal performer to speech-language pathologist

00:03:39 – Inside a hospital-based voice clinic: what clients and diagnoses look like

00:06:08 – What therapy looks like for medical voice patients vs. professional performers

00:08:35 – Diagnostics in the school setting: free tools and accessible resources

00:12:44 – What voice therapy looks like for pediatric clients

00:14:44 – The problem with "stop it" therapy and why active therapy wins

00:15:39 – Unpacking the statement: "Voice therapy is not harmful, but may not be helpful"

00:17:10 – The medical diagnosis gap: why laryngeal imaging matters

00:18:27 – Michelle's personal experience with post-surgical dysphonia

00:22:42 – Vocal health for SLPs: voice fatigue, balance, and knowing when to rest

00:25:17 – ASHA resources, perspectives, and the practice portal for voice disorders

00:27:37 – Advice for new grads and early-career SLPs interested in voice
Resources Mentioned
CAPE-V (Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice) – Free auditory-perceptual rating scale for documenting voice quality https://www.asha.org/form/cape-v/

GRBAS Scale – Rates voice characteristics including roughness, breathiness, weakness, and strain https://nyvoice.org/forms/Pediatric%20Voice%20Handicap%20Index.pdf

Pediatric Voice Handicap Index and Pediatric Voice-Related Quality of Life – Patient-reported outcome measures for pediatric voice cases https://baysidevoicecentre.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BVC-Paed-Voice-Related-QOL-Survey-PVRQOL-formonly.pdf

Praat (praat.org) – Free, open-source acoustic analysis software for voice samples https://www.fon.hum.uva.nl/praat/

Dr. James Curtis's Website – Free resources for acoustic and aerodynamic voice analysis https://www.jamescurtisphd.me/tutorials

ASHA Practice Portal: Voice Disorders – A comprehensive, clinically relevant guide developed by voice specialists https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/voice-disorders/?srsltid=AfmBOorCvjk6hgPaJ1NDhLTvHPsAyrWyfthDDzFK-TM9oUn4MzSp6BNR

ASHA Perspectives (SIG 3 – Voice and Upper Airway) – Now accessible to all ASHA members; includes articles specifically for new and early-career voice clinicians https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/voice-disorders/?srsltid=AfmBOorCvjk6hgPaJ1NDhLTvHPsAyrWyfthDDzFK-TM9oUn4MzSp6BNRb

Goodwin Voice and Speech – Maurice's private practice in Houston, Texas https://www.mauricegoodwin.com/
WIN A TRIP TO ASHA 2026 ON US! Enter to win!
The Top-5 Highest Paying States for School & Travel SLPs!

Browse School Therapy Jobs & Careers

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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31 min
July 21What Really Happens Behind the Scenes at AMN Schools with Patrick O'Connor
Ever wonder how your dream school assignment actually comes together? What does it take for a staffing agency to land a contract with a school district, and what does that mean for your career?
In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, host Michelle sits down with Patrick O'Connor, President of AMN's Schools Division, for an inside look at the school staffing world. With more than 15 years of experience at AMN, Pat pulls back the curtain on the RFP process, the technology transforming teletherapy, and why choosing the right agency makes all the difference for your career.
Key Topics Discussed:
The Evolution of Travel: How the staffing industry shifted from transactional to consultative over the past decade.

Behind the RFP: What it really takes for AMN to secure school district contracts.

Technology and Access: How teletherapy and AI bring services to students in underserved areas.

Choosing Your Agency: Why researching benefits, values, and reputation matters more than the highest pay.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and meeting Pat

02:15 - From nursing to allied health: AMN's growth story

04:02 - How the travel industry has changed in the last 10 years

06:35 - Why staffing shortages happen

07:32 - The future of travel and teletherapy technology

11:36 - Inside the RFP and school contract process

18:23 - Balancing vendors and job openings

24:38 - Expanding into teachers and international staffing

28:09 - Why researching your agency matters
Guest Spotlight
Meet Patrick O'Connor, President of AMN Healthcare's K-12 Schools Division. Since joining AMN in 2011, Pat has led sales, recruitment, and operational teams while championing student-centered care and school safety. His deep industry knowledge offers SLPs and new grads a rare look at how the right partner can shape a fulfilling career.
WIN A TRIP TO ASHA 2026 ON US! Enter to win!
The Top-5 Highest Paying States for School & Travel SLPs!

Browse School Therapy Jobs & Careers

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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33 min
June 23Feeding Therapy and Life in the NICU with Kailey Harmon
Kailey Harmon has spent nearly a decade working in acute care and the NICU, building expertise in neonatal feeding, myofunctional therapy, and outpatient feeding intervention. In this conversation, she and Michelle explore the realities of NICU speech pathology, from earning the trust of nursing staff to navigating the emotional weight of supporting families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. They also tackle the gap in care that exists when babies leave the hospital, the role of sensory regulation in feeding therapy, and practical advice for graduate students who want to break into the medical setting.
Key Takeaways
The NICU Is Not for Everyone, and That's Okay: Working with medically fragile infants requires the ability to stay calm when a baby turns gray or purple during a feed. Knowing your limits is just as important as knowing your strengths.

Trust Is Earned, Not Given: Kailey had to prove her value to the nursing team over time. Listening to the nurses who spend the most time with these babies is essential to effective, collaborative care.

Certifications That Matter: While no single certification is universally required, Kailey recommends training through the Neonatal Therapy Association (NAT), SOS Feeding (Sequential Oral Stimulation), and myofunctional therapy as foundational knowledge for anyone working in this space.

The Gap After Discharge Is Real: Many families leave the NICU without an outpatient speech therapy referral, and when developmental regressions occur, often around three to eight months, they are left without support. Kailey advocates for routine outpatient referrals for all premature infants.

Sensory Regulation Before Expectation: For children with food aversions or limited food repertoires, regulation must come before intervention. Occupational therapists are invaluable partners in building the sensory protocols that make feeding therapy possible.

Not Every Picky Eater Needs Therapy: Some children, particularly neurodiverse individuals, may always have a limited food repertoire. The real red flag is when preferred foods start disappearing and nutritional variety drops to a critical low.

Graduate Students: Get in the Door Early: Hospital settings rarely allow shadowing after graduation. Students should pursue medical placements while still in school and take full advantage of every opportunity to observe.
Chapters
00:00:00 – Introduction: Michelle welcomes Kailey Harmon, NICU SLP and fellow Southerner

00:01:15 – Kailey's background: nearly ten years with the same hospital system, part-time and PRN work, and a focus on feeding

00:02:54 – How Kailey became an SLP: a family of educators, a shadowing experience, and a calling toward the medical side

00:05:56 – The dual role of NICU SLPs: supporting babies and the families around them

00:07:16 – The hardest parts of the job: earning trust, having hard conversations, and knowing when feeding has to wait

00:09:47 – Certifications and training: NAT, SOS Feeding, and myofunctional therapy

00:11:35 – What happens after discharge: the gap in care and the case for outpatient referrals

00:15:19 – Rural access challenges and the ongoing fight to bridge the gap

00:16:11 – Food aversions and limited food repertoires: when to intervene and when to step back

00:17:28 – Sensory regulation and the critical role of occupational therapists

00:19:14 – Play therapy, behavioral approaches, and knowing when a child's food preferences are actually typical

00:22:05 – Being an SLP mom: navigating milestones, diagnoses, and a third baby born with bilateral clubbed feet

00:26:08 – Why Kailey started posting on social media and what she hopes to accomplish

00:27:41 – The number one question in her inbox: how to get into the NICU

00:29:33 – Advice for graduate students: shadow early, pursue medical placements, and be honest with yourself about the environment

00:30:38 – Closing thoughts and an invitation for Kailey to return for a deeper dive
WIN A TRIP TO ASHA 2026 ON US! Enter to win!
The Top-5 Highest Paying States for School & Travel SLPs!

Browse School Therapy Jobs & Careers

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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32 min
June 09Experience as a Travel SLP and Clinical Fellow with Claudia Berger
Claudia and Michelle first connected at ASHA in Washington, D.C., where Claudia, a Travel SLP fielded a steady stream of questions from curious graduate students. This episode captures all of that and more. Claudia walks listeners through how she discovered AMN Healthcare, what her first recruiter call felt like, her clinical fellowship year, how she chose Vermont as her first destination, and how AMN's support system helped her thrive during her clinical fellowship year (CFY). She also gets candid about the logistics of travel life: housing, storage, road trips across the country, and what to do with your summers between contracts.

Key Takeaways
You Don't Need to Be Hired to Use the AMN Passport App: Anyone can download the app, search available positions, filter by location and contract length, and explore pay rates before ever speaking to a recruiter.

Your Recruiter is a Great Resource: Claudia's recruiter, Paige, walked her through licensing requirements, health insurance options, and contract details from day one—and became a genuine professional ally.

State Licensing Complexity Matters: Not all states are equally straightforward to get licensed in. Claudia originally wanted Maine, but her recruiter flagged the complicated licensing process and suggested Vermont instead for her first assignment.

AMN Handles CFY Supervisor Placement: New grads don't have to scramble to find a qualified supervisor. AMN vets and places supervisors for clinical fellows, providing structure and mentorship from the start.

Furnished Finders Makes Housing Easy: This app, built for travel healthcare workers, connects travelers with fully furnished short-term rentals—no need to haul furniture across the country.

Traveling Builds Your Resume and Skill Set: Variety is one of travel therapy's biggest professional benefits. Each contract can expose you to different populations, settings, and clinical approaches.

Timestamps
00:00:00 – Introduction: Michelle welcomes Claudia Berger and sets the stage for the conversation

00:01:25 – Why Claudia became an SLP: her mom's influence and a love for special education populations

00:02:19 – How Claudia discovered AMN Healthcare through social media and a Google search

00:03:14 – What the AMN Passport app is, how it works, and who can use it

00:04:22 – What Claudia was looking for in a travel company as a new grad

00:05:06 – The clinical fellowship year: traveling as a brand-new SLP

00:05:46 – That first recruiter call with Paige: what it felt like and what she learned

00:06:46 – Questions new grads should ask their recruiter before signing a contract

00:07:53 – Why Claudia chose Vermont and how travelers pick their destinations

00:08:43 – Contract history: two years in Vermont, next stop Washington State

00:09:20 – Why Claudia extended her Vermont contract for a second year

00:10:03 – The logistics of travel life: storage units, furnished apartments, and road trips

00:12:12 – The social side of traveling: making friends, building community, and settling in

00:13:10 – Claudia's favorite thing about being a travel SLP

00:14:06 – Alaska, adventure, and how far travelers are willing to go

00:14:39 – AMN's Clinical Fellowship mentor program: how supervisor placement works and why it matters

00:16:09 – Summer contracts and extended school year: options for travelers between school years

00:17:45 – Advice for graduate students considering travel therapy

00:18:49 – Why Claudia recommends AMN Healthcare to other SLPs

00:19:36 – Closing thoughts, TikTok shoutout, and how to connect with Claudia
WIN A TRIP TO ASHA 2026 ON US! Enter to win!
The Top-5 Highest Paying States for School & Travel SLPs!

Browse School Therapy Jobs & Careers

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
TikTok
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.
22 min
May 26Take Charge of Your Career With the AMN University Program with Jill Pantle
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the job market right out of graduate school? Do you desire greater control of your clinical career trajectory from day one?
In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, host Michelle welcomes back Jill Pantle, the Director of University Programs at AMN Healthcare, to discuss an incredible new initiative. They explore how the University Program connects educational institutions with open opportunities to graduates ready for their first role. You will discover how experienced clinicians can guide the next generation, how virtual mentorship is expanding, and how to take charge of your own professional journey.
Key Topics Discussed:
Bridging the Gap: Connecting upcoming graduates with the support they need to navigate the job market confidently.

Virtual Mentorship: Exciting upcoming changes that allow clinical fellows to find the perfect mentor anywhere in the country.

The Alumni Ambassador Program: Earning compensation by sharing your expertise, returning to your alma mater, and empowering students.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and welcoming Jill Pantle

01:41 - Discovering the AMN University Program

05:49 - Upcoming changes to virtual clinical fellowship mentorship

06:56 - Empowering clinicians through the Alumni Ambassador program

13:30 - Taking greater control of your career and exploring different settings

16:41 - How to get involved with your alma mater
WIN A TRIP TO ASHA 2026 ON US! Enter to win!
The Top-5 Highest Paying States for School & Travel SLPs!

Browse School Therapy Jobs & Careers

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
TikTok
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.
22 min
May 12Celebrating SLP Month, Career Growth, and New Opportunities in Speech Pathology LIVE
In episode 139, Michelle Gage and Breana Donnelly celebrate Speech and Hearing Month with a special live episode focused on the impact of speech-language pathologists, the many paths within the profession, and the exciting opportunities available to both experienced clinicians and new grads. Michelle shares her personal career journey through public schools, early intervention, travel therapy, and teletherapy, while answering common questions about clinical fellowships, mentorship, summer work, and finding the right fit.
Later in the episode, Jill Pantle joins the conversation to introduce AMN Healthcare’s Alumni Ambassador program, which connects experienced clinicians with students and upcoming graduates. This episode is a helpful listen for SLPs who want career encouragement, practical advice, and a clearer view of what is possible in the field.
Chapters
00:00 – Celebrating Speech and Hearing Month and Kicking Off the Live Episode
03:38 – Michelle’s SLP Journey Through Schools, Early Intervention, Travel, and Teletherapy
06:07 – Why Teletherapy Works and What Michelle Learned During the Pandemic
09:07 – Career Possibilities for New Grads and the Diversity of Speech Pathology
12:34 – Favorite Podcast Episodes, Niche Topics, and Upcoming Guests
18:35 – Listener Q and A: Summer Work, CF Advice, and Choosing the Right Job
24:27 – How Recruiters and the AMN Passport App Can Support Your Job Search
29:17 – What New Grads Should Look for in a Clinical Fellowship
31:39 – Jill Shares the Mission Behind the Alumni Ambassador Program
36:09 – Common Misunderstandings About Travel Therapy for New Grads
46:32 – Featured SLP Job Opportunities Across the Country
57:16 – A Closing Message to Celebrate SLPs Everywhere

Key Concepts Discussed:
Speech-Language-Hearing Month: A reminder of the meaningful role SLPs play in helping people communicate, connect, and build stronger relationships with the world around them.

Career Flexibility in Speech Pathology: Michelle’s story highlights how an SLP career can grow across settings, including public schools, early intervention, travel contracts, and teletherapy.

Finding the Right Job Fit: Whether you are considering a CF, a school role, or a contract position, choosing a setting that matches your goals, schedule, and support needs matters.

Alumni Ambassador Program: AMN Healthcare’s program helps connect students and upcoming grads with experienced clinicians who can share insight, encouragement, and guidance.

Recruiter Support and Job Search Tools: Recruiters and the AMN Passport app can help SLPs explore jobs, narrow options, and build a career path with more confidence.
Guest Bio:
Jill Pantle, Director of the University Program for Allied and Alumni Ambassadors at AMN Healthcare, joined the episode to discuss the Alumni Ambassador program and how it supports students and new graduates entering the field. A former recruiter, Jill brings years of experience helping clinicians explore career opportunities, build meaningful connections, and feel supported as they move into the next stage of their professional journey.
Breana Donnelly is an Associate Brand Manager on the Allied Brand team at AMN Healthcare, where she focuses on creating thoughtful, engaging marketing strategies that support allied healthcare professionals throughout their career journey. She works closely on the SLP Full Disclosure podcast, helping bring meaningful conversations and resources to speech-language pathologists through storytelling, social content, and clinician-focused initiatives.
WIN A TRIP TO ASHA 2026 ON US! Enter to win!
The Top-5 Highest Paying States for School & Travel SLPs!

Browse School Therapy Jobs & Careers

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
TikTok
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.
1 hr

About SLP Full Disclosure

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the SLP Full Disclosure Podcast, the show for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) seeking to enrich their skills and build connections within the supportive speech therapy community. With…