SLP Learning Hour

Supporting feeding and swallowing in schools requires more than identifying what a student needs.

Full Episode Title: From Recommendations to Reality: Feeding and Swallowing Support

Guest: Elisa Thurman, MS, CCC-SLP

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Carolyn and Elisa explore common challenges that arise when feeding and swallowing recommendations are carried over into the school setting, including building shared understanding among families, SLPs, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school staff. They discuss the roles of key team members, strategies for communicating recommendations clearly, and ways to support consistency across people and environments. The episode also addresses when collaboration with medical providers may be needed and how school teams can coordinate care while keeping the student’s needs at the center. SLPs will come away with a clearer understanding of how to move feeding and swallowing recommendations from paper into everyday practice at school.

About the Guest: Elisa Thurman, MS, CCC-SLP, is a co-founder of The Feeding Link and a member of the Feeding and Swallowing Team at at the Multnomah Education Service District (MESD). Specializing in pediatric feeding disorders, she has extensive experience managing complex feeding and swallowing profiles in the school setting. Today, Elisa focuses on clinical mentorship, empowering fellow practitioners through advanced coaching and knowledge exchange.

Show Notes:

Carolyn Dolby Article

The Feeding Link Website

Bring more evidence and confidence to the feeding therapy table.

Guests: Jeanne Marshall, PhD, B Sp. Path & Valerie Gent, BAppSc, MMedRes, PhD Candidate

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In this episode of Making Sense with Madi, host Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Jeanne Marshall, PhD, B Sp. Path, and Valerie Gent, BAppSc (Speech Pathology), MMedRes, PhD Candidate, to examine the evidence behind responsive feeding therapy and its use with children with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

Responsive feeding and responsive feeding therapy are closely related, but they are not the same. Jeanne and Valerie explain the distinction between the two, trace the foundations of responsive feeding therapy, and discuss the research supporting its use as a treatment framework. They also highlight key benefits of a responsive approach and what the evidence can tell clinicians about applying these principles in feeding therapy.

This episode will strengthen your understanding of the research behind responsive feeding therapy and help you feel more confident using this framework when supporting children with PFD and ARFID.

About the Guests: Dr. Jeanne Marshall, PhD, B Sp Path, is an experienced practicing speech pathologist and internationally recognised researcher and educator in pediatric feeding disorder. She holds a conjoint research fellow position between Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service and The University of Queensland, where her research is embedded within a health service environment and driven by the needs of children and families, as well as the clinicians that care for them. Her work spans better diagnostics, early intervention, and awareness and advocacy for pediatric feeding disorder, with a strong focus on preventative health.

Valerie Gent is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist with more than 20 years’ experience working across the lifespan in Dysphagia. She is the Director of Let’s Eat! Feeding Therapy and Co-Director of Feeding Therapy Australia. Val published a kids’ book: “But I’m NOT Hungry for my Dinner” which was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Award in 2022. She also completed a Master of Medical Research exploring the impact of feeding differences for autistic children, graduating with an Award of Excellence in Research Thesis in 2023. Val is currently completing a PhD on a full -time scholarship (2024-2027) at the University of Queensland, focusing on Responsive Feeding Therapy.

Show Notes:

Contact Madi Metcalf: LinkedIn, Instagram, Function First

Contact Jeanne Marshall: LinkedIn, Instagram, The University of Queensland

Contact Valerie Gent: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Research Gate

Full resource list available on the course page.

Invitada: Jackie Rodriguez, M.S. CCC-SLP

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En este episodio de SLPs en Acción, Damaris Sánchez Rivera, MS, CCC-SLP, conversa con Jackie, MS, CCC-SLP, sobre el impedimento cognitivo vascular desde una perspectiva clínica, cultural y comunitaria, destacando por qué este es un tema que los patólogos del habla y lenguaje no pueden ignorar.

Conversarán sobre qué es el impedimento cognitivo vascular, cómo se diferencia de otras formas de deterioro cognitivo y cuál es su relación con condiciones comunes como la hipertensión, la diabetes y la hipercolesterolemia. También analizarán cómo estas condiciones impactan de manera particular a las comunidades latinas, considerando factores como el acceso a servicios, las barreras lingüísticas, la educación en salud y las experiencias culturales que influyen en la comprensión, prevención y manejo de la condición.

A través de esta conversación, resaltarán el rol fundamental de los SLPs en la identificación de cambios cognitivos y comunicativos, la educación a pacientes y familias, y la integración de estrategias de alfabetización en salud para promover intervenciones más claras, efectivas y culturalmente relevantes.

Show Notes:

• Contacta a Jackie Rodriguez, M.S. CCC-SLP en Instagram @unlearnwithme.theslp

Referencias:

• Dichgans, M. and Leys, D. (2017). Vascular Cognitive Impairment. American Heart Association Journal of Circulation Research, 120(3). https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.308426open_in_new
• Marte, M.J., Adesso, D., and Kiran, S., (2024). Association Between Social Determinants of Health and Communication Difficulties in Postroke U.S. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Populations. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. 33(1)248-261. https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_AJSLP-23-00232
• Murray, L. (2008). Cognitive and Communicative Consequences of Cardiovascular Disease. Perspectives on Neurophysiology and Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders. 18(4). https://doi.org/10.1044/nnsld18.4.152 Y2 - 2024/12/21

A conversation examining the intersection of systems, bias, and clinical practice to promote equitable feeding experiences for all students.

Guest: Lily Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L

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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Lily Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L, to explore how bias, policy, and politics have shaped the history of school meals and what that means for children today. Through the lens of institutional feeding systems, this conversation examines how school-based meal programs influence participation, access, and outcomes for students, particularly those with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). Together, they discuss the role of school-based clinicians, including the balance between therapeutic intervention and maintaining safe feeding practices, and how interprofessional collaboration can support more inclusive, student-centered care.

About the Guest: Lily M. Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L, (she/her) is an OT who is passionate about system level change to support kids with significant support needs. She gained clinical experience in outpatient and school based feeding before completing her PhD in Occupational Science from UNC Chapel Hill. Now, as an assistant professor at Pacific University, she teaches pediatrics and engages in a variety of research projects about pediatric feeding disorder.

Show Notes:

• Contact Lily
• The Feeding Link
• Feeding Matters Directory
• National Education Association
• Virginia Department of Health - Maternal Mental Health

Books:

• The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
• Feeding Tubes and Crushing on Dudes by Hannah Setzer

Love Money Cause: Spoon Foundation

Choosing the right language assessment tools takes more than reaching for a familiar test.

Guest: Michelle Ivey, PhD, CCC-SLP

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Using the RIOT framework—review, interview, observe, and test—as a guide, Carolyn and Michelle look at how information from multiple sources can inform the assessment process. They discuss thoughtful selection and interpretation of norm-referenced assessments, the importance of considering communication across settings and partners, and ways to ensure the family’s perspective has a meaningful role in the evaluation. From preschool through the school-age years, this episode encourages SLPs to look beyond individual test scores and consider how each piece of assessment information contributes to the bigger picture.

About the Guest: Michelle L. Ivey, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an instructional faculty member in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department of the University of Houston. There she teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in child language development and disorders. She also teaches the clinical methods capstone class and serves as a clinical educator for on-and off- campus clients.

Tune into the connections between music, movement, and sensory processing.

Guest: Jessica Teich, PhD, MT-BC, MTA, NMT-F™

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In this episode of The Gestalt Get-Together, host Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Jessi Teich, PhD, MT-BC, MTA, NMT-F™, to discuss music-based sensorimotor interventions for children with autism. Drawing from her work as a music therapist and researcher, Dr. Teich examines how music and rhythm can support sensory processing, motor control, and self-regulation.

Differences in sensory integration, motor coordination, and self-regulation can influence how autistic children engage, move, communicate, and participate in everyday activities. Dr. Teich explains how rhythm and structured musical input interact with the brain's motor, sensory, and timing networks, offering a closer look at the connections between music, movement, and sensory processing.

The episode also examines rhythm-based and music-based interventions designed to address individual sensory and motor needs. SLPs will better understand the science behind these approaches and how music-based sensorimotor interventions may fit within interdisciplinary support for autistic children.

About the Guest: Dr. Jessica Teich (pronounced teach) is the Founder and Director of Rhythma Health Solutions™, an Ontario-based clinic that provides individualized neurologic music therapy® clinical care for Neurodivergent individuals and people with complex sensory and motor-related barriers. She holds a PhD in Music and Health Sciences and is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and Neurologic Music Therapist®, Fellow. Her work integrates advanced clinical training, research expertise, and real-world music experience to support neurodivergent and neurologically complex individuals and families.

Show Notes:

Contact Corinne Zmoos: Instagram, LinkedIn, Linktree

Contact Jessica Teich: LinkedIn, Rhythma Health Solutions

Sensing echoes: temporal misalignment in auditory brainstem responses as the earliest marker of neurodevelopmental derailment

The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy

This episode offers practical guidance on building a feeding practice that is clinically sound, ethical, and sustainable.

Guest: Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC

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In this episode of First Bite, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC, to break down some of the biggest barriers pediatric SLPs face when considering private practice, from mindset blocks and finding your niche to the logistical challenges of getting started. Michelle and Jean dig into what SLPs need to consider when building a feeding-focused practice, including scope of practice, advanced training, ethical decision-making, and the resources that can help guide the process.

About the Guest: Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist, and the founder of Little Eaters & Talkers, a multidisciplinary private practice based in Houston, Texas. Jean specializes in infant and pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, with a focus on medically complex infants, bottle aversion, early feeding development, and caregiver coaching.

Show Notes:

• The American Association of People with Disabilities

Contact Jean:

• IG: @littleaters_talkers
• Website: thelittleeaters.com

Love Money Cause: Hope for Minds

Trauma-sensitive care and interprofessional collaboration to better support children and families.

Guest: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L

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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L, to discuss how combining clinical perspectives can strengthen care for children with feeding challenges, sensory differences, nervous system dysregulation, and other complex needs. They consider what may be behind a child’s apparent refusal, shifting the focus from a child who “won’t” participate to one who may not yet feel safe, regulated, or supported enough to engage.

About the Guests: Lauren Thompson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, CLC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor, and the owner of Well Fed Feeding & Swallowing Therapy in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Since 2012, she has supported infants and children with Pediatric Feeding Disorder, dysphagia, lactation challenges, ARFID, and feeding-related trauma across inpatient rehabilitation, hospital-based outpatient care, Level II and III NICUs, and public schools.

Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist, TBRI practitioner, and owner of Holistic Abilities where she is passionate about helping children and families thrive through evidence-informed, relationship-based care. She specializes in sensory processing, feeding, and supporting children to make gains in their everyday life.

Contact the Guests:

• Lauren Thompson on LinkedIn
• Lauren’s Website: www.wellfedfeedingtherapy.com
• Allissa Younan on LinkedIn

Show Notes:

• Feeding Matters
• Trauma-sensitive Definition
• Trust‑Based Relational Intervention
• Dr. Dan Siegel's Hand Model of the Brain
• The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
• Pediatric Feeding Disorder Consensus Definition and Conceptual Framework
• AB-SSD 2026 Summer Webinar Series - Pediatric
• Empowering Providers Through Transforming Pediatric Feeding Journeys Courses:
• Trust-based relational intervention (TBRI): A systemic approach to complex developmental trauma
• Love Money Cause: www.feedingmatters.org

References:

• Hockey, R., Philpott-Robinson, K., Haracz, K., & Ray, K. (2025). Trauma-informed or sensory-based practices in preschool settings: A scoping review. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 72(3), e70027. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70027
• Purvis, K. B., Cross, D. R., Dansereau, D. F., & Parris, S. R. (2013). Trust-based relational intervention (TBRI): A systemic approach to complex developmental trauma. Child & Youth Services, 34(4), 360–386. https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935X.2013.859906
• Smith, M. L. (2021). The connected therapist: Relating through the senses. Marti Smith Seminars.
• Williams, M. S., & Shellenberger, S. (1994). How does your engine run? TherapyWorks.

Support responsive feeding while honoring each child’s autonomy.

Guest: Jenny McGlothlin, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC

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In this episode of Making Sense with Madi the SLP, Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Jenny McGlothlin, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, to discuss what responsive feeding therapy looks like in practice.

Jenny shares a practical framework for bringing the values of responsive feeding therapy into feeding sessions while honoring each child’s autonomy around eating. She explains how to apply these principles across different populations and adapt them to meet the needs of individual children and families.

You’ll also learn how to meaningfully include caregivers in sessions, helping them understand and carry over responsive feeding practices during meals and everyday routines.

About the Guest: Jenny McGlothlin, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor specializing in feeding across the lifespan—from newborns to adolescents—as well as pediatric motor speech disorders. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she empowers caregivers with the confidence and competence to be their child’s best feeding and communication partner. In 2005, Jenny developed the STEPS feeding program at the UT Dallas Callier Center to support and promote feeding development in preschool-aged children. She provides training for graduate students, therapists, teachers, and parents both nationally and internationally. Jenny has been inducted into the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Hall of Fame for her contributions to the field. She also volunteers with Feeding Matters and has been an active TSHA volunteer for many years. She lives in Dallas with her husband, three children, and their rescue dog, Baxter. In her free time, she enjoys reading, organizing, spending time with friends, and cheering on her kids at games.

Show Notes:

Contact Madi Metcalf: LinkedIn, Instagram, Function First

Contact Jenny McGlothlin: LinkedIn, Instagram, Extreme Picky Eating

What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating

Learn from Margaryta’s "C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T." EI SLP framework to support functional, collaborative, and family-centered intervention.

Guest: Margaryta Kuzmin, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE

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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Margaryta Kuzmin, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE, a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist and early intervention provider, for a joyful and empowering discussion about the many hats SLPs wear in early intervention. From feeding and dysphagia to communication, caregiver coaching, and collaboration, this episode celebrates the meaningful, real-life work happening in homes and everyday routines. Michelle and Margaryta redefine what it means to be a “confident” EI SLP, reminding us that confidence is not about knowing everything. It is about trusting your foundation, staying curious, and showing up with intention.

About the Guest: Margaryta Kuzmin is a bilingual speech-language pathologist based in New York City with over 15 years of experience working with infants, toddlers, and school-age children with complex communication, feeding, and developmental needs. She specializes in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, AAC, and working with medically complex populations.

Show Notes:

Contact Margaryta:

• IG: @kuzminslp
• LinkedIn
• Website: kuzminslp.com
• Courses
• Free Online AAC Boards

Resources:

• American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders 2026 Summer Webinar Series
• Feeding Matters
• Family Guided Routies Based Intervention
• HealthyChildren.org
• IDDSI
• Go Team Go! Interprofessional Practice for Pediatric Feeding in the Schools
• Guide to Supporting Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Schools
• Pediatric Feeding Disorder and the School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist: An Evidence-BasedUpdate for Clinical Practice

Love Money: 1p36 Deletion Support & Awareness