The Communication Tree

Ada Stevens is the Owner of SnapHappy Photos, a small team of professional photographers in Charlotte, NC. Ada discovered photography when her husband Doug Stevens gifted her a camera, leading to her opening a photography business. In 2007, she joined forces with Doug to establish SnapHappy, giving up her sales career to pursue the profession full-time. The duo specializes in business portraits, events, real estate, architectural photography, and family photos.

Professional photographers know eye contact can be tough for some individuals; people with special needs often need more help getting the best portrait. How can photographers create a safe and supportive environment while helping their subjects explore and express themselves?

Having navigated the photography scene for over 17 years, photographer Ada Stevens has discovered the importance of creating enjoyable experiences during photography sessions. Numerous behavioral issues can cause hurdles while photographing clients with special needs. Reflecting on her experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum, she highlights the challenge of capturing their personalities and expressions due to their commonplace difficulty with eye contact and smiling. Ada stresses the crucial role of empathy; by minimizing pushiness and allowing her subjects to lead, she fosters an atmosphere of respect and understanding.

In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini welcomes her mother Ada Stevens, the Owner of SnapHappy Photos, as they discuss Ada's experience photographing subjects with special needs. She discusses her journey as a mom with a child with special needs, her parenting style, and the importance of empathy in photography. Ada also shares her career pivot to photography from sales, business growth strategies, and her daily routines as a thriving businesswoman.

Jennifer Branchini is a speech-language pathologist and the Founder of District Speech & Language Therapy. District Speech is a team of certified and licensed speech-language pathologists servicing all ages in diagnosing and treating communication disorders and physical impairments. Jennifer honed her expertise in craniofacial anomalies and cleft lip and palate while interning with the Shands Hospital craniofacial team while studying at the University of Florida. She also participated in a speech therapy camp in Ukraine, where she evaluated and treated children with speech impairments.

Ama Teasdel is an educational consultant and curriculum designer. She's a former middle school inclusion specialist at Two Rivers Public Charter School, which is part of a network of high-performing schools in the Washington, D.C. area. As an educator and analytical leader, Ama has coached teams of teachers, designed and facilitated professional development sessions, and served as a mentor teacher. She is also a thought leader in special education who has presented at national conferences.

The effects of traumatic brain injuries, and even COVID, can require therapy — which can often be a complicated and comprehensive process.

According to Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel of District Speech & Language Therapy, the impact of traumatic brain injuries and COVID-related cognitive issues is often multifaceted, and the strategies for addressing them can pose challenges. Jennifer and Ama discuss the diverse range of effects resulting from TBIs, from physical impairments like swallowing difficulties to cognitive deficits such as memory loss and confusion. This sheds light on the importance of early intervention and comprehensive therapy approaches, emphasizing the need to address speech and other brain functions through occupational and physical therapy. Challenges within the education system, particularly regarding the provision of paid services for children with unmet needs in public schools, highlight the complexities faced by families and educators.

In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel are interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 about the effects of traumatic brain injuries and COVID-induced cognitive issues. Jennifer and Ama emphasize the importance of awareness, education, and access to resources for individuals and families navigating these challenges. They also underscore the significance of ongoing research and support systems, noting the challenges faced by public schools in facilitating recovery.

Michelle Posner is the Founder of Bilingual SLP and has over 15 years of experience empowering speech-language pathologists to provide effective therapy to bilingual clients. Her diverse background includes roles in private practice clinics, outpatient departments, and school-based programs. Michelle served as an outpatient SLP at All Children's Hospital in Brandon, Fla., and later as a school-based SLP at Mill Creek Elementary in Osceola, Fla. Since 2011, she has been employed by DC Public Schools at the Early Stages Center, specializing in testing and placing children aged 6 months to 5 years in special education services. Michelle has also contributed to Strong Start, DC's Early Intervention program, conducting assessments and providing therapy using the coaching model.

Overcoming language barriers is a formidable challenge for ESL students during their formative academic years. What can educators and language specialists do to help bridge the communication gap?

Speech therapist Michelle Posner draws from her own experiences to understand the unique needs of bilingual individuals. She emphasizes the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity in effective communication through bilingual speech-language pathology. One distinguishing feature of Michelle's approach is her preference for visual aids over actions in articulation therapy. As the demand for bilingual speech-language pathologists rises, Michelle's innovative approach is a beacon of hope for individuals seeking comprehensive and inclusive speech therapy services.

In this episode of Especially Speech?!, hosts Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel welcome Michelle Posner, Founder of Bilingual SLP, to examine the challenges ESL students face due to language barriers. Michelle shares her personal journey as an ESL student, the inspiration behind founding her business, and valuable insights gained from her extensive experience as a speech therapist.

Dr. Jesse Lewis is the Founder and Owner of District Performance & Physio, a physical therapy practice in Washington, D.C. for those recovering from injury or pain. He's a physical therapist and coach who believes that movement and exercise are essential activities for remaining active and healthy. In conjunction with exercise, manual therapy, and dry needling, Dr. Lewis develops plans with a rehabilitation and performance approach. Dr. Lewis earned his DPT from Ithaca College and possesses numerous advanced certifications in physical therapy and strength and training.

Physical therapy focuses on helping individuals improve their physical abilities and functions. However, many people may be surprised by some of the unique medical conditions PT professionals treat. Who all can benefit from PT?

Dr. Jesse Lewis was drawn to the field by the opportunity to help others heal and recover. He discusses the various ways that physical therapists can help people, from treating orthopedic issues to neurological rehabilitation. Dr. Lewis also discusses some of the alternative options available to aspiring physical therapy business owners, such as sharing space with a doctor, therapist, or gym owner. Lastly, Dr. Lewis highlights the low overhead costs associated with this type of arrangement and why it's often beneficial for his clients to schedule appointments without dealing with the inconvenience of going through an insurance provider.

On today's episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel welcome Dr. Jesse Lewis, Founder and Owner of District Performance & Physio, to the show. Dr. Lewis talks about his inspiration for starting his company and what attracted him to a career in physical therapy, shares lower-cost alternatives for starting a PT business, the unique conditions physical therapists treat, and why his company prefers private pay.

Chris McLeod is the Founder and Owner of Black Mammoth Apparel, a brand that encourages individuals to break free from conformity. He launched the venture in 2017 while pursuing his career in marketing and advertising. Embracing opportunities as they arise, Chris ventured into the apparel industry when the chance presented itself, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and versatility in various professional roles.

Stuttering can significantly affect an individual's career and personal life. Professionally, it may hinder communication abilities, leading to challenges in job interviews, presentations, and interactions with colleagues or clients. This can result in decreased confidence, missed career opportunities, and heightened stress or anxiety in workplace settings.

Chris McLeod's journey highlights the profound impact of speech therapy on personal growth. Through therapy, he conquered his impediment, regaining confidence and assurance. Chris reveals the pivotal moment when he realized the necessity of seeking professional assistance, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging one's need for support to begin the journey toward improvement.

In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel welcome Chris McLeod, Founder and Owner of Black Mammoth Apparel, to share his journey of overcoming stuttering. Chris opens up about his decision to seek professional help, the challenges his disorder posed to his career and well-being, and the importance of discussing disabilities with loved ones.

Sophie Edwards is the Co-owner of Cloud Surfing Media, a comprehensive digital marketing agency offering e-commerce, email marketing, SEO, PPC, and web development services. In her roles, she specializes in helping clients enhance their online presence by facilitating clear communication and optimizing websites to attract prospects effectively.

Prior to her current position, Sophie contributed her expertise as a digital marketing consultant at the Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. As a transgender woman and transgender advocate, Sophie works as a voice feminization coach, providing non-surgical support for transgender women to develop a more feminine voice.

For many transgender individuals, the journey toward self-discovery and authenticity encompasses various aspects of personal expression. One crucial facet is voice feminization therapy — a specialized form of treatment empowering transgender individuals, especially transgender women, as they navigate the complexities of gender identity.

Sophie Edwards' odyssey as a transgender woman led her to a transformative exploration of voice feminization. In her quest for authenticity and self-expression, Sophie refined her voice and found a more profound calling as a voice coach dedicated to empowering other transgender women. Her approach to voice feminization extends beyond technicalities, involving a holistic integration of mindset and voice therapy techniques. Understanding the mental and emotional aspects of the journey, Sophie creates a supportive environment where individuals can explore, embrace, and celebrate their unique voices.

In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel welcome Sophie Edwards, Co-owner of Cloud Surfing Media and voice therapist, to discuss voice feminization coaching for transgender women. Sophie talks about her background in SEO marketing, shares her voice therapy techniques, and reflects on her upbringing and experiences as a transgender woman.

Corey Jason is Co-founder and Web Marketing Strategist of Cloud Surfing Media, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in SEO and online marketing strategies. With a passion for helping businesses succeed in the digital landscape, Corey has dedicated himself to mastering the intricacies of SEO and leveraging them to drive results for his clients. He is committed to providing tailored solutions that help businesses increase their online visibility, attract more customers, and achieve their goals.

In the increasingly competitive field of speech therapy, standing out is essential for attracting clients and growing a thriving practice. While word-of-mouth referrals and traditional marketing methods may have been sufficient in the past, the digital age presents new opportunities and challenges. Why is investing in SEO and marketing a crucial strategy?

SEO specialist Corey Jason urges speech therapists to prioritize SEO and marketing efforts for several reasons: enhanced online visibility, targeted reach, brand authority and trust, competitive edge, and increased client acquisition and retention. As more individuals seek healthcare services online, having a robust online presence becomes imperative. Implementing SEO causes websites and their content to rank higher in search engine results, facilitating easier discovery by potential clients. By harnessing these strategies, speech therapists can amplify their online visibility, attract a larger clientele, and foster practice growth in the digital age.

In this episode of Especially 'Special' Speech?!, hosts Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel welcome Corey Jason, Co-founder and Web Marketing Strategist of Cloud Surfing Media, to delve into the advantages of SEO and marketing strategies. Corey shares insights on his journey into SEO, the inception of his company, the appeal of collaborating with healthcare professionals, and the intricacies of web rankings.

Kristen Masci is the Owner, CEO, and an Occupational Therapist at Skills on the Hill, a pediatric practice offering physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy in Capitol Hill. Boasting nearly three decades of experience, she has steered Skills on the Hill for over 20 years. Kristen graduated from Gettysburg College and earned her MS in occupational therapy from Shenandoah University.

Occupational therapists play a crucial role in enhancing individuals' overall well-being by addressing various conditions. As skilled professionals, they focus on promoting independence and improving daily functioning. Occupational therapy is a practice that many people are unfamiliar with, so what conditions do they treat?

OTs treat a diverse range of conditions, including physical disabilities, injuries, developmental delays, and mental health challenges. Kristen Masci, an experienced OT professional, reflects on rewarding moments in her career, emphasizing OT's positive impact.Although the journey for most patients can be daunting, Kristen highlights the transformative power of OT and its ability to empower individuals, promote independence, and contribute to a fulfilling life.

Join Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel on today's episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, where they welcome Kristen Masci, Owner and CEO of Skills on the Hill, to the show. Kristen shares the inspiration behind becoming an occupational therapist and starting a practice, defines what an occupational therapist is and the conditions they treat, and reflects on some of her most rewarding experiences working in the profession.

Jennifer Branchini is a speech-language pathologist and the Founder of District Speech and Language Therapy. District Speech is a team of certified and licensed speech-language pathologists servicing all ages in diagnosing and treating communication disorders and physical impairments. Jennifer honed her expertise in craniofacial anomalies and cleft lip and palate while interning with the Shands Hospital craniofacial team while studying at the University of Florida. She also participated in a speech therapy camp in Ukraine, where she evaluated and treated children with speech impairments.

Ama Teasdel is an educational consultant and curriculum designer. She's a former middle school inclusion specialist at Two Rivers Public Charter School, which is part of a network of high-performing schools in the Washington, D.C. area. As an educator and analytical leader, Ama has coached teams of teachers, designed and facilitated professional development sessions, and served as a mentor teacher. She is also a thought leader in special education who has presented at national conferences.

Several misperceptions have been associated with speech pathology, including the erroneous belief that speech pathologists only work with individuals who have a lisp or stutter. In reality, speech therapists treat a broad spectrum of communication disorders.

Jennifer Branchini, a certified speech pathologist, says that speech therapy is about more than just speaking. Speech therapists treat people with oral problems including speech, language, and social and cognitive communication. Common conditions within these disorders include aphasia, dysphagia, voice disorders, and craniofacial disorders, such as cleft palate. Aphasia affects the way people communicate and is usually the result of a stroke. Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. A cleft palate is a developmental defect that affects children's palates, causing them to be unable to articulate correctly. When treating cleft palate, therapists use articulation therapy techniques to help them speak clearly and effectively.

On today's episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews our hosts Jennifer Branchini, certified speech pathologist and Founder of District Speech and Language Therapy and Ama Teasdel, educational consultant and curriculum designer, about the misconceptions of speech pathology. Together, they discuss their experience in the education system, how speech therapy impacts children's confidence, and their motivation for starting a podcast. Plus, Jennifer reveals her upcoming book, Imperfectly Perfect.