Guest: Elizabeth (Biz) Freund CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/data-collection-methods

In this episode of The Gestalt Get-Together, we explore how exploratory process art can support meaningful communication and flexible play for Gestalt language processors (GLPs).

Host Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, interviews Elizabeth Freund, CCC-SLP, about how she uses process art in therapy to create child-directed, choice-driven experiences that prioritize expression over outcomes. Unlike traditional crafts, process art is not about a finished product. Instead, it invites exploration, autonomy, and creativity, even when the process feels messy or nonlinear.

Elizabeth shares how clinicians can shift their mindset, learn to observe patterns and symbolism in a child’s creations, and use these moments to support expressive communication and deeper engagement. This conversation offers a refreshing perspective for SLPs looking to embrace flexibility, follow the child’s lead, and recognize communication opportunities in unexpected places.

About the Guest: Biz Freund, CCC-SLP, is a late-identified AuDhd speech pathologist working in home health in the Phoenix area. She has been working with GLPs and AAC users for the past 10 years in both clinic and home settings. Biz uses exploratory process art with her clients as a modality to facilitate creative, accessible, curiosity-led play and language development.

Guest: Janine Benner, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, ASCS

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/data-collection-methods

In this episode, Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Janine Benner, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, ASCS, to tackle a practical challenge: how do you collect meaningful data and write goals that truly reflect how gestalt language processors communicate? This conversation highlights strategies that preserve connection, minimize disruption, and support clear clinical decision making. You will hear why even brief documentation moments can interrupt the flow of a GLP session and learn alternatives that protect both rapport and accountability. The discussion includes rethinking existing goals, developing goal frameworks that move beyond accuracy-based metrics, using rubrics with intention, recognizing early gains through a prelinguistic lens, and designing simple data tools that parents and educators can use with confidence.

About the Guest: Janine Benner is a speech-language pathologist with 33 years of experience, including 26 years in pediatric settings. She is a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language, credentialed by the American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders (ABCLL), with a focus on autism and early intervention and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). Before returning to working in public schools, Janine was an assistant professor at the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Loma Linda University. She developed and taught undergraduate and graduate courses, including an SLPD course on neurodiversity; supervised graduate students in autism and early intervention clinics; mentored student research; and developed and implemented service-learning programs in China and Mexico. Janine utilizes strength-based, evidence-based, neurodiverse affirming approaches to evaluate and support young children with autism and complex language disorders. Beyond her clinical practice, Janine provides continuing education courses, professional development, parent education, and consultation and training for international programs. Janine is dedicated to mentoring, service, and teaching, and enjoys traveling.

Guest: Amy Zembriski, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/executive-functioning-glp

In this episode, Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, sits down with Amy Zembriski, MS, CCC-SLP, for an engaging conversation about the role of executive function in supporting Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs). Amy explains how perception, attention, and nonverbal working memory influence a child’s ability to access and use language effectively. By learning how to identify signs of perceptual challenges, you’ll gain a better understanding of how these often-overlooked factors may contribute to what presents as receptive language delays or behavioral concerns. You’ll leave with practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to strengthen perception and attention—key areas that go far beyond “just modeling” and are especially important for GLPs who seem “stuck” in their language development.

About the Guest: Amy Zembriski, MBA, MS, CCC-SLP, is a certified speech-language pathologist with a diverse clinical background spanning acute care, skilled nursing facilities, schools, early intervention, and private practice. She has also served as an adjunct professor, supervising graduate students during their diagnostic clinical practicum. Amy is the owner of *Speech Therapy Connections* in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where she specializes in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and gestalt language processing. She provides expert support to families with autistic children, guided by a commitment to neurodiversity-affirming practices. Her passion lies in educating and empowering both professionals and families, fostering inclusive communication strategies that honor each child’s unique voice and developmental path.

Guest: Andi Bordash-Colen, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/eperiences-of-an-autistic-slp-glp

Join Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, as she sits down with Andi Bordash-Colen, MS, CCC-SLP, to explore the dual experiences of being both an autistic SLP and a Gestalt Language Processor. Andi shares their own early communication patterns, how being a GLP shapes their therapy sessions, and what it means to bring that perspective into practice.

Together, Corinne and Andi reflect on a memorable piece of “detective work” that uncovered the source of one of Andi’s early gestalts. You’ll also hear how Andi navigated GLP sessions in a non-public school setting and how those skills have translated into their current telehealth role.

About the Guest: Andi Bordash-Colen, MS, CCC-SLP, is a clinician who brings both professional expertise and lived experience as an autistic person to their work. They earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology and Psychology, followed by a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University. Andi began their career working in a non-public special education setting, where they developed a passion for supporting neurodivergent students and complex communicators. Their clinical interests center on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for gestalt language processors and creating environments where children feel respected and safe. In their sessions, Andi is dedicated to reinforcing communication in all its forms and supporting autonomy at every step. They strive to build trust and self-directed expression in ND kids. Andi provides telehealth and private practice services for a range of etiologies, but their GLP clients are certainly a highlight.

Guest: Cristina Easton, Educational Consultant

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/musical-echolalia

Join Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, as she interviews Cristina Easton about raising a musical Gestalt Language Processor. Corinne and Cristina will discuss the family’s shift from speech-only interventions to a musical language approach rooted in the NLA framework (Blanc, 2012). Cristina will describe her son’s progress arc, including musical and melodic gestalts, her advocacy work, and where her family is headed to help their GLP thrive.

About the Guest: Cristina J. Easton is the founder of imPACT Educational Consulting, LLC, Director at Educator Support Collaborative, and Program Strategy Manager at AdoptAClassroom.org. She majored in Sociology at Smith College, earned her Master's in Teaching as a New York City Teaching Fellow in Special Education, and her Master's in Education Leadership at Bank Street College of Education. Her mission is to guide projects from promise to impact, focusing on measurable actions that promote voice, equity, and joy for youth, families, educators, and institutions. With extensive experience in education, Cristina has designed inclusive instructional models, founded a new school, developed strategic plans, implemented equitable grading systems, and enhanced student voice in course selection while leading teams as a school administrator. She emphasizes centering the voices of marginalized communities in decision-making processes. Cristina holds a B.A. in Sociology from Smith College, an M.S. in Special Education, as a New York City Teaching Fellow, and an M.A. in School Leadership from Bank Street College of Education. A 2024 graduate of the Arc of Maryland’s Partners in Policymaking, she actively works to foster a world that embraces equity and joy for her son and all of us. In 2021, Cristina and her husband learned that their son was autistic. This catapulted their family into Autism acceptance and family advocacy. Together, they founded the Embrace Play playgroup for families of neurodivergent children ages birth to ten. Through Embrace, the Eastons have provided spaces for families to enjoy where their children and their needs and gifts are validated, and where families can learn from and lean on one another. Cristina is a member of the 2025 Kennedy Krieger Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities program and the Arc of Maryland’s Partners in Policymaking 2024 cohort.

Guest: Melanie Singh, MS, RN, NPD-BC

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/from-scripting-to-storytelling

Join Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, as she sits down with Melanie Singh, MS, RN, NPD-BC, for an honest and insightful conversation about navigating gestalt language development from both sides of the table.

What happens when a healthcare provider becomes a parent advocate? Melanie shares her unique dual perspective on her son's gestalt language processing journey, revealing the real story behind balancing multiple therapeutic approaches. From coordinating SLP, OT, and ABA services to making the tough call about when to transition away from formal language therapy, this episode offers a refreshingly candid look at the decision-making process that families face.

Discover how special interests can become powerful tools for building spoken narratives and learn practical ways AAC devices can support language diversification in gestalt language processors. Whether you're a clinician seeking family insights or a parent looking for guidance, this interprofessional conversation bridges the gap between clinical knowledge and lived experience with authenticity and practical wisdom.

About the Guest: Melanie Singh, MS, RN, NPD-BC, is a board-certified nursing professional development specialist and the Program Director of a nationally recognized transition-to-practice program for new graduate nurses. With a background in pediatric nursing, clinical research, and leadership, Melanie brings nearly two decades of experience to the table—but it’s her role as a mom that has shaped her most deeply. A proud mom to two boys (1 GLP and 1 ALP), Melanie blends her clinical expertise with her lived experience to speak openly and compassionately about neurodiversity, advocacy, and supporting families through every step of their journey.

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/emotional-anchors-in-gestalt

In this episode of The Gestalt Get-Together, host Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, discusses gestalt language processing as both a linguistic and relational experience.

This episode reframes echolalia, emphasizes the importance of regulation, and explores how scripts can serve as a roadmap to connection. Rather than viewing echolalia as a delay or behavior to reduce, Corinne highlights its role as a bridge to authentic interaction.

You'll come away with a deeper appreciation of how joining a child in their world opens the door to genuine communication and meaningful language development.

Guests: Julie and Tony Jones

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/language-through-special-interests

Join Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, in this episode of The Gestalt Get-Together as she talks with Julie and Tony Jones about their journey raising a Gestalt Language Processor.

Julie and Tony share the early signs they noticed in their son that aligned with the GLP profile and describe how the diagnosis process unfolded. They recall the moment they first learned about the GLP model as feeling like “another world opened up to us,” shifting the way they viewed his language and communication.

They also discuss how Marge Blanc’s NLA approach (2012) has supported his language growth, and how his special interests have become the driving force behind his generative language. Their story shines a light on the power of following a child’s passions to open doors for authentic connection and meaningful communication.

About the Guests: Julie and Tony Jones are parents of a 6-year-old Gestalt Processor. When their son was first diagnosed as autistic and classified as non-verbal, they had very little knowledge about autism or speech and language processes and felt a lot of unease about the paths laid out for them by others. Once they learned about GLPs, “it was like another world opened up to us," and they have been working through the model since September 2024. They felt that they were able to learn what their son really needed to grow his speech and his confidence. In this past year, Julie and Tony have been “proud of the progress we’ve made as parents in understanding our son’s needs, and we are proud of our son for the work he’s put in.” They are excited to share their experience and what they have learned on the podcast, in hopes that it will bring more awareness and understanding about Gestalt Language Processors everywhere.

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/hyperlexia-and-gestalt

Join Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, as she provides an overview of hyperlexia and musical techniques for Gestalt Language Processors. With a blend of research, clinical opinion, and community-collected anecdotes, you will come away from this episode with a foundational knowledge of how to notice hyperlexic qualities in your clients, use music as a vehicle for skill expansion, and leverage special interests as an ideal place to develop their abilities. You will also be introduced to the concept of veridical mapping, which provides potential insight into the underlying reasons why GLPs are talented with patterns, such as alphanumeric characters and the mechanics of music.

Guest: Rachel Peters, MS, BCBA, LBA

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/outside-the-box-aba

Host Corinne, a speech-language pathologist, sits down with Rachel Peters, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, to discuss the often contentious relationship between ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and SLP (Speech-Language Pathology) in the context of Gestalt Language Processing (GLP). Rachel shares her journey in the field of ABA and her approach to working with GLP. She offers insights into how ABA and SLP professionals can collaborate to benefit children and young adults with autism. They discuss the importance of understanding each other's terminology, the functionality of echoic behavior, and the significance of building trust and connection with their clients. Please tune in to learn more about how these two fields can find common ground and work together to improve the lives of the children and families they serve.

Rachel Peters, MS, BCBA, LBA, is a board-certified behavior analyst with clinical experience spanning foster care, residential treatment, juvenile justice, and in-home services across Alabama, Georgia, and Colorado. Since entering the field in 2017 and earning her BCBA certification in 2020, Rachel has focused on delivering compassionate, evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services tailored to diverse populations and settings. Her clinical interests include early intervention, language acquisition, caregiver consultation, and fieldwork supervision. She is particularly passionate about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and values-based programming, which she integrates into all aspects of her practice to promote meaningful, individualized outcomes. Rachel is committed to mentoring future behavior analysts and advancing ethical, person-centered care in the ABA community.