the gestalt get-together

Guest: Cade Bordash-Cohen, 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 Cade Bordash-Cohen, MS, CCC-SLP, to explore the dual experiences of being both an autistic SLP and a Gestalt Language Processor. Cade 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 Cade reflect on a memorable piece of “detective work” that uncovered the source of one of Cade's early gestalts. You’ll also hear how Cade navigated GLP sessions in a non-public school setting and how those skills have translated into their current telehealth role.

About the Guest: Cade Bordash-Cohen, 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. Cade 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, Cade 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. Cade 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.

Guest: Jessie Mewshaw, MS, CCC-SLP

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

Join speech-language therapists Corinne and Jessie as they dive into the motor system in non-speaking Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs). Learn about the intersection of autism, motor challenges, and communication, and discover practical strategies for supporting autistic clients with complex motor needs. Perfect for clinicians, educators, and anyone interested in neurodiversity and practical therapy approaches!

About the Guest:

Jessie Mewshaw, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist serving neurodivergent populations in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. She earned her MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University in 2014. Jessie has worked in community-based programs, North Carolina public schools, and clinical settings, supporting children from 18 months through young adulthood. Before becoming an SLP, she worked with disabled and non-disabled individuals across the U.S., South America, and Australia.

Guest: Kim Jenkins, MS, CCC-SLP

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

In this episode of the Gestalt Get Together, host Corinne welcomes guest Kim Jenkins, a neurodiversity affirming pediatric speech-language pathologist with 27 years of experience. They explore the intricacies of working with Gestalt language processors (GLP), touching upon practical strategies for busy parents and clinicians. Discussions encompass the importance of flexibility in therapy, tailoring approaches to individual children, and leveraging multisensory experiences and literacy activities to support language development. They also dive into executive functioning and the role of tools like label makers and apps in enhancing therapeutic outcomes. This episode offers a wealth of actionable insights for anyone supporting GLP children.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:38 Guest Introduction: Kim Jenkins

02:52 Kim's Journey in Speech-Language Pathology

04:39 Discovering Gestalt Language Processing

07:50 Implementing GLP Strategies

16:40 Hyperlexia and Literacy

25:41 Pre-Literacy Skills and Techniques

32:19 Interactive Language Learning Tools

32:38 Patterned Books for Early Literacy

35:21 Drawing and Writing for Engagement

37:10 Experience Journals and Sensory Activities

43:29 Executive Functioning and Literacy

47:11 Using Technology for Working Memory

51:00 Label Makers for Structured Learning

55:59 Resources and Final Thoughts

About the Guest:

Kim Jenkins, MS, CCC-SLP, is a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric speech-language pathologist with 27 years of experience. She is the owner of Empowering Speech Services, where she supports neurodivergent children with needs ranging from executive functioning and literacy to articulation and Gestalt Language Processing (GLP). Kim is also a digital content creator with a Teachers Pay Teachers store, where she offers neurodiversity-affirming language resources for SLPs, educators, and parents.

Guest: Ruby Orwenyo, PhD, MA, LMSW

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

In this episode, host Corinne Zmoos, a CCC-SLP, discusses the importance of creating sensory-friendly environments for neurodivergent children with guest Dr. Ruby Orwenyo, a behavioral scientist with a PhD in social work. Dr. Orwenyo shares the inspiring story behind BeeZee Sensory Gym, which she co-founded with her sister to provide a safe and inclusive space for children with sensory processing differences. The discussion highlights the importance of incorporating music, movement, and rhythmic rehabilitation to enhance language and motor development in children with autism. The topic extends to cultural perspectives on music's role in learning and social cohesion. Tune in to gain valuable insights into creating spaces that allow neurodivergent children to thrive.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:26 Meet Dr. Ruby Orwenyo: Background and Expertise

02:54 Journey into Linguistics and Social Work

05:19 Creating BeeZee Sensory Gym: A Labor of Love

13:04 Designing a Sensory-Friendly Environment

31:57 The Importance of Visual and Auditory Simplicity

36:12 The Impact of Tempo on Mood and Regulation

36:38 Entrainment: Syncing Inner and Outer Rhythms

37:45 Practical Applications of Music in Everyday Life

38:59 Study Highlight: Rhythm, Movement, and Autism

39:51 Proprioception and Movement in Autistic Children

41:27 Using Rhythm to Aid Proprioception

43:48 Gestalt Processing and Music

48:37 Cultural Perspectives on Music and Language Development

01:00:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About the Guest:

Ruby Orwenyo, PhD, MA, LMSW, is a Licensed Master Social Worker, Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work, and mother to an autistic child. Ruby has extensive experience in case and program management, working with diverse populations in the U.S. and internationally. She specializes in supporting minoritized individuals navigating workplace discrimination and microaggressions, helping them advocate for themselves and cope effectively. Ruby is also the co-founder of BeeZee Sensory Gym, which was developed in recognition that "inclusive" play environments often fall short in truly accommodating neurodivergent children.