Guest: Cristina Easton, Educational ConsultantEarn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/musical-echolaliaJoin 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: 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.

Musical Echolalia: An Interprofessional Conversation with Cristina Easton

Guest: Melanie Singh, MS, RN, NPD-BCEarn 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.

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.

From Scripting to Storytelling: A Conversation with Melanie Singh

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-glpsJoin 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: 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.

Considering the Motor System in Non-Speaking GLPs with Jessie Mewshaw

Guest: Kim Jenkins, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/literacy-for-glpIn 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 Introduction01:38 Guest Introduction: Kim Jenkins02:52 Kim's Journey in Speech-Language Pathology04:39 Discovering Gestalt Language Processing07:50 Implementing GLP Strategies16:40 Hyperlexia and Literacy25:41 Pre-Literacy Skills and Techniques32:19 Interactive Language Learning Tools32:38 Patterned Books for Early Literacy35:21 Drawing and Writing for Engagement37:10 Experience Journals and Sensory Activities43:29 Executive Functioning and Literacy47:11 Using Technology for Working Memory51:00 Label Makers for Structured Learning55:59 Resources and Final ThoughtsAbout 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: 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.

supporting literacy for gestalt language processors with kim jenkins

Enhancing Language Through Music: Exploring Gestalt Language Processing and Melodies - A presentation by Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC SLP, as part of the Gestalt Get-Together webinar series and podcast.Earn 0.15 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Joint-Action-and-Synchrony-with-Gestalt-Language-ProcessorsThis episode of the Gestalt Get-Together podcast focuses on using joint action and synchronization techniques to aid Gestalt language processors, particularly autistic individuals. Corinne delves into topics such as the role of psychoacoustics, music theory, and emotional entrainment in language development. The episode explores practical examples of joint action in daily life, its importance from infancy, and how musical elements can enhance communication. Listeners will learn working definitions of joint action, synchronization, temporal entrainment, and affective entrainment and discover specific techniques to support Gestalt language processors. This educational discussion aims to provide insights and tools to Speech-Language Pathologists to foster better language acquisition conditions for their clients.Episode Timeline:00:00 Introduction to the Gestalt Get-Together02:10 Understanding Joint Action and Synchrony07:30 Foundations of Joint Action in Infancy08:19 Musicality in Early Communication10:42 Temporal and Affective Entrainment15:20 The Role of Peekaboo in Development17:52 Musical Action and Early Social Cognition23:37 Synchronization and Social Bonding41:03 Music Therapy and Rhythmic Entrainment48:37 Understanding Rhythm and Its Impact on Autistic Children49:48 Rhythmic Entrainment Interventions51:55 Synchronizing with Clients Through Rhythm54:25 Musical Synchrony and Vocal Stimming01:03:02 Mirroring Techniques and Their Benefits01:09:14 The Synchronization Checklist01:22:00 Practical Synchronization Ideas01:27:31 Q&A and Final ThoughtsAbout the Host: Corinne Zmoos, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a musical speech-language pathologist in Baltimore, Maryland. Her private practice, Messy Happy Music Lab, specializes in neurodivergent language acquisition, musical language therapy, Gestalt Processing, and AAC. As a neurodivergent individual, Corinne deeply understands how music lights up the brains of nontraditional learners and facilitates progress rooted in joy rather than compliance. Corinne presents her framework for music theory nationally and internationally as a critical element and intervention consideration in Gestalt Language Processing. Corinne’s current areas of qualitative inquiry are auditory-motor rhythmic cueing, musical syntax as a vehicle for linguistic syntax, and timbre-experience matching.

Enhancing Language Through Music: Exploring Gestalt Language Processing and Melodies - A presentation by Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC SLP, as part of the Gestalt Get-Together webinar series and podcast. Earn 0.15 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Joint-Action-and-Synchrony-with-Gestalt-Language-Processors This episode of the Gestalt Get-Together podcast focuses on using joint action and synchronization techniques to aid Gestalt language processors, particularly autistic individuals. Corinne delves into topics such as the role of psychoacoustics, music theory, and emotional entrainment in language development. The episode explores practical examples of joint action in daily life, its importance from infancy, and how musical elements can enhance communication. Listeners will learn working definitions of joint action, synchronization, temporal entrainment, and affective entrainment and discover specific techniques to support Gestalt language processors. This educational discussion aims to provide insights and tools to Speech-Language Pathologists to foster better language acquisition conditions for their clients. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to the Gestalt Get-Together 02:10 Understanding Joint Action and Synchrony 07:30 Foundations of Joint Action in Infancy 08:19 Musicality in Early Communication 10:42 Temporal and Affective Entrainment 15:20 The Role of Peekaboo in Development 17:52 Musical Action and Early Social Cognition 23:37 Synchronization and Social Bonding 41:03 Music Therapy and Rhythmic Entrainment 48:37 Understanding Rhythm and Its Impact on Autistic Children 49:48 Rhythmic Entrainment Interventions 51:55 Synchronizing with Clients Through Rhythm 54:25 Musical Synchrony and Vocal Stimming 01:03:02 Mirroring Techniques and Their Benefits 01:09:14 The Synchronization Checklist 01:22:00 Practical Synchronization Ideas 01:27:31 Q&A and Final Thoughts About the Host: Corinne Zmoos, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a musical speech-language pathologist in Baltimore, Maryland. Her private practice, Messy Happy Music Lab, specializes in neurodivergent language acquisition, musical language therapy, Gestalt Processing, and AAC. As a neurodivergent individual, Corinne deeply understands how music lights up the brains of nontraditional learners and facilitates progress rooted in joy rather than compliance. Corinne presents her framework for music theory nationally and internationally as a critical element and intervention consideration in Gestalt Language Processing. Corinne’s current areas of qualitative inquiry are auditory-motor rhythmic cueing, musical syntax as a vehicle for linguistic syntax, and timbre-experience matching.

Enhancing Language Through Music: Exploring Gestalt Language Processing and Melodies - A presentation by Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC SLP, as part of the Gestalt Get-Together webinar series and podcast.Earn 0.15 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Joint-Action-and-Synchrony-with-Gestalt-Language-ProcessorsThis episode of the Gestalt Get-Together podcast focuses on using joint action and synchronization techniques to aid Gestalt language processors, particularly autistic individuals. Corinne delves into topics such as the role of psychoacoustics, music theory, and emotional entrainment in language development. The episode explores practical examples of joint action in daily life, its importance from infancy, and how musical elements can enhance communication. Listeners will learn working definitions of joint action, synchronization, temporal entrainment, and affective entrainment and discover specific techniques to support Gestalt language processors. This educational discussion aims to provide insights and tools to Speech-Language Pathologists to foster better language acquisition conditions for their clients.Episode Timeline:00:00 Introduction to the Gestalt Get-Together02:10 Understanding Joint Action and Synchrony07:30 Foundations of Joint Action in Infancy08:19 Musicality in Early Communication10:42 Temporal and Affective Entrainment15:20 The Role of Peekaboo in Development17:52 Musical Action and Early Social Cognition23:37 Synchronization and Social Bonding41:03 Music Therapy and Rhythmic Entrainment48:37 Understanding Rhythm and Its Impact on Autistic Children49:48 Rhythmic Entrainment Interventions51:55 Synchronizing with Clients Through Rhythm54:25 Musical Synchrony and Vocal Stimming01:03:02 Mirroring Techniques and Their Benefits01:09:14 The Synchronization Checklist01:22:00 Practical Synchronization Ideas01:27:31 Q&amp;A and Final ThoughtsAbout the Host: Corinne Zmoos, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a musical speech-language pathologist in Baltimore, Maryland. Her private practice, Messy Happy Music Lab, specializes in neurodivergent language acquisition, musical language therapy, Gestalt Processing, and AAC. As a neurodivergent individual, Corinne deeply understands how music lights up the brains of nontraditional learners and facilitates progress rooted in joy rather than compliance. Corinne presents her framework for music theory nationally and internationally as a critical element and intervention consideration in Gestalt Language Processing. Corinne’s current areas of qualitative inquiry are auditory-motor rhythmic cueing, musical syntax as a vehicle for linguistic syntax, and timbre-experience matching.

joint action and synchronization for gestalt language processors

Have you heard of rhythmic entrainment? Drawing from the dance and music therapy literature, this concept describes a musical and movement-based level of connection between clinician and client. For autistic children, rhythmic entrainment can contribute to the social and environmental conditions necessary for effective language acquisition. This course best suits participants with a working knowledge of structural and functional brain differences in the autistic neurotype.

Have you heard of rhythmic entrainment? Drawing from the dance and music therapy literature, this concept describes a musical and movement-based level of connection between clinician and client. For autistic children, rhythmic entrainment can contribute to the social and environmental conditions necessary for effective language acquisition. This course best suits participants with a working knowledge of structural and functional brain differences in the autistic neurotype.

rhythmic entrainment as a critical component of language intervention for autistic children

Join Emily Starling, MA, CCC-SLP, to discuss her experience as a Gestalt Cognitive Processor. Emily is an early career professional passionate about early intervention and providing neurodiversity-affirming care for autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals. Her areas of clinical focus are Gestalt Language Processing and early language AAC.Earn .1 ASHA CEU for this episode when you complete the accompanying course from Speech Therapy PD.

Join Emily Starling, MA, CCC-SLP, to discuss her experience as a Gestalt Cognitive Processor. Emily is an early career professional passionate about early intervention and providing neurodiversity-affirming care for autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals. Her areas of clinical focus are Gestalt Language Processing and early language AAC. Earn .1 ASHA CEU for this episode when you complete the accompanying course from Speech Therapy PD.

gestalt cognitive processing & advocacy through the eyes of an autistic slp with emily starling

The gestalt get-together is your podcast for discussing the state-of-the-evidence of Gestalt Language Processing, associated therapy modalities, and how our field is responding to the frameworks of GLP and NLA. Our episodes will provide balanced and educational interviews about clinician experiences, live coaching and problem-solving about therapeutic decision-making, musical language techniques and recommendations, discussions about logical fallacies and cognitive-linguistic biases, and elements of the BITE model that have emerged in the larger GLP movement. 

Each episode of the gestalt get-together is worth 0.10 ASHA CEUs when you complete the accompanying course online at www.speechtherapypd.com

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The gestalt get-together is your podcast for discussing the state-of-the-evidence of Gestalt Language Processing, associated therapy modalities, and how our field is responding to the frameworks of GLP and NLA. Our episodes will provide balanced and educational interviews about clinician experiences, live coaching and problem-solving about therapeutic decision-making, musical language techniques and recommendations, discussions about logical fallacies and cognitive-linguistic biases, and elements of the BITE model that have emerged in the larger GLP movement. Each episode of the gestalt get-together is worth 0.10 ASHA CEUs when you complete the accompanying course online at www.speechtherapypd.com

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