Think BIG and LOUD with LSVT Global

This episode explores LSVT LOUD for KIDS through a partnership between Northwestern University and GiGi’s Playhouse in Deerfield, Illinois. Speech-language pathologist Leigh Cohen explains how the program works for young children with Down syndrome and how families, schools, and other providers collaborate to support communication. Then, parents Brittany Briscoe (mom of Worth) and Consuelo Martinez (mom of Rafael) share their sons’ experiences, from the intensive treatment period to maintenance, and talk about what has changed in their children’s voices, speech, and everyday communication. Together, they discuss teamwork, peer support, and what they hope other families will know as they consider LSVT LOUD for their child. As we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month, this conversation highlights the importance of supporting communication and creating opportunities for children with Down syndrome to be heard and understood.

Special Guests: Leigh Cohen, MS, CCC-SLP; Consuelo Martinez, Rafael’s Mother; Brittany Briscoe, Worth’s Mother

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

GiGi’s Playhouse: Nonprofit network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers that provide free, research-based educational and therapeutic programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Click here to find a location near you: https://gigisplayhouse.org/

GiGi’s Playhouse, Deerfield location: https://gigisplayhouse.org/deerfield/

Audio Samples, LSVT LOUD for KID: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfCGQ1a_FNg&list=PLAVGIFagFDk5xnQyx072w4FgFLPk2V-A9&index=7

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, written and produced by Ian Grant, Paul Mitchell, and Josh Phillips. The song and video were inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide. Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

To learn more about LSVT LOUD speech therapy or LSVT BIG physical/occupational therapy or to locate therapists in your area, visit https://www.lsvtglobal.com.

In this episode, Beth is joined by speech-language pathologist Heather Shirey and Mindy Imron, mother of Weston, to share Weston's experience receiving LSVT LOUD in the school setting. In recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, they discuss what led them to pursue LSVT LOUD for Weston, a talkative and social 9-year-old with Down syndrome, after his family and teachers noticed he was becoming harder to understand, even though his articulation skills were strong.

Heather and Mindy walk through what treatment looked like for Weston, how Heather adapted the program to keep a young child motivated and engaged, and the changes they saw in his voice and everyday communication. They describe Weston speaking more slowly and loudly, singing with more intonation, being heard during the Pledge of Allegiance, and confidently ordering his own meal at a busy restaurant. Most importantly, they share how they made the intensive LSVT LOUD program work at school, including updating his IEP, scheduling sessions at the end of the school day, collaborating with teachers, staff, and Weston's private SLP, preparing Mindy to support homework at home, and continuing carryover in the classroom after treatment ended.

This episode is ideal for SLPs, educators, and families wondering, "Can LSVT LOUD really work in a school setting?" Heather and Mindy's story shows that with teamwork, collaboration, and a willingness to think outside the box, it can.

Special Guests: Heather Shirey, MS, CCC-SLP; Mindy Imron, Weston's Mother

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson's by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, written and produced by Ian Grant, Paul Mitchell, and Josh Phillips. The song and video were inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson's worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson's. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

To learn more about LSVT LOUD speech therapy or LSVT BIG physical/occupational therapy or to locate therapists in your area, visit https://www.lsvtglobal.com

Click subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode!

Get Certified: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/

Website: https://www.lsvtglobal.com

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:33 Weston's communication before LSVT LOUD

3:09 Why LSVT LOUD was a good fit

5:21 Mom's first reaction and concerns

7:09 Adapting LSVT LOUD for a child

8:56 Making it work in the school setting

10:31 The parent's role: IEP and homework

11:41 IEP changes and classroom carryover

13:46 Fitting treatment into the school day

14:39 Collaborating with the private SLP

15:30 Changes in Weston's voice and communication

20:04 The moment it clicked

22:14 Advice for SLPs and families

24:44 Keys to Weston's success

27:09 Final thoughts

29:04 Closing and credits

In this episode Beth is joined by Dr. Michael Braitsch, a physical therapist and professor at Texas Woman’s University, to explore his journey into working with people with Parkinson’s disease and his innovative approach to Parkinson’s wellness.

Michael shares the story behind Tribe Wellness, the Parkinson-specific clinic he founded in Dallas, and the group exercise programs he developed, including Southpaws Boxing Club, Brain & Body Tai Chi, Mobility Yog-ahhh, and Peak Performers. They discuss the power of combining evidence-based exercise with community, connection, and opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to stay active and engaged beyond traditional therapy. Michael also introduces his upcoming “Your Own Parkinson’s Pilgrimage” fundraiser for the Davis Phinney Foundation and shares his perspective on what it means to live well with Parkinson’s.

Special Guest: Mike Braitsch, PT, DPT

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Connect with Dr. Braitsch!

Instagram: @tribewellnessllc or @drmikebraitschpt

Email: [email protected]

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

To learn more about LSVT LOUD speech therapy or LSVT BIG physical/occupational therapy or to locate therapists in your area, visit https://www.lsvtglobal.com

Click subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode!

In today’s episode, Beth is joined by Erica, an LSVT BIG certified occupational therapist, and Jessica, the mother of Wesley, to discuss Wesley’s experience with LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD as a young child with Down syndrome.

Together, they share perspectives on introducing LSVT programs to young children, adapting therapy to make it meaningful and engaging, and the importance of collaboration between clinicians, children, and families. They also discuss Wesley’s experience over two summers of treatment and the progress he made in his movement and communication.

This episode is ideal for OTs, PTs, SLPs, and parents curious about intensive, amplitude‑focused therapy in pediatrics and how to make “BIG” and “LOUD” gains that carry over into everyday life.

Show Notes

Special Guests: Jessica Czajka-Glisch and Erica Vitek, MOT, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPC

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get LSVT LOUD or LSVT BIG Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT LOUD or LSVT BIG Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

In this episode we sit down with speech-language pathologist Amy Chrest to explore her unique perspective as both a clinician and a person living with young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD). Diagnosed nine years ago, Amy shares how her professional knowledge shaped, and sometimes complicated, her experience as a patient navigating changes in communication, swallowing, cognition, and identity. From sitting on the other side of the evaluation table to deciding when to share her diagnosis with patients, Amy offers candid reflections on the challenges and insights that come with living in both worlds.

Amy also discusses her advocacy work as a Research Advocate and Policy Advocate for the Parkinson’s Foundation, as well as her collaboration with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. She explains why sharing personal stories is essential to building community, influencing research and policy, and breaking stigma. This thoughtful conversation offers valuable lessons for clinicians, people living with Parkinson's, and anyone interested in the human side of healthcare.

Special Guest: Amy Chrest, MA, CCC-SLP

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Social Media Handles:

             Instagram: @AmyStrongAF

              Facebook: @amy.hutchins.chrest

Research Opportunities:

Parkinson’s Foundation, PD GENEration: https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration

Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

To learn more about LSVT LOUD speech therapy or LSVT BIG physical/occupational therapy or to locate therapists in your area, visit https://www.lsvtglobal.com.

Click subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode!

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Suzana Simoes, physical therapist and Director of Rehabilitation Services at Florida PACE Centers, as we explore the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and its role in helping older adults live safely and independently in their communities.

Dr. Simoes shares an overview of the PACE model, including who qualifies, the services it provides, and how interdisciplinary teams work together to support participants' health, function, and quality of life. She also discusses the role of rehabilitation within PACE, the opportunities and challenges of delivering therapy in this setting, and how evidence-based programs such as LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD are integrated within their care model to support mobility, communication, and overall function.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a person living with Parkinson's or another neurological condition, or a family member exploring care options for an older loved one, this episode offers valuable insights into a growing model of community-based care.

Show Notes:

Special Guest: Suzana Simoes, PT, DPT

PACE Websites Mentioned in This Episode:

National PACE Association

Florida PACE Centers

Broward Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios 

https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

In celebration of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we sit down with Jen Walentas Lewon, clinical associate professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, to explore the intersection of science, artistry, and human connection in speech-language pathology.Jen shares her journey across diverse clinical settings, her passion for voice and neurogenic disorders, and her approach to student-centered mentorship. From gender-affirming voice work to the principles of LSVT LOUD, this conversation highlights how clinicians can balance structured, evidence-based practice with creativity and individualized care.We also discuss the evolving role of technology, telepractice, and access to care—while reinforcing a central theme of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s National Speech-Language-Hearing Month: the importance of communication and those who support it.Whether you’re a clinician, student, person living with a communication disorder, or a family member supporting a loved one, this episode offers insights into how we can all better understand, support, and empower the human voice.Show Notes:Special Guest: Jen Walentas Lewon, MS, MA, CCC-SLPHost: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLPTheme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpcPodcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

In this episode, we’re joined by registered dietitian Richelle Flanagan, founder of My Moves Matter and NutritionPD, who brings a uniquely powerful perspective to Parkinson’s care, not only as a clinician, but also as someone living with Parkinson’s disease following a young-onset diagnosis.

Richelle shares her personal journey, including how her diagnosis deepened her understanding of nutrition, movement, and self-management in Parkinson’s care. We explore the mission behind My Moves Matter, a global initiative encouraging people with Parkinson’s to understand and manage their own symptoms, and NutritionPD, a suite of education programs dedicated to providing evidence-based, Parkinson’s-specific nutrition guidance.

Throughout the conversation, Richelle bridges her dual perspective as both a dietitian and a person living with Parkinson’s, offering insight into the day-to-day realities of living with the condition and the many factors that influence how people feel and function. She also shares practical, realistic strategies that empower individuals and care partners to make meaningful changes without becoming overwhelmed.

This episode highlights the importance of interdisciplinary care and lived experience, offering valuable takeaways for clinicians, individuals with Parkinson’s, and care partners alike.

Show Notes:

Special Guest: Richelle Flanagan

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Resources mentioned in this episode:

My Moves Matter: https://www.mymovesmatter.com/

NutritionPD: https://nutritionpd.com/

My Moves Matter YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MyMovesMatter

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

Join us for a compelling conversation with Gary Boyle, who lives with young-onset Parkinson's, and his wife, Joan Duffy, a speech-language therapist and LSVT LOUD clinician.

This episode delves into their unique journey, from Gary's diagnosis and his proactive approach to living well with Parkinson's, to Joan's dual role as a care partner and professional expert.

They share candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating Parkinson's, offering a powerful testament to resilience and the impact of communication.

Discover their personal experience with LSVT LOUD therapy, as Gary recounts his voice and speech changes and breakthrough moments, while Joan highlights improvements in confidence and participation she observed.

The discussion also explores their advocacy efforts for Parkinson's care in Ireland and Europe. Gary and Joan provide invaluable advice for those newly diagnosed and for care partners, sharing what inspires hope in their ongoing journey.

Show Notes:

Special Guests: Gary Boyle and Joan DuffyHost: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Organizations Close to Gary and Joan:

Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease Ireland: ⁠https://eopd.ie/⁠Parkinsons’ Europe: ⁠https://parkinsonseurope.org/⁠Parkinson’s Ireland: ⁠https://www.parkinsons.ie/⁠The Irish Association of Speech + Language Therapists: ⁠https://www.iaslt.ie/⁠

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc⁠

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios ⁠https://www.csdesignstudios.com/⁠

Get Certified: ⁠⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠⁠LSVT Global Website: ⁠⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠⁠Find LSVT Clinicians: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Dr. George Ackerman, founder of Together for Sharon, to explore how the journey of caring for his mother, Sharon, through Parkinson’s and dementia became the foundation for a global advocacy movement.

George shares what it was like to be both a son and a caregiver, how storytelling helped him process grief, and why he believes lived experience is one of the most powerful tools for changing awareness and reducing stigma around Parkinson’s and dementia.

We also talk about how Together for Sharon has grown into an international community that connects patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates, and what gives George hope for the future of Parkinson’s care.

This episode is for anyone who has loved someone with Parkinson’s, anyone living with Parkinson’s themselves, or anyone who wants to understand what that journey really looks like behind the diagnosis.

SHOW NOTES

Special Guest: George Ackerman, PhD, JD, MBA, Police Ofc. Rsv.Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

TOGETHER FOR SHARON LINKS

Website: https://togetherforsharon.com/All Socials: https://linktr.ee/togetherforsharonTogetherForSharon® Shop: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-ackerman-ph-d-esq-mba-00871a82/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@togetherforsharon1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/togetherforsharon112020Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/togetherforsha1Instagram & Threads: https://www.instagram.com/togetherforsharon/The Parkinson’s Connection YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheParkinsonsConnection/playlistsThe TogetherForSharon® Podcast: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/podcast-interviews/Q&A with Sharon’s Son: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/qa-with-sharons-son-george/Interview Index: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/interview-index/Blog (Tackling Tough Topics): https://www.togetherforsharon.com/tackling-tough-topics/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIeBLOelhaLQNvgeNMzu-5g

THEME SONG

"Think LOUD for Parkinson’s" by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer. Inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment to raise global awareness. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios: https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

LSVT GLOBAL RESOURCES

Get Certified: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/Website: https://www.lsvtglobal.comFind LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians