This Speech Life

How can we incorporate brain health into everyday clinical practice?

Guest: Jennifer Ruckner, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

Watch on YouTube

Brainstorms podcast host Renee Garrett, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is joined by Jennifer Ruckner, MS, CCC-SLP, for a practical discussion on how speech-language pathologists can incorporate brain health into everyday clinical practice. Together, they break down the neuroscience behind neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve, and lifestyle factors that influence brain function, while exploring what brain health really means across the continuum of care.

About the Guest: Jennifer Ruckner, MS, CCC-SLP, is a seasoned speech-language pathologist with over three decades of experience across Early Intervention, school districts, and private practice. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in Communication Disorders from Auburn University and has practiced since 1990. Jennifer specializes in Social/Pragmatic Language, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Expressive Language Disorder, and Feeding Disorders.

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Guest: Marie Ireland, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Tension-to-Triumph-Practical-solutions-for-the-schoolbased-S

Link to Dr. Ireland's survey: https://qualtricsxmd5r6bzq7x.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bl3LsDSntCyNUB8?Q_CHL=qr

In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby brings on the distinguished Dr. Marie Ireland to discuss the nine major tensions faced by school-based Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). Dr. Ireland shares her extensive journey from a school-based SLP to earning her PhD and provides valuable insights into navigating challenges in the field. The episode delves into the importance of understanding the law (IDEA), the need for accurate documentation of educational impact, and how to effectively collaborate with general education through strategies like MTSS and RTI. Additionally, Dr. Ireland emphasizes the significance of advocating for oneself and professional expertise without apology. This episode is packed with practical strategies and solutions that will leave you feeling informed and empowered.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

01:01 Guest Introduction: Dr. Marie Ireland

01:06 Dr. Ireland's Journey in Speech-Language Pathology

01:56 The Impact of Research and Collaboration

04:00 Understanding CHAT: Cultural and Historical Activity Theory

07:09 Exploring the Nine Major Tensions

11:58 Balancing Help and Legal Requirements

14:48 The Role of SLPs in Schools vs. Private Practice

17:52 Advocacy and Professional Identity

23:13 Addressing Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

26:37 Understanding Disabilities vs. Differences

27:32 Empowering SLPs: Advocacy and Conflict Resolution

33:22 The Importance of Data and Legal Knowledge

36:11 Building Relationships with General Education

50:52 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

About the Guest: Marie Ireland, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL is a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language (BCS-CL). She has served as ASHA’s Vice President of SLP Practice (2018-2020) and on the executive board of the State Education Agencies Communication Disabilities Council. Her areas of interest include child language, evidence-based assessment, and dynamic assessment. She received an editor’s award in 2013 and 2021 for articles on evidence-based practice in the schools and has published works on SLP practice in the schools.

School of Speech is now on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/oApbslqaPhQ

Guest: Sara Serota, MS, CCC-SLP

This episode features Sara Serota discussing all things working with Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students. Sara will share 3 things we need to know with this population, 2 resources for working with DHH students, and lastly, 1 actionable strategy for getting started.

Mentioned in this episode:

School of Speech is Back!!

Season 2 of School of Speech has arrived! Every host Carolyn Dolby every Monday morning as she sits down with practicing SLPs, academic researchers, and leading experts to talk about all aspects of school-based speech-language pathology. Carolyn and her guests explore everyday topics, tackle tough situations, and share valuable insights to support school therapists in their daily practice.

Guest: Kayla O’Connor, MS, CCC-SLP - This episode features Kayla O’Connor discussing all things working with secondary students. She will tell us 3 things we need to know when working with our older students, share 2 resources for utilizing with our older students, and give us 1 actionable strategy for tomorrow.

Mentioned in this episode:

School of Speech is Back!!

Season 2 of School of Speech has arrived! Every host Carolyn Dolby every Monday morning as she sits down with practicing SLPs, academic researchers, and leading experts to talk about all aspects of school-based speech-language pathology. Carolyn and her guests explore everyday topics, tackle tough situations, and share valuable insights to support school therapists in their daily practice.

Guest: Monica Donoso, MA, CCC-SLP - This episode features Monica Donoso talking about all things cooking in speech therapy. Monica utilizes cooking and food to target speech and language goals within her sessions at her school site. She will share 3 things we need to know about cooking, 2 resources, and 1 actionable strategy for tomorrow’s groups.

Mentioned in this episode:

School of Speech is Back!!

Season 2 of School of Speech has arrived! Every host Carolyn Dolby every Monday morning as she sits down with practicing SLPs, academic researchers, and leading experts to talk about all aspects of school-based speech-language pathology. Carolyn and her guests explore everyday topics, tackle tough situations, and share valuable insights to support school therapists in their daily practice.

Guest: Meghan McCarty, MS, CF-SLP - This episode features Meghan McCarty discussing all things cultural responsiveness. Meghan will share 3 things we need to know about cultural responsiveness, 2 resources for us to learn more, and 1 actionable strategy for tomorrow’s sessions.

Mentioned in this episode:

School of Speech is Back!!

Season 2 of School of Speech has arrived! Every host Carolyn Dolby every Monday morning as she sits down with practicing SLPs, academic researchers, and leading experts to talk about all aspects of school-based speech-language pathology. Carolyn and her guests explore everyday topics, tackle tough situations, and share valuable insights to support school therapists in their daily practice.

Guest: Sam Walker, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD - This episode features Sam Walker discussing all things Praxis. She will share three things we need to know when prepping for the Praxis, two resources for preparing, and one actionable strategy to make sure you slay!

Mentioned in this episode:

School of Speech is Back!!

Season 2 of School of Speech has arrived! Every host Carolyn Dolby every Monday morning as she sits down with practicing SLPs, academic researchers, and leading experts to talk about all aspects of school-based speech-language pathology. Carolyn and her guests explore everyday topics, tackle tough situations, and share valuable insights to support school therapists in their daily practice.

Guest: Nikki Hunjan, MA, CCC-SLP - Have you thought about leaving your school position? This episode features Nikkii Hunjun who discusses factors to consider when leaving your school position. She'll provide actionable strategies to help you with the transition.

Mentioned in this episode:

School of Speech is Back!!

Season 2 of School of Speech has arrived! Every host Carolyn Dolby every Monday morning as she sits down with practicing SLPs, academic researchers, and leading experts to talk about all aspects of school-based speech-language pathology. Carolyn and her guests explore everyday topics, tackle tough situations, and share valuable insights to support school therapists in their daily practice.

Guest: Crystal Sanford, MEd, MA, CCC-SLP - This episode features Crystal Sanford discussing advocacy and our role as a school-based SLP. Crystal will share 3 things we need to know about advocacy, 2 resources, and 1 actionable strategy so we can start advocating tomorrow!

Mentioned in this episode:

School of Speech is Back!!

Season 2 of School of Speech has arrived! Every host Carolyn Dolby every Monday morning as she sits down with practicing SLPs, academic researchers, and leading experts to talk about all aspects of school-based speech-language pathology. Carolyn and her guests explore everyday topics, tackle tough situations, and share valuable insights to support school therapists in their daily practice.

Guest: Martha Horrocks, MEd, CCC-SLP - This episode features Martha Horrocks discussing three things all school-based SLPs should know about children who stutter. She will also share two resources to help us deepen our practice and provide us with one actionable strategy for tomorrow.

Mentioned in this episode:

School of Speech is Back!!

Season 2 of School of Speech has arrived! Every host Carolyn Dolby every Monday morning as she sits down with practicing SLPs, academic researchers, and leading experts to talk about all aspects of school-based speech-language pathology. Carolyn and her guests explore everyday topics, tackle tough situations, and share valuable insights to support school therapists in their daily practice.