Communication is Key

Welcome back! On this episode, we get the perspective of the field of speech and language pathology from an SLP who specializes in the adult population. Brooke Lordan, a Northeastern University graduate with a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology, launched her healthcare career in 2010, working in diverse adult settings like acute rehab, long-term care, and home health. Quickly rising through the...

Welcome back! On this episode, we learn about the field of speech and language pathology from the perspective of an advocate, who had received SLP services herself growing up. Gabriella Tidwell is a junior at Henderson State University and works as a Pharmacy Technician at a Walmart Pharmacy in Arkansas. Driven by her passion for helping others, she is pursuing a degree in Health and Human Perform...

Welcome back! On this episode, we get the parent perspective of the field of speech and language pathology. Amber Grace is the mother of two children- Vincent who is 5, and Gio who is 2 and a half. They currently reside in Brooklyn, New York. Gio was recently diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech in January of 2024. Childhood apraxia of speech is defined by the American Speech-Language-Hearin...

Welcome back! On this episode, we get the perspective of the field of speech and language pathology from a parent and non-profit founder's perspective. Ashley McClain is the proud mother of two beautiful children, Leigha and Colton. In 2020, Ashley's journey as a parent changed when her family learned that their son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. At that time, she stepped awa...

Welcome back! On this episode, we get the perspective of the field of speech and language pathology from a family member's perspective. Emily Anastasio is a 19-year-old rising sophomore at Springfield College who is dedicated to changing the world, one step at a time. Emily is the reigning Miss Connecticut’s Teen for 2023 and has completed various events to help raise awareness and money for s...

Welcome back! On this episode, we get the perspective of the field of speech and language pathology from an AAC specialist. Nicole Gallagher is a Clinical Professor and speech-language pathologist in the department of speech-language and hearing sciences at UConn. She has taught the graduate level Augmentative-Alternative Communication (also referred to as AAC) course at UConn for the past 8 years...

Welcome back! As we head closer to Miss Connecticut week (29 days until move in!!), I wanted to share an update on the work I have been doing with my community service initiative. I truly am amazed and so proud of how fast “Communication is Key” has grown. Stay tuned for an incredible announcement on May 28th that you won’t want to miss! If you are interested in a playground AAC board for your sch...

Welcome back! On today's episode, we get to hear from the parent and walk coordinator perspective. Alyssa Ryan is a 32 year old mom to two boys. Before becoming a Mother she was a sailing instructor, first mate on yacht charters, and then eventually found her career in the hospitality industry as a wedding leads manager where she oversaw multiple properties throughout the state of Florida and...

Welcome Back! On today's episode, we get to hear from the parent perspective. Kristen Robles is a mom of two children, one of which is her son Howard who has Down Syndrome. She has really grown in her role as a mother of a child with special needs, advocating not only for his education, but his inclusive role in society. Kristen hopes that by showcasing his abilities, rather than his disabilit...

Welcome back! On this episode, we get the perspective of what it's like creating a non-profit dedicated to Autism families in Connecticut with Christine Faressa. Christine became the founder of Sun, Moon & Stars in January 2016 when she established the Supper Club as a way for families with children on the autism spectrum to a enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Supper quickly grew into su...

Welcome back! On this episode, we get the perspective of the communication disorders from an accomplished Music Therapist. Elyssa DiRaddo obtained her Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy and a minor in psychology from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where she was a vocal primary student. Elyssa is currently a Board Certified Music Therapist at Opportunities for Positive Growth in Indianapolis, IN...

Welcome back! On this episode, we get the perspective of the communication disorders from an accomplished BCBA. Jana El-Sayed is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst who currently works in a school setting providing trauma informed ABA services in SEL programs and contained classrooms. She believes ALL behavior is communication and loves collaborating with team members to provide wrap around service...

Welcome back! On this episode, we get the perspective of the field of speech and language pathology from an accomplished SLP. Francesca D’Alessandro has turned her passions of vocal studies and working with the Neurodiverse community into a career as a speech-language pathologist. She is also taking the Miss New York stage this July representing Miss Heart of New York. She is excited to hopefully...

Welcome back! On this episode, we get the perspective of the field of speech and language pathology from an accomplished graduate student. Emma Ganci is a second year speech pathology graduate student at MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. Thus far, she has completed field work in various settings, including the Written Expressions Lab, Encompass Health, and directly at MGH's on...

Welcome to my podcast! I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself before diving into some amazing guest episodes. Here's to a new journey in the podcasting world, where I share my passion for communication disorders and resources for individuals and families who may have one.