SLP Learning Hour

This episode dives into the challenges faced by new and seasoned speech-language pathologists (SLPs) as they navigate the often turbulent waters of school-based therapy. We will explore a range of issues, from “bullying” co-workers to unexpected caseload expansions. Join us for insights into maintaining compassionate communication amidst chaos and strategies for standing up for your professional w...

In this first episode of the miniseries, join host Stephanie Michele Sweigart | MS, CCC-SLP, as she explores solutions and inspires listeners to cultivate compassionate communication in their lives. Guided by core values of empathy, authenticity, and growth, practical tools and insights will be provided that empower individuals to navigate work challenges with understanding and resilience. The goa...

Guest: Marileda Cattelan Tome, Ph. D., CCC-SLP - This Making Sense of Myo episode features Dr. Cattelan Tome, who explains the importance of malocclusion on speech and swallowing functioning. She then dives into treatment planning for myofunctional disorders.

Guest: Piya Gandhi, DDS - Dr. Gandhi, a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, shares the impacts tethered oral tissues can have on oral functioning. Dr. Gandhi shares her “Function First” model for diagnosing tongue and lip ties and the process of frenectomies. Throughout the episode, Dr. Gandhi shares the importance of interdisciplinary care for frenectomies and how she collaborates with SLPs throug...

Guest: Melissa Vagts, MSP, CCC-SLP, - This episode explores how knowledge of orofacial myology allows speech pathologists to effectively use differential diagnosis to determine the best care plan for their patients. Melissa explains when a myofunctional approach would not be appropriate and the qualifications a patient needs to effectively participate in a myofunctional program. Melissa wraps up t...

Guest: Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP - This episode features a practical and informative perspective of myofunctional therapy for speech sound disorders and the oral stage of swallowing. Char discusses “myo” treatment from three points of view. She covers the rationale behind myo (and why sometimes its treatment validity is unfairly questioned) and, most importantly, outlines the essential components...

Guest: Janine Steine, MA, CCC-SLP, TSHH - This episode features Janine, who shares the importance of interdisciplinary care. Janine explains why interdisciplinary care is important to treating myofunctional disorders, care providers that might be involved with orofacial myofunctional disorders, and signs that a referral is needed.

Guest: Patricia Fisher, MS, CCC-SLP, COM® - This episode explores the relationship between ankyloglossia and disorders that speech-language pathologists treat. Patricia shares her knowledge on ankyloglossia. She starts the episode by explaining the characteristics of ankyloglossia and the impacts it has on the oral mechanism. Patricia then explains how ankyloglossia can impact speech, swallowing,...

Guest: Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, COM® - Listen in as Hallie shares an overview of an orofacial myofunctional evaluation, how it relates to the assessment of speech and feeding and provides examples of when a patient might benefit from a referral to a myofunctional evaluation. Hallie ends the episode by sharing the general goals of a myofunctional treatment plan and an overview of a typical...

Guest: Angela McLeod, PhD, CCC-SLP, QOM - This episode explores the relationship between orofacial myofunctional disorders and speech sound disorders. Dr. Angela McLeod shares ways that an orofacial myofunctional disorder can impact speech sound production. Dr. McLeod shares how improving orofacial myofunction can improve a patient’s ability to produce accurate speech sounds. Listen in as Dr. McLe...

Guest: Mary Billings, MS, CCC-SLP, COM® - Mary shares the foundational role swallowing plays in craniofacial development. Mary explains the deficits an individual with an orofacial myofunctional disorder might have and shares about swallow patterns. Listen in as she discusses how myofunctional therapy can be used to support individuals in correcting their swallow patterns to improve the overall ph...

Guest: Kristie Gatto, MA, CCC-SLP, COM®️ - This episode explores the craniofacial complex and its foundational in the physiological processes of speech and swallowing. Listen in as Kristie Gatto, MA, CCC-SLP, COM®️ shares her knowledge on the anatomy and physiology of the craniofacial complex and how it relates back to the physiological processes speech pathologists treat.

Guest: Linda D’Onofrio, MS, CCC-SLP - This episode features Linda D’Onofrio, who has spent her career studying, teaching, and spreading awareness about orofacial myofunctional disorders. She will discuss what orofacial myology and myofunctional therapy are. Linda then discusses what an orofacial myofunctional disorder is and the signs and symptoms of OMDs. She then dives into how a patient with an...

Guest: Tiffany P. Williams, Ph. D., CCC-SLP - In this episode, Dr. Williams discusses the professional skills needed to treat and assess speech sound disorders in the telepractice setting. She will discuss assessing, treating, and facilitating the generalization of learned skills into other settings. Dr. Williams will provide actionable strategies and resources for clinicians.

Guest: Taina Jimenez-Lopez, SLPD, CCC-SLP - Dr. Jimenez-Lopez will discuss the best practices when supervising the use of telecommunications in various settings and explore which states have regulations on telesupervision and what is expected of the supervisor and supervisee. The conversation will be centered on what should be considered to conduct an effective supervision experience via telepract...

Guest: Roxana Gonzalez, MS, CCC-SLP - This episode features Roxana Gonzalez, who explains the expanding role of tele-assessments in the field of speech and language pathology. Various types of assessment tools and practical strategies to conduct virtual assessments will be discussed. The benefits and challenges commonly faced by evaluators will be outlined. Participants will be able to take away p...

Guest: Kristin Martinez, MA, CCC-SLP - This episode explores challenges and best practices related to school-based case management in telepractice. Opportunities to prepare for case management responsibilities in a new teletherapy assignment and tips and strategies related to case management will be discussed.

Guest: Kellie Paul, MS, CCC-SLP - This episode explores a comprehensive framework for participants to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and utilize telepractice platforms in their service delivery effectively.

Guest: Gila Cohen-Shaw, MA, CCC-SLP - This episode delves into the practical methods and myriad benefits of integrating mindfulness and movement practices into your routine as a clinician. Exploring how these practices contribute to heightened focus, reduced stress, and increased emotional resilience, as well as emphasizes the pivotal role of self-care in optimizing your abilities as an SLP. By cu...

Guest: Kelli A. Uitenham, CsCD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Dr. Kelli A. Uitenham joins host Karin Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, as they discuss the professional skills necessary for providing skilled speech therapy services via telepractice for medical cases. She will discuss the treatment of dysphagia, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke rehabilitation, and traumatic brain injury cases. She will also explore wh...

Guest: Megan Ramirez, MS, CCC-SLP - In this fifth episode, host Karin Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Megan to explore the power and importance of working with parents via teletherapy. Megan, who specializes in working with autistic children and the early intervention population via teletherapy, shares her knowledge of how to empower parents to become the agents of change in their children’s s...

Guest: Dr. Kelli A. Uitenham, CsCD, CCC-SLP - In this 4th episode, host Karin Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, and Dr. Kelli A. Uitenham discuss the professional skills needed for providing accent modification services via telepractice. Dr. Uitenham will discuss how to get started in accent modification, where and how to market, how to manage initial consultations, what to do for an initial analysis, and wh...

Guest: Tara Roehl, MS, CCC-SLP - In the third episode, host Karin Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Tara to discuss the journey to the exciting world of international telepractice. The experienced SLP guest shares her experiences and insights on providing services to clients across borders. From licensing issues to navigating cultural differences, this episode is packed with valuable information...

Guest: Tricia Castellan, OTR/L - In this second episode, host Karin Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Tricia Castellan. Tricia explores and prepares the listener to incorporate a multidisciplinary team approach while utilizing telepractice. She will explore the benefits and limitations of this approach while also discussing things to consider when planning sessions. She will review strategies fo...

Guest: Tara Roehl, MS, CCC-SLP - In the first episode, host Karin Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Tara Roehl to discuss who is the right fit for telepractice. They'll discuss what skills the SLP will need to begin and some common misunderstandings about who is the right fit to receive therapy. They'll also explore important considerations when identifying clients for telepractice. If you have...