Speechie Side Up

In this Behavior Connect podcourse, we interview Iris Wong, a speech-language pathologist with 15 years’ experience who pivoted into executive functioning (EF) work after recognizing her and her children’s neurodivergence; she is also an author and owner of EFToolkit. Iris describes EF as brain-based skills developing over decades and reviews skills such as inhibition, working memory, emotional co...

In this Behavior Connect podcourse, we welcome back Jaqueline Jebian Garcia, a neurodivergent parent and Sensory Trained and Somatic Trauma-informed SLP, who is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming practice through polyvagal theory. We discuss polyvagal theory, reframing behavior, co-regulation, safety, and connection strategies. Jackie explains Stephen Porges’ polyvagal theory as emphasizing...

In this Behavior Connect podcourse, we have Rachel Archambault, a Broward County Public Schools speech-language program specialist and owner of PTSD SLP LLC, to discuss applying trauma-informed care to therapy situations often labeled as “behaviors” or “noncompliance.” Rachel shares her 2018 workplace traumatic experience that led her to trauma-informed education and outlines an agenda covering tr...

In this Behavior Connect podcourse, we are joined by Cari Ebert, a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist to discuss challenges discussing autism, defining neurodiversity, and identifying affirming provider traits and parent takeaways. Cari explains why autism conversations are hard: outdated ableist training and deficit language, uncertainty because autism traits fluctuate, anticipating caregiver...

In this Behavior Connect podcourse, we interview Dr. Diamond Rashad, a neurodivergent pediatric occupational therapist and disability advocate, about promoting safety and connection during dysregulation. We discuss cultivating connection through child-centered care, caregiver collaboration, routines (e.g., consistent session flow, shoe removal for comfort), curiosity, and appropriately matching en...

In this podcourse episode, we welcome back Daj Mitchell to discuss evidence-based caregiver coaching strategies for AAC. Daj explains Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles), including adult learning assumptions (autonomy, experience, relevance, internal motivation, problem-solving) and principles such as involving adults in planning, using their experience, and clarifying end goals, with examples like collab...

In this podcourse episode, Sophie Anais Renoir returns, a Speech-Language Pathologist who has advocated for early intervention and New York’s consumer-directed patient assistance program (CDPAP). Sophie explains how clinician self-advocacy influences patient outcomes and family trust, emphasizing collective action and alliances with families. She describes major early intervention barriers includi...

In this podcourse episode, we welcome back Pediatric SLP Rachel May, founder and CEO of New Day Child Coaching, to discuss reframing SLP involvement in infancy (0–12 months) from a “wait and see” approach to proactive “watch and support” partnering with families. Rachel shares concerns about fragmented caregiver-child interaction, screen-related distractions, and late referrals, and proposes a Pat...

In this podcourse episode, we are joined by Elise Mitchell, an SLP and school contracting consultant, about moving from burnout to renewed purpose through school contracting. Elise shares her background working with a staffing agency at the executive level, consulting provider-run businesses on school contracting, hosting the Beyond the Big Agencies podcast, and founding the Therapist Support Netw...

This episode discusses the significance of understanding and leveraging personal values through a strengths-based profile, and how these principles guided can guide you in creating a value-based vision board for 2026. It includes overcoming professional obstacles, making tough business decisions, and maintaining a balance between personal life and business ambitions. Tune in for tips on aligning y...

In this podcourse episode, Dr. Tara McAllister, an Associate Professor at NYU, discusses the impact of biofeedback on speech therapy, particularly for children struggling with the /r/ sound. She explains key findings from a recent randomized controlled trial, highlighting how biofeedback can enhance speech learning. Dr. McAllister also introduces the staRt app, designed to make biofeedback more ac...

In this podcourse episode, we interview Dr. Genesis Arizmendi about flipping the traditional script on bilingual assessment and practice. Dr. Arizmendi introduces FLiP (Functional Language Proficiency), a methodology she developed to better capture bilingual children's communicative competences in real-world contexts. She shares her background and journey in speech-language pathology, bilingual ed...

In this podcourse episode, we interview Alice Williams, an experienced Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) and entrepreneur, about the challenges and opportunities within the SLPA field. The discussion covers ethical challenges faced by SLPAs, the importance of proper supervision, and the mutual benefits of collaboration between SLPs and SLPAs. Alice shares her journey into speech pathology...

In this podcourse episode, we celebrate the show's 10th anniversary by welcoming back Amy Graham from Graham Speech Therapy as we explore the relationship between oral facial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) and speech sound disorders (SSDs). Amy offers insights from her 25 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, discussing the importance of differential diagnosis, evidence-based p...

In this podcourse episode, we welcome back Dr. Olivia Jensen, one of the most popular guests ever on the show. We celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Speechie Side Up with an in-depth discussion about evolving as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) over the past decade. Dr. Jensen shares her journey from hands-on clinical work to a successful career in content creation while balancing life as a m...

In this podcourse episode, we welcome back Dr. Kelly Farquharson to discuss her new Apples Project—a comprehensive study funded by the NIH to explore the link between phonological processing and speech sound disorders. Dr. Farquharson sheds light on the project's goals, expected outcomes, and the critical role of school-based SLPs in providing therapy to children with speech sound disorders. S...

In this podcourse episode we had an insightful conversation with Danielle Kent, a licensed SLP with over 14 years of experience, as she delves into the importance of co-regulation before self-regulation. In celebration of Speechie Side Up's 10th anniversary, Danielle revisits and expands on topics from her popular episode, discussing recent research on behavior management and the developmental...

In this episode, I am joined by Stephanie Lo-Presti, an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist,as she introduces a comprehensive and innovative Speech and Language Protocol and Assessment Tool. Designed to merge developmental psychology with speech-language pathology, this tool is particularly powerful for evaluating and treating children with diverse needs, including those who are clinically unt...

This episode is part of the SLP Business Connect Series, we share our top 10 favorite business books and discuss key takeaways and personal insights that can help entrepreneurs launch or grow their businesses. We also talk about practical tools and resources like profit calculators and name checkers to help entrepreneurs with branding, marketing, finances, and staying motivated despite challenges....

This episode is part of the SLP Business Connect series, where we explore 30 different side hustle ideas for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) to utilize their degrees beyond traditional roles. We discuss various categories such as physical and digital products, service-based businesses, startups, and more. We also cover opportunities in creating educational materials, private practice, virtual...

This episode is part of the SLP Business Connect Series, where we discuss invaluable tips and personal experiences for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) beginning their journey in private practice. The discussion includes advice on setting boundaries, understanding one’s skill set, and identifying ideal clients to help grow and enjoy the business. It addresses the common misconception about the...

In this episode, I am joined by Jenny Lai, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and co-host of the 'Not a Tiger Mom Podcast,' as we discuss how to reframe Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with a neurodiversity affirming approach for parents and practitioners. The episode covers defining neurodiversity affirming ABA, key differences from traditional ABA, core principles, and actionable strateg...

In this episode, I am joined by Jenny Lai, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and co-host of the 'Not a Tiger Mom Podcast,' as we discuss how to reframe Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with a neurodiversity affirming approach for parents and practitioners. The episode covers defining neurodiversity affirming ABA, key differences from traditional ABA, core principles, and actionable strateg...

In this episode, I am joined by Gabriella Gizzo, a licensed Speech Therapist and author, as she discuss her journey and inspirations behind her children's book 'Sophie's Special Story,' which aims to support SLPs in effectively targeting speech goals within high caseloads. Gabriella delves into the publishing process, the benefits of her book for parents and teachers, and her exper...

In this episode, I am joined by Susan Golubock, an autistic Occupational Therapist and advocate, to explore why autistic communication is often misunderstood wherein she highlights two main reasons: subconscious biases about communication and neurological differences experienced by autistics. Susan shares her insights into interpreting behaviors as communication, provides concrete examples, and of...