Published by Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP
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First Bite is your go-to resource for all things pediatric speech therapy–covering pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, lactation, AAC, early language acquisition, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration. Designed to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, the podcast brings functional, evidence-based insights straight to clinicians serving little ones and their caregivers. Whether you’re a student, seasoned practitioner, researcher, or interprofessional partner, First Bite invites you to listen, learn, and grow alongside a supportive community. Gain the confidence to take whatever “first bite” comes next in your clinical practice–one heartfelt and tea-fueled conversation at a time. Hosted by Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP–bestselling author of "Chasing the Swallow: Truth, Science, and Hope for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders," joyful boy mom, and early intervention specialist–First Bite explores the latest research, clinical strategies, and lived experiences shaping pediatric speech therapy today. This is a Speech Therapy PD podcast, allowing you to earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for each episode. For select episodes, colleagues with their CLC can earn CERPs. Visit speechtherapypd.com to learn more. See Michelle's book at: amazon.com/Chasing-Swallow-Pediatric-Swallowing-Disorders/dp/B095WW2H5X
What is the ASLP Interstate Compact and what does it mean for SLPs? Guest: Susan Adams, Esq., CAE, Director of State Legislative & Regulatory Affairs at ASHA Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Susan Adams, Esq., CAE, for a timely discussion about the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) and what it means for speech-language pathologists. Together, they break down how the ASLP Compact works, who is eligible to participate, what privileges it provides, and where implementation currently stands across the United States. If you've been wondering how the compact could affect your clinical practice, this episode will help you understand the opportunities, limitations, and what to watch for next. About the Guest: Susan Adams is the Director for State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at ASHA. She is responsible for advancing the public policy objectives of ASHA by serving as team lead and policy expert on state legislation and regulations affecting audiologists and speech-language pathologists, related to state licensure including the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, and diversity, equity and inclusion issues that affect the ability to practice. Show Notes: Contact Susan on LinkedIn ASLP-IC Website Love Money: Support ACLU
Understanding the research, benefits, and limitations of Baby-Led Weaning. Guest: Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, and Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP, dig into baby-led weaning (BLW). Whether you're new to BLW or looking to refine your clinical perspective, Michelle and Kelsey break down what BLW is, what it isn't, and how to support families and their little ones with confidence. About the Guest: Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, research scientist, and mom of two. Her clinical and research work centers on supporting families during the introduction of solid foods, with the goal of preventing long-term pediatric feeding disorders and empowering caregivers to feel confident in their feeding journey. Related Courses: Early Feeding Transitions and Down Syndrome: How to Support Caregivers Infant Reflexes for Feeding and Development Show Notes: Contact Kelsey on LinkedIn Feeding Flock Find Resources: FindHelp.org Love Money: Support Feeding Matters Resources: Complementary Feeding Methods-A Review of the Benefits and Risks The Baby-Led Weaning Method (BLW) in the Context of Complementary Feeding: A Review Baby-led weaning: A thematic analysis of comments made by parents using online parenting forums Early feeding practices and eating behaviour in preschool children: The CORALS cohort Impact of a Modified Version of Baby-Led Weaning on Infant Food and Nutrient Intakes: The BLISS Randomized Controlled Trial How different are baby-led weaning and conventional complementary feeding? A cross-sectional study of infants aged 6-8 months Current Evidence on Nutrient Intakes and Infant Growth: A Narrative Review of Baby-Led Weaning vs. Conventional Weaning
How do mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression influence language and communication? Guest: Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful discussion about the connection between adolescent language development and mental health. As mental health concerns continue to affect students across school and clinical settings, this conversation considers the role speech-language pathologists can play as part of an interprofessional team. Michelle and Kary also discuss how emotional well-being may affect assessment findings, goal development, and intervention planning, and offer strategies to help SLPs better understand and support the whole student. About the Guest: Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience working in a pediatric hospital setting. Throughout her career, she has specialized in working with adolescents and has had the opportunity to work closely on interdisciplinary teams alongside psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, pediatricians, and advanced practice nurses, supporting school-age children and adolescents with complex communication, learning, and mental health needs. Show Notes: Contact Kary on her website: Woven Language + Learning Love Money: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Gain practical strategies to gather meaningful information during bilingual evaluations. Guest: Damaris Sánchez Rivera, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Damaris Sánchez Rivera, MS, CCC-SLP, host of the Spanish-language podcast SLPs en Acción, for a thoughtful conversation about ethical, strengths-based evaluation and treatment approaches for bilingual children. Together, they explore how clinicians can approach bilingual assessments with confidence, cultural responsiveness, and joy while supporting children and families across a variety of settings. About the Guest: Damaris Sanchez Rivera's, MS, CCC-SLP, clinical experience includes working in private practices, charter schools, and home settings. Damaris is currently the Outreach Program Director at a non-profit organization where she coordinates hearing, vision, and speech and language screenings for preschools and Head Start centers for more than 1,000 children every year. Contact Damaris: IG: @speechloveandplaymusic LinkedIn Listen to SLPs en Acción: Apple Podcasts Spotify Youtube Show Notes: Bilinguistics : The Ultimate Speech Language Parent Questionnaire Library Related Course: “Understanding Medical Interpretation” Find Resources : FindHelp.org The Children’s Trust Miami Dolly Parton Imagination Library Dolly Parton Imagination Library Bilingual Instructions Dysphagia Outreach Project Hablamigo : Bilingual resource for K-5 students Love Money: The United Way
An interprofessional conversation on supporting families through the emotional and practical realities of tube feeding. Guest: Claire Reilly, RD, PhD Candidate Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Claire Reilly, RD, PhD Candidate, to First Bite for a thoughtful conversation on the burdens and blessings of pediatric feeding tubes and the path toward tube weaning through an interprofessional lens. Claire shares insights from her latest research on caregiver burden, highlighting the stressors families often carry behind the scenes, including the daily frustrations of managing feeding equipment and routines. Walk away with practical insights, a deeper understanding of caregiver experiences, and a hopeful perspective on helping children move toward greater feeding independence. About the Guest: Claire is a pediatric dietitian and clinical researcher with nearly two decades of clinical experience. Her work focuses on the care and management of children with feeding tubes, with a specific interest in mixed-methods research, consumer engagement, and priority setting. Currently completing her PhD, Claire has published in leading peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. Show Notes: Contact Claire on LinkedIn PFD DAISI: Pediatric Feeding Disorder Dynamic Approach to Impacts and Social Integration Feeding Matters: Power of Two Program Love money: Support Feeding Matters ASHA Advocacy: Take Action
Have you ever heard of the term “shared-creation” or wondered how it applies to effective collaboration for school-based SLPs? Guest: Mary Mitchell, PhD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Mary Mitchell, PhD, CCC-SLP to explore the many ways collaboration can look in practice and define what true shared-creation collaboration involves for the school-based SLP. Michelle and Mary discuss how the SLP’s role shifts across settings, why meaningful collaboration goes far beyond quick conversations or shared paperwork, and how intentional teamwork can help create stronger support systems for students. They share ideas for building authentic partnerships with classroom teachers, navigating common collaboration challenges, and using evidence-based resources to strengthen collaborative practice in schools. About the Guest: Mary Mitchell, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Pacific University. Her clinical background is rooted in school-based services. Dr. Mitchell’s clinical and research interests include language and literacy assessment and intervention, dynamic assessment, professional learning, supervision, and interprofessional collaboration. *Correction Note: Mary would like to acknowledge and correct her use of the terminology “houseless” and “transitioning” at the end of the episode. She recognizes that language which affirms every person’s humanity and dignity, such as “families experiencing unstable housing situations,” should have been used instead. She expresses gratitude for allowing the space to correct this mistake.* Show Notes: Contact Mary : mary.mitchell@pacificu.edu Collaboration in Schools: Let's Define It (Mitchell et al., 2020) Vocabulary Outcomes With Third Graders in a Teacher and Speech-Language Pathologist Collaboration (Mitchell et al., 2022) Facilitating Language Development for Inner-City Children: Experimental Evaluation of a Collaborative, Classroom-Based Intervention (Hadley et al., 2000) Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson Shared Minds: The New Technologies of Collaboration by Michael Schrage Books Are for Talking, Too! By Jane L. Gebers Support the Community Transitional School Support Holla School
Connect the dots between AAC caregiver coaching and adult learning. Guest: Daj Mitchell, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Daj Mitchell for a joyful discussion on powerful AAC caregiver coaching. Together, they explore Malcolm Knowles’ Principles of Adult Learning and how these concepts can help SLPs better support caregivers throughout the AAC journey. Daj breaks down the four levels of caregiver readiness for AAC implementation and shares practical strategies for meeting families where they are. Gain ideas for tailoring AAC coaching conversations, strengthening caregiver engagement, and creating more meaningful opportunities for communication success across everyday routines. About the Guest: Daj Mitchell, MS CCC-SLP, graduated from Governors State University with her Bachelor's in Speech-Language Pathology and a minor in Psychology. She received her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Illinois State University and holds a variety of certifications and awards, including, but not limited to, certification as a Lingraphica Technology Specialist, Level I and Level II Sensory certified, and a recipient of two successive ASHA ACE awards. Show Notes: Contact Daj on Instagram: @yourslpdaj Listen to Daj's Podcast: Co-Treat Corner: Collaboration Tips for Therapists Love Money: Support Spero Stuttering
Explore the ripple effect of early speech and language skills on literacy development. Guest: Margo Kinzer Courter, MBA, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle is tickled pink to host Margo Kinzer Courter, MBA, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, to explore child-led intervention and how letting little ones take the lead can transform speech and language outcomes in early intervention and preschool settings. Margo shares her go-to resources to help bridge speaking, listening, reading, and writing in ways that feel natural and effective in your sessions. This conversation is full of practical ideas to help you support early communication and literacy while keeping therapy engaging, responsive, and meaningful. About the Guest: Margo Kinzer Courter, MBA, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, began her speech-language pathology career in inpatient pediatric rehabilitation. From there, she moved to an outpatient clinic specializing in language-based learning disabilities. Her medical and educational background in language and language disorders has provided the foundation for her 30-year career as a speech-language pathologist. Show Notes: Big Kid School: EI to Preschool Course Margo’s Website: Courter Communications (Therapy Materials) Childhood Apraxia of Speech Videos Extensions to the Speech Disorders Classification System (Shriberg et al., 2010) Developmental Texture Framework Marquette Neurodevelopmental Feeding And Swallowing Lab I-EaT Swallowing Research Lab Love Money: Support Butler University SLHS Fund
Musical speech therapy techniques for the non-musical SLP. Guest: Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Take the FREE Pediatric Feeding Courses for ASHA CEUs (through June 30, 2026) Want to incorporate music into your speech therapy sessions but don't know where to start? Michelle and Corinne share easy-to-use resources to help non-musical SLPs confidently incorporate music into sessions, along with evidence-based tools for clinicians looking to deepen their knowledge of music-based language intervention. About the Guest: Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, is a musical speech-language pathologist based in Baltimore, Maryland, and the founder of *Messy Happy Music Lab*, a private practice specializing in neurodivergent language acquisition, musical language therapy, Gestalt Processing, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Show Notes: Please note the following correction: A4 (A above middle C) is 440Hz, not middle C as stated. Contact Corinne: IG: @crescendo.communication crescendocommunication.com Gestalt Get-Together podcast Love Money: Support Marian House in Baltimore Join the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders Run the Virtual Dash For Dysphagia June 6-13, 2026 Dysphagia Research Society
Dive into the science behind the power of breastmilk and how it applies clinically. Guest: Dr. Richard Noel, MD, PhD Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Michelle and Richard lean into the “nerdy details” behind early nutrition and why it matters so much for the infants we serve. Their conversation walks through clinical guidance on probiotics in the NICU, unpacks the emerging science of microRNA, and connects these concepts to real-world infant growth, gut health, and feeding outcomes. Michelle helps you translate the science into what it means at the bedside, in early intervention, and in caregiver conversations. If you’ve ever wanted a clearer, evidence-based understanding of why breastmilk exposure supports GI development and how to talk about it with families, this episode delivers. About the Guest: Dr. Richard Noel, MD, PhD, Division Chief for Pediatric GI at Baylor College of Medicine at CHRISTUS Children’s Hospital in San Antonio and volunteer Medical Director for Feeding Matters. Show Notes: Healthy Children’s Lactation Project IBCLC Gold Lactation Feeding Matters
What does meaningful caregiver coaching look like in infant feeding therapy? Guest: Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes back Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP, to explore infant feeding through a Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) lens. Together, they discuss how medical factors can impact feeding even in the youngest patients, and the importance of early, caregiver-centered support. The conversation also highlights building caregiver confidence, creating realistic feeding goals, and supporting families through postpartum challenges. This conversation is rooted in hope, trust, and helping caregivers feel seen, supported, and confident throughout the feeding journey. About the Guest(s): Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP, is an Arkansas-based speech-language pathologist with advanced training in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders and the owner of Function First Speech and Feeding Therapy, where she provides home, community, and clinic-based services. She is passionate about interdisciplinary care and caregiver collaboration to support safe, functional feeding. Show Notes: Contact Madi: @functionfirstslp on Instagram or on LinkedIn Attend the 2026 PEDIATRIC FEEDING SYMPOSIUM Beyond the Bite: Supporting the Whole Family in Pediatric Feeding Disorders Madi's Related Courses Effective Parent Coaching Course Family Guided Routines Based Intervention Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating Book Britt Pados Related Course Routines-based Interview Checklist Bridging NICU to Home Course Feeding Matters
Walk through sensory systems and key reflexes for infant feeding. Guest: Michelle Emanuel, OTR/L, IBCLC, NBCR, CST Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Register for the FREE Empowering Providers PFD series Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes industry leader Michelle Emanuel, OTR/L, IBCLC, NBCR, CST, for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on infant reflexes and their role in early feeding development. Together, they explore how key reflexes contribute to early suck–swallow coordination, and how these patterns evolve as infants grow. Their conversation also highlights the role of interoception–the body’s internal sense that helps infants recognize hunger and fullness cues. They discuss torticollis and how neck muscle imbalance can impact positioning and latch, and close with a candid look at tethered oral tissues and their potential influence on feeding outcomes. About the Guest: Michelle Emanuel, OTR/L, IBCLC, NBCR, CST, has been a Pediatric Occupational Therapist for 30 years and specializes in working with newborns to pre-crawling infants. She is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and IBCLC, who is also certified in yoga and several forms of manual therapy. Michelle is passionate about infant neurodevelopment, feeding, the sensory nervous system, and social engagement. Show Notes: Contact Michelle Emanuel: @tonguetiebabies and @tummytimemethod on Instagram or on LinkedIn Hazelbaker Lactation Institute American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery: Clinical Consensus Statement: Ankyloglossia in Children Georgia Malandraki Publications Tummy Time Method Love Money: La Leche League
This innovative tool is sure to support both your clinical heart and your practice as it grows. Guest: Meg Simione, PhD, CCC-SLP and Helen Cohen, BA, CLC Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Register for the FREE Empowering Providers PFD series This episode of First Bite features Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, kicking off PFD and ARFID Awareness Month with Meg Simione, PhD, CCC-SLP, and her graduate student, Helen Cohen, BA, CLC, for an in-depth look at the PFD DAISI. Meg and Helen explain how the six DAISI factors, represented by the flower's petals, guide feeding assessment and treatment. They then dive into the four Social Spheres at the flower’s core, highlighting their influence on a child’s mealtime journey. They share practical tips for using the PFD DAISI in clinical practice, helping SLPs take a holistic, dynamic approach to pediatric feeding care. About the Guests: Meg Simione, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a clinician-scientist specializing in infant and child feeding, growth, and care delivery innovation. She serves as a research scientist in the Division of General Academic Pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a speech-language pathologist, and Instructor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Helen Cohen, BA, CLC, is a graduate student at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, where she is pursuing a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology with a concentration in Medical Speech Pathology. Alongside her academic work, she serves as a research assistant at the University of Rhode Island, conducting research on Pediatric Feeding Disorder, Family Centered Care, and Implementation Science. Show Notes: Contact Meg and Helen on LinkedIn Download the PFD DAISI Feeding Innovation Lab: @feedinginnovationlab on Instagram Dr Brown’s Bottles Dysphagia Outreach Project FindHelp.org The Feeding Flock Feeding Matters Love Money: Support URISSHLA
Approach supervision with greater clarity, intention, and sustainability. Guest: Alice L. Williams, BA, SLPA Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Register for the FREE 5 part PFD Series, April 30-May 28 This course meets ASHA's Supervision PD requirement. In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Alice L. Williams, BA, SLPA, creator of The SLPA Network, to explore the real challenges SLPs face when stepping into supervisory roles, including limited training and the constant pull between clinical responsibilities and mentorship. Alice breaks down how supervision requirements vary widely across states and settings, while highlighting the core principles that make supervision effective no matter where you practice. The discussion centers on "empowered supervision" as a way to build clinician confidence, strengthen professional identity, and support better outcomes for those we serve. About the Guests: Alice L. Williams, B.A., SLPA, is the creator of The SLPA Network and an experienced speech-language pathology assistant with over seven years in pediatric settings. Her work centers on professional identity, empowered supervision, and sustainable collaboration between SLPs and support personnel. Alice develops educational and leadership resources that support ethical practice, reduce burnout, and strengthen interdisciplinary teams across school-based, medical, and private-practice environments. Show Notes: Contact Alice: @speechwith_msalice and @the.slpa.network on Instagram SLPA Network Alice’s Course: Foundations of Effective Supervision Get 10% with the code: LEAD10 (Valid through 12/31/26) If Disney Ran Your Hospital: 9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently by Fred Lee Love Money: Faith Christian Center Cross The Street Fund
Explore common GI challenges in autistic individuals, and how they impact feeding, behavior, and participation at mealtimes. Guest: Leena Sayed, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Register for the FREE PFD series, April 30-May 28 In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Leena Sayed, MS, CF-SLP to take a closer look at the connection between autism, gastrointestinal health, and feeding. Together, they discuss how often GI concerns occur, the signs pediatric feeding therapists should be watching for, and how these factors align within the medical domain of PFD. About the Guest: Leena Sayed, MS, CCC-SLP is a recent graduate in Speech-Language Pathology from James Madison University (JMU) in Virginia. She brings hands-on experience working with children with pediatric feeding disorders across university clinic, outpatient hospital, and private practice settings. Show Notes: Bowel Sounds: The Pediatric GI Podcast Love Money Cause: Palestine Children's Relief Fund
Create safe, supportive assessment experiences to guide trauma-sensitive care. Guest: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Register for the FREE Series: Empowering Providers Through Transforming Pediatric Feeding Journeys In this part 2 episode, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, to explore how trauma can shape feeding experiences for children and families and what that means for clinicians working in pediatric feeding. They focus on evidence-based approaches to trauma-sensitive PFD evaluations, with particular attention to supporting the psychosocial domain of feeding. Lauren also shares practical strategies for delivering trauma-sensitive interventions that support both the child and caregiver. About the Guest(s): Lauren Thompson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, CLC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor, and the owner of Well Fed Feeding & Swallowing Therapy in New Hampshire. Since 2012, she has supported infants and children with PFD, dysphagia, lactation challenges, ARFID, and feeding-related trauma across inpatient rehabilitation, hospital-based outpatient care, Level II and III NICUs, and public schools. Show Notes: Contact Lauren: @laurenteetheslp on Instagram Lauren’s Private Practice: Well Fed Feeding Therapy Related Courses: Trauma and PFD: Moving from Understanding to Healing The Power of PROM for PFD The Feeding Flock: Assessment Tools Infant Feeding Care: Assessment Tools Ezpz Products: Feeding Tools Find local resources: Findhelp.org Love Money Cause: Feeding Matters and your Local Food Banks
Practical insights into bottles, reflux, GI health, and the collaborative thinking needed to support safe, successful feeding. Guest: Britt Pados, PhD, RN, NNP-BC, IBCLC, FAHA Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Britt Pados, PhD, RN, NNP-BC, IBCLC, FAHA, the expert behind Infant Feeding Care, to explore the complexities of feeding in both bottle- and chest-fed infants. They discuss Britt’s research on bottle flow rates and its ongoing clinical relevance, as well as the impact of gastrointestinal issues like reflux on feeding. The conversation highlights the use of the GIGER Scale to improve collaboration between SLPs and medical providers, and concludes with practical insights on conditions like FPIES and FPIAS, along with guidance for supporting lactating caregivers managing infant food allergies. About the Guest: Britt Pados, PhD, RN, NNP-BC, IBCLC, FAHA, and Trauma-Informed Professional at Infant Feeding Care in Massachusetts, where she provides clinical care to infants who are struggling with breastfeeding and/or bottle-feeding. She is also the owner of Infant Feeding Labs, where she conducts flow rate testing of bottle nipples. Show Notes: Infant Feeding Labs Infant Feeding Care Related courses: The Power of PROM for PFD The Medical Domain of PFD The Gastrointestinal and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GIGER) Scale for Infants and Toddlers by Britt Pados, Christine Repsha, and Rebecca R. Hill Dr. Brown’s Bottles Dyphagia Outreach Project Bowel Sounds: The Pediatric GI Podcast Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ by Giulia Enders FindHelp.org Hospital-to-Home Systems Change Support Feeding Matters
A refreshing dose of encouragement and perspective for SLPs who wear many hats. Guest: Emily Bromer, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Emily Bromer, MS, CCC-SLP to celebrate the many roles SLPs take on throughout their careers. They reflect on what makes a supportive and successful clinical fellowship, what graduate students should look for in meaningful practicum placements, and how diverse clinical experiences and strong mentorship can shape a fulfilling career path. They also tackle the reality of imposter syndrome, and offer practical perspectives for protecting your mental health, staying grounded, and rediscovering the passion that drew you to this profession in the first place. If you’re feeling stuck, stretched thin, or simply need a reminder of why you chose this field, this episode is for you. About the Guest: Emily Bromer is a SLP based in Lynchburg, Virginia, who is passionate about increasing her community’s access to quality therapy services and strengthening the profession she loves. She has been practicing for six years and currently serves as the Lead SLP for Appomattox County Public Schools. In addition to her work in public education, Emily is the owner of Hill City Speech Services, PLLC. Show Notes: Contact Emily: @hillcityspeechva on Instagram Emily’s Private Practice: Hill City Speech Services Support Miriam’s House - Solutions to Homelessness
How can a simple tool can strengthen complex clinical decision-making? Guests: Kelly Kleinhans, PhD, CCC-SLP, and Courtney Richards, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Kelly and Courtney share how mind maps and case-based learning are used in graduate training to help learners organize complex information, recognize patterns, and connect assessment findings to meaningful intervention planning. Explore how these strategies can support diverse learning styles while also strengthening supervision and mentoring conversations. Use these tools to help students make sense of complex PFD cases and translate knowledge into confident, thoughtful clinical decisions. About the Guests: Dr. Kelly Kleinhans is a professor, program director, and clinical education enthusiast who is passionate about helping graduate students become confident, compassionate, and practice-ready SLPs. She leads the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at Austin Peay State University. Courtney Richards, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is the Lead Feeding Therapist at Advanced Therapy Solutions (ATS) in Clarksville, TN, where she oversees the feeding program across three clinics. Show Notes: Bridging Pedagogy and Practice: Case-Based Learning and Mind Maps by Kelly Kleinhans, Courtney Richards, and Alison Desomma Supplemental Material APSU Speech-Language & Swallowing Community Clinic Feeding Therapy Sweatshirt - Courtney’s Etsy Store Feeding Matters Power of Two Program Support Feeding Matters Related Course: Research to "Chew On" with Dr. Amy Delaney RAM Clinics Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ by Giulia Enders If Disney Ran Your Hospital: 9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently by Fred Lee
How can we strengthen and mentor the next generation of clinicians? Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP welcomes Belinda Daughrity, PhD, CCC-SLP, Anita Fitzgerald, PhD, RN, AGNP, and Sharon Konrad, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE to this episode of First Bite for a powerful conversation on mentoring a healthy professional identity in future colleagues. Together, these SLPs and nurses demonstrate why interprofessional education across allied health professions is not optional, it is essential. The conversation unpacks what “professional identity” really means in clinical education, why it matters for long-term career resilience, and how intentional mentoring shapes confident, ethical SLPs. About the Guests: Belinda Daughrity, PhD, CCC-SLP, Anita Fitzgerald, PhD, RN, AGNP, and Sharon Konrad, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE are a powerhouse group from California State University Long Beach who bring research from the fields of nursing and social work and pour that wisdom directly into speech-language pathology to strengthen how we prepare and mentor the next generation of clinicians. Show Notes: Read the journal article, "Professional Identity in Speech-Language Pathology Students" Support The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Support your local Domestic Abuse Shelter Support Beach Food Pantry
