Guest: Rebekah Wada, ABD, MS CCC-SLP - In this episode, Michelle is joined by Rebekah Wada, ABD, MS CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at Francis Marion University, who is a Doctoral Candidate in Disability Disciplines with a specialization in Speech-Language Pathology at Utah State University. Rebekah is here to share her passion of Implementation Sciences. In a nutshell, this is the hour where we learn how to easily and effectively bridge research into clinical practice, all with ease and laughter.

Guest: Lane Rials MS, CCC-SLP - The presenters discuss how our own implicit biases in AAC can hinder our patient’s progress, how accessing AAC for individuals with complex mobility needs can be achieved, and how Neural Nod utilizes EMG to give a voice to those in need. If you are on the hunt for the latest evolution in functional AAC SGD to give your little ones the ability to make their wants known, then make sure you tune in for this hour!

Guest: Dakota Sharp, Au.D., CCC-A - In this episode Michelle is joined by Dakota Sharp, AuD, CCC-A, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of SC, as well as fellow podcaster, host behind “On the Ear”, also sponsored by Speechtherapypd.com. For this hour, Dakota, the straight shooting Audiologist, brings a series of unfortunately common Clinical Case conundrums designed for the practicing Audiologist and/or Speech Language Pathologist, all of which will target ethical concerns. Michelle and Dakota then work together to address the details of the case and how to prevent these errors in your own everyday practice! If you’ve been on the hunt for an ethics class that fits your clinical expertise, then tune in, because Dakota and Michelle have the hour for you!

Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by her regular co-host extraordinaire Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, soon to be CLC. In this episode Michelle and Erin wrap out their final 2020 episode by having one of their most crucial conversations…how to recognize what your specific Scope of Practice is within the incredibly diverse field that we belong too, as well as how to establish healthy boundaries to protect it! If you’re as wore out from 2020 as we are, then join Michelle and Erin for creating a smooth transition into 2021.

Guest: Madeline Raatz - In this episode Michelle is joined by Madeline Raatz, Senior Speech Language Pathologist from Children’s Health Queensland…yes that Queensland…from the land down under! In case you missed it, Michelle and Madeline tackled Evaluation and Treatment of PFD in Episode 11 of “Talking Teletherapy: A Speech Therapy Podcast” at the start of the worldwide pandemic. Today, they are back for an expansion of the initial ideas, to provide strategies to overcome the barriers of treating a PFD via teletherapy, as well as to celebrate the victories and benefits of teletherapy. Enjoy this hour that unites the globe in embracing telepractice evidence for PFDs.

Guest: Marsha Dunn Klein, OTR/L, MEd, FAOTA - In this episode Michelle is joined by Marsha Dunn Klein, OTR/L, MED, FAOTA, the guru behind the Get Permission Approach and author of the new PFD treatment book “Anxious Eaters, Anxious Mealtimes: Practical and Compassionate Strategies for Mealtime Peace”. If you’ve ever struggled with how to bring joy into a PFD treatment session, or worried about how to expand a little one’s accepted diet with laughter, or fretted about what carry over strategies to recommend to the caregivers and family members, then this is the evidenced based hour for you from one of the world's leading PFD Occupational Therapists! So join the grasshopper nation and let’s take a loving leap into the world of PFDs!

Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Michelle and Erin take a fresh look at Leadership opportunities available in our field. One aspect about the ASHA Convention that both Michelle and Erin miss the most, aside from hugging colleagues from across the nation, is the missed opportunities for learning how to engage in leadership activities to drive a positive change both a local and national level for our profession and our patients. Since the convention is cancelled this year, they decided to bring some ideas to you. So, regardless of what stage of your career you are in, #slp2be, #earlycareerslp, or #seasonedslp, this episode is designed to bring the tools and opportunities to you to help be the source of a positive change.

Guest: Kari Comer Lim, MS CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by Kari Comer Lim, MS CCC-SLP, Past President of the DC Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, and Clinical Supervisor at George Washington University where she has collaborated with colleagues across the globe to create study abroad opportunities for Speech Language Pathology students. If you’ve ever thought about combining your loves of Speech Language Pathology, Travel, and Doing Good in the World… then I’m sure that you have thought about volunteering as an SLP abroad! And…I’m hoping that as soon as you had that beautiful thought, you followed it with a quick question or two of, “How can I ethically and respectfully contribute in another community?”. The lovely Kari is here to answer that question, provide first hand guidance, share personal experiences, and mentor you so that you can share your gifts with the world and grow as a kind SLP in the process too!

Guest: Sarah Breshears, MA CCC-SLP - In this course, Michelle is joined by Sarah Breshears, MA CCC-SLP, of @ShortandSweetSpeech from Instagram. This oral care champion is here to hold the crucial conversation about “Baby Burnout." Sometimes the world of Early Intervention and pediatrics is overwhelming and you hit your professional “done level”. But, you then run into the almost insurmountable challenge of, “But babies are all I know! How do I make the change into adults?”. Sarah is here to educate about the signs and symptoms of burnout, functional strategies to overcome it, and offer suggestions to help you make a transition from babies to adults, from home health to acute, from stress to relief.

Guests: Nasha Fitter and Nicole Johnson - In this course, Michelle is joined by Natasha Fitter, CEO and Head of Research, as well as Nicole Johnson, President of Communications, for FOXG1 Research Foundation. These two co-founders are here to share how their very personal parenting walks of children with FOXG1 Syndrome, led to the birth of this amazing Research Foundation that is changing the lives of countless children around the world. FOXG1 is know for causing varied and severe Pediatric Feeding Disorders. Not only will Natasha and Nicole share the history of the Foundation, but they will also discuss their latest research, and recommendations for best practice for evaluation and treatment of individuals with PFDs secondary to FOXG1.

Guest: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by the always lovely and passionate Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, and they take on the trickiest of tasks…. medical terminology! Has it been many-a-moon since the days of grad school? Are you feeling unsure of the terms you read in your patient’s file? Unsure of what to ask for when you call and speak to the patient’s pediatrician’s office? Don’t worry! Erin and Michelle are here to guide you on common terminology used in the NICU, common diagnoses and tests run by the GI, common terms that the RD may use in your collaborative conversation, and common terminology to help you absorb that Neurology report! Come join Michelle and Erin and master Medical Terminology for the EI SLP!

Guest: Jaclyn Pederson - In this episode Michelle is joined by the inspirational Jaclyn Pederson, the newly appointed CEO of “Feeding Matters”. By now, you’ve heard Michelle advocate for and encourage volunteers to collaborate with “Feeding Matters”… but today Jaclyn shares the how and why this advocacy and collaboration is key to expanding knowledge and evidenced based practice surrounding evaluation and treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders. Jaclyn takes us on a deep dive as to what the “4 Pillars” are that serve as the basis for “Feeding Matters”, discussing the IPP advocacy efforts behind the PFD ICD Code, as well as development of the ICFQ Questionnaire to assist Pediatricians with their identification of PFD. She then inspires each and every single one of us on how we can share of our time and talents to advance the understanding and treatment for individuals with PFDs. Did I mention the best part? Not only is this organization driven by the crossroads of EBP and IPP…but they place a significant emphasis on family/caregiver involvement as being critical to the little one’s success! Hip Hip Hooray for a patient/family centered care PFD Hour!

Guest: Dr. Marion Russell, OTD, MOTR/L, SCEF - In this episode Michelle is by the oh-so-joyful Dr. Marion Russell, OTD, MOTR/L, SCEFS, from NoTube.com. Dr. Marion is part of the world renowned “No Tube” Interdisciplinary Therapy Center in Graz, Austria, where they work with families, (both face-to-face and remotely), to assist pediatric patient’s overcome feeding tube dependency…through functional evidenced based practice! In this hour, Dr. Marion discusses the roles and responsibilities of the various members of the team, medical readiness of the candidate, with specific emphasis placed on restoring the heart of mealtime: the healthy relationship between the child, their family/caregiver, and the meal. So, bust out your picnic tablecloth, get your messy feeding clothes ready, and be prepped for an hour of celebrating feeding victories!

Guest: Jenine Entwistle Viole, MSP, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT - In this episode Michelle is joined by the Jenine Entwistle Viole, MSP, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, a Speech-Language Pathologist and Auditory-Verbal therapist with Pediatric Speech and Language Services in North Carolina…and if we are lucky her sidekick Dennis the Golden Doodle, honorary SLP, will join in too! Have you ever worked with a little one who had hearing loss and felt as if you were missing “something” to help them reach their functional language goals? Jenine is here to explain what an Auditory-Verbal Therapist is and how the specialized training and certification process supplies the evidence for that “something” you felt was missing. This is the perfect follow-up episode to compliment Dakota Sharpe, AuD, CCC-A in “The Journey of Cochlear Implants”, from First Bite Episode #109.

Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by the powerhouse that is Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, when they break down some of their favorite tips for conducting a successful Feeding Therapy Session. If you are struggling with creating optimal position for PO intake, Erin and Michelle will help provide strategies that are low cost to no cost. Have you consider how “busy” the therapy room may appear to the patient that you’re working with…and how that will impact their ability to attend to the activity? Erin and Michelle offer guidance on how to declutter that clinic space and why! Are you feeling frustrated by challenging behaviors during your session…and not sure which steps you need to take to help ease the storm? Erin and Michelle have ideas to bring the calm! Tune in for an hour of evidenced based feeding strategies that work!

Guest: Alyson Smith, MS, CCC-SLP - This episode combines the great minds of Alyson Smith, MS CCC-SLP from @ei.teletherapy on Instagram, Erin Forward, MSP CCC_SLP, and Michelle L.W. Dawson, MS CCC-SLP, CLC, where they deep dive into evidence based intervention for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders. Join this electrifying trio as they tackle what the true definition of evidenced-based practice is for PFDs, move into explaining exercise principles, and discuss how to implement EBP strategies in your Early Intervention Clinic or Home-Based Services. These three women are on a mission to bring fabulously functional tips to your practice via an hour packed with laughter and #SLPNerdCrushes.

Guest: Angela McLeod, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined once again by Angela N. McLeod, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, who is a Clinical Associate Professor and Speech-Language Pathologist at the University of SC, that has also obtained certification as a qualified orofacial myologist (QOM). This is the sequel to Dr. Angela’s first appearance in Episode #103 “Mythbusting Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders”. Today Dr. Angela discusses who is an appropriate pediatric candidate for orofacial myofunctional therapy, with emphasis on developmental age, prerequisites to participation, what an evaluation includes, and what an evidenced based treatment session includes. There’s a lot of ground to cover with these two ladies, so hang tight for another mythbusing session!

Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle and Erin tackle three complex Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) Cases. Join them as they walk through the first steps of identifying signs and symptoms, navigate the complexity of the Interprofessional Practice diagnostic process, address some potential EBP treatment options, and then discuss a recovery plan for when the inevitable “kaboom” of a communication breakdown occurs between practitioners. If you have questions about the initial red flags for EOE, Neurogenic based PFD, and how to establish ideal communication between practitioners, then this is the Clinical Case Study Hour for you!

Guest: Wyatt Franken - In this episode Michelle is joined by Wyatt Franken, Augmentative Communication Consultant with Talk to Me Technologies. Wyatt, who has a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, from University of Northern Iowa, is here today to talk about all the nitty gritty details that go on behind the scenes in the process of AAC trials. Have you been worried about what options are out there? Curious about the trends in AAC? What about the little details, such as how do you get assistance with an AAC mount…or who orders those mounts? Have you wondered how long the typical AAC trial is? Or how many devices most folks go through before they find the right one? Or…and this is the big one…have you been questioning what exactly is needed in an AAC report for submission and approval? Wonderful Wyatt is here to answer all those questions and more! So enjoy this behind-the-scenes look into the world of AAC!

Guest: Dakota Sharp, AuD, CCC-A - In this episode Michelle is joined by Dakota Sharp, AuD, CCC-A is a clinical assistant professor and audiologist at the University of South Carolina Montgomery-Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. Today Dr. Dakota lays out the steps entailed in the process of obtaining a cochlear implant! Have you ever wondered which one of your patients is a candidate for a CI? Or are you unfamiliar with hearing aid technology and unsure of the difference between a CI and other hearing devices? Or do you have a patient that has a CI, but have heard that there are newer features…and you want all the exciting news? Dr. Dakota will shed light on the all the steps and is ready to answer your questions too! Enjoy y’all!

Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined once again by her dynamite First Bite partner, Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, where they take on the topic of Clinical Supervision…for a newbie! The lovely Erin, like so many other SLP’s out there, is coming down the home stretch for when she can serve the next round of Clinicians as their Clinical Practicum Supervisor! There’s no better time than now to cover all the amazing supports, supervision requirement changes, research, and practical application strategies for being successful Supervisor! Have you thought about venturing into the world of Clinical Supervision, but not sure where to start? Michelle and Erin will share the fabulous resources to set you and your future students for success!

Guest: Melissa Blandford, MS, RD, LDN - In this episode Michelle is joined by Melissa Blandford - Development Manager for Real Food Blends for the East Coast. Melissa, who has over 20 years of experience working with enteral pediatric patients in the home setting, as well as with DME companies to assist with billing, insurance, and trouble shooting use and approval of enteral feedings in the home setting, is here for an hour to discuss all things EBP for Blenderized Tube Feedings (BTF). Have you worked with a little one with a tubie who has struggled with constipation, retching, GERD management issues? How about the little ones that also struggle with the sugar crashes between tube feedings…because their commercial tube feeds are primarily a “-ose” as in “fructose” or “sucrose”? Well then join Michelle and Melissa for an hour of sugarfree delight while they fill your cup with evidence behind the need for putting real food in a tube!

Guest: Dani Newcomb, MS CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by Dani Newcombe, MS CCC-SLP, the delightfully candid Pediatric Feeding SLP blogger behind The Messy SLP, where she shares bits and pieces of what it's like to be a "messy perfectionist". Dani, who currently works as an SLP in an autism therapy center in South Bend, Indiana, has traveled the country in the pursuit of her passion… delivering EBP Feeding Services to those in need! Today she shares how we can work collaboratively with our ABA Colleagues in the somewhat contentious area of “Feeding”. Yes, you read that right, how to work collaboratively with ABA Colleagues in the world of Pediatric Feeding Disorders…and trust Dani and Michelle…it is possible! Enjoy the hour filled with real life trials and tribulations, lessons learned from past failures, and how to set your tiny human up for Feeding Success!

Guest: Sari Risen, M.A., CCC-SLP, Reg. CASLPO, BCBA - In this episode Michelle is joined by Sari Risen, M.A., CCC-SLP, Reg. CASLPO, BCBA, from Toronto, Canada, and they tackle the complicated topic of ABA Therapy and Speech Therapy…within the framework of the fields working collaboratively! Join the ladies as Sari takes First Bite Listeners on an Interprofessional Education tour of the process it takes to earn a BCBA certification, explains the differences and similarities between the terminology of the ABA and SLP worlds, and shares the theory of language acquisition that is the framework for the BCBA approach. Extra tidbit… there’s a mini crash course on the differences between licenses in the States and Canada! Here’s hoping that this crossroads conversations can lead to collaboration at a local level.

Guest: Angela McLeod, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by Angela N. McLeod, PhD, CCC-SLP, who is a Clinical Associate Professor and Speech-Language Pathologist at the University of SC, that has also obtained certification as a qualified orofacial myologist (QOM). Are you new to the words “orofacial myologist” and unclear what it is and how it works within the field of Speech-Language Pathology? Have you worried that orofacial myology is synonymous with non-evidenced based oral motor exercises? Or, (like Michelle until just recently), are you too laboring upon the misinformation that all orofacial myologists are proponents of cutting tethered tissues? Well, then come join the gracious and compassionate Dr. Angela for an hour of mythbusting that is sure to inspire us all in the pursuit of additional coursework! Wahoo for EBP drive SLPs!

Guest: Morgan Mitchell - In this episode Michelle is joined by Morgan Mitchell, Senior Recruiter for Elevation Healthcare, to address all the confusions and considerations that surround a contract SLP position! So let’s be honest, we have all seen our friends who take that contract job and are posting beautiful instagram pictures of exotic places across America…and we think to ourselves, “Oh I could do that…but…” and then we freeze because of that tiny little word “but”. Today, we are tackling that “but” and replacing it what the facts about who, what, where, when, why behind a contract and also delving into the ASHA 2019 Healthcare Salary Survey to pack this hour full of information, so that you know your worth! Get your parka or sunglasses ready, because by the end of this hour you will be ready for that contract position and the adventure of a lifetime!

Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by her regular co-host of First Bite, the one and only Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP and…drumroll please…this is the episode where they get to share the project they have been working on for the past year… “Chasing the Swallow: Best Practices for Pediatric Feeding Disorders”… the BOOK… just in PodCourse form of course! Have you ever wondered about what type of training and education the members of the Pediatric Feeding Team have experienced? Have you been curious about what type of tests that ENT, GI, and Neurologist can order? Have you ever pondered who can help solve the riddle of a particular patient’s signs and symptoms? Today the ladies of First Bite answer those questions and more with copious amounts of research and resources! It’s been a long time coming, but y’all “Chasing the Swallow” is finally here!

Guest: Vince Clark, M.Ed, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by Edgar “Vince” Clark, M. Ed., CCC/SLP, Past President of the GA Speech Language Hearing Association and 2013 Alumni of the Year for the Dewar College of Education and Human Services at Valdosta State University. Today Vince shares his insights on why the FEEs examination can be as an invaluable tool for the pediatric population as the MBSS instrumental examination, and how it offers improved accessibility especially for those populations that don’t have easy access to a radiology suite. Sit back and let the soothing Southern drawl of these two calm your nerves and lift your spirits while they talk about all thangs noses and fiber optic cameras!

Guest: Gregory Black, MD - In this episode Michelle is joined by Dr. Gregory Black, the current President of the SC Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Society, and guest for Episode 13 “So You’re Telling Me Allergy Testing is Important?”, and Episode 18 “Dairy vs Soy vs What? The Correct Formula for Your Allergy and Why!” and they are taking a closer examination of that elusive Eosinophilic Esophagitis diagnosis. Okay, so let’s admit, most of us had never heard of “EOE”, as it is more commonly known, in grad school, but it appears to be popping up left and right these days when we go to obtain a past medical history for our patients. This is a hard diagnosis to come by, and unfortunately, it is a hard diagnosis to effectively treat, and for the “Feeding Therapist”, well y’all it’s hard to try new foods when we are worried about which ones our patient’s could be allergic too. That’s where the lovely Dr. Gregg Black comes in! He is back y’all to explain all about EOE! Through his helpful tips, all of us in the trenches will find better footing in the evaluation and treatment process for our patients! Three Cheers for Dr. Gregg!

Guest: Kelly Kleinhans, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by Kelly Kleinhans, PhD, CCC-SLP, who was awarded the 2017 Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association-American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation Clinical Achievement Award for her work with persons with Down syndrome. Dr. Kelly, who is currently serving as past president of the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association, is here today to share her passion for best practices for total communication and early introduction of AAC for individuals who have Down syndrome. Have you noticed the inclusive advertisements for some of our favorite shopping centers? Have you noticed the new face on some of our favorite baby food jars lately? Dr. Kelly and First Bite sure have! So after we tackle “all thangs” EBP for total communication and AAC, Dr. Kelly is going to discuss the empowering trends in social media for acceptance and inclusion! You’re probably going to want to listen to this fabulous hour with your latte in hand while pushing your favorite red shopping cart!

Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined once again by co-host extraordinaire Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP…and they are taking on those tricky tethered tissue issues. Have you too been confused about the HIPAA compliant pictures that you see popping up on social media that ask advice about that presumed “tongue tie”? Or has a colleague sent you a HIPAA friendly pic of a supposed “lip tie” and asked your advice about a static image? Welp, us too! In this episode Michelle and Erin address normal anatomical variations, the history of tethered tissue treatments, and what the evidence currently tells us. Enjoy the untanglement!

In this episode Michelle is joined the one and only Cari Ebert, MS CCC-SLP, of the famous Cari Ebert Seminars! Cari, who is a passionate pediatric SLP focusing on Early Intervention and Apraxia, an Autism Momma, a proud defender of play, a breast cancer survivor, author, professional speaker, and as she says a frequent flyer, is a one stop shop for EBP resources and is here today to tackle the evidenced based trend towards Coaching. Watch out EI SLP’s…we heard that worried sigh of “Oh No not Coaching!”, but fear not! Cari illuminates the common misunderstanding between Coaching and Counseling, then turns around and busts open the obstacles to coaching with function and fun resources to set you and your patients up for success. It’s a double whammy of energy and enthusiasm for putting evidence into the world of Early Intervention this hour!

Click here to access the full 7-hour bootcamp and earn ASHA CEUs! Panelists: Michelle L. W. Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC; Andrea M.Szwabowski, M.H.S., CCC-SLP/L; Marisha Mets, MS, CCC-SLP; Carrie Clark, CCC-SLP; Jessi Andricks MS, CCC-SLP; Lauren Tandy, MS CCC-SLP This panel of presenters discussed teletherapy, the essential and best practices for EI to High School related services.

Presenters: Kari Comer, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined again by Kari Comer, MS CCC-SLP, Clinical Supervisor, Adjunct Professor, and Outreach Coordinator at The George Washington University, and Current President of the D.C. Speech Language and Hearing Association. Kari, who was featured in Episode #75, “Clinical Supervision as told by the SLP President of DC”, is back to address the hard cases of Clinical Supervision… or in simpler terms what to do when it all goes “Ka-Blooey”! Kari will offer examples of some of the most common professionalism concerns regarding Clinical Supervisors, Student Clinicians, and then functional strategies for turning a wayward Clinical Practicum around into a positive learning experience.

Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by everyone’s favorite First Bite co-host, Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, to address those confounding cranial nerves! On Old Olympus towering Tops A Finn And German Viewed Some Hops… well sure that quick mnemonic diddy helped you ace your anatomy test in grad school, but what did you really learn about the cranial nerves for speech and swallowing development? The Vagus, sure he wanders, but what about his implication in cardiac repair surger? The Trigeminal, sure he does sensation and motor innervation, but what about when the little one had a grade 4 bleed at week 32? Do you know what could be impacted? In this hour Michelle and Erin take on all 12 nerves and guarantee to toss in a funny bone too!

In this episode Michelle is joined by the accomplished lecturer Jill Eversmann, MS CCC-SLP, Academic and Clinical Faculty of Columbia College, and X instructor w/ ASDF. In this hour they challenge all the preconceived notions about incorporating American Sign Language into Early Intervention….in short, they will teach you how “talking with your hands” is an excellent strategy to increase acquisition of functional communication, the differences between Baby Sign and American Sign Language, and the best resources and references behind the beautiful intersection that is ASL and EI. Be sure to stretch before this hour, because it will have you moving!

Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle and Erin tackle when it is appropriate to say “NPO”. That’s right, sometimes it falls on us as the Feeding and Dysphagia experts to share with the rest of the Interprofessional Team that we have concerns for safety of PO intake. But, we need to be able recognize how the “Little One’s” Cardiac, Gastrointestinal, and Respiratory systems contribute or dictate that NPO status. Again, we need to be able to when the pleasure and quality of a feed are fading and our patients need advocacy and support. Baselines change often for our complex patients and this is the episode that differentiates the signs and symptoms of when we can say “NPO” and when we can joyously celebrate moving towards “PO” again.

In recognition of Black History Month, Michelle interviews the amazing Kia Noelle Johnson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. Dr. Johnson, who serves on the ASHA Board of Directors as the National Advisor to the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, is also an 18-year member of the National Black Association for Speech, Language and Hearing where she currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors. She is also a proud alumna of the 2006 class of the ASHA Minority Student Leadership Program. This is a fast paced hour that covers a lot of ground: everything from the history of African Americans prevalence and growth within the world of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, how an SLP working in the world of Early Intervention needs to ethically assess and treat a child with a suspected language delay or impairment when a little one that we are working with has AAVE or resides with a family who speaks using a recognized dialect such as Gullah or Geechee, and how one could become involved in such groups as NBASLH and the Student Minority Leadership Program at ASHA. Enjoy the encouragement in how we can encourage diversity within our field at a local grassroots effort!

In this episode Michelle is joined by Elizabeth (Beth) Halpin, MHS, OTR/L, SCFES, from episode #60 “Ots and Feeding? Who knew!?!” and Rob Dempster, PhD, Pediatric Psychologist, from episode #71 Psyched about Psychology and Feeding!”. In this hour of “First Bite”, the dynamic duo opens up about their collaboration for a combined treatment approach for pediatric feeding and swallowing disordersThey share the good, the bad, the ugly: lesson’s learned about best practice for a team approach, etiologies that benefit the most from a team approach, as well as their favorite “do-overs”…as in, “welp if we had known this, then we would have done this”…and let’s be honest, the do-overs tend to be the best life lessons! Let this cheery episode warm you up this chilly winter day!

In this episode Michelle and Erin have fully recovered from the intensity that is the annual ASHA Convention from November 2019. Why is that great news? Easy! They are going to share their “Top 10 Takeaways” for adding functional evidence to your practice! They will take you on an EBP hunt in the exhibit hall, hit up Erin’s Top 3 Lectures, and wrap with Michelle’s Top 3 Lectures, and spread some joy that can be found by being surrounded by almost 14,000 colleagues. If you weren’t able to make to Orlando this past year, no worries, they are all set to bring the magic to you!

In this episode Michelle is joined once again by Stephen Kneece, MA, CCC-SLP, who serves as the President-Elect-Elect of SCSHA (South Carolina Speech-Language Hearing Association), the CEO/Founder of Speech and Language Songs, as well as a graduate of the ASHA LDP (Leadership Development Program). Today Stephen, who works as an Assistive Technology Consultant for his local school district, discusses the concept of “Prompting Hierarchy” and how to use it effectively with AAC, as well as pros and cons of utilizing a “Push-In” model for AAC in an Elementary School and in a Daycare for Early Intervention. The guru behind “Speech and Language Songs”, found on YouTube and Instagram, packs quite the perky punch in this episode… bonus points… he can really rock that guitar and solo vocals!

In this episode Michelle is joined by the one and only Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP, author of the critically acclaimed and widely successful books “Raising a Healthy Happy Eater: A Stage-by-Stage Guide to Setting Your Child on the Path to Adventurous Eating” (2015),“Baby Self-Feeding: Solutions for Introducing Purees and Solids to Create Lifelong Healthy Eating Habits (2016)”. And the popular food activity book, titled “Adventures in Veggieland: Help Your Kids Learn to Love Vegetables with 100 Easy Activities and Recipes (2018)”. Melanie serves up a scrumptious hour jammed pack with busting “Baby-Led Weaning” myths, elaborating on her “3 Easy E’s”, and highlighting some of her favorite family mealtime tips from other cultures and how they can encourage healthy eating habits for your little one…as well as infuse joy into a home!

In this episode Michelle is joined by Lisa Young Milliken, MA, CCC, FNAP, CDP, who received her BA from Louisiana Tech University and her MA from The University of Memphis in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology. Have you had questions regarding that laundry list of medications that your pediatric patient is taking? No fear and no shame from us here at First Bite…. because we have had the same questions too! Did you know that certain common medications for GERD and seizure management could trigger an oroprharyngeal dysphagia, trigger constipation, or result in bone density issues? As Clinicians we need to understand how the medications that our patients are taking can impact their hunger cues and desire for PO trials, or contribute to safety issues for PO intake… and Lisa is here to clarify the muddy waters that is pediatric medications.

In this episode Michelle is joined by the esteemed Melanie W. Hudson, M.A. CCC-SLP, National Director at EBS Healthcare, ASHA Fellow, and Distinguished Fellow of National Academies of Practice (NAP), as well as author of “Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, 4th edition” (Lubinski & Hudson; Delmar, Cengage Learning, 2013; Plural Publishing, 2018). Today they address the tough questions… common ethical issues that Early Intervention SLPs face each day. Billing concerns, patient abandonment, and the new 2020 ASHA Code of Ethics updates are all covered in this episode that is designed to lift your spirits, get that knot of dread out of your stomach, and leave you feeling refreshed for the start of the new year!

In this episode Michelle is joined by the author of Management of Swallowing and Feeding in Schools Emily M. Homer, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow! If you have ever been concerned about transitioning your patient from the world of Early Intervention into the Local Education Agency, (LEA), then after this hour you should be armed with knowledge and peace of mind about options to support and ease your little one’s transition. Are you concerned about who will provide services for feeding and swallowing in the LEA? What about if the CCC-SLP at the LEA can make referrals to the medical community? OR…and this is a biggie for the EI CCC-SLP…what can you do to ease the transition from EI to LEA for your patient? Don’t worry Emily Homer, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow, will equip you today!

In this episode Michelle is once again joined by the passionate Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP. Together they spend an hour dedicated to dissecting common airway, cardiac, and GI issues prevalent with Infants, Toddlers, and Children who have Down syndrome, and how these can result in a Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders. Special attention is placed on how airway, cardiac, and GI issues can occur in isolation, but often for our patients with Down syndrome, they occur concomitantly. Appropriate Interprofessional Practice referrals, Functional Feeding strategies, and shout outs for the amazing work that the National Down syndrome Society is doing… are all on the menu too!

In this episode Michelle is joined by the One and Only Cheri Fraker, MS CCC-SLP, CLC! That’s right, the guru behind “Food Chaining: The proven 6-Step Plan to Stop Pick Eating, Solve Feeding Problems, and Expand Your Child’s Diet”. This phenomenal book has indescribably positively impacted that patients of the clinicians that have devoured the text. So, are you feeling stuck with how to proceed with a patient to expand their diet beyond 3 choice foods? Are you feeling overwhelmed with how to introduce PO for the first time to a little one who has feeding tube dependency? Well, leave your chewy tubes at home, lock them away in a box, lose key, and be prepared to have your professional soul nourished with Cheri!

In this episode Michelle is joined by the fabulous Fé Murray, EdD, CCC-SLP, who is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders department at Northern Arizona University (NAU), and the Immediate Past President of the Arizona State Speech Language and Hearing Association. Have you been unsettled by a recent referral for a child who speaks a different language? Are you unsure with how to proceed? Concerned on whether or not you need an interpreter to assist in the evaluation and/or treatment? Or…the big scary one…what if you can’t find an interpreter?!? Don’t worry, Michelle has had that fear too…but the Fearless Fé is her today to offer some evidence and ethical recommendations on how to proceed!