Guest: Ruchi Kapila, MS, CCC-SLP Renee is joined by Ruchi Kapila, MS, CCC-SLP, to discuss the singing voice and the role of the SLP. Singing voice habilitation and rehabilitation involve techniques and practices to maintain, improve, and restore singers' vocal capabilities. Whether optimizing vocal techniques or restoring vocal function after an injury, effective care includes a multidisciplinary approach. Join Renee and Ruchi to learn more about this specialized area of care for SLPs.

Guest: Benjamin Bennett, MS, CCC-SLP, ATACP In this episode, Renee is joined by Benjamin Bennett, MS, CCC-SLP, ATACP, the AAC Specialist serving Escondido Union School district in California. Renee and Benjamin will explore how caregivers are vital in empowering AAC users to communicate effectively. From understanding the basics of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to learning practical strategies for daily use, we will describe what a strong communication partner looks like....

Guest: Fe Murray, EdD, CCC-SLP In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Fe Murray to dive into the world of clinical supervision/mentorship. While being a clinical supervisor has many rewards, there are also unique challenges. From fostering professional growth to navigating difficult conversations, we uncover the essential qualities that make an exceptional mentor in the clinical field. Whether you are an aspiring supervisor or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable insights...

Guest: Melanie Hudson, MA, CCC-SL, F-ASHA, F-NAP, BCS-CL In this episode, Renee is joined by Melanie Hudson to discuss medical ethics for CSD professionals. We will explore common ethical dilemmas CSD professionals encounter, such as maintaining patient confidentiality, navigating informed consent, and balancing patient autonomy with care decisions. Learn how CSD professionals can uphold ethical standards while providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Join Renee and Melanie for a...

Guest: Anna Ware, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Anna to discuss the importance of cultural humility for CSD professionals evaluating and treating Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users. Renee and Anna will explore how to better understand how cultural values, beliefs, and communication norms influence AAC users and their communication partners. Included are concrete strategies for creating inclusive communication environments that honor the identities and...

Guest: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP, CLC, Advanced DIR/Floortime® Provider, TBRI® Trained Practitioner - In this crossover episode, Renee, the host of Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPs, and Erin, co-host of First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional, collaborate to discuss Trauma Informed Care and the impact trauma has on communication, feeding, and learning. Renee and Erin presented a similar course at the ASHA Convention in Boston in 2023. Together, they define the principles of...

Guest: Tracie Bearden, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIST - In this episode, Renee is joined by Tracie to discuss brain injury advocacy. Learn how SLPs can raise awareness, provide education and support, and foster recovery for TBI survivors and their caregivers. Renee and Tracie will discuss practical strategies, state and national organizations for resources, and how you can champion rights for TBI care across the life continuum.

Guest: Dawn Ducca - In this episode, Renee is joined by Dawn, who serves as a volunteer Ambassador for The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is a group of brain disorders that primarily impact personality, behavior, and language skills. This combination presents unique challenges for caregivers. Discussion includes medical aspects of the disease, psychological symptoms, and the progression of the disease that wreaks havoc on daily life. Some of the...

Guest: Lynn Reed, MA CCC-SLP, CBIS, MSCS - In this episode, Renee is joined by Lynn to discuss what SLPs need to know about multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Define what pathophysiology of MS involves, including the progression and types of MS. Learn how patient-centered care and quality of life are improved with personalized treatment plans and caregiver involvement. Join Renee and Lynn for a packed hour of treatment options for the patient with MS.

Guest: Ashley Muñoz López, MBA, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S - In this episode, Renee is joined by Ashley to discuss Disorders of Consciousness. Ashley co-authors the peer-reviewed journal article “A Conscious Approach to Decannulation: Clinical Application of a One-Way Speaking Valve With Disorders of Consciousness.” Join Renee and Ashley as they discuss Disorders of Consciousness (DoC), including coma, vegetative state, and minimally conscious state, as well as assessment and treatment options for...

Guest: Julie Sullivan, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Julie, the Covid Recovery Center program manager in Boston, MA. Learn what the journey of battling long covid entails, including expert insights, practical advice for navigating patients' challenges, and understanding the recovery process. Join Renee and Julie for an hour of discovery and exploration of research initiatives.

Guest: Jaimie Anderson, MS, CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS - In this episode, Renee and Jaimie discuss functional dysphagia. Functional dysphagia occurs when individuals experience difficulty swallowing despite no structural abnormalities. It can significantly affect quality of life and impact daily life. Join Renee and Jaimie as they explore causes, symptoms, evaluation, and treatment options for functional dysphagia and delve into the complexities of the condition.

Guest: Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Pamela to discuss social determinants of mental health and their relation to speech-language pathology. Social determinants of mental health are conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, work, and age that impact a wide range of health, functioning, and quality of life outcomes and the risks associated with these domains. Social determinants of mental health can affect the development and treatment of...

Guest: Sonya Floyd, MEd, CCC-SLP - Renee is joined by Sonya to discuss community reintegration, specifically for TBI survivors. Discover the range of services and support systems designed to help patients return to their daily lives and participate in their communities. This process requires a multidisciplinary approach, including medical and therapeutic support, social support, vocational rehabilitation, community resources, and education and advocacy programs. Join Renee and Sonya as they...

Guest: Robert (Bob) McKinney, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Robert (Bob) McKinney to discuss all things accent modification. From the origins of accents to treatment techniques SLPs can use tomorrow, consider this a dive into accent modification for the curious SLP. Join Renee and Bob as they discuss SLPs and accent modification.

Guest: Rachael Silveira, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Rachael Silveira to discuss tracheostomies and ventilators and how to create a team of multidisciplinary professionals to aid in caring for patients with respiratory compromise. Managing patients with tracheostomy and/or ventilator dependency requires an interdisciplinary approach to ensure safety and optimal care. Through continuous monitoring, regular assessments, and nutritional support, SLPs are a crucial...

Guest: Kristin Koch, AuD. - In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Koch to discuss hearing loss and cognitive communication disorders. Numerous studies have identified a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Some studies suggest that hearing loss may contribute to cognitive decline and increase the risk of conditions like dementia. Learn how communication science professionals address social isolation, cognitive load, and common pathological pathways linked to hearing loss. By...

Guest: Courtney Welch, MS, ATC - In this episode, Renee is joined by Courtney to discuss post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Concussions, Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) are terms often heard in the context of sports injuries. But what do they really mean? In this episode, Renee and Courtney demystify the differences between these conditions, shed light on lesser-known facts, and explore the challenges faced by...

Guest: Cheryl Pelletier, MS, SLP, CCC, CLC - In this episode, Renee is joined by Cheryl to discuss dysphagia tools as part of a comprehensive swallowing treatment plan. Feeding and swallowing services encompass a range of assessments and therapeutic interventions aimed at individuals who have dysphagia. These services are critical for individuals with various medical conditions, such as stroke, neurological disorders, head and neck cancers, or age-related changes. From clinical swallowing...

Guest: Patrick Flanigan, Retired Chief EOD Technician, Purple Heart Recipient - In this episode, Renee is joined by Patrick, a retired Navy veteran and TBI survivor. In 2011, Renee and Pat's paths crossed, creating a unique bond. Renee's role as Pat's speech-language pathologist during a pivotal two-month inpatient rehabilitation stay left a lasting impression. Pat's recollection of the distinct functional treatment activities stands out. In 2016, Renee and Pat recorded an educational video...

Guest: Lisa Milliken, MA, CCC-SLP, FNAP, CDP, RAC- CT, CADDCT - In this episode, Renee is joined by Lisa to discuss the impacts of polypharmacy and explore the pathophysiological changes behind drug-induced cognitive impairment, which sheds light on the complexities of this condition. Determining when Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) poses a significant risk is crucial for patient care and recovery, as is understanding how aging changes impact adverse medication reactions. In this...

Guest: Nicole DePalma, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Nicole to discuss mobile FEES. Mobile FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) is powerful in dysphagia assessment. It improves patients' access to care by providing another option for an instrumental swallowing exam. This episode will delve into what mobile FEES can and cannot provide. Join Renee and Nicole as they share insights on gaining competency in FEES. Let's explore how collaboration can enhance...

Guest: Alexandria Wynter Russell, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by, Alexandria to discuss effective treatment plans for the adult patient. In the dynamic field of speech-language pathology, catering treatment plans to individual patient needs is paramount. Let's explore how incorporating patient-centered tasks and goals can elevate the effectiveness of therapy. Join Renee and Alex as we delve into practical strategies to empower SLPs and patients toward improved communication...

Trauma Warning: As a trauma-informed care provider, it's important to let you know that this episode may contain subject matter that triggers some listeners. Incidents of traumatic events, injuries, and mental health issues will be discussed. Please listen cautiously if these situations are a trauma or mental health concern. Guest: Carly DeLaurier-Flanigan - In this episode, Renee is joined by Carly who is the spouse and long-term caregiver for her husband, Patrick Flanigan, who has had...