Guest: Jackie Rodriguez, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Jackie discusses cultural considerations in a variety of SLP treatments. Renee and Jackie will also discuss dialectal density and how that impacts assessment of patients with a suspected motor speech disorder. Being aware of how to navigate a patient’s SDOH and how that impacts patient education as well as treatment is an important component of an ethical based treatment model. Join Renee and Jackie for an information packed hour of...

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

Guest: Terresa Ross, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Terresa to discuss ethics, shared decision making and informed consent when evaluating and treating patients with dysphagia. We will also discuss advocacy for patient choice in relation to patients/caregivers and the medical team. Join Renee and Terresa as they discuss practical applications of these concepts with case studies.

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

Guest: George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S - In this episode, Renee is joined by George to discuss dysphagia care and how SLPs can improve clinical decision-making. How do we as SLPs make decisions? Are we providing all options to patients or simply making a “solid” recommendation? We will discuss how to utilize research-based practices to reduce mistakes while dispelling some common practices and myths surrounding dysphagia care. We will also use these strategies to review case studies,...

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

Guest: Adria Thompson, SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Adria to discuss how we, as SLPs, provide dementia care to patients/clients and how we provide support to caregivers. We explore everything from communication strategies to mealtime interventions and many things in between. Both Renee and Adria have a close family member with dementia, so this discussion is near and dear to our hearts. Join us for an inspiring hour of discussion and learning.

Guest: Alison Barclift, MSEd, CCC-SLP - One misconception is that once children grow into adults, their needs diminish. For some autistic people, that is true. However, legal and caregiver concerns change and are not widely known outside the autistic community. So, join Renee and Alison, who have worked with autism across the lifespan for 20 years, for this educational and empowering hour for SLPs and families/caregivers of autistic adults.

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

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

Guest: Natalie F. Douglas, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Natalie F. Douglas, a speech-language pathologist and professor at Central Michigan University. Dr. Douglas’s research focuses on bridging gaps between clinical research and the needs of practicing clinicians, which empowers them to provide research-based interventions to their patients/clients. Dr. Douglas joins Renee to review current research initiatives, providing strategies and training for patients,...

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

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

Guest: Amy Larocca, MS, CCC-SLP - When you think of Parkinson’s Disease, most people picture Michael J. Fox or Mohammad Ali, but what does Parkinson’s Disease or Parkinsonism look like in the general population? In this episode, Renee is joined by Amy Larocca, MS, CCC-SLP, who works primarily with People with Parkinson’s (PwP) and other neurological disorders. They will discuss how Parkinson’s disease treatment differs from other neurologic etiologies. Join us for a collaborative discussion...

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

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

Guest: Linda Meyer, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this inaugural episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Linda Meyer, PhD, CCC-SLP. Dr. Meyer was an instrumental part of the team that advocated for insurance coverage for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services and devices and AAC training/therapy. We will discuss the historical development of AAC services and devices in our profession with adolescents and adults and the advocacy work done to achieve reimbursement for both devices and services...

Guest: Tara Roehl, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, we invite you to explore the fascinating realm of international speech and language therapy. This episode will illuminate the distinctive aspects of working virtually with clients from diverse corners of the world. Delve into the amusing moments, heartwarming connections, and cross-cultural insights that arise when therapy transcends geographical boundaries.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guest: Terlenda Lassiter, MA, CCC-SLP - This course explores dysphagia concerns that may be associated with concussion and head injury. The presenter discusses the symptoms of dysphagia and provides case studies of athletes with dysphagia following concussion/TBI.