First Bite: A Speech Therapy Podcast

Encouragement, perspective, and practical guidance for taking that first step to becoming a clinical supervisor.Guest: Katherine Mendez, MA, CCC-SLP, and Justine Springs, MA, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Katherine Mendez, MA, CCC-SLP, and Justine Springs, MA, CCC-SLP, from the University of Memphis to talk about the heart of clinical supervision and the important role supervisors play in shaping the next generation of speech-language pathologists. With honesty and humor, Katherine and Justine share what keeps them coming back to supervision year after year, the qualities that help make a great clinical educator, and how they navigate some of the challenging moments that come with supporting student clinicians.About the Guests: Justine Springs is a clinical instructor and former Co-Director of Clinical Education at the University of Memphis. Having held multiple posit

Strengthening collaboration to improve access, connection, and opportunities for children who are deaf and hard of hearing.Guests: Tena McNamara, AuD, CCC-A, Laura Parnell, AuD, CCC-A, and Kim Fiorentino, AuD, CCC-AEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this live episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, celebrates Educational Audiology Week with Tena McNamara, AuD, CCC-A, Laura Parnell, AuD, CCC-A, and Kim Fiorentino, AuD, CCC-A, for a joyful conversation about the power of collaboration in supporting children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Together, they explore how educational audiologists, SLPs, early intervention providers, educators, and families can work together to create strong, supportive pathways as children transition across settings.About the Guests: Dr. Tena McNamara is the coordinator of the Cultural and Informational Hearing Center in Peoria, IL. She retired as an associate professor from the Communication Disorders and Sci

A conversation examining the intersection of systems, bias, and clinical practice to promote equitable feeding experiences for all students.Guest: Lily Glasgo, PhD, OTR/LEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Lily Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L, to explore how bias, policy, and politics have shaped the history of school meals and what that means for children today. Through the lens of institutional feeding systems, this conversation examines how school-based meal programs influence participation, access, and outcomes for students, particularly those with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). Together, they discuss the role of school-based clinicians, including the balance between therapeutic intervention and maintaining safe feeding practices, and how interprofessional collaboration can support more inclusive, student-centered care.About the Guest: Lily M. Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L, (she/her) is an OT wh

This episode offers practical guidance on building a feeding practice that is clinically sound, ethical, and sustainable.Guest: Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLCEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC, to break down some of the biggest barriers pediatric SLPs face when considering private practice, from mindset blocks and finding your niche to the logistical challenges of getting started. Michelle and Jean dig into what SLPs need to consider when building a feeding-focused practice, including scope of practice, advanced training, ethical decision-making, and the resources that can help guide the process. About the Guest: Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist, and the founder of Little Eaters & Talkers, a multidisciplinary private practice based in Houston, Texas. Jean spec

Trauma-sensitive care and interprofessional collaboration to better support children and families.Guest: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/LEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L, to discuss how combining clinical perspectives can strengthen care for children with feeding challenges, sensory differences, nervous system dysregulation, and other complex needs. They consider what may be behind a child’s apparent refusal, shifting the focus from a child who “won’t” participate to one who may not yet feel safe, regulated, or supported enough to engage.About the Guests: 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 Londonderry, New Hampshire. Since 2012, she has supported inf

Learn from Margaryta’s "C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T." EI SLP framework to support functional, collaborative, and family-centered intervention.Guest: Margaryta Kuzmin, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BEEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Margaryta Kuzmin, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE, a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist and early intervention provider, for a joyful and empowering discussion about the many hats SLPs wear in early intervention. From feeding and dysphagia to communication, caregiver coaching, and collaboration, this episode celebrates the meaningful, real-life work happening in homes and everyday routines. Michelle and Margaryta redefine what it means to be a “confident” EI SLP, reminding us that confidence is not about knowing everything. It is about trusting your foundation, staying curious, and showing up with intention.About the Guest: Margaryta Kuzmin is a bilingual speech-langu

Unpack the myths, realities, and clinical considerations surrounding pediatric concussions with an interprofessional team from The University of Tulsa's Concussion Center.Guests: Laura Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIST; Rachel Hildebrand, PhD, LAT/ATC, CBIS; and Jennifer Steward, PhDEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by an interprofessional team from The University of Tulsa's Concussion Center. Together, they explore common misconceptions about concussions, including how symptoms present differently across toddlers, children, and adolescents, and why recognizing these differences is critical for timely identification and care. The conversation also highlights important topics such as second impact syndrome, current best practices in concussion management, and the role of interprofessional collaboration in supporting recovery.About the Guest(s): Laura Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIST, is an Ass

Explore the realities of addressing dysphagia and pediatric feeding disorder in schools.Guest: Mary Dooher, MA, CCC-SLP,Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of the First Bite podcast, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Mary P. Dooher, MA, CCC-SLP, a passionate school-based clinician and advocate from Alaska, for a heartfelt and energizing conversation about supporting students with feeding and swallowing needs in the school setting. Drawing from her journey across medical and educational environments, Mary shares how her work in pediatric feeding and swallowing evolved into systems-level advocacy within her district, state, and national organizations.About the Guest: Mary P. Dooher, M.A., CCC-SLP, has been a school-based SLP in Wasilla, Alaska, for 15 years. She has experience in public schools, hospitals, SNFs, and home health settings. Mary is a strong advocate within her school district and the State of Alaska to increase awa

Practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators.Guest: Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Farwa Husain, MA, CCC-SLP, bilingual speech-language pathologist, for a thoughtful conversation about supporting autistic individuals through relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care. Together, they discuss how echolalia can be understood as meaningful communication rather than a behavior to eliminate. Farwa shares practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators who use echolalia, emphasizing how caregiver coaching and everyday interactions can create rich opportunities for connection, language, and participation.About the Guest: Farwa Husain, bilingual SLP, is the Founder of First Phrases and Owner of One-on-One Speech Therapy. She specializes in relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care, with a clinical and educational focus o

Gain actionable strategies to support more inclusive, culturally responsive, and family-centered practice.Guest: Samantha Dudding, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is joined by Samantha Dudding, MS, CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful conversation about how culturally responsive communication can promote more equitable outcomes in special education. Drawing on her clinical expertise and leadership experience, Samantha shares practical strategies for supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students and families while strengthening collaboration across educational teams.About the Guest: Samantha Dudding, M.S., CCC‑SLP, is a speech‑language pathologist and special education leader whose work centers on culturally responsive communication within school‑based special education processes. She is currently a Student Support Coordinator in a school district just outside of Washington, DC where she fac

What does it take to prepare pediatric SLPs in serving diverse communities?Guest: Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CLEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of the First Bite podcast, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is joined by Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, bilingual speech-language pathologist, Chief Clinical Supervisor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and President of the ASHA Hispanic Caucus, for a thoughtful conversation about preparing pediatric SLPs to serve culturally and linguistically diverse communities.About the Guest: Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Speech-Language Pathologist with over 14 years of experience. Originally from Colombia, Paula has lived in New York City since 2001. She earned her Master’s degree from Adelphi University in 2011 and completed her clinical doctorate at Northwestern University in 2023.Show Notes:Contact Paula: www.tc.columbia.eduFamily Guided Routin

What role do SLPs play with literacy development?Guest: Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD, CCC-SLP, CALT, QITEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD, CCC-SLP, CALT, QIT, for a passionate, research-backed discussion that positions speech-language pathologists as central to literacy development. Heather reframes dyslexia and reading challenges as reflections of underlying language and developmental profiles, explains how early oral language skills lay the foundation for reading, and discusses key early indicators of risk and the diverse developmental pathways that contribute to reading difficulties.About the Guest: Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD CCC-SLP, CALT, QI in Training, University of Memphis, 2009, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Idaho State University, owner/clinician at Once Upon a Time LLC, and mother of two child

Learn how the ASHFoundation is stepping up amidst research funding cuts.Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this special live episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Sharon E. Moss, PhD, CCC-SLP, CAE, Executive Director of the ASHFoundation, along with past funding recipients Katherine M. Trice, BA, and Ryan McCreery, PhD, to celebrate the ASHFoundation's 80th anniversary.If you've been watching the news and wondering how research funding cuts might impact our field, take a breath. The ASHFoundation is stepping up. Together, they discuss how innovative funding initiatives, including the Need-Based Emergency Funding Program, are supporting students, early-career investigators, and the future of communication sciences and disorders. Katherine and Ryan also share their personal experiences, highlighting the impact of Foundation support on their research and professional journeys.About the Guests:Dr. Ryan McCreery, PhD, is the V

Learn how to support NICU graduates as they transition from the hospital to home.Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeWhat happens when Michelle sits down with Tiffany Elliott, MS, CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, NTMTC; Sara Circelli, MA, IMH-E, PMH-C; and Dr. Leslie Butterfield, PhD, PMH-C, from Hospital-to-Home Systems Change? You get a powerful hour dedicated to perinatal mental health, systems change, and supporting NICU graduates as they transition from the hospital to home. Together, they discuss how perinatal mental health, including postpartum anxiety, depression, and trauma, impacts caregiver engagement, readiness to learn, and the ability to support their newborns. They also highlight why supporting caregivers is essential to improving outcomes for infants and families.About the Guests: Tiffany Elliott, MS, CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, NTMTC, is a Speech Language Pathologist and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. She brings her deep clinical experience in pediatri

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 ASHAEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn 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 o

Understanding the research, benefits, and limitations of Baby-Led Weaning.Guest: Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeIn 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 CaregiversInfant Reflexes for Feeding and DevelopmentShow Notes:Cont

How do mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression influence language and communication?Guest: Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeIn 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 h

Gain practical strategies to gather meaningful information during bilingual evaluations.Guest: Damaris Sánchez Rivera, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeMichelle 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

An interprofessional conversation on supporting families through the emotional and practical realities of tube feeding.Guest: Claire Reilly, RD, PhD CandidateEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeMichelle 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 car

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-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeIn 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