Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP, CLC
Co-Host of First Bite: A Speech Therapy Podcast
Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP, CLC currently resides in Greenville, SC but grew up in Rochester, NY where her family still resides. Erin attended the University of Pittsburgh for her Undergraduate degrees in Communication Science and Disorders and Psychology, and completed her Master’s degree in Speech Pathology at the University of South Carolina. She has worked in a variety of settings including early-intervention/home-health, NICU in a children’s hospital, and an outpatient feeding clinic. Erin currently works for a non-profit outpatient speech clinic, where she specializes in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. Erin is the Co-Host of the wildly acclaimed PodCourse/PodCast “First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional a Speech Therapy”, sponsored by Speechtherapypd.com. Erin is passionate about engaging in interprofessional practice for her patients and advocating for attainment of functional independence for patients and their families, all done with a little bit of fun and joy. She believes that if you tell a child they can do something, they can do it, which is what makes working with children so rewarding, as they inspire her every day.
Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP, CLC has hosted 147 Episodes.
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Ethics for PFD: Evaluations through Treatment with Erin Forward
December 16th, 2021 | 52 mins 42 secs
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP, CLC - Today on the First Bite Podcast we are running through some very important information for our community and listeners! We will be tackling the subject of ethics for Pediatric Feeding Disorders and going over some of the new PFD codes that have been introduced. We also offer some helpful examples and implications, as well as the best resources for you to get on top of this important stuff! Even with the best intentions, you can find yourself in some tricky situations if the regulations are not adhered to, and putting in the time and energy to stay abreast of the field's standards is very necessary. We talk about the best practices to using the codes, including coding backward from what you are officially and specifically treating, to concerns around communication and confidentiality, and much more! So to hear all about where to start with staying HIPAA compliant and offering the best service to those special small clients, join us on the show today!
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The One Where We Get Acquainted with Erin Forward
October 13th, 2021 | 1 hr 7 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP, CLC - This is our 164th episode and until now we have not had an episode dedicated to our backstory, and some of the silly things that also make up who we are, so we decided to spend today answering some of your questions and helping our audience getting to know us a little better! We still find some time for some serious thoughts on the life of an SLP but you can expect some talk about movies, our favorite character from Friends, which podcasts get us the most excited, and much more! Other questions we answer include how we first met, dealing with the demands of work and finding time for family, alternative career paths, and the best memories from our careers in speech therapy. So, if you have ever felt like you would like to get to know Erin and Michelle just a little bit better, and fill in some of the gaps, this is the show for you!
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A Functional Pediatric How-To-Guide in Collaborating Between OT and SLP with Karen McWaters
September 3rd, 2021 | 1 hr 9 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, CLC and Karen McWaters, MOT, OTR/L - In today’s show, Erin and Michelle are joined by Karen McWaters to discuss the very important topic of interprofessional collaboration. Healthcare professionals generally tend to silo themselves in their own disciplines, and according to the Autism Research Journal, there are four main barriers to communication which exist. This disconnect is very unfortunate because, as you will hear in this episode, collaboration across professions has the potential to be a very powerful force. Erin, who is an SLP, and Karen, who is an OT, worked concurrently with a child who, when he first started therapy, was communicating using signs. A year into his sessions, he was asking to be dressed up like the Pixar lamp and trying to find a dark room he could “light up!” With palpable joy, Karen and Erin share the story of this boy’s progress, which highlights the benefits that arose from their commitment to working together and learning from each other, and they offer valuable advice for anyone interested in doing the same.
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Childhood ACEs and the SLP with Megan Branham
August 18th, 2021 | 1 hr 4 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Megan Branham, LMSW - In the past thirty years, our knowledge of trauma and its effects have progressed significantly, but there is still plenty of research that needs to be done to further deepen our understanding. In today’s episode of First Bite, we get together with Megan Branham to discuss adverse childhood experiences, known as ACEs. We unpack how our knowledge of trauma is integrated into the field of SLPs, pediatrics, specialists, and social workers and the many challenges inherent to that mission. Megan holds a Master's in Social Work and is a graduate of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Leadership for State-Based Advocates. She currently serves as VP Strategy for North, a media company based out of South Carolina. In our conversation with Megan, we discuss how ACEs first gained attention in the 1990s after new research found that these experiences led to a myriad of adverse health outcomes from learning disabilities to mental health problems, to chronic health conditions. We also discuss new insights into intergenerational trauma and how its biological impact alters human physiology on a cellular level, increasing the likelihood of adverse health outcomes and other issues. We cover a variety of topics that practitioners are confronted with regularly when it comes to dealing with trauma, like how to protect yourself when your personal trauma is triggered, and engaging in advocacy when you recognize policy failures. Join us for this fascinating and in-depth discussion on ACEs and how to be trauma-informed!
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The Bridge: Research to Practice for PFD with Georgia Malandraki
August 11th, 2021 | 1 hr 1 min
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Dr. Georgia Malandraki, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-S - As we continue this amazing journey through our tricky yet important field, we are joined today by a real leader from the field! Dr. Georgia Malandraki, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is an associate professor of Speech Language and Hearing Sciences at Purdue University and a Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. In her research, she focuses on investigating developmental swallowing neuroplasticity and developing rehabilitative and telehealth interventions for dysphagia. In addition to this, she is the research director of the Purdue I-EaT Swallowing Research Laboratory and Clinic and has served on editorial boards for ASHA journals, as an editor for the American Journal of Speech Language Pathology, and is the current president-elect of the Dysphagia Research Society. In this awesome conversation, we get to really go deep with Dr. Malandraki, talking about her most recent work on the developmental stages of the nervous system, some very helpful papers and resources that she recommends, muscle tone issues in infants, and the gaps that she has noticed in the pediatric care systems, that still persist today. For all this, and a whole lot more great insight, where it is so badly needed, listen in with us to hear what Dr. Malandraki has to say!
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Anxious Eaters, Anxious Mealtimes: An Institute for Change with Marsha Dunn Klein
June 30th, 2021 | 1 hr 3 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Marsha Dunn Klein, OTR/L, MEd, FAOTA - Having a child with feeding challenges can be anxiety-inducing for parents and children alike. Feeding strategies and interventions are synonymous with pressure, which only perpetuates the discomfort around eating. Marsha Dunn Klein OTR/L, Med, FAOTA, joins us to share her Get Permission Approach, and to talk about the newly-founded Get Permission Institute. In this episode, Marsha talks about Get Permission Approach's principles and shares the impetus for creating it. She saw from her work in feeding that the relational aspects of food and eating were often neglected despite how important they are to healthy feeding habits. We hear about responsive feeding and how she fosters children's autonomy while building confidence, connection, trust, and consistency. An incredibly important part of helping children with these challenges is providing opportunities, and Marsha walks us through two case studies of children she has worked with. Rather than leading with a heavy therapeutic approach, she helped parents provide organic opportunities to pique children's interests and let them explore for themselves. As the conversation wraps up, Marsha also highlights the value of letting children mouth, and she also shares some of the exciting events Get Permission is hosting in the months to come.
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Pediatric Dysphagia and Progressive Disorders with Erin Forward
May 21st, 2021 | 51 mins 54 secs
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP, CLC - In this episode Michelle is joined once again by her favorite cohost Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, CLC, as they tackle the tricky topic of progressive disorders and pediatric dysphagia. Palliative Care and Hospice are two words that are often avoided in the world of pediatrics, however, in honor of Pediatric Feeding Disorder Month, Michelle and Erin are going to have the crucial conversation regarding what a progressive pediatric disorder is, discuss three more prevalent progressive disorders, and then discuss our role in the evaluation and treatment process. While the topic may be a difficult one to address, remember, we are called to serve the least of these and infuse joy and evidenced based-practice into their care.
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Connecting the Dots Between PFD and Neurogenic Conditions with Erin Forward
April 14th, 2021 | 1 hr 1 min
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Have you ever noticed a trend on your pediatric feeding disorder caseload in which you see a couple of patients with similar GI complaints, or similar cardiopulmonary complaints, but there is an unknown etiology? Michelle and Erin spend this hour reviewing the technical details of what a pediatric feeding disorder is, various types of neurogenic conditions that you may commonly encounter, and how all those bits and pieces connect together, and your role in all of it.
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Functional Language Therapy Tips You Can Implement Tomorrow with Erin Forward
March 18th, 2021 | 1 hr 4 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
In this course, Michelle is joined by Erin Forward, and they’re back this month with functional strategies for language. They discuss how to embrace language acquisition within the framework of routines-based-intervention, the power of play, and how to encourage culturally competent language even with AAC.
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Functional Feeding Therapy Tips You Can Implement Tomorrow with Erin Forward
February 18th, 2021 | 1 hr 3 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
If you are working in the world of Early Intervention, or thinking about making the switch, but unsure of how to implement routines-based intervention within the framework of treating a pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), then this hour on functional feeding strategies for you. Michelle and Erin walk you through how routines-based intervention allows you to ditch that dread bag of toys and chewys for good, advise you on how to include caregivers and siblings in treatment, as well as discuss the positively powerful evidenced behind slow incremental changes via tapered weaning protocol and how it can guide our patients on their PFD journey.
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Pediatric Instrumental Swallow Study: Ready or Not with Leslie Wilfong
February 10th, 2021 | 1 hr 8 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
At least once in our careers, we have all struggled with the question, “But does this little one need an instrumental swallow evaluation?” Sometimes, we feel that we are over referring for instrumentals, other times, we may feel that we are not sending the patients out frequently enough. In this course, our presenters help answer this question with functional guidelines to help lead us in our evidence based decision making process.
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Continued Conversations on Clinical Case Studies with Erin Forward
January 20th, 2021 | 1 hr 3 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - To kick off their first episode of 2021, Michelle and Erin, tackle one of their favorite topics, clinical case studies for evaluation and treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders. In this hour the ladies address some current clinical needs for individuals that have signs and symptoms of neurogenic based PFD, congenital heart defect (CHD) induced PFD, and esophageal dysphagia. Tune in as Michelle and Erin consult on the steps they have taken to engage interprofessional practice for the care of the little ones and how uncovering the new etiologies is shaping their plan of cares.
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Ethical Dilemmas for Clinical Audiologists and Clinical Speech Language Pathologists with Dakota Sharp
December 30th, 2020 | 1 hr 13 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
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!
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Establishing a Healthy Scope of Practice with Erin Forward
December 16th, 2020 | 1 hr 7 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
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.
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Ways to make your SLP Voice Heard with Erin Forward
November 11th, 2020 | 1 hr 10 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
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.
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Mastering Medical Terminology for the EI SLP with Erin Forward
October 14th, 2020 | 1 hr 10 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
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!