Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
Co-Host of First Bite: A Speech Therapy Podcast
Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, serves as a speech-language pathologist with Wolfe Speech Therapy, LLC, in Staunton, VA, and adjunct professor with North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC. Additionally, she is the acclaimed host of “First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional,” a weekly speech therapy podcast that addresses “all thangs” of pediatric speech therapy and is presented by SpeechTherapyPD.com. Michelle authored "Chasing the Swallow: Truth, Science, and Hope for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders." She is an accomplished lecturer, traveling across the nation delivering courses on best practices for the evaluation and treatment of medically complex infants, toddlers, and children with respect to their pediatric oropharyngeal dysphagia, pediatric feeding disorder, as well as language acquisition within the framework of Early Intervention. She currently volunteers as the Topic Chair for the Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders committee for the 2024 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention and volunteers as the co-chair for the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV) Dysphagia and Pediatric Feeding Disorder Group, as well as a convention committee for the 2025 annual SHAV Convention. She has served as the Treasurer for the Council of State Association Presidents (CSAP), is a Past President of the South Carolina Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (SCSHA), a graduate of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Leadership Development Program (ASHA LDP), a recipient of the Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Champion from Feeding Matters, a recipient of the Louis M. DiCarlo Award for Outstanding Clinical Achievement from the SCSHA, a recipient of the State Clinical Achievement Award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Foundation, recognized as an ASHA Innovator in 2023, and eleven-time recipient of ASHA’s ACE Award for continuing education.
Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC has hosted 236 Episodes.
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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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The Dire Need for Diversity and Inclusion Training for SLPs: The How-To-Guide with Haley Jones
February 4th, 2021 | 1 hr 10 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Haley Jones, CAE -
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Cultural Competency in Leadership with Sonya Floyd
January 27th, 2021 | 1 hr 2 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Sonya Floyd, MEd, CCC-SLP - Michelle is joined by Sonya Floyd, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, immediate Past President of the Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association (GSHA). If you have ever considered in engaging in leadership activities for your state association, then this is the episode for you. As a profession, we are all aware of the importance of actively engaging in cultural competency with our patients, however, have we honestly had the crucial conversations regarding this topic with respect to leadership? It is past time to engage in that dialogue. Michelle and Sonya are here to inspire, uplift, and initiate this conversation on what needs to occur at a state level with respect to leadership in our profession to increase not only the diversity in our field, but also amongst our leaders.
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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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The Art of Bridging Evidence into Practice with Rebekah Wada
January 13th, 2021 | 1 hr 4 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
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.
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SGD of the 21st Century with Control Bionics with Lane Rials
January 7th, 2021 | 1 hr 4 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
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!
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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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Pediatric Dysphagia via Teletherapy - Madeline Raatz
December 9th, 2020 | 1 hr 8 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
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.
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Food Freedom with the Get Permission Approach with Marsha Dunn Klein
December 3rd, 2020 | 1 hr 7 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
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!
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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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Voluntourism vs Volunteering…the How-To-Guide for Global SLPs with Kari Comer Lim
November 4th, 2020 | 1 hr 5 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
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!
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Baby Burnout with Sarah from @ShortandSweetSpeech
October 29th, 2020 | 1 hr 2 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
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.
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Facing the Facts with FOXG1 Research Foundation - Nasha Fitter and Nicole Johnson
October 21st, 2020 | 1 hr 11 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
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.
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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!
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Inspiration Power-Hour for PFDs with Feeding Matters with Jaclyn Pederson
September 30th, 2020 | 59 mins 44 secs
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
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!